It is an unfortunate truth that much of what puts Lagos and the wider country of Nigeria in the spotlight is commonly negative and skewed against both geographical areas. However, the emergence of the movie “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel at the Toronto International Film Festival is going to change that for the better. Indeed, that title is the only Nigerian film that will be shown at the festival. Even with that movie only being one of many that will be shown at the same, it is still a ripe and perfect opportunity to show the progress that Lagos has made. It can be said that much of what has happened in the past of Lagos is not positive. However, there is a litany of stories that show a number of important facts about Lagos and Nigeria that people should know.
First, Lagos and the wider country of Nigeria is the heart and soul of the country. There are so many positive stories that exist and they are being told every day. This new movie serves a way to expand the audience and scope of people that are hearing these wonderful, uplifting and positive stories. One reason that stories like that of the movie in question serve as a great example of what Lagos and Nigeria have to offer is that there is a story in that movie that transcends cultures and peoples of all kinds. The best one to put forward would be the...
This wonderful movie and the story that underpins it should serve as a catalyst for people to find other great and wonder stories from current and former Nigerians. The direction and pathway of Lagos is surely improving in many respects and the wonderful stories that are being told need to be heard by more people. The emergence and prevalence of this film, at the Toronto International Film Festival and elsewhere, should serve as a wonderful antecedent to getting the stories into the hearts and minds of others around the world.
Another common theme that is in many movies, and is surely present in the Hisbiscus film, would be that of achievement and dedication to a dream. With that in mind, it is the dream of many Nigerians that the narratives and stereotypes of the past be drowned out by the positivity, flair presence that now typifies Lagos and the wider country of Nigeria. It remains to be seen just how important and pivotal this new trajectory and presence at the Toronto International Film Festival shall be. However, all signs are positive at this point and the results that would be garnered from such acceptance and exposure would only serve as a positive for Lagos and the people that relish and enjoy the same in the years to come. Even if there are more nameless and…
