The Nollywood film “To Love and Protect” has been officially selected for screening at the London International Pan African Film Festival (London PAFF) on October 23, 2024. This prestigious festival celebrates Pan-African cinema by showcasing films produced across Africa and the African diaspora.
Founded by Ne Kunda Nlaba, a prominent film producer, director, and professor, London PAFF is a major platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience. The selection of “To Love and Protect” marks a significant achievement for the film and its creators.
The film’s lead actors, Ibrahim Suleiman and Linda Ejiofor, announced the news through a joint post on Instagram, expressing their excitement about the official selection. Their post congratulated the entire cast and crew, giving a special shoutout to ROK Studios, the production house behind the movie.
The announcement also confirmed the screening date, October 23, 2024, and the venue, West Norwood Picturehouse in London. This recognition places the film among a prestigious group of African and diaspora productions being showcased at this year’s event.
The post reads:
“YOOOOOO!!! Our movie got selected for the London International Pan African Film Festival Excited about this, congratulations to all cast and crew members @roknigeria “TO LOVE AND PROTECT” got an official selection for London International Pan African Film Festival (London PAFF 2024) @londonpaff Screening Date: 23rd October, 2024. Venue: West Norwood Picturehouse, London.”
“To Love and Protect” will be screened under the Fiction Feature Film Category, with its intense and emotionally charged storyline. The film centers around a pregnant woman who, after previously losing a child, goes into unexpected labor and gives birth in a random hospital. When the hospital staff informs her that her baby has died, she refuses to accept their claim, insisting the dead baby isn’t hers.
She takes drastic action by holding the hospital staff hostage, demanding the return of her real child. This suspense-filled plot takes a twist when a diabetic undercover detective, who possesses crucial evidence to imprison a notorious gang boss, becomes one of the hostages.
As the tension builds, two hitmen sent by the gang lord arrive at the hospital to recover the evidence from the detective. This added layer of danger intensifies the plot, blending the personal tragedy of the grieving mother with the high-stakes criminal underworld. The film’s gripping storyline is expected to resonate with audiences, tackling themes of loss, desperation, and justice while offering a thrilling cinematic experience.
“To Love and Protect” is produced by Mary Remmy Njoku of ROK Studios and directed by Olumuyiwa Aluko, two notable figures in the Nigerian film industry. Their collaboration has resulted in a film that not only showcases the strength of Nollywood storytelling but also highlights the growing international recognition of African cinema. With its selection for the London PAFF, the film is set to captivate a global audience, further solidifying Nollywood’s place on the world stage.
