The Nation Newspaper

Tag: movie

  • War movie: Army seek partnership with filmmakers

    War movie: Army seek partnership with filmmakers

    Unlike the Nigeria Police, whose activities are common in Nollywood films, the Nigerian Army only enjoys references  in war-related and historical movies – the military thinks with their subtle war against insulgents, there is need to partner Nollywood filmmakers on movies that will endear the military to the people.

    Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, Chief of Civil/ Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters revealed that this is part of the new focus of the military under the leadership of Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff.

    The army chief made this known at the unveiling of the movie, 76, set against the backdrop of war and nation building. The movie which stars Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme and Ramsey Nouah among others is an Adonis and Tonye Princewill production which was inspired by events around the botched 1976 coup d’etat.

    Interestingly, Princewill who is the Executive Producer of the movie, disclosed that the execution of the movie was done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army. He revealed that the army made available the facilities at Mokola Barracks, Ibadan, where the movie was shot.

    The Major General said, “With every regime come different concepts and ideas. So with the coming of Maj Gen T.Y Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, he has a vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian army in discharge of its constitutional mandate. And part of that is to develop a military/ civil relationship that will close the gap between the military and the civilians. That is what we are trying to do. The issue of people not having channels to complain is now a thing of the past. Right now, we have a human rights desk in our office. We are collaborating with the National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Bar Association.”

    “We welcome and encourage any filmmaker who wants to do a movie on the insurgency war as long as it is within the confines of the law. Interested participants can come up and we will look into it and collaborate.”

    Asked about funding, the army chief said, “When we are collaborating with a filmmaker, it means that there is counterpart funding for it. This means that it is a two-way traffic, not that the Nigerian Army alone will fund such movies. If you come up with a proposal and you think that it will be beneficial to the Nigerian Army and indeed, Nigerians as a whole, then we will be ready to look into it.”

    Adonis Productions is already considering the challenge thrown by the Nigerian military. Princewill who is also the patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers expressed his willingness for collaboration with the Nigerian military.

  • Greg Odutayo’s new movie targets human trafficking

    Greg Odutayo’s new movie targets human trafficking

    as one of the earliest movies of 2016, Beyond Blood, a Royal Roots production is scheduled for premiere this Friday, producer of the film, Greg Odutayo hopes the theme of the film; human trafficking will make for better education of the society, just as it is meant to entertain.

    Odutayo who announced that the film will premiere at Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos on January 15, said it chronicles the ills in our society and the world at large. “This include human trafficking, prostitution, drug addiction, AIDS, homosexuality, gangs and a culture that legitimises tyranny and injustice especially of women trapped in the vagrancies of culture and tradition,” he said.

    The ace sit-com producer, who disclosed this at a special sneak preview of the movie for journalists in Lagos, hinted that the story revolves around Moji, a young Oxford educated woman with a passion for social justice and equality. Her privileged background, he noted, contrasts sharply with the desperate conditions of the prostitutes, drug-addicts and their children she cares for at ‘The Mansion’ – a centre she funds privately much to the disapproval of some in her social circle, including her family.

    Starring Kehinde Bankole, Bimbo Manuel, Caroline King, Joseph Benjamin, and Francis Onwochei among other notable actors, Beyond Blood, according to the filmmaker, is produced English, Pidgin, French and Yoruba languages with subtitles.

    Speaking further on the movie, which he said was shot in Lagos and London, Odutayo said “We didn’t just want to make a movie that will raise the bar in the industry, we wanted to make a movie that will give us worldwide recognition. As matter of fact, we started working on this film five years ago. A lot of research and hard work were put into the movie. We also took a lot of time in casting and everybody gave the movie his or her best shot.

    “As a mark of that, Kehinde Bankole and Joseph Benjamin had to learn French language. It is suspense-filled and not a mundane film. It touches issues confronting the human race irrespective of what continent the viewer lives in. For example, human trafficking is not only prevalent in Europe, it is also here with us.”

    Written by Debo Oluwatumininu, the film was screened last year at the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, California, USA during the Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival.

    Other cinemas where the film will be screened, according to Odutayo, include Okada Cinema, Benin, Edo State; Viva Cinemas in Ilorin, Kwara State and Ibadan, Oyo State as well as in Genesis Cinema, Abuja, and Ozone Cinema, Yaba, Lagos.

  • Padita Agu promotes new movie with stars

    Padita Agu promotes new movie with stars

    Nollywood actress Padita Agu, who just released a new movie titled The Last 3 Digits, is currently promoting the movie with the likes of On-Air-Personality, Lolo 1, Audu Maikori and Seyi Shay among others. According to the actress, the reason for using popular faces is to enhance publicity for the movie.

    She stated: “Lolo1 receives a special preview copy of #Thelast3digits #movie. You know your soup is well cooked when #lolo1 got your back!

    The movie which is currently showing at the cinemas features Nonso Diobi ,Yemi Blaq, Dr SID and Rachel Oniga among others.

