THE CHATROOM – AN UNVEILING

March 15, 2017

On Friday the 10^th of March 2017, Lagosians witnessed the unveiling of a new initiative that will change the way stories are told in Nollywood. They were introduced to The Chatroom – a reality meets movie concept, that is a production by Maysquare Studios with Peju Fadirepo as producer, and TW Media Concepts’ with Adesuwa Onyenokwe as associate producer.

On how the partnership was born, Mrs Adesuwa Onyenokwe told the audience that she was initially approached by Maysquare Studios to take on an acting role in the movie because the producer felt it was time for Adesuwa to ‘use’ her Drama degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University. The producer Ms. Fadirepo added that once Ms. Onyenokwe read the script, she opted to take on the role of Associate Producer because she is passionate about some the issues which the movie addresses, the major one being women’s empowerment.

The special guest of honour, a foremost gender scholar, and award winning women’s right advocate Erelu Bisi Fayemi, in her speech, identified with the project because it promotes survival against all odds for women.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Founder WFM 91.7, the innovative women’s radio station, expressed her excitement over the fact that this was not just a movie but, a movement to draw attention to something many would rather shy away from. While applauding the initiative, Ms. Sonaiya made a passionate call for others to support with their time and resources where necessary, even as she pledged her organisation’s support to spread the word.

On what inspired the movie, Mrs Peju Fadirepo said that The Chatroom was born out of a desire to make social impact, and that movie lovers will be positively impacted and transformed by the movie. It tells the story of Ebiere, to be played by Damilola Adegbite Attoh, a young girl who rises above a childhood of abuse to emerge as a sought after star in early adulthood.

The producers assure that The Chat Room, which is based on a true-life story, is billed to have high entertainment value even as it informs and educate watchers of the issues around sexual abuse of girls.

During the Q&A journalists sought to know, amongst other things, if Ms. Onyenokwe would still be taking an acting role, and the tw publisher said they would have to wait and see…

Partners for The Chatroom include– The Bank Of Industry, The Ben Bruce Foundation, Ultima Limited and Vlisco amongst others.

The Red Carpet