In a landmark event that underscored the growing global recognition of Nollywood, Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of Office and Country Representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, announced UNESCO’s commitment to providing technical support to the Nigerian film industry. This pledge was made at the exclusive premiere of When Wolves Cry, a provocative new film spotlighting the dangerous impact of fake news.
Held on Thursday evening at the United Nations House in Abuja, the event attracted an impressive array of government officials, diplomats, and key players in the Nigerian film sector. The screening served not only as a cinematic experience but as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of misinformation, a theme central to the film’s narrative.
Produced and directed by the award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Emmanuel Eyaba, When Wolves Cry is an advocacy project crafted by 2ET Media Network. The movie delves into a fictitious but gripping scenario where a fake news story nearly triggers a war between Nigeria and Cameroon, following a series of escalating diplomatic tensions. The film’s protagonist, Raymond Chukwudi, a rising actor beset by scandal, finds himself at the heart of this potential catastrophe, navigating the treacherous waters of media manipulation and public perception.
Diallo emphasized that When Wolves Cry aligns with the aspirations of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This convention, he noted, is designed to assist member states in establishing robust environments conducive to the protection and promotion of cultural diversity across multiple creative domains, including film, books, crafts, and performing arts.
“This is an opportunity for me to also let you know that UNESCO is ready to provide technical support towards the development of the Nigerian film and video industry,” Diallo stated during the premiere. He went on to highlight UNESCO’s continued engagement with Nigeria, referencing the first National Dialogue on the Cultural and Creative Industries and the Sustainable Development Goals, held in October 2023, as well as the organization’s leading role in updating Nigeria’s cultural policies.
In addition, Diallo acknowledged UNESCO’s involvement as the principal implementation agency for the UNESCO-EU program, which focuses on advancing evidence-based policies and supporting the creative sector’s contribution to sustainable development.
When Wolves Cry features a star-studded cast, including celebrated Nollywood actors Francis Duru, Steve Eboh, and Sydney Diala, as well as the Cameroonian actress Syndy Emade. The film, shot in English and French, with full English subtitles, brings together seasoned actors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Togo, making it a truly Pan-African cinematic endeavor.
Emmanuel Eyaba, who also serves as the Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) FCT chapter, expressed his passion for creating advocacy films that address pressing societal issues. He described *When Wolves Cry as a critical tool in the fight against fake news, a menace that continues to threaten peace and stability in many parts of the world.
“Governments and institutions have consistently called for increased awareness of the dangers of fake news because of its negative effect on society,” Eyaba noted. He added that the film would be showcased at major film festivals, cinemas, and educational institutions across Nigeria to maximize its impact.
As Nollywood continues to expand its influence both at home and abroad, the technical support from UNESCO promises to further enhance the industry’s capacity to produce content that resonates on a global scale. The successful premiere of When Wolves Cry is a testament to the power of cinema in shaping public discourse and advancing critical social issues.
This collaboration between UNESCO and the Nigerian film industry could mark a new chapter in Nollywood’s evolution, solidifying its place as a key player in the global cultural landscape.
