Lagos, Nigeria. December 14, 2023. In a night filled with glamour, anticipation, and cinematic brilliance, the First Features project, a collaboration between Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, hosted a private screening of “Love and Life.”
The exclusive event, held at the Ebonylife Place in Lagos, saw the attendance of some of Nollywood’s biggest names and unveiled a drama that delves into the depths of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. Scheduled for a Prime Video release on December 29, 2023, the film captivated the audience with its raw portrayal of life’s complexities.
Rita Dominic, who portrays the film’s lead character, Abike, shared, “Playing Abike was a profound journey of emotional depth and resilience. She stands as a pillar of strength among her friends, guiding them through the challenges they face in love and life, even as she navigates her own complex journey of grief.”
Dotun Olakunri, a driving force behind the First Features Project, added, “Our ambition has always been to produce cinema that resonates emotionally. With ‘Love and Life,’ we’ve taken a significant step in that direction. This film is about grief, life’s daily challenges, and the role of friendship and sorority in overcoming them.”
“Love and Life” intricately explores relationships, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Directed by Ruben Reng and penned by Brenda Ogbuka-Garuba, the film follows the lives of three women grappling with various relationship challenges. Their journey of rediscovery and empowerment underscores the film’s central message: the resilience of human connections.
Director Ruben Reng expressed, “Directing this film was about capturing the essence of hope and friendship. Our aim was to create a story that would touch hearts, and I believe we’ve accomplished that.”
Nse Ikpe-Etim, portraying Osas, commented, “This role allowed me to delve into the complexities hidden behind a seemingly lighthearted facade. Osas’ story will resonate with many navigating the intricate world of love and personal connections.”
Michelle Dede, in the role of Ivy, said, “Ivy’s story in ‘Love and Life’ intertwines themes of resilience and personal growth, mirroring the experiences many face in their pursuit of meaningful connections. It’s a role that challenged me and will, I believe, deeply resonate with our audience.”
Steve Gukas, co-founder of the First Features Project, stated, “This film is more than just a narrative; it embodies our mission to bring forth new, compelling voices in Nigerian cinema. ‘Love and Life’ stands as a testament to this vision, and I am proud of how Reuben Reng brought it to life.”
Click here to see more pictures from the screening of ‘Love and Life’ here.
