Over the Bridge - Press Release

19 September 2023

 

BEYOND NOLLYWOOD & PICTUREHOUSE PRESENT

A FRESH TAKE FROM THE NIGERIAN NEW WAVE

 

In a ground breaking first-time collaboration Picturehouse Cinemas, BEYOND NOLLYWOOD and Dark Matter present the world premiere of Nigerian arthouse film Over the Bridge at 10 cinemas across the UK on Wednesday 18 October 2023.

 

BEYOND NOLLYWOOD a term coined by curator Nadia Denton refers to new wave cinematic content from Nigeria.  According to her, ‘BEYOND NOLLYWOOD presents the best artistic and culturally nuanced cinematic content from Africa’s most populous nation. It is a new filmmaking aesthetic that promises to act a bridge between West Africa and the rest of the world.’ 

 

Set in Lagos, Nigeria Over the Bridge follows Folarin (Ozzy Agu) an investment banker with secrets. Plagued by an alcohol problem and intermittent panic attacks, his life is turned upside down when his ethics are compromised over a controversial rail construction project.

 

In this gripping, redemptive tale we see a man teetering over the edge as he grapples with his conscience.

 

Nigeria based director Tolulope Ajayi takes a reflective, emotive approach in this first-time feature resulting in a film which is relatable and more accessible to international audiences than the usual Nollywood fare.

 

Visually, audiences are treated to glimpses of Lagos life as rarely seen on the big screen. Cinematographer KC Obiajulu exceeds himself with accomplished artistic flourishes that give the film a distinct character.

 

Lead actor Ozzy Agu delivers a compelling performance as a man struggling with his inner demons, unable to find a way out, laying corporate masculinity bare. Segilola Ogidan plays his long-suffering society wife Jumoke with grace and fortitude.

 

Over the Bridge also features Nollywood stalwarts Joke Silva and Deyemi Okanlawon.

 

For first time audiences curious about Nollywood this is a captivating offering from Africa’s most populous nation.

 

Tosin Otudeko, Writer & Producer of Over the Bridge said: ‘I am thrilled that Over The Bridge will be featured in this inspired collaboration. Beyond Nollywood, synonymous with intentional and innovative curation of Nigerian cinema and Picturehouse known for its art-house style and engaging events – presents the perfect platform for the film’s UK release and opportunity to connect directly with it’s audience.’

 

Aleah Scott, Audience Development and Diaspora Programming Assistant, Picturehouse Cinemas added: ‘We are really excited to be supporting Over The Bridge – it’s an exciting time for the industry as we carve space for Nollywood films into UK cinema. There is clearly an appetite for the genre – this vibrant, intricate style of storytelling is something not to be missed.’

 

Micallar Walker, Founder of Dark Matter said: ‘we are delighted to support Picturehouse as they further diversify their programme and venture into showing films that speak to the ethos of BEYOND NOLLYWOOD and push the boundaries of Nigerian cinema. With Nadia Denton’s unmatched curatorial expertise at the helm of this collaboration, we cannot wait to share this modern, time-shifting tale of family and morals with UK audiences.’

 

Over the Bridge is a production by The Garden Theatre.

 

Over the Bridge will play at selected Picturehouse Cinemas nationwide on Wednesday 18 October 2023. The Ritzy Brixton screening will feature a post discussion with BEYOND NOLLYWOOD Curator Nadia Denton and Writer & Producer Tosin Otudeko.

 

The Ritzy Brixton Picturehouse House Screening and in person Q&A – 7:45pm, 18 October 2023

https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00013525/over-the-bridge-q-a

 

UK Nationwide Screenings – 18 October 2023

https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00013509/over-the-bridge

The Ritzy – Brixton, London                       Finsbury Park Picturehouse – London
Greenwich Picturehouse – London           Stratford East Picturehouse – London
West Norwood Picturehouse – London    Dukes at Komedia – Brighton
Exeter Picturehouse – Exeter                     Picturehouse at FACT – Liverpool
Cinema City – Norwich                               Harbour Lights – Southampton

Notes to Editors

For press interviews or a preview screening link contact

Nadia Denton me@nadiadenton.com

Download Over the Bridge stills

 

Over the Bridge

Folarin (Ozzy Agu) is a Lagos based investment banker with secrets. Plagued by an alcohol problem and intermittent panic attacks, his life is turned upside down when his ethics are compromised over a controversial rail construction project. As his relationship with his glamourous society wife Jumoke (Segilola Ogidan) unravels he finds himself sinking deeper into an illegal high stakes business deal. When his actions lead to the death of a colleague in an environment where corruption is the name of the game, he is plunged further into crisis facing pressure on all fronts. Will he jump over the edge or can he find redemption?

Dir: Tolulope Ajayi, Dur: 99min, Nigeria/2023, PG12

 

Tolulope Ajayi

Tolulope Ajayi is an award-winning film and TV director. He has an extensive advertising production career working for SO&U Saatchi & Saatchi Lagos and Insight Publicis. He’s worked on notable social impact Nigerian TV series such as MTV Shuga Naija. Tolu’s short films explore a wide range of social and human issues. The Encounter, Biafran war story won the AMVCA Best Sound in 2017. Closed which depicts a young man’s journey to enlightenment won a Bronze Loerie in 2018. Training Day won “Best Director” at ARFF, Amsterdam in 2020. His latest Finding Diana won Best Human rights film at Berlin Short Film Festival in 2023.Tolu has a bachelor’s degree in English and a Relativity Education certificate in directing, Los Angeles. Tolu is a Cannes Golden Lions speaker and vice chairman of Street Project Foundation, an organisation for creative education of Nigerian youth. Instagram @Tolu.ajayi2

 

BEYOND NOLLYWOOD

BEYOND NOLLYWOOD is a term coined by the Author and Curator Nadia Denton to refer to a new cinematic language that is emerging from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria. It marks a development from its predecessor Nollywood. This fresh creative aesthetic includes art house, documentary, animation and experimental films plus music videos. www.beyondnollywood.com

 

Picturehouse Cinemas 

Picturehouse is an award-winning UK film company incorporating cinema, distribution and home entertainment, formed in 1989 to challenge the multiplex model. Its flagship cinema Picturehouse Central is situated in the heart of London’s West End, with the rest of its 25 venues located across England and Scotland.

 

Picturehouse’s architecturally-unique cinemas sit in the heart of local neighbourhoods and cater to a diverse and wide-ranging audience. They provide bespoke food and drink offerings across their cafés, bars, restaurants and members bars. The programme is curated to champion films made for all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, from quality mainstream film through to foreign-language and documentary features, as well as live event cinema. 35mm and 70mm presentations are also offered in some locations. The new Ealing Picturehouse is due to open in 2023.

 

Dark Matter

Dark Matter is an actively inclusive, award-winning Black-owned marketing agency founded in 2020 by marketer, event producer and audience development consultant, Micallar Walker. The agency works collaboratively to connect Black audiences with a wide variety of film and book projects. They partner with film studios, cinemas, publishers, authors and booksellers to shape campaigns that achieve purposeful audience responses. Visit www.darkmatteragency.co.uk for more information.