‘A Place In The Stars’ premiered in Lagos

ADA DIKE

The evening was filled with amusing, entertaining and enjoyable programmes when fun and movie lovers gathered at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos to launch a feature film, ‘A Place in the Stars’ which was premiered on Friday, November 7, 2014.‎

After the red carpet show, one of Nigeria’s multi-talented musician and instrumentalist, Jeremiah Gyang, who thrilled the guests with “A Place in the Stars” theme song, received a rousing ovation for his oscillating performance and powerful voice.

Though the event started behind schedule, guests were patient till 9 pm when the main event started.

The event attracted the crème de le crème of the entertainment, corporate, media and movie industries including Funmi Iyanda, Yeni Kuti, Nkiru Anumudu, Sound Sultan, Katung Aduwak, Tee-Y Mix, Brian Rowan-Clyde, Shade Onakoya, Funlola Aoefiyebi-Raimi, Obumneme Akunyili (Late Prof Dora Akunyili’s son), Pa Dejumo Lewis and many others.

Produced by Native Filmworks Limited, one of Nigeria’s pioneer film and TV production companies, 'A Place in the Stars' was directed by an internationally renowned film maker, Steve Gukas.

In 'A Place in the Stars' a young boy asked his father: “Papa, how are stars formed?” This question moved my spirit because no one knows how the stars are formed in the sky, but we can become great stars while alive by living uprightly, loving one another, helping the less privileged and serving humanity through our vocations. No wonder ‘stars’ who have departed from the earth were honoured with a hash tag including: “Dora Akunyili #A Place In The Stars”, “Adadevoh #A Place In The Stars” and many others.

‘A Place in the Stars’ is a riveting story of illicit drug trafficking, violence, turf wars and conscientious dilemmas. It is an account of one man's choice between conscience and the pull to get rich or die trying. “I will rather die as a rich young man than a poor old man,” says Kim in the movie.
 Set in 2006 Nigeria, the movie tells the story of Kim Dakim (Gideon Okeke), a young lawyer with a case and a client that leaves him professionally conflicted. Kim is in possession of information that could save lives, if he would only pass it on. Faced with the deathly consequences of crossing 'industry' kingpins, including the toughest of them all, Diokpa Okonwo (Segun Arinze); and with millions to earn if he would only turn a blind eye, Kim battles conscience and professional responsibility as he determines which way to turn.
 The movie features some of the best actors in Nigeria and internationally, including award winning actor, Segun Arinze, Gideon Eche-Okeke, Dejumo Lewis, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, Matilda Obaseki, Julian Mcdowell, Armajit Deu and Amaka Mgbor.
 A Place in the Stars is now available in cinemas nationwide from today, November 14, 2014.

The movie, which was shot in different part of Nigeria namely Lagos, Abuja and Jos, has beautiful scenes, powerful shots as well as clear audio and video output.

The cast indeed delivered their roles to the extent that viewers clapped and cheered them. But many characters were driving without using seatbelts in the movie. One can comfortably argue that it was produced before the law to use seatbelts was enacted. Who says you cannot take precaution, especially in this thriller where the unknown assailant drove recklessly beside Kim on his way from work, in order to deal with him and he ended up in the hospital after a terrible accident.
Secondly, I observed that a character was driving and making calls, which is dangerous not only to him but to other road users..

Also, the drug baron, Diokpa Okonwo (Arinze) used ‘Baboon President’ to describe a past president in the film which didn’t augur well with me. I agree that being a lawless person who deals with fake drugs and doesn’t have respect for anyone, Diokpa can use any word but respect should be given to whom it is due.

The movie is an interesting one so whoever wants to be rated among the stars should watch and learn important lessons to make Nigeria a better place.