Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Ben Njoku speaks with renowned filmmaker Amb. Lancelot Imasuen about his film “Invasion 1897,” which is currently on display in Germany.
In this interview with Tracknews , Amb. Lancelot Imasuen revealed that he is very excited that his 2014 Epic Movie, “Invasion 1897,” has been selected for historical exhibition in the United States and Germany.
The decision comes after the Nigerian and German governments signed a memorandum of understanding to return ancient artifacts taken during the infamous Benin Massacre of 1897.
According to Lanclot, the exhibition will take place on July 26, 2022, at the Mosque Museum in Hamburg, Germany, and on October 1st, 2022, at the Arizona Museum in Washington, D.C., USA, and will depict the historical events that led to the infamous Benin Invasion/Massacre of 1897.
Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen produced and directed the film. It was released in 2014 and stars Nollywood actors such as Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, and Charles Inojie.
The historical ‘Invasion 1897′ (The Deposition of The Last African King) is a Nigerian film that depicts the historical events that led to the British troops’ invasion, destruction, and looting of the ancient West African kingdom of Benin, as well as the deposition and exile of its once powerful king, Oba Ovonramwen. The king was well-known for his resistance to colonial suppression and expedition, which resulted in his deposition and eventual exile to Calabar.
British troops looted and carted away ancient artifacts known as Benin Bronzes. Some of the bronzes were auctioned off and ended up in museums and private collections across Europe, including Germany.
However, in recent years, the film has heightened calls for the repatriation and restitution of stolen artifacts.
The German government also agreed to return the artifacts voluntarily, with 1,300 pieces being returned to Nigeria next year.
The phenomenal work of Amb. Lancelot Imasuen in the film “Invasion 1897” clearly re-enacted the historical events of 1897; the exhibition, as well as the eventual repatriation of the stolen artifacts, would undoubtedly be welcome news to Nigerians.
When Ben asked Lancelot how he feels seeing that a movie he produced is still making waves 8 years later, he replied, “As an artiste, I feel very elated that the work I made over 9 years ago is still relevant and making the biggest waves, and I’m very happy.”
Lancelot says that people in Nigeria describe him as one of the most consistent movie makers because of his 27-year career as a filmmaker.
“Over the years, I’ve made financially successful films.” I make four to five movies a year, sometimes more.”
The film producer has over 310 credits as a director.
Imasuen went on to say of his experience in the Nigerian film industry, “It has been exciting and challenging.”
