The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood actor Okon robbed in Warri

    Nollywood actor Okon robbed in Warri

    Comic actor Ime Bishop, widely known as Okon, was robbed in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday.

    According to an Instagram post by his wife, Idara Bishop, Okon was robbed of his cash, gadgets and other valuables few hours to an event he was supposed to attend.

    “So pathetic that the more we pray for a better Nigeria, the more things become so sour,” she said.

    “Few minutes ago, I saw a strange number calling and the voice I heard was my hubby’s voice. I was surprised to see him used a strange number to call, I quote him “Baby pray for me, I’ve just been robbed by robbery men in Warri and all my gadgets and money have been taken away from me, threatening to kill me also, I’m stranded and the event I’m supposed to attend here, I can’t make it anymore, no contact to communicate with anyone for direction, except yours.”

    She however, said the thieves said they would return the phones if money is paid to them.

    “I pray only to God to touch their minds, and as they have said they will return the phones and other items taken, but only and if money will be paid to them without informing the police, which is not a problem.”

  • Beware of grammatical errors in Nollywood films

    A linguist, Mrs Olufunmilayo Awoyoolu, on Sunday in Ilorin, expressed concern over grammatical errors in subtitles in some Nigerian movies.

    She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that spelling and grammatical errors have become
    common in movie subtitles in Nigeria, saying “this does not portray our educational standards well.’’

    She explained that subtitles were printed translation of dialogue in foreign-language movie, usually appearing at the bottom of the screen.

    She said that she had noticed over time that movie producers never took time to translate and subtitle words correctly.

    According to her, this is especially common with Yoruba and Hausa movies.

    She added that “most subtitles in these movies are direct translation from mother tongue and for
    a person who does not understand the language used in the movie, it becomes confusing.

    “I think time should be taken to subtitle sentences, professional hands should be sought and there is no need to rush the production of movies.

    “In the western countries, they have come to a point that it may take a year or years to produce a movie just because they want the best out of it.’’

    She, therefore, advised Nigerian movie makers to pay attention to subtitling, noting that
    using wrong expressions would portray those in the industry as not well educated.

  • Bukky Abaniwonda gears up for Nollywood

    Bukky Abaniwonda gears up for Nollywood

    With two productions, ‘Bridges’ and ‘It’s The End’ in tow, Canada-based Nigerian actress, Bukky Abaniwonda, says that she is set to impact the Nigerian movie industry.

    Abaniwonda said she decided to return home in order to explore Nollywood and what it has got to offer.

    “I’m trying to network with producers and directors in the industry and just getting a feel of the industry from the insiders, what it takes to stand out, to carve a niche for myself. Acting is something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.

    Although she holds a Masters in Finance and works as a Financial Advisor with a reputable bank in Canada, the thespian said acting, to her, is much more than just interpreting roles.

    “It’s grown from something I’m just passionate about to a dream that I want to fulfill. It is also an opportunity for me to address a lot of societal issues close and dear to my heart,” she added.

    One of the issues she said is of interest to her is the rising incidence of violence against women. “With the advent of social media, more of those cases have been brought to light and, according to the actress; there is a growing need to stem it in its tide.”

    Giving an example of ‘Dry’, a movie by Stepanie Okereke, as a flick that addresses societal ill, she noted that her desire is to be a part of productions that could help to give light to some of those issues.

    Bukky plays the lead role in ‘Bridges’, produced by Native Media and directed by Rogers Ofime.

    ‘Bridges’ is the story of a lady who comes from a home that is stricken by poverty because her father walks out on the mother when they were very young because she only had female children. The movie highlights the consequences of our actions regardless of whatever reason makes us do the things we do.

  • Church gives ailing Nollywood actors N3.5m

    Church gives ailing Nollywood actors N3.5m

    Lagos-based Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministry yesterday donated N3.5m for the treatment of 23 ailing Nigerian artistes.

    The Ministry’s Senior Pastor Chris Okafor announced the donation during a Thanksgiving Service held at the behest of the Save Nollywood Actors Foundation being organised by Rita Edochie, Ejiro Okurame, Chioma Okoye and Emeka Torino.

