The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood Travel Festival to hold during TIFF 2017

    Nollywood Travel Festival to hold during TIFF 2017

    •As organisers unveil nominees at Lagos Meet & Greet party

    The maiden edition of Nollywood Travel Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 12 to 16 in Toronto, during the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) holding in Canada from September 7 to 17, 2017.

    The need to situate works of Nigerian motion picture practitioners within the prestigious TIFF was conceived last year, when eight Nollywood films were showcased in the city-to-city focus section of the North American film festival.

    Founder of Nollywood Travel Film Festival, Mykel Parish said the unprecedented acceptance of Nigerian films by non-Africans at the 2016 edition of TIFF, was an evidence of breath of fresh air for the movie lovers, hence the need to feed the thirst of other continents with Nollywood contents.

    According to Parish who is also President of African Film Consortium (AFC), since TIFF’s city-to-city programme has been rested after Nollywood’s outing in Toronto last year, the initiative paves the way for a suitable alternative.

    As part of the build-up to the TIFF sub-festival this September, organisers of  ‘Nollywood Travel Festival’ held a Meet & Greet event on June 23, 2017 at The Waterside, Ikoyi, Lagos, where nominees where officially unveiled and celebrated with pomp.

    Hosted by veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, celebrities at the event include Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, IK Ogbonna, Alexx Ekubo, Tope Oshin, Mykel Parish, Zakky Adze, Pretty Okafor, Andy Boyo, Sound Sultan, Oghenekaro Itene and Kingsley Omoefe among others.

    Nominated short films to be screened at the film festival include The Encounter by Tolulope Ajayi; Ireti by Tope Oshin;Meet My Parents by Lonzo Nzekwe; Silence by Tolulope Ajayi and No Good Turn by Udoka Oyeka.

    The feature length films are Kada River, 10 Days in Sun City, Catch.er, Lotanna, Lost in London, Excess Luggage,Esohe, Mansoor, Oloibi ri, Unveil, Slow Country, and Alter Ego.

    Unveiling the nominees at the glamorous event, Parish said he and his team are excited and proud to showcase Nollywood films to the world.

    He said although the festival is making debut in Toronto, other host cities include New York, London, Helsinki, Dubai, Tokyo, and Dublin.

    “The Nollywood Travel Film Festival celebrates the best of Nigerian cinema and will be hosted in major cities around the world. It will be a weekend of special indoor and outdoor screenings, inspiring discussions, meeting, parties and awards,” said Parish, adding that “the initiative seeks to promote films by Nigerians living all over the world to new and existing global audiences with the aim of creating new market places for Nigerian cinema.”

  • Nollywood to sign MoU with HMO

    The Nigerian Creative industry comprising 11 guilds and association is set to launch a health policy for its members with the signing of an MOU with an HMO in Lagos.

    Tagged NollyHeathCare, the health insurance scheme is expected be launched on Friday, June 30, 2017 at NAN Media Centre, National Theatre Annex, Iganmu, Lagos.

    The event is expected to be chaired by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, while the acting Lagos State Commissioner of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs. Akinsola Adebimpe, MD of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe and Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, will be speakers.

    The Creative Industry which include National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), Script Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), United Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (UMPAN), Association of Motion Picture & Entertainment Editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN) and others.

  • Sweden-based Nigerian hits Nollywood with Culprit

    Sweden-based Nigerian hits Nollywood with Culprit

    Richie Akpikpi, a Sweden-based Nigerian, is back to Nigeria after 17 years, to produce a movie titled Culprit.

    The Edo state born who studied Civil Engineering at the University of Florence, Italy before going to Sweden to pursue his career in construction is teaming up with experienced Nollywood director, Saheed Apanpa, who has done movies like Dark Closet, Last Date, Dagger and All for the Money, on the project.

    Culprit is an action thriller about a character called Cain. Cain is heart broken when the love of his life, Abby, tells him she can no longer see him because her parents do not approve of their relationship. She meets Tejiri, a rich spoilt kid and they begin a relationship. Her parents approves of Tejiri because his family is in their social circle and tribe.

