Nigerian movie critic and director Ayodeji Fatunla is set to embark on a groundbreaking attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cinema movie marathon. The current record stands at 121 hours and 18 minutes, achieved by Suresh Joachim from Sri Lanka in December 2015 at Sheds @ 1Fox in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fatunla’s ambitious attempt, dubbed “160 Hours of Nonstop Movie Watching,” is sponsored by Combo Entertainment. The event is scheduled to take place at the Lagos Theatre in Igando, from December 8 to 15, 2024. Fatunla, a passionate advocate for Nollywood, aims to make history and celebrate the Nigerian film industry during this monumental feat.
In a statement to PUNCH Online, Fatunla outlined his plans to watch a minimum of 80 films over the course of 160 hours. “This is no small feat, and it requires immense commitment and determination,” he said. “But I’m passionate about movies, and I believe I can break this record. It’s been held for over nine years, and I feel like I can make history. This is a personal goal for me as a critic, and I feel ready to take on the challenge.”
Fatunla’s choice to watch 80 films stems from his deep passion for the movie industry, and his desire to delve into the intricate processes behind film creation. As a Director of Photography (DOP), Fatunla is particularly interested in exploring the full spectrum of filmmaking—from pre-production and shooting to post-production. His admiration for industry giants like Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele further fuels his drive to understand the artistry involved in filmmaking.
“The way directors like Afolayan and Akindele bring their visions to life fascinates me. I’m eager to learn how foreign filmmakers approach their productions as well,” Fatunla explained. “This marathon will provide me with the opportunity to immerse myself in the magic of filmmaking and gain deeper insight into what goes into making a great film.”
Guinness World Records notes that the current record holder, Suresh Joachim, has achieved several endurance-based feats. His movie marathon was part of a competitive event that included 10 contestants in a pop-up cinema, aimed at promoting Telkom’s broadband service. The event, which allowed the public to attend, added an additional layer of excitement and interaction to the challenge.
Fatunla’s attempt to break the record comes at a time when he is looking to push boundaries in both his personal and professional life. With his unwavering commitment to cinema and the Nigerian film industry, he hopes this challenge will serve as an inspiring moment for Nollywood and its growing global presence.
As Fatunla prepares for his monumental movie marathon, his focus remains clear: to break the Guinness World Record while immersing himself in the magic of film and bringing pride to the Nigerian movie industry.
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