“93 Days” a movie which depicts the true account of how
Nigeria faced its first case of the Ebola Virus and conquered it, premiered at
the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Friday, 9 September, 2016.
The TIFF has built a reputation for only screening the best films from around
the world.
UBA co-sponsored the production of the movie, which is a
profound story of courage and sacrifice and the call to duty at the risk of
one’s life. The movie “93 days” is about the men and women who risked their lives
and made sacrifices to save Nigeria from the consequences of the Ebola Virus
outbreak.
UBA, as a pan - African bank, played a significant role in
the fight against the Ebola virus in the sub region and was pleased to support
the story of how the spread of deadly virus was stopped in Nigeria. In the
midst of the crisis UBA kept its banking doors open every day in the three of
the most affected countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, an
unprecedented act of corporate courage on the part of the bank and its
dedicated staff.
The banking halls of UBA were kept open to ensure that the
residents of the affected countries were able to sustain economic activities,
as there was the risk of a severe economic crisis following the rapid spread of
the epidemic. UBA also donated money and materials to help stop the
spread of the virus and through the UBA Foundation, made a cash donation of $1
million to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, which were the worst affected by
the epidemic. In addition, the bank donated trucks and other materials to help
in the fight against the Ebola at the height of the epidemic.
Even though UBA took its support beyond the shores of
Nigeria, “93 days” is centred in Nigeria, which was on the verge of
becoming the epicenter of one of the most devastating diseases known to
mankind, when a Liberian Patrick Sawyer (Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey) stepped on the
shores of the country with the deadly and highly contagious virus. The bravery
of health workers at the First Consultant Hospital, where Patrick Sawyer was
admitted largely ensured that the spread of the Ebola virus was contained.
Explaining why UBA sponsored the movie, Charles Aigbe,
Head, Communications said that UBA sponsored “93 Days” to educate people about
the magnitude of the threat Nigeria faced, as well as the remarkable courage
shown by Nigerians who risked their lives to save millions of people.
Aigbe said, “We cannot overstate the importance of recording
this historical act of African heroism. For the first time on the big screen,
the world will be able to see what extraordinary feats were accomplished when
Nigerians united behind a common goal. This is an inspirational story that UBA
believes must be told about the spirit of Africa: one of courage, resilience
and persistence.”
93 Days tells the story of Nigeria’s eventual victory over
the threat of ebola that threatened the health of the country. The movie
highlights the selfless contributions of a few courageous Nigerians,
particularly Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh (played by Bimbo Akintola), whose dogged
determination to keep the first ebola victim quarantined at the hospital where
she worked, eventually led to her own unfortunate demise weeks later.
The film features a star-studded, international cast
including Hollywood actors Danny Glover and Tim Reid, as well as Bimbo Akintola
and Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey.
According to Veteran filmmaker and co-producer, Steve Gucas,
“93 Days is a dramatic portrayal of the selflessness and bravery that Africa is
known for. In telling this story, our aim is to create a feature film that will
resonate with many people across the world, particularly in Nigeria and the African
sub-region.”
Bolanle Austen Peters, co-producer, describes the movie “93
Days” as “a masterfully crafted incredible story of bravery and sacrifice
and is definitely a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria; it is powerful,
gripping and an emotive piece. I am proud.”
The suspense filled thriller is directed by award-winning
movie director, Steve Gukas and features the best of international and
African movie acts such as TIFF rising star, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Danny
Glover, Tim Reid, Alastair Mackenzie, Bimbo Akintola, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey,
Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Tina Mba, Gideon Okeke, Paul Adams, Francis
Onwochei amongst others.
This is a movie in which Nigeria tells its own story to the
world. The Nigerian Premiere of “93 Days” is on Tuesday, September 13,
2016, at The Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. It
will be in the theatres from 16 September.
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