SWALLOW, the flick by ace filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, will be released today, October 1, on the streaming platform, Netflix.
The film was screened exclusively to a select eminent guests last night as part of events to mark the much-anticipted formal opening of the KAPHub, a multi-purpose artistic centre located on Ogundana Street in the densely populated but calm Allen Avenue area of Lagos.
Based on a novel of same title by the United States-based Nigerian writer, Sefi Attah, which was published by Farafina Lagos in 2008.
Produced by Afolayan’s company, Golden Effects Pictures Limited, the screenplay for Swallow was co-written by Sefi Atta and Kunle Afolayan, but directed and produced by the ex-banker, Afolayan, who is renowned for his earlier works such as Irapada, Figurine, October 1, Phone Swap, The Tribunal, Roti, Omugwo, Mokalik, and others. His latest work was Citation, and like others before it, it made a good showing on the Netflix.
Explaining his directorial approach to the film, Afolayan stated: “This is the very first book I am making into a movie. Once I read the book, I had to decide on what aspect I wanted to focus on and whose perspective I wanted to share based on the story, because Swallow as a book focused on the life of Tolani’s mother and Tolani herself. Once that was sorted every other thing was put in place.”
Golden Effects’ communication statement says: “This is the first film from Kunle Afolayan’s multi-title Netflix slate and the drama-thriller explores the burgeoning drug trafficking trade, set against a backdrop of 1980s Lagos, struggling under the weight of austerity measures and the infamous War Against Indiscipline.
“In Swallow, Kunle Afolayan opts for a retro film look that pays perfect homage to a nostalgic past and this cinematic masterpiece will take viewers on a memorable ride.”
“Kunle Afolayan’s Swallow gives a feature film debut to musician Eniola ‘Niyola’ Akinbo in the lead role of Tolani Ajao — a bright-eyed young woman who tries to make it in the obstacle ridden Lagos. Brilliant actors Ijeoma Grace Agu (as Rose), Deyemi Okanlawon (as Sanwo), Eniola Badmus (as Mrs Durojaiye), Chioma Akpotha (as Mama Chidi), Kevin Ikeduba (as OC), Offiong Anthony Edet (as Johnny) and veteran Olusegun Remi (as Mr Salako) round out the stellar cast list.”
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In another release, the Golden Effects has also given hints that the official opening of the Kunle Afolayan Productions’ new office complex, otherwise called KAP Hub, will also be on September 30, and will be heralded by an exclusive screening of the film Swallow.
The disclosure contained in the company’s regular light-hearted newsletter states:
“Guys, the moment we have all been waiting for is just around the corner and, we are beyond excited. I bet you’re wondering what all this is about, well wonder no more because coming to you live on the 30th of September is the biggest event you can ever imagine!!!
“First of all that day has been set for the official opening of KAP Hub and the best part is we won’t be opening KAP Hub alone but also:
Afefeyeye Restaurant and Bar, a restaurant made to serve both native and intercontinental cuisines alongside a standard bar;
KAP Cinema, a properly equipped and well-ventilated cinema house large enough to contain over 100 people will also be launched;
KAP Film and Television Academy, our long-awaited film school that will have the best tutors and equipment necessary for the knowledge of filmmaking.
The 4-in-1 event, according to the releases, is also to mark “The birthday celebration of an icon and one of the greatest directors on earth, our CEO, Mr. Kunle Afolayan.”