    Tejiri is every girl’s dream husband and every parent’s dream son-In-law but it is only his girlfriend that knows his vices and when she can no longer tolerate his excesses, they start having issues.

    He drops her off in the middle of the bridge without her phone. Luckily for her, Cain shows up right on time and rescues her and they begin a relationship again. Suddenly, a lot of deaths begin to occur around Abby. She loses her dog, her dad and then her mother. She is next in line when she surprisingly discovers who the real killer is and is shocked to find out his motive.

  • Chi partners Nollywood to train farmers

    Chi Farms Limited, a player in hatching and growing of poultry, catfish, cattle fattening, meat processing, frozen food production and distribution, has partnered the Nigerian movie industry, dubbed Nollywood to produce an ‘edutainment’ series that helps building the capacity of farmers.

    According to the management of the company, it has started to shoot its first mini-series of eight episodes in Epe with a focus on catfish farming. The series will cover the daily struggles of a catfish farmer in running its business profitably.

    The Chi Farms Aquaculture Customer Focus Team will provide practical solutions that help to maximize the profit of the catfish farming business.

    Chi Farms said it uses the series as part of its large scale training effort for catfish farmers under its ongoing ‘Feed the Future’ initiative.

    The series will also be made available online through social media and is expected to be aired on a major Nigerian TV channel.

    Johannes Flosbach, Corporate Strategy and Business Development Chi Farms, said:  “Agricultural trainings must be as practical and hands-on as possible. Edutainment clips are a great way to reach large numbers of farmers even in areas where our Customer Focus Team cannot assist directly.”

    The project is part of a larger strategic initiative by Chi Farms to create win-win models with smallholder farmers by providing fish feed, catfish juveniles and water testing kits in combination with certified trainings and regular technical assistance.

    “Chi Farms produces highest quality of feed and juveniles. However, farmers need knowledge and understanding to choose the best quality product over the lowest price product” says Martin Middernacht, executive director at Chi Farms Ltd.

    The project is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In return Chi Farms has committed to conducting significant investments into the expansion of its feed milling and catfish hatchery capacities.

     

  • Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya dies at 42

    Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya dies at 42

    A very bright morning suddenly turned gloomy and sad as news of the passing away of ace actress Moji Olaiya hit tabloids and social platforms across the globe.

    Moji Olaiya, who was popular for her roles in movies like ‘Nkan Adun’, ‘Agunbaniro’, and ‘No Pains No Gain’, passed away in Canada two months after welcoming her second child.

    We recall that in less than one month, the Yoruba movie industry has been hit by three deaths – Olumide Bakare, Pastor Ajidara and now Moji Olaiya.

    The cause of her death is yet to be ascertained as at press time.

    See Moji Olaiya’s Last post on Instagram before her death…

    She is survived by her father, mother and daughters. May her soul rest in peace.

  • BANKADESUA: FIRST NOLLYWOOD FAiRYTALE MARRIAGE

    BANKADESUA: FIRST NOLLYWOOD FAiRYTALE MARRIAGE

    Thank you for agreeing to be my wife – Banky W

    I’m sorry it took me so long to realise it was you –Adesua

    I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m completely sure that I am ready to face it with you by my side

    LIFE imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life” is an anti-mimesis philosophical position that has just played out in the love story of new celebrity couple; Nigerian singer, rapper, label owner and actor Oluwabankole Wellington, aka Banky W and award-winning actress Adesua Etomi whose marriage engagement was announced on May 3, 2017 – a surreal mix of fact and fantasy – earning the excitement of many.

    As the two entertainers become man and wife today, following a traditional marriage at the bride’s Lagos family house in Maryland, Ikeja, the reality of a relationship that, though planted sparingly, sprouted from the duo’s interpretation of a couple’s characters in the biggest Nollywood box office earner, The Wedding Party, will remain a reference point for a long while, and perhaps, a comparison to the usually controversial-eroding celebrity marriages in the entertainment industry.

