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BN Bytes: Ace Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan recognized as a 2012 African New Generation Leader by the African Leadership Network
Award winning Nigerian film director and actor, Kunle Afolayan, who has distinguished the art of filmmaking in Nigeria with his ground breaking cinematic pieces, recently received a nod for his meritorious works.
In July, the premier network of young, dynamic, and influential leaders in business, public sector, the arts and civil society in Africa – African Leadership Network, known for scouring the continent in search of leaders who despite their young age, have tremendous influence and play a role in taking Africa to a new era of prosperity, recognized Kunle Afolayan as a “2012 New Generation Leader for Africa” via a thorough process where thousands of suitably qualified young African candidates were presented to ALN’s selection committee. The honour also confers him with automatic membership of the network.
Speaking on this recognition, the enigmatic film maker presently out of his two year ambassadorial contract with Nigerian telecoms company Globacom, said “ALN picks top shots from different life endeavours for this recognition; examples this year are Biola Alabi (M.D. M-Net Africa); Wale Tinubu (Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc) and Asa, the musician, amongst others. For me to have been picked as well, is an acknowledgement of my work and that I really appreciate”.
Kunle whose latest film production won the Best Achievement in Art Direction award at the AMAAs, further said “I will put in my own contribution as an African and as a young entrepreneur, but I am open to further collaborations with multinationals on impactful projects. I enjoyed the opportunities I benefited from Glo while the contract lasted and I am also excited about our brand association with business entities like Blackberry International, IRS Airline, Unilever, GSK, Seven-Up, Virgin Nigeria and many more”.
“The main thing is my career now is to produce a movie that does not only represent Nigeria, but Africa and possibly earn Nigeria the first Oscar or Golden Globe nomination. Golden Effects is hoping to shoot a new film this year set in 1960, a significant year in the history of my country. Golden Effects will also embark on training to build capacity in the local movie industry. So, it is a new beginning for us basically”.
This is definitely a well deserved honor, congrats to the ace film director and actor!