Category: Entertainment

DISCORDANT voices among members of the Nigerian film industry called Nollywood, have assumed a fresh dimension. From opposition disparaging to exchange of unpleasant electronic messages, some members of the industry who are not in the three billion naira grant committee, set up by the Federal Ministry of Finance, are already biting their fingers to signify bitter threats.

President Goodluck Jonathan at a presidential dinner with filmmakers in Lagos, on March 2, 2013, promised a N3 billion package to help the movie industry.

The largesse was a consolation for the effort of the filmmakers whom he said, have developed the industry in 20 years; starting from the release of Living in Bondage, the acclaimed first direct-to-VHS film phenomenon in the country.

The package, to be launched as ‘Project Nollywood’, and managed by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is expected to include grants for the best film scripts; capacity building and infrastructure development.

Notable filmmaker, Amaka Igwe, who appeared to be more perceptible during the dinner with Jonathan, has been picked into the committee. Veteran Yoruba language film thespian, Jide Kosoko and actress turned producer, Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa are also on the committee, which has other professionals from the finance, judiciary and educational sectors.

But stakeholders under the auspices of Nollywood Monitors are vexed with the choice of three, querying the modalities for their selection. Although their message was conveyed through a communiqué sent by email to members and the general public by Mr. Chike Bryan, President of Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), it was suspected that other members of the Nollywood Monitors include Mr. Paul Obazele and Zack Orji. The group is demanding that only association heads, who were duly elected by members, should be co-opted into the committee.

Mrs. Igwe, recently invited some members of the film industry to a focus meeting, asking for their inputs on the best way to support distribution of film from whatever comes in from the N3 billion fund. She was going to collate participants’ view and present this as proposed guideline for the Federal Government Committee on the fund.

An important aspect of the focus discussion was also on the possibility of IP protection in Nollywood movies. The group had presented a pitiable situation of filmmakers, whom it said only makes 30 percent of gains coming from a movie, while pirates take 70 percent of their investment.

The committee which is being chaired by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is said to have a total of 12 members, which may also include the Senior Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu and Mr. Hope Yongo a director at Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank among others.

A filmmaker, Alex Eyengho, President of Association of Nollywood Core Producers, has condemned the agitation by members of the Nollywood Monitors, describing it as baseless: “My advice to this group is that, if they are really desirous of accessing this grant, they should immediately start to put proper personal corporate structures in place. The money will not be released to associations and guilds but to serious-minded companies based on the business plans and proposals submitted to managers of the fund. Once the guidelines for accessing the grant are made public, you don’t have to be a member of the committee to apply. Some members of the committees may even apply and fail to get the grant eventually! The grant is not and cannot be a dash to everybody in Nollywood. It is not Nollwood @ 20 jamboree. It is serious business for serious Nollywood stakeholders.” He stated.

THE event took the entire night to play out. The nominees waited patiently, but anxiously. But the side attractions doused the tension, becoming a remedy for the long wait.

The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which entered its ninth edition last Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital appeared to have grown beyond a straight jacket award initiative. Industry watchers describe the scheme as one which is fast becoming one of the carnivals and Tourism events in the South-South region of Nigeria.

The mood for the event had been set with a week-long book fair at the Tourism House, Yenagoa. The population of entrants to the oil-rich city swelled on Friday night with the arrival of filmmakers, actors and crew members who have been nominated in the various categories of the AMAAs. Excitement began with a welcome party that had some of the biggest Nigerian music stars, including Tuface, Psquare, Timaya and Banky W playing to the delight of the crowd at the OX Bow Centre.

The award night was not less entertaining. From the elegant walk and pose of the stars around what could be described a set-design red carpet, spectacle of fashionable dresses, hairdos and cosmetic look; everybody looked outstanding amidst the pockets of lights that adorned the arena.

The natives wanted to catch a glimpse of their celebrities. Even the foreign actors desired that night when they mingled freely with colleagues they mostly see on the screen. Even the Nollywood stars who are often spread apart on different film locations found a common ground to chat about the latest events. Notable among the stars were Ibinabo Fibresima, Rita Dominic, Yvonne Okoro, Zynell Lydia, Lydia Forson, Fathia Balogun, Kanayo O Kanayo, Chinedu Ikediaze and Osita Iheme of the Aki and Paw Paw fame, Victor Osuagwu, Zack Orji, Richard Mofe Damijo, Beverly Naya, OC Ukeje and Uti Nwachukwu. Others were Doris Simeon, Brian Okwara, Ivie Okujaiye, Alex Ekubo, Femi Brainard, Jude Orhorha, Saidi Balogun and Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha.

The list of celebrities was endless… Their group conversations were cut short by the sound of the National Anthem; the show had started officially.

