“93 Days” a movie
which depicts the true account of how Nigeria faced its first case of the Ebola
Virus and conquered it, will premiere 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.
Watch the trailer below