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Tag: filmmaker

  • Filmmaker promotes Adire fabric on global stage

    Filmmaker promotes Adire fabric on global stage

    A United Kingdom-based Nigerian filmmaker and entrepreneur, Oluwapelumi Olayinka has stated that she is promoting Adire fabric globally to celebrate and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. 

    As the founder of Ektaktos Collectibles, Olayinka said she wanted to elevate this traditional textile by transforming it into a modern fashion statement that resonates with diverse audiences.

    She explained that her mission is to connect people worldwide with the stories and craftsmanship behind Adire, making it accessible and appealing to markets, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada, among others.

    Over the past four years, Olayinka said she has dedicated herself to showcasing the beauty of Adire through her brand, which offers a variety of ready-to-wear clothing. 

    She noted that she has been able to integrate traditional designs with contemporary fashion trends to foster an appreciation for Nigerian culture beyond its borders.

    The entrepreneur who is also a member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners said, “Adire is more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of our rich cultural legacy. 

    “I am driven to make this traditional craft accessible and fashionable for a global audience.  

    “The art of making Adire dates back centuries and is steeped in history, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship of Nigerian artisans. Each piece tells a story, showcasing the skills passed down through generations while serving as a canvas for cultural expression.

    “For me, it is not just about promoting sales, it is about sparking conversations around our heritage and inspiring others to embrace it.”

    Speaking further, Olayinka noted that her brand, Ektaktos Collectibles, has received significant praise for its beautiful range of Adire-inspired ready-to-wear clothing.

    “What sets Ektaktos Collectibles apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and artistry. From elegant formal wear to stylish swimsuits and comfortable loungewear, each piece showcases the richness and vibrancy of Nigerian culture. 

    “My keen eye for detail and dedication to preserving the cultural significance of Adire has enabled my brand to stand out in the fashion industry. 

    “Whether it is a bespoke outfit for a special occasion or a statement piece for everyday wear, Ektaktos Collectibles’ offerings cater to diverse tastes and preferences,” she stated. 

    In addition to her fashion endeavours, Olayinka said she is the founder of a theatre company dedicated to African storytelling. 

    She explained that her first stage play titled; ‘Wives and Mothers’ produced in 2021, addressed complex family dynamics and reflects her commitment to cultural advocacy through the arts.

    “Wives and Mothers is a family drama that resonates with diverse audiences. It is about blending storytelling with cultural advocacy. 

    “The production was debuted at the Obasanjo Presidential Library auditorium in Abeokuta and it explored the complexities of family relationships in Africa.

    “I want to use my craft to tell African stories that resonate with global audiences, promoting cultural exchange and understanding through theatre and art,” she concluded.

  • Education doesn’t define filmmaker’s great skills, says Itele

    Education doesn’t define filmmaker’s great skills, says Itele

    Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Ibrahim Yekini aka Itele d Icon, has argued that the act of making good movies doesn’t depend on the level of education of a filmmaker.

    He said that going through the school of life helped him shape his views about filmmaking and directing movies, also helped him to win many accolades in the industry.

    Itele, whose recent film, ‘Kesari,’ has been the talk of town, further said that although he has surrounded himself with learned people, he also learned from one of the best filmmakers in the industry while also taking professional courses online.

    “Being a good filmmaker is not a function of how educated one is. Movies are about mirroring life. If one did not attend a tertiary institution but is knowledgeable about life, one would make a fine movie producer and director.

    “I have passed through the school of life, so I know what I am doing. Secondly, I am surrounded by learned people and that has fine-tuned my skills. I was trained by Don Richard and he is good at what he does. I train myself by attending courses online too. I am also naturally gifted, and directing comes easily for me.”

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    He, however, stressed the importance of tertiary education and film academy for aspiring movie stars.

    He added that, “Honestly, I don’t think not having a university degree robbed me of anything. I think the most important result of education is communication and I can communicate well.

    “However, I am not justifying not having a university degree. That is why I want to get one as soon as possible. If I didn’t tell people that I did not go to a tertiary institution, they would not know. But I don’t like to tell lies. I will not claim what I don’t have because I want to package myself as a popular actor. When graduates or intellectuals praise me, I marvel because of my level of education.

    “Secretly, I also wish that I was as educated as they are. Thankfully, I attended a film school that refined and sharpened my skills. I attended lectures like any regular student and I also own a film school called Icon School of Performing Arts. I must stress that it is important for an aspiring actor to attend a film school or academy. My school has produced about 30 graduates. I taught them what I had learned over the years.”

