Nigerian film distributor bags Toronto Film Festival award of excellence

Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema, Joy Odiete, has bagged the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) award of excellence for her service delivery in the content distribution sector of the African film industry.

Odiete, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the award was one of many recognitions that had come her way since her entry into the industry in 2005.

She appreciated TINFF for recognising the long years of service Blue Pictures had dedicated in rewriting the history of African cinema.

She said: “I am feeling incredibly grateful to receive the award of excellence from the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and recognition from the Mayor of Brampton.

“This honour is truly humbling and I am so thankful for the support of my Blue Pictures team and partners.

“The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing our stories to life. Thank you for believing in our vision, and for this incredible recognition.”

TINFF is a multicultural film festival that values diversity and inclusion, providing a creative platform for Canadian and international films.

Odiete, a renowned local and international independent film distributor and film sales agent, had been a sub distributor to Warner Brothers Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Black Sheep Entertainment and other independent studios in the U.S., UK and South Africa for over 19 years.

Her works as a film distributor have recorded major successes for foreign studios with franchise titles like: Harry Porter, Star Wars, Thor, Avengers, Batman, Iron Man and more.

She has also worked with Nollywood giants and behind some Nigerian box-office hits like, The Return of Jenifa, Phone Swap, Maami, Last Flight to Abuja, The Mirror Boy, and Anchor Baby amongst others.