In Conversation With... Genevieve Nnaji & Kunle Afolayan

Luminaries in Nigeria's film scene, Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji have attained dazzling success on their own terms.

Celebrated as the leading lady of Nollywood and the face of African cinema, Nnaji has been showered with awards for her work in films such as Ijé: The Journey, Road to Yesterday, and Half of a Yellow Sun. A hugely successful producer and media entrepreneur, Nnaji strives to generate positive images of Africa and is a major voice in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

Following in the footsteps of his father, beloved actor, producer, and director Ade Love, Afolayan garnered accolades with his directorial debut, The Figurine, and continues to innovate as a filmmaker and industry heavyweight. Hailed as "Scorsese in Lagos" by The New York Times, Afolayan has elevated the standards of Nigerian cinema over the past decade with elaborate release strategies — including the premiere of The CEO on a Lagos-Paris Air France flight — to establish himself as a key driving force behind the new Nollywood.

In this inspiring onstage conversation, Afolayan and Nnaji will illuminate the complex dynamics behind the rise of Nollywood.

THERESA SCANDIFFIO