    Just as many doubted the authenticity of the engagement, which had a suspicious timing, knowing that the couple were on the set of The Wedding Party’s sequel, veteran colleagues of the couple, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mo Abudu, Sola Sobowale and Kemi Adetiba among others were on hand to dismiss the possibility of a marketing stunt for the star-studded film.

    “For these top celebrities sending congratulatory messages, the news of the engagement must be real,” people say, assuring themselves that their intelligence is not being taunted with another marketing stunt.

    “It’s actually real guys,” said Obi Asika on a social media forum. Just as Richard Mofe-Damijo asserted; “Very real. …Been working with the couple. Both are my peeps.”

    “It’s like the first real fairytale engagement in Nollywood that I can remember. Others before now were folk tales by moonlight,” quipped Charles Novia. He added: “Two ‘Ajebutter’ lovers in the entertainment industry getting engaged. That’s a Fairy Tale Engagement. Retro the past ones we know through the years; it’s either ‘Ajekpako’ meets ‘Ajebutter’.

    The groom could not convince anyone less, with his two-part social media epistle. Here is how he put it:

    “Dear Susu, …I knew pretty early in the process that I wanted to spend forever with you. Prayed about it fervently. But it took you FOREVER (okay fine… maybe a year and a half or so) to see things my way. But I kinda knew all along… I was just waiting for you to catch up.

    “In that time, I got engaged to you in my “Made For You” music video… and then by coincidence, we both got cast to get married in “The Wedding Party” movie… But all the while we were the very best of friends. I guess, in our case, real life will now imitate art.

    “I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m completely sure that I am ready to face it with you by my side. I pray that God continues to build me into the kind of man that you deserve. I love you Susu.. I feel safe and at peace with you. You mean the world to me. Thank you for agreeing to be my lover and best friend. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”

    Allaying all doubts, he said: “The timing of this may make some people think this is promo for another video, or a movie. It isn’t. Ironically, everyone who has seen us together in art, or in life, always insists that we have amazing chemistry. I guess you can say we have been hiding in plain sight. I fell in love with an Actress. Now my life is a movie. In February of 2017, I asked Adesua Tolulope Oluwaseun Etomi to be my wife. She said Yes.”

    Fans may not be privy to Adesua’s yah in the real sense of it; not that scripted line from ‘The Wedding Party”: Her actual expression, her state of ecstasy or if she betrayed her calmness by jumping at Banky W’s proposal, but one could read between the lines as published in her social media post.

    “Our friendship opened my eyes to a lot of things. Opened my eyes to the type of man Olubankole is and WHAT A MAN. WHAT A MIGHTY GOOD MAN. Olubankole, Your Heart is pure and good, to the very core. You are proof that God is real; you are proof that what’s on the inside is greater and so much more powerful than what we see on the outside and you are the evidence of what I hoped for. I bless God for entrusting my heart in your hands because I know it’s safe. You are everything I prayed for and so much more.

    Thank you for praying with me, fasting with me, always making time for me, laughing with me, and caring more about me than yourself. Thank you for being kind, loving and full of Integrity. And I’d like to say one more thing. I’m SO SORRY that it took me sooo long to realise that it was you. It has always been you. It couldn’t have been anyone else.

    In February 2017, you said you couldn’t be without me and asked me to be your wife and I said YES because I can’t be without you. It will be an absolute pleasure and one of the greatest blessings of my life to walk the path of life with you. Thank you for being who you are. My goodluck charm, my King, my lover, my bestfriend. I love you till eternity and beyond. No, This Is not a movie. Future Mrs. W.”

    At a time when holes in celebrity marriages are blamed on too much media exposure, some entertainers are a bit worried for the couple. “I just pray that the public display will eventually not end in shackles. With all the marriage drama happening on social media, one begins to wonder if it isn’t better to keep private love matters private,” one said.

    “We can only pray for them and hope for the best. There are exceptions to every rule,” replied another.

    “Yes o. Prayer must follow oh, because the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. When we put our businesses out there, (private or otherwise) we should be ready for war; spiritually and otherwise. Devil dey fight marriages wella,” the former concurred.

    However, for ‘Editor in Chief and Publisher of Genevieve Magazine, Mrs. Betty Irabor, the present media hype is just a spur-of-the moment, as the couple have a history of keeping their private affair private.

