Accroché (Hooked), a West African collaboration that unites creative talents from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Ghana, is a cross-cultural film set to debut at the Abuja International Film Festival on October 29, 2024.
It follows Senami Sejro, a young man from a fishing community in the Republic of Benin, as he embarks on an academic journey at Nigeria’s University of Ibadan. Along the way, he faces personal challenges, grapples with drug addiction and has to navigate first love, while trying to fulfill his father’s high expectations. See teaser below.
Directed by Nigerian Filmmaker Samuel Alawode in his debut, Accroché boasts a diverse cast, featuring Senegalese Cestus Sallah as Senami in his first acting role alongside his brother Roger Sallah, Idayat Ibrahim from the Republic of Benin; and Tina Mba, Ruby Akubueze, Chimezie Imo, Tope Tedela, Akin Lewis, and Funsho Adeolu from Nigeria.
Accroché draws inspiration from the linguistic diversity and shared struggles across West Africa. Writer Temi Hassan, known for AM Sebla, shared that he is deeply captivated by Africa’s unique languages and common struggles, which he has woven into the story’s narrative. During his research for Sebla, his previous project that explores the traditions of Badagry’s Ogu people, he found connections between the Ogu communities in Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo. This spurred his interest in potential Pan-African projects.
Further inspiration for the project comes from director Alawode’s time on the set of Kunle Afolayan’s Citation (partly shot in Senegal), where he met Senegalese actor Roger Sellah.
Accroché was shot in Badagry (Lagos, Nigeria), Cotonou (Benin Republic), Ghana, and the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), spanning 5 weeks and featuring French, English, Fon & Yoruba languages.
Olumide Laoye is credited as the executive producer in this Laocoe Entertainment production. The production company aims to highlight the continent’s interconnectedness through diverse African stories beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Accroché premieres on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Silverbird Cinema in CBD Abuja, marking its first public screening.
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