In an era dominated by streaming platforms, a new cultural movement is breathing life back into community cinema across Lagos. The ivTH Experience, a fresh creative initiative, promises to reignite the city's passion for shared film viewing with weekly screenings starting next month.
A New Home for Art Films
The ivTH Experience positions itself as a champion for festival-type, art-house, and socially conscious films that often struggle to find commercial screening spaces in Lagos. Unlike mainstream cinemas, this project specifically accommodates art films - a niche typically limited to festival distributions in Nigeria's cultural capital.
Founder Olalekan Suara explained the vision behind the initiative: "There is a growing need for a more relaxed, less conventional space where films, music and art can be appreciated together in an intimate setting."
Reclaiming Local Stories for Local Audiences
At its core, The ivTH Experience aims to make thought-provoking cinema accessible to the very communities whose stories are reflected on screen. Suara poses a compelling question: "Why should someone have to travel abroad to watch a film made in their own community?"
This philosophy drives the project's mission to reclaim these films for the people who inspired them, ensuring that Nigerian audiences can engage with local narratives without barriers.
Personal Journey Fuels Creative Vision
The project holds deep personal significance for Suara, whose entry into filmmaking began unexpectedly. His journey started with a combination of heartbreak and childhood talent that eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion.
"I started acting as a child but only took it seriously as a way of distracting myself from emotional pain," Suara revealed. "In the process, I fell deeply in love with the camera and the art of storytelling. Since then, I've been fully committed to it."
Beyond mere entertainment, The ivTH Experience seeks to cultivate a vibrant community of art lovers who actively engage with and question their environment through the narratives they consume.
The initiative operates under The Good House ecosystem, which includes ivTH Material, ivTH Design, and ivTH Idea. This collaborative network is designed to create meaningful opportunities for millions of creatives through innovative partnerships that strengthen Nigeria's cultural landscape.