  • Filmmaker calls for govt support in creative industry

    Ace filmmaker and actor, Kehinde Adeyemi has called on the Nigerian government to support the movie industry as it is regarded as the most promising money bag after crude oil.

    The filmmaker who has been in the industry for over 20years lamented the need for government to weigh in support for the movie industry in terms of making funds available to the creative industry so as to facilitate the production of good movies to the viewers noting that filmmakers are more like mirrors of the society; just like India and America where their government give adequate support; Nigeria should also look imbibe such culture.

    A deyemi who Yinka Quadri and Taiwo Hassan’s led Odunfa caucus has since flourish in his career as an actor, film producer and production manager .

    Having made appearances in countless movies, Kehinde shot into limelight after featuring in Jide Kosoko’s movie ‘Afomo’ also gave his taught on sex for role which is now rampant in the industry citing that only those who does not have passion for acting will be involved in that but as for him, he is married and doing well.

    Giving comparison of the movie industry before what it is now, Kehinde noted that so many things have changed in the industry compared to when he joined about 20years ago where when you produce a film then, you can relax that the income can be used for something meaningful like getting a parcel of land and all that but reverse is the case now.

    A vivid example is when I produced one of my film titled’ Oloko’ marketed by corporate pictures then, after my royalty on it, the marketer called me back and paid extra because they sold more than their expectations.

  • MY REAL AGE: filmmaker aspiring to be president confesses

    A popular maxim  says,  if you don’t want an x-ray of your personal life displayed in the public domain, don’t seek a political office, because your shortcomings will be ready tools in the hands of the opposition.

    Filmmaker Eunice Atuejide, a presidential aspirant of the National Interest Party (NIP) is well aware of questions that may pop up for her, and as the opportunity comes, she is quick to clear the air on possible grey areas.

    Last week, it was about her planned vacation with the children to the U.K to show that she still finds time for her family. Need we say that her  photo and that  of her adorable children received some commendations from fans.

    It was her birthday last Thursday, August 16, 2018, and when people started congratulating her, the entrepreneur who had claimed to be 39 year old thought it pertinent to explain how she was 39-year-old and 40-year-old at the same time.

    “…Wishing me happy 40th is correct. But wishing me happy 39th birthday is correct too.

    Both birthdays are right!” she said, offering detailed explanation.

    The gist, according to her is: “I was actually born 16th August 1979, but like many of us born of parents who are not professors…. (wink), whatever they put on your forms becomes your date of birth, and your age for the rest of your life.

    “For me, dad wrote 16th August 1978 and it stuck! From primary school days till date, all my records show 16th August 1978. So, by the records, it’s 40 for me today. However, by what really happened and when it really happened – it’s 39.

    “Phew! That was hard!

    “But, I promised to always tell the truth. So, I am packing many truths into my autobiography for all of us to read. We will release it very soon. In the meantime, I will give  more and more true gists about me via social media. Things we could never have known, had I not opened up enough to say them.

    “Indeed, I want to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But more than that, I want to be that president Nigerians actually know and trust. I believe there is no better way to get us to know and trust me than to bare it all – good, bad, ugly – and everything in between!

    “Nobody is perfect, but hopefully, the overall assessment for the majority of us would be – Eunice Atuejide is my president come 2019!” she said.

  • Filmmaker Sadiq Sule set to premiere ‘Midnight Crew’

    Come Friday, June 8, award-winning movie producer cum actor, Sadiq Sule will premiere movie titled ‘Midnight Crew’.

    According to Sule, the tragi-comedy movie which parades Nollywood acts like Nonso Diobi, Charles Okorocha, Josh2funny, Mercy Mac Joe and others focuses on the dangers of being dubious, fake friends and its nemesis.

    The Executive Producer, who also serves as the director of the movie, revealed that all funds that went into making the movie was from his pocket because he wanted to maintain a certain standard.

    “I love doing great movies, no matter the cost,” he said.

    “It’s my passion. There were claims that Skye9 was behind the funding, but it’s completely untrue. I’m a filmmaker, over time, I’ve seen what the masses love, so I tell quality stories based on that.

    “Skye9 is an online TV platform that shows quality films and brings quality entertainment to the masses, so my films always meet the standards, and they buy. It is a clean business relationship, but I maintain that all my projects are self-financed,” he assured.

    Among some of the movies produced by Sule are ‘Hundred Million Reasons’, ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Misery Lane.’

     

  • Filmmaker calls for Ghana-Naija film collaborations

    NIGERIAN film producer, Femi Odugbemi, has called on stakeholders in the Nollywood and the Ghanaian movie industries to come together to create value for their respective economies.

