The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • MISS NOLLYWOOD RESIGNS IN PROTEST AGAINST DETHRONEMENT OF COLLEAGUE

    MISS NOLLYWOOD RESIGNS IN PROTEST AGAINST DETHRONEMENT OF COLLEAGUE

    THE current Miss Nollywood Nigeria 2016 Blessing Ogar has resigned in protest against the dethroning of her predecessor, even as she opened a can of worms about the pageant organisers in the process.

    Blessing alleged that the organisers had not been fair in the treatment meted out to the dethroned queen, as they failed to meet agreed expectations, and asked her to corroborate some lies against the innocent queen. She however refused as it is against her conscience.

    As she put in her resignation letter which she posted on her Facebook page she said, “the organisation has not fulfilled its promise to us (our prize money has not been given to us, yet they are advertising another one.)” Continuing her expose, she said, “As an individual, I am no longer comfortable with the happenings in the organisation, e.g. queen was dethroned without cogent reasons.” Continuing, she posited that she had not gotten any support from the organisation, save for extortion, and harassment of all sorts. She said, “If an organiser can cook up lies to tarnish the image of a hard working queen, then they can do worse things to other queens.”

    Blessing also stated that she contested the competition because it was a platform to help others not to go against her beliefs. As she alleged, “I contested for Miss Nollywood Nigeria Beauty Pageant because I want to use the platform to a voice for the voiceless in the society, and also do lots of charity work.”

    Continuing her diatribe, Blessing stated that the organisers were more interested in lining their pockets than any form of charity. “Rather, the Miss Nollywood foundation wants me to go against my beliefs, and this is wrong. They want all their queens to work and put money in their pockets.”

  • Nollywood awaits Ifeanyi Onyeabo’s Tribe

    Nollywood awaits Ifeanyi Onyeabo’s Tribe

    Preparations are in top gear for the release of filmmaker Ifeanyi Onyeabo’s latest work, Tribe.

    With over two decades in the Nigerian Movie industry, Onyeabo’s quintessential approach to filmmaking has produced some of the greatest works in the industry.

    Tribe, which began recording in 2010 in Ghana, employed the services of actors and crew members from eight African countries and Jamaica after a three-nation tour for auditions.

    Set in Africa about five centuries ago, the classic African story celebrates diverse African cultures in the film.

    According to a statement by the producer, the film highlights values and vices that make the continent “an effervescent hub of activities, especially in the years of yore”.

    “From greed, to betrayal, to bravery, to love, Tribe is a film that has a good dosage of such emotions in a manner that cinema lovers would be glued to their seats. We went out of our way to get the characters that will interpret the roles, the way we wanted. That took us to three African countries of Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone,” Onyeabo said.

    The action-packed film had on parade actors like Peter Bunor (Nigeria), Fred Amugi (Ghana), Peachman Akputa (Nigeria), Amanda Ebeye(Nigeria), Kofi Djabi (Jamaica), Ekow Blankson (Ghana), Kafui Danku-Charles-Dean (Liberia) and Williemena Pinky Appleton (Liberia) alongside over 200 actors who traversed the diverse locations where the film was shot.

    Tribe is coming on the stable of IGOSTEVE Pictures.

  • Al Jazeera rakes awards with ‘My Nigeria’ documentary

    Al Jazeera rakes awards with ‘My Nigeria’ documentary

    The Qatar-based Media Network, Al Jazeera, is celebrating winning eleven Gold World Medals, six Silver and two Bronze medals at the prestigious New York Festivals awards.

    According to Al Jazeera in a message sent via email, the award includes a Bronze in the Community Portraits category for My Nigeria, the six-part Al Jazeera documentary series showing six stories of six Nigerians, including stand-up comedian Basketmouth, fashion designer Deola Sagoe and Nollywood star turned politician Kate Henshaw.

    Similarly, Al Jazeera’s Investigation Unit also picked up a finalist certificate in the Current Affairs category for Inside Kenya’s Death Squads, in which officers from four units of Kenya’s counter-terrorism apparatus admitted the police assassinate suspects on government orders.

    Commenting on the success, Giles Trendle, Acting Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, said: “Al Jazeera English is delighted to have won a series of Gold and Silver medals at the New York International TV & Film Awards.”

    Al Jazeera’s interactive documentary: ‘Life on Hold’, won Gold in the Online News category as well as the UNDPI medal, a special award decided by a United Nations jury.

    “We are pleased with the two Gold medals won for our innovative web documentary project, Life on Hold, that tells the personal and poignant stories of some of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon in an engaging and non-linear manner,” Trendle added.