    The benefiting artistes are suffering from kidney and mental problems, diabetes, stroke, hole in the heart, leukaemia and prostate cancer, among other ailments.

    “We pray for the entertainment industry that the presence of Jehovah takes control,” Okafor said.

    Some of the entertainers walked up to the altar for prayers.

    Torino said the gesture was part of ways to help the affected artistes, adding: “We can create a forum where actors, actresses, producers, marketers would be checked monthly because if you don’t check your health regularly, by the time you are aware, it would be too late. We want to make this foundation a place whereby any Nigerian actor that is sick will access fund through this foundation.”

    Some of the beneficiaries are Prince James Uche, Obi Madubogwu, Romeo Casual, Romanus Amuta (Natty), Fregene Nicholas, Tunde Alabi, Emma Ugolee, Victor Olaitan, Jude Oteka, Harry B, Amaechi Monagor,  Patience Oseni, Theodore Anyanji, Tony Akposheri, Ernest Azuzu, Victor Eze, Adedayo Liadi, Victoria Ndubuaku, Frank Asiyai, Tommy Oyewole, Promise Nnaji, Sadiq Daba and Gbenga Peters.

    Actor Joseph Okechukwu, who is a member of the donor-church, said the donation is from the Chris Okafor Humanitarian Foundation, adding: “What we’re tapping into now was the financial power of the church because we know that the church has money.”

    “This is a small church, giving N3.5m cash. Everybody saw the money. That’s why my colleagues were crying because all the places they’ve been going to; it’s been promises, promises. So, imagine if other churches come together and do something like this,” Okechukwu added.

    The foundation is responsible for the treatment of Leo Mezie, Madubogwu and Uche.

  • Stop comparing Hollywood with Nollywood, says Alexx Ekubo

    Stop comparing Hollywood with Nollywood, says Alexx Ekubo

    For many who believe that the Nigerian motion picture industry is not doing well in terms of picture quality, sound and other elements expected to be seen in a movie, Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo urges them to stop comparing Hollywood with Nollywood.

    He bared his mind on his timeline, stating that Hollywood blockbuster movies have large budget, which enable them to produce what we see.

    “Stop pointless criticism,” he said.

    “It doesn’t help anyone or the industry, we are not where we want to be, but we are certainly not where we used to be, don’t “command” use your Avengers or Superman taste to judge our struggling Nollywood, those Hollywood blockbusters have outrageous budgets, ranging from 80million – 800million dollars, so please bear with us, we are doing the best we can.”

    He said further that celebrities are also human and are prone to make certain mistakes in life, like other people on the street: “Please we entertainers are just as human as you, we fart, sleep, eat, love, make mistakes, hurt and feel pain like you do, Don’t bother yourself with anybody’s “wrong choices”, it’s hard enough for them already, commenting maliciously will only make matters worse, if you really care just say a silent prayer and move on.”

    The Nigerian actor and model was first runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest.

  • Nollywood actress Majekodunmi is dead 

    Nollywood actress Majekodunmi is dead 

    Nollywood actress Toyin Majekodunmi is dead.
    Popularly known as Iya Kike in Yoruba movie circles, Mrs Majekodunmi died on Monday of yet to be announced causes.
    Her widower is actor Solomon Majekodunmi  aka ‘Baba Kekere.’
    The late Mrs. Majekodunmi featured in many Yoruba movies and often starred alongside her husband.
    Prior to launching her movie career, she worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Information.
    Her husband also worked in International Banking Division Department at First Bank Plc .
    They were married for close to 40 years and were blessed with three children.

  • NOLLYWOOD TRAVEL FESTIVAL MAKES DEBUT WITH TORONTO SHOWCASE

    FOLLOWING the reception given eight Nigerian films by foreign delegates at the last Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada, an idea of a Nollywood Travel Festival was born, with a broader aim of promoting Nigerian films, music and tourism as a pack.

    The idea is the brainchild of President of the African Film Consortium (AFC), Mykel Parish and CEO of Native Media, Rogers Ofime.

    Shedding more light on the initiative at a press conference which held at the Ojez Restaurant, National Theatre, last Tuesday, co-founder of the festival, Parish, noted that the time is now to make more fans and money by taking the country’s film and tourism around the world.

