The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood to honour stakeholders in Abuja

    Nollywood to honour stakeholders in Abuja

    Nollywood Ambassadors Awards ( NAA ) International Initiative, says it will honour stakeholders who have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian movie industry at its maiden event scheduled for Sept. 29.

    Mr Sunny-Ken Awoji, President of the Initiative, organisers of the award, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    “Nollywood has evolved to become a global brand, and it is time to celebrate our brand ambassadors for their immense contributions to the growth of a brand that has created jobs for many Nigerians.

    According to Awoji, there are individuals and organisations, within and outside the Nigerian motion picture industry, popularly known as Nollywood, that have contributed toward its astronomical growth.

    He said also that “anyone, across every sector, who have shown uncommon patriotism and contributed to the exponential growth of the film making industry to where it is today, is our worthy ambassador that deserves accolade.

    “These worthy ambassadors of our great industry are worth celebrating,” he said.

    Awoji explained that since the initiative was geared towards recognising both practitioners and supporters of the industry alike, the award has been classified into internal and external awards respectively.

    “It is time to look beyond the industry and acknowledge those who have helped us thus far that is why the award is classified into internal and external awards.”

    He added that the roll of honour cuts across over 20 categories, with recipients picked from various field of human endeavours.

    He explained that the categories; the ‘external awards’ include Most Supportive Personality of the Year, Humanitarian Man/Woman of the Year, Most Supportive Clergy Man of the Year and the Most Creative Politician of the Year.

    Others he said are: Excellent Media, Media personality Award, Youngest Entrepreneur and the Print Media Personality, and others.

    He added that the ‘internal category’ of the award include Best Guild President of the year, Most Creative Director of the year, Best Producer and the Best Director.

    The Best Actors (Male and Female), ‘Kannywood Best Actor, and the Most Promising Actor, male and female respectively, would also be honoured among others.

    According to him, the Federal Ministry of Information and other relevant government agencies such as the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board are also in support of the awards.

    Awoji explained that the choice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as venue for the awards was to represent unity and oneness of Nollywood.

    “Nollywood cuts across the different states and tribes of Nigeria, therefore our centre of unity is the most appropriate place to host this prestigious event,” he said.

  • Why I left Nollywood, by Crackydon

    Why I left Nollywood, by Crackydon

    Malaysia-based actor, Abbey Abimbola, popularly known as Crackydon, has said he left Nigeria to have a better understanding of to become a movie star.

    Speaking on his journey,  the Osun state born actor said: “I left Nollywood industry because I wanted to learn more about filmmaking and change the perspective of people towards Nollywood movies especially when it comes to ANTP (Association Of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners) and thank God for what I have achieved so far.”

    Crackydon who revealed that having tattoo all over his body makes him look tough also spoke on his experience on acting in Malaysian and Bollywood movies

    “Well, I will say it’s not easy but one with God is always majority,” he said.

    “Before this time I use to travel to India to ask to feature in movies due to the love that I have for Bollywood. But most of the time I got turned down because they haven’t seen any of my jobs and mainly they prefer you to be a martial artist before you can get featured their films.

    “I thought about this for a while and I decided to join kickboxing and Silat Martial Arts and since then God has been so wonderful to me in all my auditions.

    “As a matter of fact I have featured in more than 10 Bollywood movies and close to 30 Malaysian movies including TV commercials,” he adds.

     

  • Tonto Dike, others hold audition for youths talent hunt show

    Tonto Dike, others hold audition for youths talent hunt show

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh and other celebrities on Friday took part in the audition for the talent hunt show Unleash Your Talent 2017, with over 200 youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two days audition from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18, is to discover, develop and empower young Nigerian talents in singing, dancing and acting.

    The “Unleash Your Talent 2017” show is an initiative of the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF), an NGO that empowers youths and the less privileged towards realising their potential.

    Tonto Dikeh, who coordinated the team of judges for the audition, told NAN that the Abuja event was a part of a nation-wide audition holding simultaneously in eight zones across the country.

    “This audition is for aspiring contestants here in Abuja, and it is as well taking place in Lagos, Ibadan, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Ekiti.

    “Entrance is free with the age limit of 18 to 35 years, and if you said you got talent then come and unleash it.

    “This Unleash Your Talent 2017 initiative is line with the ACTDF objective to empower and engage Nigerian youths, so they can contribute their quota to nation building,” she said.

    According to Dikeh, the audition team is looking for passionate and talented youths who are poised to come to the limelight in the entertainment industry.

    She said that at the end of the audition, selected contestants from Abuja would then slug it with other zones until the final winner emerges.

    She further said that the grand finale is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers on Sept. 1.

    Some of the contestants who spoke with NAN said they were looking for platforms to develop and express their talents and the Unleash Your Talent 2017 was a timely opportunity.

    Miss Belinda Ezeofor, a lawyer said she decided to pursue a career in acting because of her flair and passion for it.

    “Acting has been my interest from childhood, even before I went to the university to study law. I, therefore, see this programme as an opportunity to fulfil my dream.

    “I will put in my best in this audition to enable me to make it to the final stage,” she expressed.

    Tina and Rita Mathew, identical twins and graduates of Theatre Arts, commended the ACTDF for bringing the talent hunt audition to Abuja.

    “It is our dreams to grow in the acting profession and become celebrities, and a platform such as this will bring out the best in us towards realising the dream,” Tina said.

    The panel of judges at the Abuja audition has seasoned actors, filmmakers and showbiz managers including Chinwe Eboh, El Deino and Olubunmi Fagbuyiro, a talent and brand management consultant.

    Other members of the team are movie director Marx Adden and the Chief Whip of the Abuja chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria Oluwafemi Iwajomo.

    NAN reports that organisers of the event had earlier said that each winner in dancing, singing and acting, respectively at the grand finale will get contracts worth one million naira and other cash prizes.

    They will also be slated to join the ACTDF leadership on a trip to New York for the UN Summit holding later in September.

    While the first and second runners up of the respective categories will also be rewarded with juicy contracts and cash prizes to enable them to thrive as young artistes.

  • Leadway, Pensure, others partner Nollywood on health insurance

    Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Leadway Pensure PFA and Pinewood Medicare have signed an agreement with 13 affiliates of Nollywood on an insurance scheme, tagged NollyHealth Insured, for their members, its Executive Director, Ms. Adetola Adegbayi, has said.

    In a statement in Lagos, Adegbayi said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on July 13 at the NAN’s Media Centre, National Theatre Complex at Iganmu, Lagos.

    According to her, under the partnership, members in the creative industry, including the Association of Motion Picture Entertainment Editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN); Creative Designers’ Guild of Nigeria (CDGN); Cinematographers’ Society of Nigeria (CSN); Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN); Film & Video Producers’ and Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN); and Independent Television Producers Association (ITPAN).

    Other members are Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN); National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP); Screenwriters’ Guild of Nigeria (SWGN); Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and United Movie Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (UMPAN).

    He said mebers of the association would enjoy a unified general insurance, healthcare, pension coverage and other benefits.

    She added: “Leadway Assurance will provide a life/general insurance policy for practitioners covering the following: Group Personal Accident Insurance, which provides compensation to members/affiliates of the group in the event of accidental bodily injury to the insured person(s) that may result to death or disablement; Group life cover for the beneficiary of a member who passes away while in Service and Business Protection Insurance (Creative Art Production Insurance) under which is  Cast & Crew Insurance, Fire & Burglary on Directors & Crew’s Personal Property, Miscellaneous Equipment (all risks), public liability insurance and theft or loss of money on a filming location.

    “On the other hand, its subsidiary company Leadway Pensure PFA would cater for the pension funds of members, while Pinewood Medicare HMO would serve as a healthcare service provider for the members of the  interest groups within the Nollywood ecosystem.

     

    President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Fred Amata, who spoke on behalf of the creative industry said the initiative is the first collective effort of the creative sector to seize the opportunity of the persuasive power of unified numbers in negotiating an advantage for the benefit of the larger sector adding that NollyInsured is a progressively inclusive initiative.

    Also the Managing Director, Pinewood Medicare, Dr. Olasimbo Davidson, said the Nolly-care programme is designed firstly to end healthcare inequalities that pertain to income differences, and secondly to end preventable deaths, which often stem from high healthcare costs. Lastly the Nolly-care programme aims to significantly reduce poor health outcomes, which are typically linked to low access to high end specialists and sub- specialists.”

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who was represented by the Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, assured Nollywood stakeholders of the Federal Government’s continual support towards the development of Nollywood insurance scheme, which provides favourable healthcare conditions for practitioners.

    Madueke stressed that the insurance scheme could not have come at a better time, especially in the face of the urgent medical challenges that has faced members of the film industry.

    He pointed out that there was the urgent need for both stakeholders to discuss health insurance and health issues pertaining to Nollywood members.

     

     

     

     

  • TOPE EBIKUAJU: I chose filmmaking instead of fraud

    A young Nollywood filmmaker, Tope Ebikuaju, has said that filmmaking has taken away from some negative influences.

    “When I left school, I told myself that I needed to do something that is not fraudulent,” said the 22 year old film producer who has three works (‘In The Deep,’ ‘Final Judgment’ and ‘Flashpoint’) in his kitty so far.

    “I wanted to make money with my talent, so I opted for films. It was not easy at the initial stage but you know that talent does not hide. One thing I like about Nollywood is that if you tarry, someone will identify your talent and give you the platform to showcase it. In my case, it was Obi Madubogwu, and today in a short while, I have movies people are impressed with. Some of my mates found favour in yahoo-yahoo, but I chose to make films instead. And everyone is proud of me for that.”

    Ebikuaju who has lived in both Lagos and Ondo states also said his environments have been impactful on his growing career and fuelled his creative mind.

    “I usually tell people that one’s experiences influence the choice of movies one makes,” said Ebikuaju.

    “The experience could come from literary works or even physical encounters. For me the experiences in Lagos and Ondo have been helpful. A fertile mind will always see ingredients to prepare his works from those.”

    And Ebikuaju has a piece of advice for his fellow young Nigerians.

    “I will urge them to channel their creative energies to filmmaking rather than internet fraud.”

  • I’M NOT MARRIED YET, BUT I’VE GOT ACTING…–NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS OGHENEKARO ITENE

    I’M NOT MARRIED YET, BUT I’VE GOT ACTING…–NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS OGHENEKARO ITENE

    Delta State born actress Oghenekaro Itene is poised for the most enviable celebrity status. This she does by combining acting with charity works in Nigeria and South Africa. In a WhatsApp chat with VICTOR AKANDE, the amiable entertainer gives some interesting perspectives to her life’s personal desires.

    HOW has the journey been since you started acting in 2013? It’s been both challenging and exciting. God has been faithful.

    How many films do you have to your credit so far?

    I’ve lost count. Some are yet to be released.

    What are the few notable ones that readily come to your mind?

    I would say Tinsel, Esohe, Shattered Mirror…

    Does Tinsel explain why you’re using a South African number in Nigeria?

    (Laughs) Is that part of the interview or you are just asking?

    Yes, the interview. A build-up if you like…

    I do have a Nigerian number. I gave you this number because I respond faster on this number. I do lots of volunteering work for NGOs in South Africa.

    Can you shed light on this?

    I only use this number for my WhatsApp because of that purpose so I can be easily reached by these bodies. It’s something I do as a sacrifice, so I’m really not comfortable saying much about it. And besides, I go to SA every now and then.

    I think Nigeria needs your input too on voluntary works. And supposing we don’t have such initiatives here yet, would you want to replicate them?

    I’m open to serve. Besides, I do loads of that in Nigeria too, but on a low key. I meant charity works.

    But what other ventures pay your bills apart from acting, or would you say you make more than enough from acting?

    I run other side businesses apart from acting

    What really attracted you to acting?

    The love for the art. I never knew I will go into acting professionally, it sort of happened, it was kind of divine.

    When and how did you discover that love?

    I was on a set, where I was given the job of a makeup artist, when I was asked to audition for a role and surprisingly I got the part to play a sub-lead. That was how the journey started, though I did some acting in Nursery/Primary school like every other kid while growing up.

    What did you study originally?

    I studied biology at the University of Benin. But I remember when I was in Secondary School, I was in Science Department, but when it was time for literature I always joined the Art Class. It was funny; my teachers were always walking me out of the class until they got tired.

    Now that you are into acting, when do you hope to stop? In other words, how far do you intend to go with acting?

    It’s going to be a lifetime thing for me

    And is anything hindering your pace at the moment?

    Absolutely nothing… I believe God is with me in this journey. I just got back from USA after a successful tour for my latest feature film ‘Esohe’ and I’m glad to say the movie has been selected for the upcoming Nollywood Travel Film Festival which will take place in the month of September, in Toronto.

    Are you married? Any children yet? If not, can all these wait if they will cost you a thing?

    I’m not married, and I’ve got no kids. Marriage is from God, when God says it’s time, it’s time

    What’s your ideal man and how many kids would you want to have?

    My ideal man should be God-fearing, understanding, hardworking, extra caring and should be able to support my career. Also, I need to be attracted to the guy. There has to be physical attraction that will draw me to the man but at the end of the day, it’s the guy’s mind I’m going to fall in love with. I’m probably looking for a friend, someone who shares a like mind and somebody who is confident. I would love to have one kid because there are lots of kids out there that need a home, and a lot of mouths to feed.

    As a Delta lady, do you think your parents would reckon with just a kid?

    My Parents are late.

    Oh, sorry. Who has been your source of encouragement?

    My siblings have been a source of encouragement to me. They are very supportive and they are there for me whenever I need them. I’m the baby of the house.

    No wonder you seek an extra caring man…

    (Laughs) Growing up, I was over pampered by my parents and siblings

    Do you think there are still men out there with such qualities? Aren’t you’re asking for too much?

    I pray and hope so. (Laughs) You are very funny… That’s not too much to ask for really… If he truly loves me, being caring shouldn’t be hard now don’t you think.

    And it doesn’t matter how long it takes? You’re not being pressured to get married?

    I come from a Christian home, and we believe it’s God that make marriages happen. I believe when it’s time, God will make it happen.

    Now, what have you got to give back to the man who may be extra caring, some sets of triplets? Sorry, I forgot you said one kid…

    (Laughs) I will give him my heart and my Love…

    Are you worried that marriages in Nollywood hit the rocks. I mean, we have too many examples in recent times.

    I have nothing to say about that. For me, when the right man comes I will get married.

    You supported Mercy Aigbe’s walk recently, any personal experience regarding domestic violence?

    No personal experience, but I have a cousin who went through that and it took a lot for her to speak up… The day she was rushed to the hospital after losing four months pregnancy from beating from the husband; that was the day she spoke and made the decision to take a walk. Anyone in an abusive relationship, verbal or physical, should speak out. The signs are always there…. If the victim notices this…he or she can go for counseling

    Are you in a relationship? Is the lucky man in the entertainment industry? Does he understand and support your job?

    I don’t have a boyfriend now.

    Who are your influences in Nollywood?

    Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Shan George and a host of other hardworking actors.

    Tell us more about ‘Esohe’ the movie

    ‘Esohe’ is a cross cultural movie, shot in Benin and USA. The movie will be premiered later this year in Nigeria. I played the role of Itohan in the film. I just got back from USA after a successful movie premiere tour for ‘Esohe’, and I’m glad to say the movie has been selected for the upcoming Nollywood Travel Film Festival which will take place in the month of September, in Toronto.

    What do you do in your leisure?

    I read, write and watch movies…

    What’s your beauty regime like?

    I go to the Spa during my vacations, and on my own I cleanse, exfoliate, and moisture my face regularly.

    Where is your choice vacation destination?

    I love South Africa. I go there often. Although I will love to tour the world if I have my way (laughs).I go to Ghana for vacation too.

    What about your favourite food…

    My favorite food is ogbono soup made with dried fish and wheat.

  • Ehizoya set for Nollywood festival in Germany

    German-based entertainment outfit, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V culture, has presented this year’s Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and Nollywood Europe Gala Awards (NEGA) awards projects to His Excellency, Mr D. O. Falowo, Nigeria’s new Consular General in Frankfurt, Germany.

    The President of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment, Mr. Isaac Izoya, said NFFG and NEGA, both scheduled to hold on September 8 and 9, 2017, are meant to promote Nigeria in Europe via Nollywood movies produced in Germany.

    Responding, Falowo said “I can’t wait to witness the event because I heard so much about it when I was still in United States of America before coming to Germany. I was aware when Her Excellency Senator Danzilla James from Atlanta Georgia and Dr. Queen Blessing Itua came to receive their awards respectively some years back. They came back to United States then singing praises of the event generally.

    “You could then imagine how I felt when I was posted down to Frankfurt. We are here to support viable projects of this magnitude which is very good for our country’s image.”

    Expected to attend are Nollywood stakeholders and Diplomatic Corps, VIPs from Abuja, Ghana, UK, USA.

    The Nollywood Events (NFFG & NEGA) are organised by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, in alliance with Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany. Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt (Ministry of Art/Culture – Frankfurt), Hessen State Filmforum Höchst VHS-Frankfurt Am Main, The Office for Multicultural Affairs (Amt für multi culturelle Angelegenheiten – AmkA), Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigeria community e.V, Frankfurt, Germany.

    Two movies – Diplomatic Strings and Strings will premiere on the opening night while Candle in the Wind by Abdul Salam Mumuni and shot in Ghana is also among movies that will be screened at the festival. Diplomatic Strings, produced by Izoya was shot in Frankfurt and Lagos and produced by Isaac Izoya.