LEGENDARY actor, Justus Esiri, was named the posthumous winner in the Best Actor category. Perhaps for the first time in the history of the annual competition, the continent was in agreement to the acting ingenuity of the late thespian. Fans went ecstatic for the choice of Esiri, depicting his popularity across the continent.

Esiri, who was buried three weeks ago in his home town, Oria-Abraka, Delta State, was picked for his last film on earth; Assassins Practice, beating Nigeria’s OC Ukeje, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Jacobs and Lindani Nkosi (South Africa), Hlomlab Dandala (Ghana) and Amurin Wumnembom (Cameroon). Esiri’s trophy was received by President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ms Ibinabo FIberesima.

South African actress, Florence Masebe won the Best Actress award for her role in “Elelwani”. She beats Nigeria’s Rita Dominic, Ghana’s Yvonne Okoro, Burkina Faso’s Mariam Ouedraogo, Cameroon’s Mbutung Seikeh and Malawi’s Flora Suya.

It was a night of glory for Nigerian movies, as the Best Director and Best Film categories were clinched by Niji Akanni, for the film, Heroes and Zeroes and Kenneth Gyang for his arty flick, Confusion Na Wah respectively.

The show also had young actor, Gabriel Afolayan clinch the Best Actor in a Supporting Role, while Nigeria’s Blindah Effah won a joint laurel with Kenyan actor, Joseph Wairium for the Best Promising Actor of the year category.

Head of Jury, June Givanni , an international film curator who run the African Caribbean film unit , noted that the quality of entries received in the AMAAs have improved tremendously .

The scheme also gave Lifetime Achievement Awards to some veterans in Nollywood, including Chief Eddie Ugboma (OON), Sir Sir Osita Okeke Oguno (Ossy Afason), Ayuko Babu, Pete Edochie and Tunde Kelani.

Special Recognition laurels also went to ace producer, Emem Isong, veteran actors, Kanayo O Kanayo, Keneth Okonkwo, and the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) for their invaluable roles in the Nigerian home video industry.

Unlike last year when the ceremony was dominated by Kenya, Nigeria led the pack this time by raking home 13 awards across 27 categories. South Africa came second with four awards, Burkina Faso and Kenya got two laurels each, while Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Mozambique won for themselves, one trophy each.

***Fueling Poverty wins Best Documentary despite ban

The organisers of the annual African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) showed great courage and independence when they announced Federal Government banned film, Fueling Poverty as the winner in the Best Documentary Category of the awards.

That announcement turned out to be one of the high points of this year’s AMAA which saw talented and tested film professionals across Africa battling it out to catch the fancy of Africa’s apex film reviewer.

The movie titled Heroes and Zeroes; a gripping story film by Koga Entertainment Production was perhaps the surprise package of the night, winning awards in three different categories.

RICHARD Mofe Damijo(RMD), Nigerian actor turned politician and twice the best actor in Nigeria, a man who takes the pain to look good in whatever he wears at any occasion, recently released some pictures to show he’s still got it at 51.

Earlier in the year, an online blog reported that the actor was declared wanted by Law enforcement agencies for some financial crimes and was on the run. He came out to debunk the accusations, and further claims that he acquired a home said to be worth about N250 million in Asaba, Delta State.

The former Tinsel star, took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, after a long lull to debunk the rumours and express his disappointment in those who reported the news. RMD has acted in two international productions: Heart of the Father, the United States-based CBN Television production and Critical Assignment. He also owns Whitewater, a public relations firm based in Lagos.

SULTRY Nollywood actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, would on Sunday May 28, be hosted by entertainment cable channel on Startimes, Odua TV, at its weekly Celebrity Night Out party billed for Troy Lounge, Ogba Lagos.

The event which would begin with red carpet appearances by 5pm would be attended by friends and fans of the actress, Media executives, reporters, entertainment personalities and select guests.

During the course of the show, the actress will entertain question at the Hot Seat segment. She is expected to talk on various issues, challenges and rumours in her over a decade acting career.

The pretty, light skinned actress, who hails from Osun State, became popular after her lead role in a film titled Omologbalogba where she played the role of a flirtatious student, and after which the movie title stuck as her nick name. She has featured in an impressive number of movies including Onome Aganga, Oko Mi, Omo Jesu, Iyanje to mention a few.

Speaking on being hosted, the actress enthused; “I’m really honoured to be invited by Oodua TV. I can’t wait to spend quality time with my very supportive fans. It’s going to be a good time.” She also confirmed that she’s fully back into acting as many of her fans have been wondering why she’s been off movies.

There would be various music performances, comedy acts and dance routines, to thrill the crowd with. It promises to be a fun-filled and exciting atmosphere.

Oodua TV is a Yoruba entertainment channel on Startimes which is focused on promoting and appreciating the rich Yoruba culture. It is a platform where entertainment meets heritage, focusing on People, culture, values, lifestyle and more, says its producers.