    According to him, “Nollywood Travel Festivals is an initiative that 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. We will Showcase the best films ever made in Nigeria and create an adventure for filmmakers, while opening platforms and markets for filmmakers, Nigerian music, comedy and tourism.”

    Parish who added that the Nigerian movie sector was one that practitioners should be proud of and showcase everywhere in the world, said; “Nollywood is the bedrock of films in Africa. But more people need to know what we are doing. Many of our films are already exposed by pirates.  In Canada, some people said they watched Nollywood more than they did Hollywood. So, this festival will strengthen this position and help producers to sell more films across the globe.”

    He disclosed that the maiden edition of the Nollywood Travel Festival will hold in Toronto, Canada, from May 5-7, 2017.

    In the words of Parish’s partner, Ofime, the Festival’s vision is to become a platform for the advancement of Nollywood and the realization of commercially viable entertainment industry for Nigeria. “The Nollywood Travel 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,” he said.

    The unveiling ceremony of the festival was attended by notable industry stakeholders like filmmaker Andy Boyo, PMAN’s Pretty Okafor, Association of Movie Producer’s Chinasa Onychere and culture journalist and film critic, Shaibu Husseini.

    According to Husseini, there were few travel festivals in the world, thus, the Nollywood Travel Festival is a welcome development.

    He expressed optimism that the initiative will properly internationalise Nollywood. “It will change the perspectives that Nollywood is about quantity and not quality as it will expose very good works from Nigeria, unlike the cheap ones that many would have seen. When we take our best films out, the perspective will definitely change. Of course, the festival will also give our filmmakers more opportunity to travel,” he said.

    Meanwhile, organisers have announced that entries are opened to filmmakers who desire to showcase their works at the festival. The films, which must have been released in 2016, must be shot in Nigeria or Canada by a Nigerian director with plot relating to Nigeria or Nigeria in Canada.

    The said deadline to receive film via online or DVD(along with posters design, synopsis, director’s bio and photo) is Jan 16, 2017, while selected films will be announced on January 20, 2017.

  • Nollywood Travel Festival makes debut with Toronto showcase

    Nollywood Travel Festival makes debut with Toronto showcase

    Following the reception given eight Nigerian films by foreign delegates at the last Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada, an idea of a Nollywood Travel Festival was born, with a broader aim of promoting Nigerian films, music and tourism as a pack.

    The idea is the brainchild of President of the African Film Consortium (AFC), Mykel Parish and CEO of Native Media, Rogers Ofime.

    Shedding more light on the initiative at a press conference which held at the Ojez Restaurant, National Theatre, last Tuesday, co-founder of the festival, Parish, noted that the time is now to make more fans and money by taking the country’s film and tourism around the world.

    According to him, “Nollywood Travel Festivals is an initiative that 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. We will showcase the best films ever made in Nigeria and create an adventure for filmmakers, while opening platforms and markets for filmmakers, Nigerian music, comedy and tourism.”

    Parish who added that the Nigerian movie sector was one that practitioners should be proud of and showcase everywhere in the world, said; “Nollywood is the bedrock of films in Africa. But more people need to know what we are doing. Many of our films are already exposed by pirates.  In Canada, some people said they watched Nollywood more than they did Hollywood. So, this festival will strengthen this position and help producers to sell more films across the globe.”

    He disclosed that the maiden edition of the Nollywood Travel Festival will hold in Toronto, Canada, from May 5-7, 2017.

    In the words of Parish’s partner, Ofime, the Festival’s vision is to become a platform for the advancement of Nollywood and the realization of commercially viable entertainment industry for Nigeria. “The Nollywood Travel 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,” he said.

    The unveiling ceremony of the festival was attended by notable industry stakeholders like filmmaker Andy Boyo, PMAN’s Pretty Okafor, Association of Movie Producer’s Chinasa Onychere and culture journalist and film critic, Shaibu Husseini.

    According to Husseini, there were few travel festivals in the world, thus, the Nollywood Travel Festival is a welcome development.

