Rita Dominic-Anosike, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Michelle Dede Steal Hearts at “Love and Life” Screening

The First Features project, a collaboration between Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, hosted the private screening of “Love and Life” in an evening filled with glamour, anticipation, and cinematic brilliance. The exclusive event took place at Ebonylife Place in Lagos and saw some of Nollywood’s biggest names in attendance.

The movie is a drama that explores the depths of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit, and it captivated the audience with its raw portrayal of life’s complexities. It is set for a Prime Video release on December 29, 2023.

Rita Dominic, who plays the film’s lead character, Abike, shared, “Playing Abike was a profound emotional depth and resilience journey. In the film, she stands as a pillar of strength among her friends, guiding them through challenges they face in love and life, even as she navigates her complex journey of grief.”

Dotun Olakunri, a driving force behind the First Features Project, added, “Our ambition has always been to produce cinema that resonates on an emotional level. With ‘Love and Life’, we’ve moved closer to this goal. This film is about grief, life, daily challenges, and how you use friendship and sorority to tackle those problems.”

“Love and Life” delves into the intricacies of relationships, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Directed by Ruben Reng and written by Brenda Ogbuka-Garuba, the film follows the lives of three women grappling with various relationship challenges. Their journey of rediscovery and empowerment underscores the film’s core message: the resilience of human connections.

Director Ruben Reng expressed, “Directing this film was about capturing the essence of hope and friendship. Our goal was to create a story that would touch hearts, and I believe we’ve achieved that.”

Nse Ikpe-Etim, who plays Osas, commented, “This role allowed me to explore the complexities hidden behind a seemingly lighthearted facade, and I believe Osas’ story will resonate with many who are finding their path in the intricate world of love and personal connections.”

Michelle Dede, who plays Ivy in the film, said, “Ivy’s story in ‘Love and Life’ intertwines with themes of resilience and personal growth, mirroring the experiences many face in their search for meaningful connections. It’s a role that challenged me and will, I believe, resonate deeply with our audience.”

Steve Gukas, co-founder of the First Features Project, stated, “This film is more than a narrative; it’s a reflection of our mission to bring forward new, compelling voices in Nigerian cinema. ‘Love and Life’ is a testament to this vision, and I am proud of how Reuben Reng brought it to life.”

See the highlights below: