Introducing Nocturna Film Reviews
Learn more about the film house, this newsletter, and our upcoming screening.
Hi,
How are you?
I’m Kufreabasi “Kuffy” Eyo, the curator of Nocturna Film House.
This interview-style entry answers any questions you may have about the community. But if you have any after this, please leave a comment, DM on Instagram, or send an email, and we’ll gladly respond.
So, let’s get right into it.
What’s Nocturna film house all about?
Nocturna Film House is a hybrid of a film club and a filmmaking collective. We host screenings of Nigerian, American, European, Japanese, Korean, and Senegalese films. I’m just listing regions; it’s going to be screenings of any interesting films from around the world.
At the same time, we want to make our own films because our focus is not only on consuming but also on creating.
How does one become a part of Nocturna Film House?
We currently have a sign-up link for people interested in joining the community. If you have already done that, we sent you an email with instructions on how to make membership payments. These payments will fund screening events and provide, at least, partial financing for in-house creative projects.
How much is the membership fee?
Membership costs operate on a sliding scale. The more months you pay for at once, the less you pay per month. We offer between 3000 naira a month and 20,000 naira a year.
What value will membership offer me?
Community, culture, support, and something to look forward to.
Nocturna did the rave, which attendees can testify was fun. The rave does have an appetizer it’ll be serving next month, but I was like, why can’t we gather over something more intimate and conversation-forward?
The film house provides a space for more.
To me, it has a deeper communal feeling because we get to watch films together in quiet and then have discussions that can be funny, intellectual, fiery, and friendship-building. It won’t just be, “I’m gonna hang with the people I came with and leave.” Instead, you will really engage with other people…If you want to…
Also, you will not just be paying to watch films that you can watch at home. The film house will platform films from independent filmmakers that you may never hear about. Membership will also provide access to films that YOU played a role in bringing to life.
In between screenings, we’d have virtual sessions that explore cinema, visual, and performance arts, as well as this newsletter.
What role will the film house newsletter play?
Nocturna Film House is in its nascent stages, and many ideas are taking root as the days go by. One of them is this newsletter—Nocturna Film Reviews. It’s a way we can engage with you even if you aren’t a member of the house. Every month, two weeks after a screening, we will have a contributor share their critique of the films.
Since we will share the films we screen on our Instagram, you may be able to watch them on your own, then see what we think of them.
Like I said, we are evolving, and this newsletter might become more. Who knows?
But it will remain free to all.
Okay. Back to talking about the film house proper.
How often will movie screenings occur?
Screenings will be monthly, with two (or even three) films each time, one selected by you and one selected by me. I think it works this way because it balances democracy and the house aligning with the tastes and interests that led to its creation.
We can have two feature length films or a short film and a feature length film or three short films. We’d see how it goes. But this month it’ll be our own film (short) and a feature-length that members will vote on.
Where will the screenings take place?
Venues might change monthly depending on what happens that month. Members can even choose to host if they want to, and the film house will support them in creating the experience. For our 25th July screening, the venue will not be publicly announced. Members only.
Can you tell us about Banana Boat?
Banana Boat is literally a dream I had.
It follows a woman through a surreal, emotional landscape as she contemplates her longing for a person who’s there but not in the way she wants.
I’m not going to say anymore because, then why would you pay to see it?
We are also working with film clubs in other cities, particularly Lagos and Abuja to get it screened, so people that are not in Calabar can watch it. Banana Boat won’t be released on social media, and that includes YouTube.
Will you be attending our first screening?
This question is for YOU not for Kuffy.
You should become a member because the screening event will go beyond film. For example, during the intermission, we will have a live performance from Bajii. But shhhh… more on that later.
Okay, so we think Kuffy has addressed most of your questions. But do tell us what’s on your mind.
Follow us on Instagram, subscribe to this stack, and support us by becoming a member. We look forward to seeing each and everyone of you on the 25th of July.
Byeeee
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