The United States Consulate General Lagos in collaboration with the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) hosted the Nigerian première of Spike Lee’s film BlacKkKlansman.
The movie stars John David Washington, son of Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, and Adam Driver.
The movie chronicles the true story of an African-American police detective named Ron Stallworth, who, in 1978, launched an investigation into the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Colorado Springs.
Guests at the première held at the FilmHouse Cinema, Twin Waters on Victoria Island, included leaders in business, civil society, media and government as well as Nollywood celebrities.
United States Consul General F. John Bray, in his welcome remarks, noted that the U.S. has come a long way in its fight against racism. “This movie is making a statement about that because it makes you reflect and look at the problem.”
The Consul General also used the opportunity to advocate for similar reflection by Nigerians as they prepare for the upcoming elections. “We are looking forward to a free, fair, credible, and non-violent election in the coming year,” he said.