    Padita who has been missing in action for some years, according to reports, took a break from the screen to complete her studies at the University of Abuja, after which she left for the New York Film Academy for further training.

    The actress has starred in movies such as Egg of Life, The Boy is Mine and Burning Heart. She is also an event planner, and the CEO of Goldie Locks Hair Salon located in Abuja.

  • AY set for next movie

    AY set for next movie

    Having made a huge fortune from his debut movie, 30 Days in Atlanta, popular comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY, appears set for another feature film.

    With a title teaser that reads ‘A trip to Jamaica’, there are indications the comedian intends to continue the Akpo’s adventure as a sequel to his last effort.

    Although the comedian is yet to reveal full details of the movie, he uploaded a photograph of himself and former Miss Jamaica, Rebecca Silvera on social media with the caption: “My Name is Akpos, see what I caught in the Jamaican Waters!!! Who is ready for Another AY’s Movie:A trip to Jamaica!!!.”

    A versatile entertainer, AY who is also a radio and TV presenter, writer, director and MC, hails from Ondo State. Although popular for his annual A.Y Live Show, he ventured into movie business with 30 Days in Atlanta, a test run which made history as the highest grossing film in Nigerian cinemas.

  • HALIMA ABUBAKAR SHOOTS MOVIE IN UK

    HALIMA ABUBAKAR SHOOTS MOVIE IN UK

    CONTROVERSIAL Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar who started acting in 2001, is currently in the United Kingdom shooting another movie. This is coming on the heels of her successful debut production, Mistresses.

    The CEO of a Modehouse Entertainment, a music label and Entertainment Management Company took to her Instagram page to share the good news; “If anyone told me I would film my own movie in the UK, I would never have believe that. God is good. TBT Oxford Street United Kingdom.”

    An award winning actress, Halima has won awards such as Best Actress Award at City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actress Award at Eminent Achievers Award, Best Actress Award at Leadership as well as Best Supporting Actress from Afro Hollywood Awards among others.

    The Sociology graduate of Bayero University, Kano made her Nollywood debut in the movie, The Rejected.

    She is yet to give the full details of the movie and faces that will be appearing in the movie. Halima also runs a charity organisation, ‘Halima Abubakar Foundation for the Poor’, which focuses on people without food.

  • FirstBank introduces Life is a Movie

    FirstBank introduces Life is a Movie

    •Best customer movie to be used as Television commercial

    FirstBank has brought new concept into its marketing campaign. Tagged Life is a Movie, the campaign gives customers of the bank an opportunity to screen their daily life experiences, upload it on the bank’s social media.

    Giving people to chose or cast their dramatic personae a protagonist or antagonist; or make the life movie a thriller or comedy, the bank said its giving everyone, be it its customers or prospect “to participate in a real-time blockbuster titled “Life is a Movie” featuring our customers.”

    According to the bank, the campaign is meant to actualise the bank’s You First brand promise which was launched last year when the bank hit 120 years of existence in Nigeria and changed its way of banking to meet the need of the market.

    “The Bank is again living up to its brand promise to put YOU first, through a series of consumer experience. Moments in our lives play out like scenes from a movie which could fit into the genres of romance, adventure, comedy and definitely drama. Whatever this moment is, FirstBank is requesting you to share this moment with us so we can begin to see the world from our customers’ point of view,” says an industry analyst.

    With the ‘Life is a Movie Campaign’, the bank said customers can share their life experiences, exciting moments or  adventures capture it with their video camera, send or upload the video recordings their Facebook page and tag FirstBank’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/firstbankofnigeria; Instagram Page and tag FirstBank’s Instagram Page – www.instagram.com/firstbanknigeria using the hashtag#LifeisaMovie. However, the bank’s creative manager said the best entries will be pulled together to make the first ever customer focused television commercial in Nigeria starring YOU.

    The Bank’s Head of Corporate Communication, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said FirstBank has chosen its customers to run its new ‘YOU FIRST’ advertising campaign in movie style.

    “Having the faces of our customers used as part of our advertising campaign represents not only what we do for our customers, but what our customers do with us.With this campaign, we want you, our customers assured that even when life feels like a movie, FirstBank will be  part of the script with lifestyle-fit products and services you need to make sure your life follows the script you planned” she stated .

    This campaign demonstrates how the Bank puts its customers first. Whether it is getting them to do something new, putting them in line for something special or taking their business to the next level, FirstBank would support its customers, and ensure that they enjoy the different moments of their lives. Having been around for over 120 years, FirstBank has become the trusted and dependable partner throughout the journey of life – experiencing many moments right along with its customers and thus, playing a major role in the movie of their lives.

    According to her, the campaign demonstrates FirstBank’s readiness to stand behind every dream, every new experience, and every accomplishment and much more to better serve customers and truly put them first.

