The
rumours that have been swirling around for months have finally been
confirmed – Nigeria’s highest-grossing film, The Wedding Party, will be
shooting scenes for a sequel in Dubai. Stars of the hit film began arriving in the emirate on May 11 for a two-week schedule.
For
hundreds of thousands of fans, the news is a dream come true, as they
anxiously await the next adventure. And, with the recent engagement of
Banky W and Adesua Etomi, who got married as Dozie and Dunni in the
original film, the anticipation has reached fever pitch on social
media.
The Wedding
Party 2: Destination Dubai brings us up to date with the newly-married
couple who are now expecting a baby. Is reformed bachelor Dozie ready
for this?
Felix and Obianuju are still working on their relationship – but has he given up ‘Small Chops’ for good?
Everyone’s
favourite character, ‘Tin-Tin’, is up to her usual hilarious antics,
while being indulged by her beloved ‘Bam-Bam’. Will crazy best man Sola
succeed in getting close to the feisty Yemisi and does Nonso go all the
way with Deardre, after that surprise kiss at the end of the last movie.
And, of
course, there is another wedding. Who will it be this time and why are
they all in Dubai? The fun and intrigue play out against the backdrop of
Dubai’s most jaw-dropping locations and the characters get to sample
the Nigerian visitor’s favourite pastime – shopping. Even for movie fans
who have visited before, it promises to be a revelation of Dubai’s best
attractions and most elegant hotels, including Atlantis, Armani,
Palazzo Versace and the Ghaya Grand.
The film is
also supported by Diageo and its premium brands. Mo Abudu, Executive
Producer for EbonyLife Films, is delighted to be in Dubai for the
shoot.
“Ever since
Dubai Tourism partnered with us on the Grand Premiere of The Wedding
Party, it’s been my dream to bring the sequel here. We weren’t sure if
it was going to be possible, but the amazing success of the movie made
it more likely and Dubai Tourism came through for us, along with Tour
Brokers International and Wontra Travel.
With a
great script by Naz Onuzo, an experienced director, Niyi Akinmolayan,
the original cast and the beautiful sights and sounds of Dubai, we think
we may have a bigger blockbuster on our hands.” In an all-out attempt
to broaden the appeal of this much-anticipated sequel, the producers,
The ELFIKE Collective, have added a number of popular Nollywood stars
and personalities, including Patience Ozokwo aka Mama G, Chigul, Seyi Law and Elenu, and international cast members.
With scenes
shot in Lagos, London and Dubai, the film promises to be a visual
feast. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai will wrap in late May and
go into post-production in time for film festival season.
The
Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai will have its Lagos premiere on
December 10, with cinema release in time for the Christmas holidays.