Global Peace: Nigerian filmmakers in Canada challenge humanity with “Empathy”

By Ada Okafor

It may sound utopian given the strife and discrimination in various parts of the globe today, but a world filled with people who love each other irrespective of tribe, culture, class, race, nationality, skin colour, religion or political differences ‎would definitely be a better place. 

The challenge of working towards the realisation of such a near perfect world was thrown to humanity during the premiere of Empathy, a film directed by the Director, Black Actors and Film Guild (BAFG), Ottawa Canada, Austin Odigie.

The virtual screening of the movie written by Maissa Houri-Charron, was held virtually to critical acclaim of players in the industry. 

Empathy was described as creative, educative, interesting and filled with passion, incredible facial expressions and excellent body language by those who were part of the global premiere hosted by Founder/Director, BAFG, Canada, Isioro Jaboro. 

The premiere, held on Zoom platform was well attended by industry players including, Assistant Director, Vancouver Films Productions, Ambrose Okundaye; Co-Founder and Director, BAFG Canada, Tori Jaboro and members of BAFG, including Folu Odunlami and Blaze Bokini.

Others were: award winning Nollywood Film Director and Founder, Benin Film Academy, Lancelot Imasuen; Chief Executive Officer, Prolens Movies Limited, Peddie Okao; President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Edo State Zone, Davison Izegaegbe and the Executive Director of the movie “Empathy” for Broadlens Media Associates Incorporated, John Emmanuel.

Expounding on love, the theme of Empathy, Odigie, said every human being must learn to show love in order to get loved, irrespective of tribe, culture, class, race, nationality, skin colour, religion or political differences.

He added that the movie aims to encourage a world where people can love one other without barriers. 

“There has been so much hate in the world and the need for true love must continuously be emphasized for us to have a better and peaceful world devoid of hate, killings, racial discrimination, corruption, kidnappings and attacks, among others,” he said.

Odigie said Empathy was his own way of lending his voice to a positive change towards curtailing the trends of terrorism and the oppression of the poor by the rich elite.

In the same vein, Houri-Charron, said the movie preaches that all human beings are one and connected by love, regardless of family ties and differences.

Emmanuel said Empathy is more than a movie, adding that, the message of global love is one which all human beings must embrace.

He said: “For us in Broadlens Media Associates Incorporated, Empathy is a vision with a clear message that people around the world must see the need to unite against racism, racial discrimination and reach out to one another with acceptance and compassion. 

“Empathy shows the need to spread the message of love across and to let the world know that black live matters,” Emmanuel said.

Imasuen congratulated the team, saying it is good to know that Nigerians in the Diaspora are keeping the Nollywood spirit up.

He said the movie has depth, creative, interesting and engaging: “This is a great movie by a great team. I see good camera work, intensity in the eye of the actors and good pictures. ” ‎

Okao thanked the team for representing Nigeria well in Canada, while he sought opportunities between them and film makers at home for collaboration on productions in the nearest future.

“This is a good work and we hope to be able to do a lot of cross over movies together. I am glad you all did this. 

“I am moved by the depth of the story, it is connecting, demonstrated willingness and the grace to make sacrifice across huge distance is great, “he said.

Okundaye, said the vision and execution of the movie is fantastic. “I like the movie, the camera work and cinematography is exquisite. The actors were all on point and great,” he said.

Jaboro said the movie is inspirational, has the right cast, good story line and amazing team.

He explained that BAFG is an organisation put together to empower black actors and black film makers in Canada, give them opportunities, train and encourage them.  

The movie Cinematographer/Editor, Ramy Raphael, said Empathy has beautiful messages of compassion, acceptance, generosity, kindness, determination and strength. 

One of the actors, Katherine Stella Duncan, said the movie is about connection and compassion, adding, its message is to inspire human to show empathy, and to use our gifts and talents to help others.