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Black Panther shattered records as soon as tickets went on sale in early January. But while the world waits for opening weekend, there’s a city in Kenya that will get its fix before everyone else.
The film hits theaters worldwide on Feb. 16, but it’s getting a special early screening in Kisumu, Kenya, where one of the film’s stars, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, grew up and where her father currently serves as governor.
County spokesperson Aloice Ager told BuzzFeed News that Kisumu would host one private and one public screening of the film on Feb. 13, ahead of the global release day.
The news has residents of Kisumu elated, and fans of the film took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the advanced screening.
Black Panther Kenya Premiere will be held in Kisumu City.
Good moves by Governor Nyong'o 👏👏👏
— Nizz🇰🇪 (@NizzyKE) February 3, 2018
Dont let @ChelseaFC loss last night distract you from the fact that Kisumu is set to premiere @Lupita_Nyongo s Black Panther a week from now. Stay woke
— ♠CHAUNCEYS GAMBIT♣ (@AYUYO_) February 6, 2018
.@Lupita_Nyongo rumor has it you’ll be in the 254 for the #BlackPanther premier in Kisumu on the 13th.
1. Please come ♥️
2. Please come for the one on the 14th too?
3. Please come with @michaelb4jordan? 😭— Kemotrbl🇰🇪 (@meowlkia) February 5, 2018
What a great moment for filmmakers in Kenya.
Black panther set to be launched in Kisumu February 13th,Lupita to grace the occasion.— Christine Ritah (@RitahOchieng) February 8, 2018
The city was reportedly chosen as part of Gov. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o efforts to make Kisumu a city known for its arts and entertainment. It doesn’t hurt that Lupita Nyong’o, the governor’s daughter, is starring in Black Panther as Nakia, a high-ranking member of the Wakanda royal family (though it’s unclear if she’ll attend the advance screening).
“Gov. Nyong’o wants to make Kisumu the hub of performing arts, and what better way to hit the ground running than by screening this premiere?” Ager told BuzzFeed News.
The film, which shot in different areas of Atlanta, reportedly generated nearly $90 million for the Georgia economy. If it can boost the economy in Georgia, Gov. Nyong’o might be onto something.
H/T BuzzFeed News
