By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

ABUJA – It was a night of bold declarations and glowing reviews at the premiere of Avante at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, as the film’s producer, industry veterans, and cast members described it as a landmark production for Nigeria’s film industry.

Producer, Kingsley Okafor, in his opening remarks, said Avante goes beyond entertainment, presenting a story deeply rooted in history, humanity, and contemporary realities.

He described the film as “a compelling blend of a thriller of vengeance, love, and destiny,” following a young man whose father is killed alongside members of their community, forcing him and his siblings into a difficult journey shaped by grief, justice, and moral choices.

Set in the early post-colonial era, the film explores themes that remain relevant today, particularly issues surrounding insecurity and governance. Okafor noted that the story challenges viewers to reflect on societal realities and the responsibilities tied to leadership and authority.

He explained that the title Avante, derived from Spanish meaning “forward,” reflects the film’s central message of progress and learning from past experiences.

In a departure from conventional casting practices, the producer said roles were assigned strictly based on character suitability rather than popularity, a decision he described as necessary to preserve storytelling integrity.

“At AfriSQure, we believe in telling our stories in their purest form—without compromise,” he said, adding that the team was committed to producing a film with lasting impact despite industry and funding challenges.

The film drew strong praise from veteran media personality Peter Michael Piper, who described it as one of the best Nigerian movies he has seen.

“I can say categorically that this is one of the best Nigerian movies anyone can watch,” he said, noting that its unpredictability, cinematography, sound design, and storytelling set it apart.

Piper, known for his role in Tales by Moonlight, said the film signals a possible revival of high-quality filmmaking in Nollywood, urging audiences across major cities to see it.

Other attendees also commended the production. Film enthusiast Randy Halliday praised its technical quality and immersive storytelling, while cast member Eddie Walker expressed pride in being part of what he described as a unique and well-produced project.

Co-director and actor Doe Junior highlighted the collective effort behind the film, stating that the team prioritised quality at every stage of production.

“We ensured we went for the best quality, as we were not ready to settle for anything less,” he said.

With its strong thematic focus, technical execution, and positive reception from both industry veterans and audiences, Avante is already being positioned as a significant addition to Nollywood, with expectations that it could influence the direction of future productions.

The film is scheduled to begin cinema screenings nationwide on April 3, 2026.