    Making this known at the MultiChoice Africa Digital Dialogues 2018 Conference in Dubai, Odugbemi, who is the CEO of Zuri24 Media Limited, encouraged collaboration between the two movie industries to improve distribution, production and sharing of ideas for more marketable stories.

    He said such collaboration would reduce unemployment if the various stakeholders including the governments work together.

    “Ghana and Nigeria should work together to grow their respective movie industries and that of the West African sub-region,” he said.

    “This collaboration will contribute greatly to the improvement of the two industries and our countries.”

    He bemoaned the fact that some individuals and institutions worked at denying parties from the two countries to access distribution outlets within their markets.

    The Nigerian movie industry is valued at about $3 billion dollars and is estimated to employ about three hundred thousand people directly.

    According a 2015 report by EY, Nollywood has become the second largest movie industry in the world after that of India.

  • Filmmaker challenges govt on youth development

    Veteran filmmaker, Adebayo Adetoro has called on those with the federal government and well-meaning Nigerians to rescue the country and its youths from mismanagement.

    According to Adetoro, the young people of Nigeria have demonstrated enough capacity for success in many sectors of the economy, and therefore need the government’s genuine effort to make them contribute their quota to the nation’s development.

    Adetoro, who is a project director of ‘The Quiet Storm’ said that the time to engage the youths meaningfully is now.

    “The youths are brilliant but need support and an enabling environment to exhibit their huge potentials. If the political class continues to ignore the youths, the future portends a very great danger. If the youths are not positively engaged they become a problem to the society. It is like we are sitting on keg of gun powder that could explode when we least expect it,” he said.

    Speaking on the film which is still in the works, Adetoro said that it is the story of a family living abroad whose breadwinner was duped a group of young fellows when they relocated to Nigeria to invest in the economy and support the nation’s growth.

    The UK-based filmmaker lamented that fraudulent activities are damaging the image of the country and make genuine business difficult for good Nigerians to be transacted with foreigners.

    He, therefore, advised the government to show strong political will by ensuring that the youths are engaged economically rather than indulging in financial crimes as a means of survival.

    Also speaking, Producer of the flick, Michael Opeyemi Adeyemi, disclosed that the film, which is being shot with a N15 million budget, would teach moral lessons of need for hard work, integrity and honesty to succeed in life.

    He said the film was meant to nudge those in authorities to be alive to their responsibilities when formulating and implementing government policies and programmes.

  • SADE: Filmmaker unveils exciting plans for animation film

    SADE: Filmmaker unveils exciting plans for animation film

    Jazz musician and filmmaker, Miller Luwoye, has given more insight into the much-anticipated Nigerian animation movie, SADE.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos on February 15, 2018, Miller, as he is fondly called by friends, says his plan was to make SADE a melting point of culture and great value which is the hallmark of a people’s identity.

    Miller who has written a number of ‘edutainment’ materials for children, including the acclaimed animated nursery rhymes and other children songs is furthering his flair for family entertainment with SADE, his first feature film.

    A Greathouse Entertainment Network production, SADE tells the story of a little girl, Sade and her family who adopt TEJ, a wandering dog and victim of a hit-and-run driver.  Soon, the society discovers that TEJ is not an ordinary dog; hence the race by the ‘powers that be’ to abduct the dog from Sade’s family begins.

    Miller said he conceived the SADE idea while on a flight to Los Angeles in 2013 and it has been a purposeful journey since then.

    “If anyone knows about animation here, it’s a journey; it’s a big journey… so I started watching CBeebies, Toy Story series to get some ideas. And I thought it would be good for SADE to be a melting point of culture and great value.”

    According to the entertainer, SADE rekindles the African folklores, using the modern cinematic technology.

    “I grew up in Lagos before going to the United Kingdom to study. I thought of the then NTA with Jimi Solanke, and I wanted SADE to make a statement,” said Miller who described Solanke as the word Disney of Nigeria.

    He has also has praise for actors like Bimbo Manuel, Norbert Young, Omowunmi Dada, Gabriel Afolayan, Biodun Aleja, Jude Orhorha, Yemi Shodimu, Judith Audu, Kate Adepegba, Deji Adenuga, Ngozi Nwosu and others who voiced the different characters in the movie.

    “It’s a privilege to have the amount of people we worked with on this project,” he said.

    He noted that as a Jazz musician and filmmaker, “I thought there has to be a marriage of music and animation. When Hollywood wants to pass a message across, they do it through movie,” adding that “for the first time, you would hear Bata sound in animation. As a matter of fact, one track in SADE features 10 drummers.”

