Iceslide Films in conjunction with Wells Entertainment Limited presents the release of the epic historical film, ‘Invasion 1897’. The historic epic is based on the invasion of the great Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897, who then carted off Benin arts and artifacts which till date, still adorn museums around the world. This is the most ambitious film in Nigeria since it’s independence as the film makers seek to give an accurate, historical account of the event and make a statement as regards the right of the West to continue to hold on to these artifacts using the platform of the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
A scene from the film
‘Invasion 1897’ has been endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo Erediauwa 1, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken N’Uselu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Italy and of the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust, Sir. Chief (DR) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of the Benin Kingdom, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) and the Obong of Calabar, HRH Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, The Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Association of International Theatre Critics, Society for Nigerian Theatre Artistes (SONTA), Association of International Theatre Critics (AITC), Nassarawa State University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Richard Landers Society and the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA. The movie was produced and directed by award winning director Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.
Mike Omoriegbe as Oba Ovonrawmen
The movie which has taken over four years to shoot and edit was shot in Benin city, Edo state as well as London, England, using a well trained cast of over three hundred people, all in period costume of the 1900s with the props of that era. The film stars veteran Nigerian actors Segun Arinze, Charles Inojie, Nosa Ehimwen, Paul Obazele, Leo Mezie, Mike Omoriegbe as Oba Ovonrawmen, Idiata Otiagbe and the late Justus Esiri in a cameo role. Famous British actors involved in the production include Rudolph Walker, Charles “Chucky” Venn, Annika Álofti, Garett Mort, Hannah Raehse-Felstead, Tim Robinson, Rob Spackman, Patrick Thompson and Keith Davinson.
Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen – Producer/Director
Lancelot Imasuen with Rudolph Walker
The United States premiere of the movie will hold at the famous Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C on September 17th 2014.
For more info, visit; www.invasion1897movies.com
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