Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Orry Shenjobi has stepped into the world of cinematic storytelling with her debut short film titled “A wan Be.” This artistic project does not only celebrate African art, it also sets the stage for her upcoming exhibition at the Venice Biennale Art Festival to be held in April 2024 in Venice Italy.
The film premiered at the Yenwa Art Gallery on Victoria Island, Lagos, where attendees saw a glimpse of the film’s vibrant portrayal of Nigerian party culture. In attendance was Obi Asika, the recently appointed Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, who urged young creatives to collaborate in promoting the country’s culture.
This cinematic glimpse into the Nigerian party culture helps to provide the viewers with a deeper understanding of the diverse artworks that will grace the Venice Biennale. During the event, Shenjobi shared her excitement about exploring new avenues of creative expression, inspired by her lifelong passion for film and photography.
She said, “I am always trying to expand and develop my practice. I have been a film lover since day one, and film and photography are intertwined. This is my first time venturing into the world of film because to do justice to this project, people need to experience it not just by looking at painting and textiles.They need to be able to see people in the setting, so they can translate what it is like culturally.”
Shenjobi worked with a talented team of creatives including scriptwriter Femi Lawson, narrator Ireti Olutayo, sound engineer Moti Ogunsina, camera assistant Ramsey Ariguzor, and editor Ekene Amaonwu to bring her vision to life. The film “A wan Be” marks an exciting chapter in Shenjobi’s artistic journey, seamlessly blending elements of film and visual art to offer a captivating exploration of African culture. Through her work, the audiences immerse themselves in the vibrant world of African artistry beyond traditional art forms like painting and textiles.
