“When Wolves Cry” premieres in FCT

“When Wolves Cry,"  a movie on the dangers of fake news, has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Supreme News reports that filmmakers, actors, government functionaries, and the diplomatic community were present at the exclusive premiereof the movie on Thursday at the UN House in Abuja.

The movie is a production of2ET Media Network, produced and directed by Emmanuel Eyaba, an award-winning Nollywood filmmaker.

The star-studded filmis acted in English and French and fully subtitledin English, featuring seasoned actorsfrom four countries, including Nigeria,Cameroun, Benin Republic, and Togo.

Some of the cast includeFrancis Duru, Steve Eboh, Sydney Diala, Happy Julian, MC Mbakara, Alex Nwankwo, and ace Cameroonian actress SyndyEmade, among others.

“When Wolves Cry” is centred around an intriguingfake news story that almost pushed the governmentt ofCamerounand Nigeria to war aftera diplomatictit-for-tat.

The plot is on Raymond Chukwudi (Ray C), a handsome actor who is looking out for a big break in his acting career.

Ray C is involved in a series of allegations, including a rape case, and the ripples of drama that follow are what make “When Wolves Cry” an intriguing blockbuster to watch.

Eyaba, also the Chairman, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Abuja chapter, saidthe project was conceived out of his passion to produce advocacy films that addressed societal ills.

“When Wolves Cry is actually a Pan African project in the sense that it featured actors from four different countries of Africa.

“Governments and institutions have consistently called for increased awareness on the dangers of fake new because of its negative effect on society.

“To puncture the spread of fake news, we plan to screen the movie in the biggest film festivals and cinemas, as well as tertiary and secondary schools across Nigeria,” he said.

Representatives of government institutions, including the Nigerian Police, National Lottery Trust Fund, as well as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and UNESCO gave their goodwill messages at the event.

In his keynote address, Dr Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, commended the producers of the film for championing the campaign against fake news.

He noted that fake news was a major threat to national unity and security, and therefore, called for concerted efforts in tackling the menace.

“The time to fight fake news has come, and first, there must be a multi-stakeholder collaboration because one person cannot do it.

“Secondly, government at all levels should develop and enforce policies and regulations to promote responsible communication while ensuring freedom of expression.

“There must also be a deliberate investment in capacity building and education for communicators, educators, journalists, community leaders, and other stakeholders,” he said.

Earlier, in his remarks, Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of Officeand Country Representative ofUNESCO in Nigeria, who hosted the event, commended 2ET Media Network for the project.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate 2ET Media on the great work done on “When Wolves Cry” as well as on other projects you have undertaken.

“These are part of your efforts to promote and develop the abundance of talent in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industrial sector.

“It is also noteworthy to mention at this point the social awareness messages in your productions, exemplified by the attention paid to fake news as a major theme in When Wolves Cry.

“Let me also assure you of UNESCO’s readiness to continue accompanying you in achieving the objectives you have set for yourselves,” he said.