Cordelia
EKO HOT BLOG reports that renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Tunde Kelani is set to showcase his latest film, “Cordelia,” at the esteemed 30th New York African Film Festival.
The screening is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 15th, 2023, at the Francesca Beale Theater Film Center in New York, United States of America.
“Cordelia” serves as a tribute to the diverse cultures of Africa while also aiming to inspire and preserve the continent’s rich heritage for future generations.
Tunde Kelani expressed that the film resonates with the present time, coinciding with an upcoming opportunity to embrace democracy once again.
Adapted from Femi Osofisan’s novella, the movie embraces the celebration of cultural diversity and highlights the power of collaboration across different backgrounds and cultures. It stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when individuals work together, transcending boundaries and overcoming challenges.
As a filmmaker, he has consistently sought to promote cultural diversity and celebrate Africa’s numerous languages, traditions, and cultures. Collaborating with Professor James Anderson, the Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Delaware and founder of the UD Cultural Fusion Initiative, provided an innovative platform for bringing diverse backgrounds together.
Nigeria, a nation encompassing over 250 languages and diverse cultural traditions, served as the backdrop for the film. Tunde Kelani emphasized the importance of celebrating and inspiring the varied cultures of Africa, preserving them for future generations.
The collaboration with Professor James Anderson unfolded through a series of letters. In one such exchange, Tunde Kelani humorously suggested an alternative title for the film, “A Baby with A Dozen Mothers?” To his surprise, Professor Anderson responded positively, embracing the suggestion and expressing his pride in the project.
The collaboration on the Cultural Fusion Initiative unfolded on two levels. The first level took place in Nigeria, where “Cordelia” was written by Prof. Femi Osofisan and adapted for the screen by Tunde Kelani. A talented cast, crew, and Nigerian composer Michael Ogunlade contributed to the production.
The second level unfolded at the University of Delaware in the United States, where a premiere of “Cordelia” was held. American student orchestras performed the musical score live while the film played to an enthralled audience.
The project involved approximately seventy-five musicians, including student orchestrators and arrangers, a four-time Grammy-winning recording engineer, and faculty members from the School of Music.
The recorded and edited music was subsequently sent to Nigeria for the final sound mix of “Cordelia,” which will be presented at the upcoming New York African Film Festival in mid-May 2023.
Tunde Kelani
Tunde Kelani described the project as complex and challenging, but the outcome proved to be worth every effort. The collaboration brought a unique perspective to the film’s musical score, resulting in a compelling and captivating narrative for audiences.
“Cordelia” features a talented cast including Omowunmi Dada, William Benson, Femi Adebayo, Keppy Ekpenyong, Kelechi Udegbe, Yvonne Jegede, and Ropo Ewenla.
Kelani expressed his pride in being part of the collaborative effort, emphasizing that “Cordelia” is not just his film, but a collective creation born from people of diverse cultures and backgrounds united by a limitless creative force.
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