    The original songs written for the SADE project feature King Sunny Ade, Cobhams Asuquo, Deola Adebiyi, Omolara Ayodele and productions from some of the hottest producers on the scene, including Young John, Ini Dminstrel, Cobhams Asuquo, Kent Edunjobi and others.

    According to the director, some of the activities lined up for the release of SADE include a series of music concerts and a glamorous premiere.

    The Casting Director/Production Manager, Abiodun Aleja, who is also an actor in SADE said: “When I saw the script I was wowed.  We came together and made some inputs, and when it was time for casting, he said he wanted the best, and I promised we’ll get the best. Well, this is about voicing, and I can tell you that the actors we have in SADE are some of the best in the Nigerian film industry.”

    Also speaking, Line Production, Kate Adepegba whose role on the project resonated so well with the cast members recalled that she met Miller on a film location in the UK where they talked about film prospects in Nigeria.

    “And in 2013, he came back with the SADE project, and I keyed into it, and like Biodun said, we had the finest on that set. They are highly opinionated people, but on that set we were all in accord. SADE is going to make it big because it’s huge.”

    And Pastor Olukayode Owolabi, the Executive Producer of SADE said: “As a pastor, I thought of the Bible as a big book with different segments that can be scripted and adapted into a movie. For me it’s about giving back to the people. When Miller came along, we began to look into things we can do together, and then this idea of a family oriented movie came. Not only is it full of action, it will also teach you how to treat people. If Nigerians can treat their dogs and cats very well, they will treat their neighbours very well.”

    According to Owolabi who believed in Miller’s vision, SADE which will be showcased in other countries is going to be the bridge between Nollywood and Hollywood.

    “Why are our films not in Cannes and Toronto?” he asked.

    “But when they watched this one, they were amazed and shocked. And I hope we will be able to take it from here, to express our other uniqueness to the world.”

  • Ambode gives filmmaker’s widow one million naira

    Ambode gives filmmaker’s widow one million naira

    The Executive Governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, has presented one million naira to the immediate family of late filmmaker, Obi Madubogwu.

    The cheque was presented by Honourable Desmond Elliott to the late actor’s widow, Uju Ngozi Madubogwu last Thursday. Present at the presentation was the late filmmaker’s friend, Nobert Ajaegbu, a popular lawyer and film marketer.

    The widow expressed her thanks to the governor and prayed for God’s blessing for him. Hon Elliot also commended the governor’s magnanimity and passed the governor’s condolence message to Obi’s family.

    Obi Madubogwu, aka King of Musanga was laid to rest on 10th November, 2017 at his country home, Nkwere Ogidi, Anambra state.

    Before his death on August 28, 2017, Obi battled diabetes for several years. The condition got chronic that he developed  ‘acute diabetics foot ulcers’ and Nigerians had to come to his rescue to help foot his medical bills.

  • Filmmaker Eddie Ugbomah urges govt., stakeholders to keep Halls of Fame alive

    Filmmaker Eddie Ugbomah urges govt., stakeholders to keep Halls of Fame alive

    •As event holds August 25

    Veteran filmmaker and Nollywood connoisseur, Eddie Ugbomah, has decried the failing state the nation’s movie archives.

    In a statement, the filmmaker also questioned a situation where veterans in the Nigerian movie scene are not given the honour they deserve.

    Ugbomah, who mooted the idea of a hall in 2004 and held its first Induction of 2006 without any form of support, revealed that he is not daunted by the lack of response by stakeholders.

    “We have tried for the past three months; we have couriered several letters to some contributors into the entertainment that are now Senators, Ex- Governors, Ex- Presidents and oil Tycoon yet no acknowledgement. We are appealing to them to respond to our letters by attending the induction night on the 25th August 07 at National Theatre Igamu Lagos,” he stated.

    Ugbomah described as painful the fact that that majority of the parasatals have made promises of moral and financial support but up to date the usual recession excuse have not allowed them to keep their promises.

    “Most people don’t know that Wole Soyinka made two 35mm movies, Late M.K Abiola and Jab Adu produced one of the greatest Nigerian movie, Bisi Daughter Of The River and it is so sad and unfortunate that PHCN made me lose over 800 million naira of my celluloid films, yet I am still single handedly supporting the survival of the Halls of fame,” he further lamented.

    He therefore called on the powers that be to acquire his Galleries to save Nigeria the embarrassment of his plan to sell it to UNESCO, FORD foundation, the former owner of CNN or Microsoft Computer owners.

    “I will not watch history die as all the above names living or dead Artiste have served this Nation. We are expecting any of the multinationals to please come to salvage and keep the Halls of Fame alive so that our children can have a place to learn about the past Professionals,” he stated.