By George Ozalla
A movie that aptly captures the negative effects of fake news titled: ‘When Wolves Cry’, has premiered in Abuja.
Actors, Filmmakers, invited guests and some members of the diplomatic community attended the exclusive movie premiere on Thursday, the event took place at the United Nation (UN) House in Abuja-FCT.
The movie was produced by 2ET Media Network and professionally directed by Mr Emmanuel Eyaba, an award-winning Nollywood talented filmmaker, the classic movie full of intrigues is acted in mainly English Language and sparse French language in-between.
The film meant to educate on prevailing dangers of fake news had combined renowned actors from four countries including Cameroon, Benin Republic, Nigeria and Togo.
Steve Eboh, Francis Duru, Happy Julian, Sydney Diala, MC Mbakara, Alex Nwankwo and talented Cameroonian actress, Syndy Emade, amongst others are some of the cast.
The movie “When Wolves Cry” accurately depicted an intriguing fake news stunt that nearly resulted in the government of Nigeria and Cameroon delving into fierce war after a diplomatic disconnect.
The main plot is one Raymond Chukwudi otherwise known as (Ray C.), a handsome actor who is looking out for a huge popularity and break in his acting career.
Series of allegations, including a rape case, and the attendant dramas that followed it clearly showcased the premiered movie, “When Wolves Cry as an intriguing classic to watch in order to learn and understand the negative impact that fake news can both carry and cause in the society.
Eyaba, who is also the Chairman, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Abuja Chapter, stated that the project was conceived out of his passion to produce advocacy films that addressed societal ills.
“When Wolves Cry is actually a Pan African project in the sense that it featured actors from four different countries of Africa.
“Governments and institutions have consistently called for increased awareness on the dangers of fake news because of its negative effect on society.
“To puncture the spread of fake news, we plan to screen the movie in the biggest film festivals and cinemas, as well as tertiary and secondary schools across Nigeria,” Eyaba concluded.
President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku ‘fnipr earlier in his keynote address noted that fake news has been in existence even in the ancient days citing biblical references but emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle it in this our modern era of multiple social media platforms.
Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) in his remark lauded the filmmakers for their great initiative and pledged his organisation’s collaboration going-forward, adding that such a wonderful project especially at this period that fake news travels faster than light is crucial.
Other representatives of government institutions, Nigerian Police Force, Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Bassey Otu, Chairman of the occassion, Senator Ned Nwoko, special guests, captains of industry and UNESCO who were in attendance gave their goodwill messages; pledging their individual/corporate supports.