    He expressed optimism that the initiative will properly internationalise Nollywood. “It will change the perspectives that Nollywood is about quantity and not quality as it will expose very good works from Nigeria, unlike the cheap ones that many would have seen. When we take our best films out, the perspective will definitely change. Of course, the festival will also give our filmmakers more opportunity to travel,” he said.

    Meanwhile, organisers have announced that entries are opened to filmmakers who desire to showcase their works at the festival. The films, which must have been released in 2016, must be shot in Nigeria or Canada by a Nigerian director with plot relating to Nigeria or Nigeria in Canada.

    The said deadline to receive film via online or DVD(along with posters design, synopsis, director’s bio and photo) is Jan 16, 2017, while selected films will be announced on January 20, 2017.

  • All set for Best of Nollywood Awards

    All set for Best of Nollywood Awards

    Stakeholders in the Nigerian motion picture industry will, this weekend, converge on Umuahia, Abia State, as this year’s edition of Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards takes the city by storm.

    A pan-Nigerian award scheme, organisers have through the years, promoted the initiative as a Nigeria’s preeminent indigenous platform for rewarding and celebrating the movie industry’s best and most creative.

    Last year’s edition of the show took place in Akure, the Ondo State Capital, with other past outings in Delta, Rivers and Lagos among other States.

    Organisers have revealed that this year’s event will be anchored by actor/comedian, Okey Bakassi and leading actress, Mercy Aigbe.

    With a touch of difference, organisers have asked that nominees and guests should turn out in their Made-in-Nigeria finery, which is in consonance with the Made-in-Aba promotional drive of the host governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

    It is the eighth edition of the indigenous awards ceremony which, since inception, has been putting a golden seal of excellence on the works of those toiling and sweating to produce and star in feel-good and educative movies.

    This year’s edition is especially symbolic because veteran thespians like Chief Chika Opala a.k.a Chief Zebrudaya of the New Masquerade fame and prolific actress, Sola Shobowale as well as filmmaker, Fidelis Duker will be honoured in the special recognition category for their time-proven contributions to the growth of Nollywood.

    Like the chief host, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who has promised the stars and stakeholders of Nollywood a ball and a blast, the CEO, BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, has also assured all guests of a quality time in Abia while promising a well-put together event that would linger in their memories for a long while.

  • AFRIFF: Hausa filmmakers call for Nollywood collaboration

    AFRIFF: Hausa filmmakers call for Nollywood collaboration

    In a bid to explore the production methodologies, distribution systems and major factors that influence filmmaking in Northern Nigeria, AFRIFF 2016 included a session with Kannywood stakeholders to enlighten the public on the inner workings and challenges of the indigenous industry based in the North.

    The name Kannywood is a term derived from the fact that majority of the movies done in Northern Nigeria are produced in Kano State, while the Hausa being spoken is majorly that of the Kano people. The movies have elements of the Indian story-telling style and started with books and dramas.

    The AFRIFF session had popular Kannywood actors and filmmakers such as Ali Nuhu and Hajia Aisha Haliu as panelists. They spoke extensively about their industry, the challenges, possible ways of tackling the challenges and what roles Nollywood had to play in this transformation.

    The session was moderated by a leading Northern filmmaker, Mr.Sani Muazu.

    According to Ali Nuhu who explained how Kannywood works; “The infusion of dance and music into Kannywood movies is as a result of the Hausa people’s identification of them as part of ways of portraying culture and values and to appeal to this audience, it is important to do what they want. Every Northern filmmaker is cautious of what they put on screen or what they express due to religious and cultural beliefs of the people.”

    “We have an audience but the distribution aspect provides a limitation in terms of returns because if you release a movie in cinemas it might not do well in DVD sales and vice-versa because DVD distribution seems to be our strong point. The collaborative efforts of Kannywood and Nollywood have been quite encouraging so far but we still need more.” He said.

    Aisha Haliu discussed the importance of first identifying the target market before making movies in Kannywood because Nigerians have an affinity for home and tend to always come back home no matter where they go.

    “Due to budget constraints, Kannywood cannot make the sort of internationally accepted movies that would cut across because for now the market is still local. Even the marketers are beginning to dictate what should be shown and how it should be shown in order to achieve the most financial gains off of these movies. Piracy is a major limitation, though the message is getting out but we are not really getting the expected returns.”