BEVERLY HILLS, February 03, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s only submission for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, ‘Lizard’ has been awarded the ‘Short Film Grand Jury Prize’.
The movie which was co-written by Akinola Davies, a Nigerian filmmaker and Wale, his brother, premiered at the world festival at Park City, Utah from January 29 to February 3.
In a statement on Wednesday, the CEO of Sundance Institute, Keri Putnam, stated her happiness concerning the success of the ceremony.
“This has been a singular Festival for a singular moment. We’ve been able to elevate independent art and celebrate a wonderful slate of films by gathering in new ways, ways that worked thanks to adventurous audiences everywhere, eager to connect and engage with the work and with one another,” she said.
“Watching people come together to connect and discuss exciting new work has been incredibly rewarding – and a resounding confirmation that great independent storytelling inspires rich conversation.”
Reacting, Davies appreciated the fans, cast, and crew members for their effort, dedication and encouragement.
“Literally a year to this day we started on a project conceived from a bunch of my childhood memories. Today I’m so grateful to @sundanceorg for awarding Lizard the Grand Jury prize for shorts. I’m overwhelmed and as much as I’d love to gloat, filmmaking is really crazy hard,” he wrote.
“Big love to all those who were part of the shorts program – it’s an honour to be amongst such brilliant films. I have to say this award is really for the whole cast and crew who worked so hard and committed their all to this little film pre and during a global pandemic.
“I’m so proud this was made in Lagos by the many hands that make up the beautiful people of Nigeria. I hope it serves anyone reading this who has a dream to commit to that dream however farfetch did it seems.
“And lastly but not least all those who watched the film – sent messages, emails, calls – those who read the script and gave feedback – on behalf of the whole film – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
THEWILL writes that ‘Lizard’ is about an eight-year-old girl who gets evicted from Sunday school service due to her unusual ability to sense danger.
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