    On September 9, Deranged, which was produced by Nadia Buari and shot in Ghana will also be premiered. Later, the NEGA gala night will hold at Friesstrass 20 60388 Frankfurt Am MMain and Nigerian comedian Kenny Blaq and Hip hop star Zeez and local-based artists Tu-Brain and Shaba will entertain guests.

  • FG, entertainment experts to discuss financing Nollywood at summit

    FG, entertainment experts to discuss financing Nollywood at summit

    Entertainment experts and officials from the federal ministry of information, culture and tourism will meet to discuss ways of ensuring access to long and short-term finance by the movie industry.
    The creative summit, which has been scheduled to hold on July 17 and 18, will take place at the EKO Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos.
    Speakers expected at the summit include Kene Mkparu (Film House Group), Jason Njoku (Iroko TV), Alex Okosi (MTV Base), Adeola Bali (finance expert), Kemi Sulu (Live Nation), Sanjay Kumar (media guru), among others.
    “The Creative Nigeria Summit is a free two-day event organized by the federal ministry of information, culture and tourism, in conjunction with Think Tank Media and Advertising ltd, to take the industry to a golden era with smooth access to short and long term financing, world class management and local and international distribution,” a statement from the organisers read.
    The Creative Nigeria Summit will feature plenary sessions and presentations on themes related to the challenging issues in the creative industry.
    “They include – Fundamentals of financing film, television and music production; marketing film, television and music production; the cinema business in Nigeria, case study of Film House Group; the Bank of Industry experience in financing film (Nollyfund); government’s role in funding the creative industry.”
    Television, film and music industry experts, banks, venture capital firms and institutional investors, copyright lawyers, artistes and government regulatory agencies are expected at the summit.
  • ‘Be our partner’, Korean Cultural Centre director tells Nollywood

    ‘Be our partner’, Korean Cultural Centre director tells Nollywood

    Mr Han Sungrae, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre (KCC), has appealed to the Nigerian film industry to partner the Korean movie industry to further strengthen bilateral relations between both Nigeria and Korea.

    Sungrae made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the Asian Film Festivals held in Abuja.

    According to him, Korea has an advanced technology that movie makers in Nigeria can benefit from.

    “If there is partnership between both, it will improve the qualities of productions and volume of sales of both Nigerian and Korean films sales in both countries.

    “They will also boost the cultural and tourism potential of Nigeria and Korea as they will be showcasing the various tourism sites in the two countries in their movies,’’ Sungrae said.

    He said the recent screening of the Korean movie “Calona’’ in Abuja showcased the famous Korean tourism site: Jeju Island.

    “Calona means a place with yellow flowers.

    “The KCC likes showing this film to introduce the Island to the world to encourage people to visit it.

    “Nollywood can also portray some Nigerian tourism sites in their movies,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that “Calona’’ is a 116 minutes’ film released in 2016.

    It is the story of Gye-choon (Youn Yuh-Jung), a female diver on Jeju Island, who was living a simple and community-based life.

    “Unfortunately, her little grand-daughter, Hye-ji (Kim Go-Eun), went missing from the community.

    Hye-Ji who was living on petty crimes on the streets of Seoul in Korea grew up a troubled-teen.

    Gye-choon was, however, reunited with her after 12 years of separation.

    The movie showed how the warmth displayed by Gye-choon’s unswerving devotion gradually drew Hye-Ji back to some semblance of the sweet creature she once was.

    Life went back to normal between them in the Island until they experienced another tragedy.

  • Nollywood gets FG’s N420m grant

    Nollywood gets FG’s N420m grant

    The Federal Government said it has released the sum of N420.2 million to the Nigeria film industry popularly called Nollywood to improve and support aspiring practitioners.

    A statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Patricia Deworitshe, on Friday in Abuja, said the money, which is the second tranche payment will benefit 105 film distributors.

    The Federal Government had earlier introduced the “Project Act Nollywood” with three primary components aimed at developing the movie making value chain.

    The components are the Film Production Fund (FPF), Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and Innovative Distribution Fund (IDF).

    The FPF and CBF have been fully implemented, while the IDF, which is the third component of the project, is ongoing.

    The IDF covers online, national, regional and community categories of Nollywood film distribution and exhibition.

    The objectives of IDF are to improve the distribution network of Nigerian Audio-Visual contents, cut down on piracy, create jobs, and protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

    NAN