Ojukwu, Ifeajuna ‘resurrect’ in ‘The Encounter’

“The Encounter”, a historical drama adaptation based on a short story by historian Henry Onyema, was screened in Lagos on Saturday.

Set in 1967 during the Nigerian civil war, an imprisoned Emmanuel Ifeajuna, an army major, is summoned by Chukuemeka Ojukwu, the then Biafran commander-in-chief, for one last conversation – one last encounter.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Onyema, original story writer, said that the film is based on history and fiction.

“History and fiction has to be made. It is based on two real-life characters and set against the background of reality. Ifeajuna is an Igbo from Onitsha, who was involved in politics, later joining the military,” he said.

“He fought for Biafra during the civil war but was executed after he agreed to a truce with the government at that time and plotted to overthrow Ojukwu.

“The film preaches peace, detribalisation and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians because Ifeajuna is a detribalised Nigerian who stood for unity.”

Tolu Ajayi, director of the film, also said that the film captures the story of a moment in the history of the nation and how the events that transpired helped in determining what Nigeria is today.

“The Encounter goes a step further by not only addressing a highly significant issue of the time through seamless storytelling; the film entertains, educates and also informs the audience on the importance and value of Nigerian history by delving into the subject matter, dissecting and analysing the roles played by pivotal historic personalities.

“The two defining characters in the short film are critically juxtaposed in order to depict the tension that was characteristic of the time.”

TheCable asked if this iss a good time to release such film, owing to renewed campaign for Biafra.

Ajayi said the film does not portray ‘Biafra’ in a negative way, but rather educates the people about history.

“Yes, we think it is a good time to release the film due to the fact that the film does not portray Biafra in a negative way, rather the film seeks to educate people about the history of what happened at the time by generating a conversation and also creating an understanding for people, especially for those who are not already properly informed about the issues,” he said.

Ekene Mekwunye, film producer, said the movie is a not-for-profit project, produced within 11 months at the cost of N7 million naira, and that it would be available to every Nigerian at no cost through the Internet, after the screening.

“We will make the film available online so everyone can be educated,” he said. “The new generation needs to understand history and learn from issues from our leaders past.”

The film is produced by Trino Studios.