  • DAYO AMUSA TALKS NEW MOVIE, ‘PATHETIC’

    DAYO AMUSA TALKS NEW MOVIE, ‘PATHETIC’

    COMING on the heels of her last production, Unforgivable, which garnered five awards at Yoruba Movie Academy Award, Nollywood actress, Dayo Amusa, has come with another movie titled Pathetic.

    Directed by Ike Nnaebue, the new project is produced by AMZADOL Productions and was shot in Lekki /Ajah, Lagos.

    Featured in the movie are some of the biggest names in the Nigerian movie industry like, Funsho Adeolu, Toyin Aimakhu, Toyin Alausa, Bimbo Akintola, and Wale Ojo, among others.

    Pathetic tells the story of how career women are faced with the challenge of balancing their marriages and their chosen career paths.

    Presently in its post-production stage, information has it that Pathetic is expected to hit the cinemas before the end of the year.

    The actress, who is also looking slimmer than her fans are used to, recently took to her Instagram page to post a set of dress and sandals, which she said was a gift from a fan who is yet to reveal his identity.

    She posted: “I got this gifts from a fan #IGFAM few weeks back, but due to up and down waka waka, I’ve not been able to acknowledge it and show appreciation until now. Unfortunately I’m unable to single out who. Please kindly DM me if u get this. In advance Thank you.”

  • Yoruba movie practitioners sign MOU

    Yoruba movie practitioners sign MOU

    The Yoruba Video Film Producers Marketers Association of Nigeria, (YOVIFPMAN), and Theater Arts and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria, (TAMPAN), last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to work together to get rid of non-professionals in the Yoruba film industry.

    Present at the ceremony were popular Yoruba actor, Adebayo Salami, YOVIFPMAN President, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulrasaq and TAMPAN President, Mr Dele Odule. The MoU was signed at the YOVIFPMAN secretariat at The Arena, Oshodi, Lagos.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Odule said it became necessary to sign the agreement when they discovered that non-professionals were taking over the market.

    “We have done this to appreciate professionalism and drive away mediocrity. If you look at it critically, you will discover that the Yoruba movie producers are marketers have not done too well but these days we cannot differentiate between the professionals and non-professionals. This is why we have decided to come together so that we can do away with the mediocre and be able to identify the professionals,” Odule said.

    He also noted that now that they have signed an MoU, there will be better production from the producers which will in turn lead to acceptability by the marketers and cinemas.

  • Genevieve Nnaji shines in new movie, ‘Road to Yesterday’

    AFTER what seems like a break from the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji is set to return to the big screen in a new production, Road to Yesterday . Producers of the feature film, The Entertainment Network, made this know when they announced plans to release the film in all Nigerian cinemas on Friday, November 27.

    Set in Lagos Nigeria, the movie is an epic love story, about a couple desperate to mend their marriage. They embark on a road trip to a relative’s funeral. However when memories and secrets from the past are revealed, a lot more is at stake than their relationship.

    According to the producers, Road to Yesterday is set to resonate with movie-goers nationwide.

    Written and directed by Ishaya Bako, a London Film School Alumni, and creator of Braids on a Bald Head (Best Short Film at the 2012 AMAA Awards) Road to Yesterday sees Genevieve Nnaji acting as Victoria Izu, the conflicted wife and mother.

    “Road to Yesterday was shot in various locations across Lagos. Its proudly Nigerian cast and crew celebrate the depth of local talent. With the support of AfricaMagic, the technical quality of the Film demonstrates that it is possible to make a high quality production in Nigeria with the appropriate budget and technical input. The Nigerian Premiere is set for Wednesday, November 18 in Lagos, Nigeria,” says Bako.

    Road to Yesterday also stars Nigerian-British actor, Oris Erhuerho, Majid Michel, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah and veteran, Ebele Okaro.

  • Hollywood movie, Captive to premiere in Lagos

    As Nigeria celebrates its 55th anniversary, The Rock Cathedral, in conjunction with the United States Consulate General, Lagos is set to offer Nigerians a taste of Hollywood with the premiere of the crime-drama thriller, Captive.

    According to a statement from the US Consulate, the film which premieres at The Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, by 5pm on October 1, ‘aims to awaken a purpose-driven life for all Nigerians.’

    Captive is a story of faith, redemption, and survival, based on the non-fiction book Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith. It is a true story about Brian Nichols, who escapes from the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta on March 11, 2005 and holds Smith as a hostage. Filming began in October 2013 in North Carolina. The film was released worldwide on September 18, 2015 by Paramount Pictures.

    Captive tells the true story of Smith using Rick Warren’s best-selling book, A Purpose Driven Life, to find her own path to redemption and persuade her captor to find his.  British-Nigerian actor and Golden Globe Award nominee, David Oyelowo, who recently portrayed Martin Luther King, Jr. in the film Selma, and American actress Kate Mara (House of Cards, The Fantastic Four) are among the cast of Captive.

    The film was directed by Jerry Jameson and written by Brian Bird and Reinhard Denke.