International model, musician, and rising film star — Natse Jemide (from Netflix‘s “Far From Home“) recently celebrated the release of his new film, “When Love Strikes“, with a heartwarming private screening that was as much a family affair as it was a movie screening.
The intimate gathering at IMAX Filmhouse in Lekki Lagos drew over 300 guests, including close friends, family, career professionals, and industry leaders.
In a touching moment that captured the spirit of the evening, Natse’s mother, Winihin Jemide (renowned Floriculture Pioneer, Performer and Life Strategist), took the stage for a pre-screening conversation with her son.
She charmed the audience with personal anecdotes and heartfelt questions about his journey as an actor, culminating in an emotional expression of pride in his achievements.
Adding to the familial warmth, Natse’s grandmother as well as his siblings, Ritsema, Totse, and Ritsesan shared their love and support through heartfelt recorded messages, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.
His father, Ayuli Jemide (Lead Partner at Detail Commercial Solicitors & former Chairman of NBA Section on Business Law), was also present, opening the event with wit and gusto, mingling with guests and beaming with pride.
The screening was a resounding success, giving fans an exclusive preview of “When Love Strikes” and allowing the actor and some crew members to bask in the well-deserved recognition for their hard work; but it was the undeniable presence of Natse’s close-knit family that set the event apart, making it a touching celebration of love, support, and the pursuit of dreams.
ABOUT THE FILM
When Love Strikes is Nigeria’s first football-themed movie from the stables of Inkblot Productions in collaboration with FilmOne Studios. Now streaming in cinemas nationwide, the highly rated film has Natse playing the lead role of Ibukun Saka, a rising football star with dreams of going pro abroad.
Saka is faced with a life-changing decision to either pursue his passion for football and impress the international scout at the upcoming youth tournament by becoming MVP, or put aside football and focus on his studies in hopes of winning a scholarship that could secure his family’s future.
The star-studded cast is led by AMVCA-winning actor Osas Ighodaro, Bimbo Akintola, Zubby Michael, Sunshine Rosman, Jimmie Akinsola, Vine Olugu, Chuks Joseph, Taye Arimoro, and Suo Chapele.
When Love Strikes was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Adeoluwa Owu (Captain Degzy), co-director of the record-breaking A Tribe Called Judah, and boasts a heavy-weight production crew alongside Inkblot co-founders Chinaza Onuzo, Zulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola, who also serve as Executive Producers.