One of Nollywood’s leading light, Sylvia Edem yesterday, Tuesday30th unveiled her new movie,Sandcastle at a well-attended press conference held at the Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island.
Sandcastle which is scheduled to be premiered July 9 features award winning actors and well known faces in Nollywood. They include Wale Ojo, Charles Okocha, Shirley Igew, Mary Uranta, Sylvia Edem, Bassey Okon Bassey among others like Gift Akiri, Mary Akiri, Nzoma Onyia and Vidal Briggs who came out to support one of their own yesterday.
A romantic thriller, Sandcastle which was directed by Edward Ukah, not only provides entertainment but also lends a voice to the plight of the physically challenged in the society, the visually impaired in this case. Sylvia plays the role of Timi, a young blind girl who finds favour in the eyes of a prominent man Ayade, Wale Ojo. Esosa-Mary Uranta, upwardly mobile lady and every man’s dream, yet not satisfied tries to compete for the attention of Ayade, the blind girl’s love interest.Sandcastle is a story that gives hope.
While addressing the press, Sylvia reveals that the movie will be going to the cinema from the 14th of July. Passionate about the project, “We plan to take this movie to every state in Nigeria because it’s not just a movie but one that rekindles hope. Through this movie, the physically challenged needs to know that they are not different from any other person, they are accepted and that they can be who they want to be. As a matter of fact, we’ll be giving out free tickets to the physically challenged in every state we go to screen Sandcastle, she said”
Mary Uranta on the other hand said when she saw the script, she wanted to be part of It. “Nollywood likes to stereotype a lot so this movie will give people a chance to see the other side of me. I’m versatile but I have been stereotyped. So for me, I want people to come out and see this movie, said the CEO of 50th film Academy.
Shirley Igew said it was her second time of working with Sylvia Edem. “The first time I worked with Sylvia was in 2013. I must say it was nice filming this work with her and the other cast”.
“This is my first feature length movie,” quipped Bassey Okon Bassey. The singer who has added acting to his portfolio said, “As an artiste I get to be in front of the camera every now and then but this is different. I’m grateful to Sylvia for giving this opportunity. I enjoyed the set of Sandcastle. And the storyline for me is different”
Gift Akiri, a friend of Sylvia Edem revealed that she did the researched for the character of Timi, the blind girl. “I actually visited places where you have a lot of people with disabilities to talk to them and ask them question. I went with cloths, food and money. I have always wanted to do something on them physically, soSandcastle made it a dream come true, she said.