    Furthermore, Al Jazeera English, 101 East, weekly television programme won five Golds medals overall. Afghanistan’s Billion Dollar Drug War won two Golds as Best Investigative Report and for the Human Concerns category; Myanmar’s Jade Curse won a Gold medal in the National/International Affairs category; and Murder in Malaysia won a Gold medal for the Best Current Affairs programme.

    A presenter with 101 East, Steve Chao also won his second consecutive Gold medal for Best News Reporter/Correspondent even as 101 East took home three Silver World Medals for the episodes Murder in Malaysia Myanmar’s Jade Curse and Becoming Pacquiao.

    “The five Gold medals won by our weekly 101 East strand are a testament to the quality of our journalism and the importance of our mission to tell compelling stories from around the world,” says Trendle.

    Faultiness, which was a joint Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera America program, won three Gold, World Medals for Mexico’s Disappeared and Death of Aging, while Ferguson: Race and Justice in the U.S won a Silver World Medal. Faultiness also picked up a Bronze medal for Forgotten Youth: Inside America’s Prisons.

    Al Jazeera English news was awarded a Silver World Medal for Best Coverage of a Continuing News Story for Desperate Journeys, which covered the refugee crisis in Europe. “The silver medal for our Desperate Journeys news coverage on the refugee story highlights how we have set the news agenda on one of the defining stories of our time,” Trendle noted.

    Broken Dreams: The Boeing 787 won Gold Medal Awards in Current Affairs and a Silver World Medal in the Business and Finance categories.

    Recall that ‘Broken Dreams’, the Boeing 787 was a hard-hitting programme made by Al Jazeera’s Investigation Unit, which revealed the deeply-held safety concerns of current and former Boeing engineers, while allegations were uncovered of on-the-job drug use, quality control problems and poor workmanship.

    Phil Rees, the Manager of the Al Jazeera Investigation Unit, said: “It is fantastic for the Al Jazeera Investigative Unit to be recognised once again for dealing with this commercially sensitive subject with such persistence and bravery. In the tradition of the finest investigative journalism, the production team spoke truth to one of the world’s most powerful corporations.”

    Al Jazeera English also picked up eight finalist certificates for a variety of programmes from Faultiness’ 101 East Women Make Change and People and Power.

  • Kosoko promises continued support to Nollywood

    Kosoko promises continued support to Nollywood

    A veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, on Wednesday promised to continue to produce quality movies to move the Nollywood industry forward.

    Kosoko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that complementary support from government, stakeholders and individuals would also assist to move the industry forward.

    He urged the Federal Government to continue to support the industry and monitor funds disbursed to it to ensure judicious usage.

    According to him, the Nollywood industry can generate huge revenue if properly funded and monitored by government, corporate bodies and spirited individuals.

    Kosoko described the industry as a multi-million naira industry with huge prospects, adding that the industry had the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

    “The industry is capable of generating millions of naira in revenue if well-funded.

    “The industry has lots of prospects and potential that can be used to boost its revenue.

    “The opportunities in the industry can fetch government huge revenues, “ he said.

    Kosoko also urged the three tiers of government as well as well-meaning individuals to support the film industry and intensify the fight against piracy.

    According to him, piracy is drawing the industry back.

     

  • Omoni Oboli to headline Nollywood industry night

    Omoni Oboli to headline Nollywood industry night

    Riding on the crest of her recent successes in the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Omoni Oboli, has been named as headline act of the next edition of Genesis Deluxe Cinema’s Nolly Thursdays. The event comes up April 14.

    According to the organisers, Nolly Thursdays, which has been described as the new Industry Night for the Nigerian film industry, is geared towards promoting and celebrating Nollywood movies (old and new) in the cinema.

    Organisers also say that Oboli’s latest movie, Wives on Strike, will also screen at event. The actress recently premiered the movie at the VIP Screening Room of Genesis Deluxe Cinema. Among those who turned out to support their colleague in the industry were Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, Kehinde Bankole, Bovi, Julius Agwu, Monalisa Chinda, Ashionye, Blessing Egbe, and Annie Idibia.

    According to the actress; “Wives on Strike is a hilarious comedy about a group of market women who decided to take matters into their own hands against their husbands in a bid to stir them into standing up for a young girl whom they wanted to protect from the wishes of her own father. The women, who hilariously interpret their roles, set a series of events in motion to give the movie many moments of laughter without missing a beat on the reason for everyone to know why they are on strike.”

  • NOLLYWOOD’S ERA OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES

    Why are they calling us now?” Kunle Afolayan asked during an Access Bank’s breakfast session with filmmakers last Thursday.  The bank is planning to replicate the Bank of Industry (BOI)’s NollyFund, a ‘friendly’ loan scheme for the film industry. Without pretence, they call their own Access NollyFund; but whether or not theirs will stand the test of time, is a matter of time.

