The Weekend (2024 film)

The Weekend
Directed byDaniel Oriahi
Written by
  • Egbemawei Sammy
  • Vanessa Kanu
  • Frederick Anyaegbunam
Produced byUche Okocha
Starring
CinematographyIdhebor Kagho
Edited byU. Ehizoba Chris
Music byMichael Truth Ogunlade
Release date
  • 30 August 2024 (2024-08-30)
CountryNigeria

The Weekend is a 2024 Nigerian film written by Egbemawei Sammy, Vanessa Kanu, and Frederick O. Anyaegbunam, produced by Uche Okocha, and directed by Daniel Oriahi.[1] The cast includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Meg Otanwa, Gloria Anozie–Young, Damilola Ogunsi, James Gardiner and Bryan Okoye.[2][3] Following its premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2024, the film was released to Nigerian cinemas on August 30th, 2024.[4][5] The film is the first and only (so far) Nigerian film to have a premiere at the Tribeca Festival.[5]

Synopsis

The Weekend tells the story of Nikiya (played by Uzoamaka Aniunoh) who is an orphan and feels lonely as she was constantly yearning for a family. She soon begins to find a family in her fiancé, Luke (played by Bucci Franklin), as her strong desire for a family grew, she expressed her desire to meet Luke's family. Luke on the other hand kept avoiding taking Nikiya to his family, but Nikya won't listen and was really keen on meeting Luke's family. In a bid to satisfy Nikiya and owing to the love Luke has for her, he made the sacrifice for her and soon enough, Nikiya uncovers the truth that drove Luke away from his family, leading to more problem.[6][3]

Selected cast[7]

Release and recognition

Following its release to Nigerian cinema, The Weekend made over ₦8 million, this was believed to also be a result of its selection at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.[8]

The Weekend topped the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards, getting 16 nominations, including Best Achievement in Make-Up, Best Achievement in Costume Design, and Best Achievement in Visual Effects.[9] The 16 nominations set a new record for Nollywood.[10]

Subsequently, The Weekend dominated the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), winning Best Screenplay and Best Film, among other awards.[11][12]

References

  1. ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2024-09-11). "Nollywood 'The Weekend' grosses N18.1 million in Nigerian cinemas". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-10-04..
  2. ^ Tali, Selorm (2024-06-05). "'The Weekend' movie featuring James Gardiner selected for 2024 Tribeca Festival". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  3. ^ a b BellaNaija.com (2024-06-10). "Daniel Oriahi's "The Weekend" Starring Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin & Meg Otanwa Premieres at Tribeca Film Festival". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  4. ^ Vourlias, Christopher (2024-06-06). "Genre-Bending Nigerian Thriller 'The Weekend' Drops First-Look Clip Ahead of Tribeca Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  5. ^ a b Mix, Pulse (2024-04-29). "'The Weekend' set to premiere at The Tribeca festival in New York". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  6. ^ Ochugbua, Linda (2024-09-07). "'The Weekend' hits the cinema, takes the Nollywood industry a step forward". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  7. ^ Jeremiah, Urowayino (2024-09-02). "'The Weekend' Premieres Nationwide after making history at Tribeca film festival". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  8. ^ Eti-Inyene, Brooks (2024-09-03). "Daniel Oriahi's 'The Weekend' makes ₦ 8 million in its first weekend". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  9. ^ Oyediran, Tosin (2024-10-03). "FULL LIST: The Weekend, Jagun Jagun top 2024 AMAA nominations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  10. ^ Eti-Inyene, Brooks (2024-10-03). "The Weekend Sets New Nollywood Milestone with 16 AMAA Nominations". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  11. ^ https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/full-list-of-winners-jagun-jagun-the-weekend-win-big-at-20th-amaa/
  12. ^ M.A. (2 November 2024). "AMAA 2024: See The Complete List of Award Winners". Nollycritic. Retrieved 22 November 2024.