NOLLYWOOD is set to have a blast in Europe as two events the second edition of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG), and the third edition of the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA), beckon.
NFFG will hold at the prestigious Film forum Höchst VHS Cinema, Emmerich-Joselstr 46A, 65929 Frankfurt am Main, Germany between September 10 and 12, and will attract Nigerians from all over the world.
Hence, Nollywood film makers from all over the world are invited to send their films for assessment and screening during NFFG. Interested filmmakers can register on www.ehizoyafilms.com on or before August 1st. One of the accepted formats for NFFG films submitted for selection must be received by the Festival not later than August 25th, 2015
The movie festival culminates with the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards gala-night on 12th September where Nollywood legends, stake holders, comedians and entertainment journalists who have contributed to the growth of the industry will be recognised. Stand-up comedians and music stars of African origin plying their trade in far-flung locations in the world will be at the event to add colour.
Expressing preparedness for the NFFG, Mr Klaus-Peter Roth, director of Frankfurt Film Forum Hochst, venue of the festival, said his organisation has acquired modern machines to show the movies. He also appreciated the efforts of the programme director, Isaac Izoya of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment, but opined that the Nigerian government ought to support the project financially as is done with the Cuba, Japan, and Venezuela film festival.
According to Roth, Nollywood represents a positive change for any leader preaching change.
‘Nollywood is becoming a fast growing industry in the world which represents Nigeria’s image more than football and politics,’ said Roth during a telephone conversation.
‘If I were in a position to advise the Nigerian President, Support Nollywood for better results than the recent successful presidential election in Nigeria will be my major request. It will help your country’s image, and better your economy, because election comes up every four or five years while Nollywood or film production is regularly on.’
Izoya also said that unlike last year, the Nigerian Embassy will be represented by the newly appointed Consul General, His Excellency, Mr. John C. Ejinaka of the Frankfurt base Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The promoter said this was confirmed during a recent NFFG project presentation courtesy call penultimate Tuesday to the new Consul General His Excellency, Mr. John C. Ejinaka.
“We’re here to support and facilitate such laudable projects that will project Nigeria in a very good ways,” remarked Ejinaka. “Nollywood undoubtedly, is like an entry identity card, even for us diplomats around the world. I love and watch Nollywood films, and can’t wait to see our stars here in the city of Frankfurt during the festival.”
“Nigeria is changing for good, and entertainment has played a lead role in achieving that. I really appreciate what you are doing; for successfully planting the Nollywood seed in this part of the world. With your track record Mr. Izoya, we’re very interested in contributing our quota for a successful NFFG event.
“We have specific responsibilities and you’re actually the face of Nigerians here in Germany because we’re temporary residents here, but this is your second home. Your activities reflect Nigeria. It’s not a surprise that people point at you and say “Look at this Nigerian.” without mentioning your name. That is why you must all always be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Ejinaka particularly thanked Mr. Iyamu, the president of the Nigerian Association in Hessen State, and Mrs Heidi Iyangs-Kariuki, project translator for their immense contributions towards the event.
Since 2003, Izoya, who graduated from the London School of journalism, has been at the forefront of promoting Nigerian and Ghanaian movies across Europe, using Germany as a base. As a film producer, his works include Final Solution, Sinners in the House, Zero Your mind, Home and Abroad, Love in Berlin, Fortunes Card and Run!… But You Can’t Hide among others.
In an exclusive skype interview, Izoya said that considering the positive outcome with the preparations so far, there is no reason to complain.
‘We’ve gone the extra mile this time to include Nigeria’s best comedians and musicians, with Nollywood stars in this year’s programme,’ Izoya said.
‘We want Nollywood fans to laugh, have hand shakes with Nollywood stars, dance, and have complete fun unlimited at the NEGA Awards gala-night closing ceremony.
‘Unlike the first edition when people had to drive about 12km from the cinema to the venue of the Award Gala Night. We have secured both cinema and Awards Gala Night venues within the same vicinity; a 500 meter walking distance. We also have reliable partners working with us, both in the media, and on the field. NTA Channel 10, Exclusive Live Boris communications Nig Ltd, and African Tide Union e.V are some of the viable new partners we’re working with.’
Other partners supporting NFFG are Hessen State Film forum Höchst VHS-Frankfurt Am Main, Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt (Ministry of Art/Culture Frankfurt City), Amt für multikulturelle Angelegenheiten – AmkA (The Office for Multicultural Affairs), City-2-City Atnun Ogadriva Ltd, Moviedom, Guardian Newspapers, Richfield Group Ltd, High Society magazine Lagos, ECD newspaper, The African Courier Magazine Germany and Nigerian Association Rhein/Main Area e.V Frankfurt, Germany to mention a few.
Top Nollywood stars, stake holders and journalists who have received the NEGA Awards include Zik Zulu Okafor, Charles Inojie, Monalisa Chinda, Jackie Appiah, Patience Ozokwor, Victor Osuagwu, Fredrick Iwenjora and Werner Dorothee. Others include Dr Paulyn Jansen, Dr Donald Peterson, Shaibu Husseini, Charles Nwagbara, Dr. Victor Njinmah, Double A Entertainment, Cynthia Agholor, Ramsey Nouah, and Obi Emelonye .