    She said: “So happy about this new trend where celebs spring engagement and wedding surprises. I hope the trend catches fire. Less shared the better!”

    Indeed, Bank W’s best friend and husband of celebrity OAP, Tunde Demuren attested to their maturity with privacy. “He asked. …She said yes” Love you guys!!! Congrats Susu&Bubba. This was tough keeping coded for so long,” he said on Instagram.

    Corroborating this, Nigerian hip-hop recording artist and entrepreneur, Chukie Edozien, aka Lynxxx, described it as the biggest secret he has had to keep. “Officially the biggest secret I’ve ever had to keep in my entire life! Congratulations brother! It’s been a long time coming!”

  • Some Nollywood couples who met on movie set

    Some Nollywood couples who met on movie set

    Iretiola and Patrick Doyle
    IRETI and Patrick Doyle met while working at the production company. Patrick Doyle then was a broadcaster and Ireti’s boss at that time.

    Isaac and Nneka Moses
    ISAAC and Nneka Moses met on the set of a movie in 1996. With their show Goge Africa that showcase Africa rich culture, which take them to different continents, the couple now share an uncanny resemblance.

    Chris Attoh and Damilola Adegbite

    NOT left in the love nest are Chris Attoh and Damilola Adegbite, who also met on the Tinsel series. The couple played the roles of Kwame Mensah and Telema Duke respectively. They got married in 2015.

    Chacha Eke and Austin Faani

    CHACHA Eke got married to her scriptwriter cum director husband, Austin Faani. They met on the set of ‘When Kings Decide’ in 2013.

    Gloria Anozie and Norbert Young

    TILL date, the couple has continued to wax stronger in their marriage, which is over a decade. In an interview, Gloria Anozie was quoted to have attributed her successful marriage to the fact that she sees her husband very often. The duo got married in 2002.

      Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

    NOTING that patience and understanding is the key to a successful marriage, veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who is married to his heartthrob of more than two decades, met her while casting for one of Wole Soyinka’s novel – Jero’s Metamorphosis – at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The rest is history as they are always seen in each other’s company at events.

    Gbenro Ajibade and Osas Ighodaro

    THOUGH there had been reports that Gbenro and Osas, might be having issues with their marriage, both cast members on popular Africa Magic TV show, Tinsel, got engaged in 2014. Gbenro played the role of Soji and Osas was Adanna on the show. They got married almost a year later in the United States.

     

     

  • Genevieve Nnaji marks birthday with directorial debut

    Genevieve Nnaji marks birthday with directorial debut

    Nollywood screen goddess, Genevieve Nnaji has made her directorial debut with a new movie titled, “Lion Heart”, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    The epic movie, which is being shot in Enugu, features an array of top Nollywood stars, including veterans such as Pete Edochie, Kanayo O Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu and Nkem Owoh amongst others.

    The plot of the movie, which depicts the story of an Igbo family that is into transport business was written by C.J Fiery Obasi based on a screenplay by Ishaya Bako and Emil Garuba,

    NAN reports the release date for the movie is yet to be announced in spite of the buzz its generating among fans and industry watchers.

    Meanwhile, Nnaji who clocked 38 years on May 3, took time-off the set of the movie to acknowledge goodwill messages from fans on her birthday on her Instagram handle.

     

    NAN reports that Nnaji, in 2015 debut as a producer with the movie titled, “Long Road to Yesterday,” under her company, The Entertainment Network (TEN).

    She won the Africa Movie Academy Award(AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actress to win the award.

    Also in 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood.

     

  • Google calls for policies to enhance internet access in Nigeria

    Google calls for policies to enhance internet access in Nigeria

    Google, an online search tool company, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to formulate policies to deepen internet access by Nigerians.

    Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, the Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa of the company, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that the government always played a role in web content development and ensured that citizens had access to internet.

    “For people to find content on the web they need to be online in the first place; we need adequate policies enabling the web search.

    “Sometime ago, the Federal Government launched the broadband plan to enable many Nigerians connect online.

