The European premiere of Multi Award winning film maker Obi Emelonye’s latest film ‘Oxford Gardens’ took place on Friday, 30th of September 2016 at the BAFTA HQ in the heart of London. As anticipated, Oxford Gardens, a low budget film exceptionally wowed audience.
Without giving much away, the plot involves a professional boxer Julius (Ngoli Okafor) who’s world turned upside down until he met Munachi (Ngozi Thompson Igwebike) a dying cancer patient. After spending a day with her, helping her to complete her bucket list of wishes before her illness takes her away realised that there is more to life and only when you make an effort can things change. Their chance meeting on a park bench in Oxford Gardens takes us to an heart wrecking emotional journey of love, life and lust.
Oxford Gardens is set in a variety of locations around London. Though low budget, the acting is very high standard. Ngozi Thompson Igwebike a fast rising International actress brings her character (Munachi) to life with a dazzling and memorable performance. So did Ngoli Okafor, a first time Nollywood actor. Even though a strong and brave character, his tears melted viewers hearts. Featuring Paris based actress Savannah Roy. The elegant and beautiful actress stole our hear with her french accents. Other great characters in the film includes; Ferguson Jack, Michael Udogba, Ene Oloye, Ally Ezeji, Nnenna Ani, Iffy Chukwu, Princess Abiye, D’Richy Obi-Emelonye to name a few.
The Director, the man taking Nollywood to higher heights, Obi Emelonye had a great twist with the story line, thus lead viewers to a different road when we thought we finally knew what was going on. A love scene was very interesting and I agree was directed to perfection between two lovers just like you’ve never seen in a Nollywood film before. This is among other great incidents that took place in Oxford Gardens.
In this movie if i’m correct, is the first time three amazing, beautiful and talented people from the three most powerful countries in the world, Britain, America and France came together in a Nollywood film. It turned out to be spectacular. Oxford Gardens is no doubt a must watch for any movie lover, not only Nigerians or Africans but anyone across the universe because the storyline is interesting, the twist near perfect and the characters were professionally composed.
Even though Director Obi Emelonye’s ‘Oxford Gardens’ is a low budget film, the Sound, lighting, editing, cinematography music and other technical elements exceeded viewers expectation. “Brilliant film, beautiful pictures and sound. Could feel all the emotions etc. Much better picture than in many high budget American productions“. Said Joan a movie lover who came to see the film. “The appropriate music was also effectively employed’. She added.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Oxford Gardens. This film is an emotional wreck. An educative well articulated and fantastic movie. The only down side is most entertaining films such as this film does not take over our cinemas. I hope to see this film in some cinemas across London in the future. Not only for its entertainment but for the message and education the story carries along. Premiered at BAFTA ( British Academy of Film & Television Arts) a first for Nollywood.
Great job well done to the directors, producers, actors and crew. We look forward to seeing more educational and interesting movies such as Oxford Gardens in our time.
Written by: Noellin Imoh-Griffiths
