Chief Jasper Johnson CEO of Afro International Film Market and Festival of Nigeria speaks from the Motherland

Chief Jasper Johnson Ochiali VII of Ahunwo Kingdom in Nigeria is the founder of the Afro International Film Market and Festival which is an international business. He started this business five years ago as a franchise of Cape Town International Film Market and Festival but later incorporated in 2019 as Afro International Film and Festival. When he was young, he saw the need to establish this business to provide a platform for creative artists, filmmakers, musicians, and the fashion industry. The chief also wanted to shed some positive light on the Motherland and what it has to offer.

“We are in over one hundred countries right now when you talk about afro it’s not just Africa. Afro is everything related to Africa in types of culture. It’s not only black these days because there are Africans who are white. Afro International is not about your color it’s about your inner being, your passion for Africa and what it stands for which is love, progress and unity.”    

The purpose of the organization is to get everyone aligned and committed to the business collectively to bring their gifts, energy, and talent for tackling cultural diversity in the Afrocentric film production. Afro International Film Market and Festival is also a part of Nollywood which is the second largest film industry in the world. The chief is passionate about spreading the message of love and his mission is to bring the world together in the industry so that we as a black people will never be divided and know our roots.

“We as Africans have decided to tell our stories in the fashion of love, hard work and passion that is what Africa is known for. Even when it’s so dark an African can still work through it. Even in the face of adversity we are able to find our path that’s what defines a true African man. Like I said it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white what defines you is the love you have for nature and culture, the love for music and film then you are an Afro conscious person.

Nigeria has been known to be one of the biggest scamming countries in the world. Chief Jasper wants to let the world know that we have only heard the negative side of Africa due to the media. Africa is much more than what we have heard or seen. It’s a rich country full of beauty and splendor, a country that still has Kings and Queens.

 “Africa is not just full of the bad news you have heard over there like wars, famine, disease, poverty, and bad government that’s not what defines Africa. Africa is a place of natural resources, wealth, unity, charity and a place of life. Africa is the cradle of civilization and a place of humanity. Current history is told that humanity resonated from Africa to the rest of the world. We are proud to be the cradle of civilization and humanity.” 

Chief Jasper is looking for people who would like to collaborate with the organization to become a partner who can help them produce better stories, movies, and content. You can contact him at afrofilmfest@gmail.com or www.1film1marketsummit.org.