    “Policies like that will really help.

    “Out of about 68 million Nigerians internet users now, how many of them go online to read stories?

    “The web helps us not only to consume information but also to export our own cultural stories,” he told NAN.

    The officer commended Nollywood, the country’s movie industry, for playing a good role in exporting the stories of Nigeria.

    According to him, many “You Tube” content creators produce their contents based on Nigeria’s cultural heritage and they have been able to attract target audience from all over the world.

    He identified education as a great tool the government could employ to empower people in the area of acquiring digital skills and access to internet.

    “Educating people on digital skills can improve the number of online entrepreneurs in the country.

    “Education is also very important because it can avail people the access to the web.

    “When we (Google) make our intention known to train a million people on digital skills in Africa last year, the Nigeria government was very supportive of it.

    “Many young people have been able to attend the training; the government, through the office of the Vice President, organised some of the training.

    “I won’t be surprised to see Nigeria’s online entrepreneurs from this initiative in the next few years if this training on digital skills is consistent.”

    The communication officer said that acquiring digital skills could only be driven successfully by the government.

    NAN recalls that Google, in April 2016 at a news conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, announced its commitment to train one million young Africans in digital skills in the next one year.

    The training was to enable the young people, seeking to develop a digital career, become empowered in the area.

     

  • Nollywood movie on counter-terrorism debuts in Abuja

    Nollywood movie on counter-terrorism debuts in Abuja

    A Nollywood fictional thriller that depicts security agencies’ patriotic fight against terrorism and other crimes in the society has hit cinemas in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The film titled “Conscripted”, is a production of Capital Pictures, and was premiered on Saturday night at the NAF Conference Centre.

    Mr Aik Odiase, the producer of the movie tells the story of insecurity as a global challenge, and why people should appreciate the unique sacrifices paid by security men in the service to their fatherland.

    He said: “Conscripted is a call-up to a sacrificial service to defend one’s country, and that of victory of good over evil.

    “The story plot was culled from the Society, what the world and Nigeria in particular, is doing to surmount terrorism and all forms of insecurity.

    “There were bombings, kidnappings, rapes, armed robbery and other security challenges threatening the peace of Nigerians.

    “Because of the increasing rate on security challenges in the country, three selfless officers were drafted and specially trained by the relevant authorities to combat crime.

    “The gallant officers include: ‘Brown’ who is in charge of schematic, Pinky’  who is in charge of interrogation and  ‘Edge’ the head of the Special Anti-Crime Unit of the Police Force,”he said.

    Odiase noted that like many security officers, the anti-crime squad members paid some costly prices in their passionate service to their country.

    He added that the scenario was to reassert the need to appreciate and support security officers in ensuring a safe society for all.

    “In the process, Edge lost his daughter, and Brown lost his mother who was kidnapped.

    “Pinky on her part, lost her relationship when she found out that her man was one of those terrorising the state.

    “All these clearly express the fact that our security men are human after all, they and their families also need protection.’’

    The anti-crime movie featured iconic Nollywood stars, Aik Odiase as ‘Edge’, Chinyere Onah as ‘Pinky’ and Preach Bassey as ‘Brown’.

    Other casts include Sir K,Mikky Odey, Sunny Williams and Lizzy Ofuani, among others.

    Mr Sunny-Ken Awoji, the Vice Chairman of Abuja Chapter of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), who also collaborated in the “Conscripted” project, commended the initiative.

    He noted that the movie was a big boost and would open new frontiers for the film industry in Abuja, since it was one hundred per cent produced in the territory.

    “This movie is a clear reflection of the potential that abound in the Federal Capital Territory, in terms of filmmaking.

    “All the actors, producer, director, and even the equipment and locations used in the movie are from within Abuja.

    “This is the first time this is happening, as what we usually see is to see someone come with casts and shoot a movie and then leave

    “We have used “Conscripted” to create a niche for the movie industry in Abuja.’’ he added.

    Awoji noted that the movie had received several nominations for both international and local awards.

    Actors, producers and other stakeholders in Nollywood across the country were among those present at the premiere.