    However, the fact is that, like Afolayan further stated at the forum: “It only shows that Nollywood filmmakers are getting it right.” Because gone are the days when no bank wants to touch Nollywood because it does not have the kind of business structures that endear it to investors. Today, even though the structures are still ‘in the works’, especially in the area of distribution and exhibition, there appears to be signs of greater times ahead.

    Another issue which has locked filmmakers in a very interesting debate in the last two weeks is the Motion Picture Council of Nigeria (MOPICON) bill. With a review committee about to be inaugurated by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, this comes across as the beginning of another defining moment for the film industry which, for years has been yearning for a common front.

    Going forward, the fears about the bill being another regulatory agency of government may soon disappear, because from the composition of the review committee, it is obvious that this is simply a practitioners’ council that merely needs government’s legislation for enablement. Yes, MOPICON needs to be enabled to function as a front in the face of the numerous guilds and associations that have robbed the collective of some orderliness and respect.

    It is hoped that with the seriousness of the current regime regarding economic diversification, the industry will articulate its demands through MOPICON. Nollywood still needs so much support from government and, not to speak with one respectable voice is to lower those esteem needs with the usual dissonances.

    While this issue of MOPICON is ongoing, another concern for filmmakers is the Audio-Visual Rights Society (AVRS) which is one of the surest revenue streams for the film industry.

    One only needed to be at the last AVRS Annual General Meeting and election of new Board of Directors to see how stakeholders have decided to take their destiny in their hands.  ‘Everyone’ was present. And I can tell that the membership of AVRS will shoot up in no time.

    Indeed, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the musicians’ version of the AVRS has opened the eyes of entertainers to some monies that have been wasting away, having distributed about N400million within the last five years of its existence.

    It is hoped that the Bond Emeruwa led new leadership of AVRS will continue to pursue the dreams of its founders and predecessors, perhaps with more vigour.

    I keep remembering November 20, 2014 when the D.G of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. Afam Ezekude, handed over the certificate of registration to the interim chairman of AVRS, because that date was my birthday. I was glad that an initiative of that nature was so dated, and prayed it continues to be a part of my positive reportage of the film industry.

    Going by Ezekude’s advice during the AGM of AVRS, “the industry must speak in one voice in order to persuade all users of film works to pay royalty for such usage to AVRS,” adding that “for AVRS to earn the support of all stakeholders, it must ensure that its operation is carried out with a high level of integrity.” I cannot agree less.

    No doubt, the industry is sitting on a gold mine, but the fortunes may remain a dangling carrot if members refuse to bond for their common good. Suffice to say that apart from the popular commercial users of audio visual content, such as transmitting and re-transmitting companies, advertising agencies, telecoms companies, hospitals, relaxation spots, luxury bus operators, airlines, banks, super markets and chain retail outlets, and barbing/hairdressing salons, as enumerated by the erstwhile Chairman of AVRS, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, there exist other channels of revenue that are pending. One of such is the Private Copy Levy, which experts say is capable of generating about N200 million for members monthly, if and when the private copy levy is implemented in Nigeria.

    The levy is compensation for creators and investors in music, movies and literary works for the loss of revenue through free download of works via gadgets such as MP3s, MP4s, Cell phones, memory cards and flash drives, among others.

    Welcome to the world of new opportunities for Nollywood!

  • Nollywood: Lai Mohammed to energise agencies above groups

    Nollywood: Lai Mohammed to energise agencies above groups

    •Plans task force on piracy, endowment for the arts

    Nollywood institutions, rather than individuals and groups will form the pattern of interaction with stakeholders in the motion picture industry. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known on Sunday, during an interactive forum with filmmakers at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Media Centre, Iganmu, Lagos.

    The minister emphasised the need to strengthen agencies such as the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) as the true ears and eyes of government rather than the various groups of dissenting voices that Nollywood is known for over the years.

    This was just as some practitioners stressed the need for a common platform for practitioners.

    Mohammed who spoke with profound knowledge of the film industry; its prospects and challenges, said he will also make moves to bring the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) under the Information and Culture Ministry, because the decision to move the NCC to the Ministry of Justice has caused a major disconnect between the industry and the other sector of the arts.

    Alarmed by the spate of piracy in the country, the minister said: “There is no doubt that piracy has become a monstrous disincentive not only to you, filmmakers, but also to the entire arts and the entertainment industry.

    “With what I have read and seen, it appears that piracy has almost killed the industry,” he said, adding that there had been instances whereby some films and books were even sold a few days before the official release of the original work.

    “This is totally unacceptable! This Administration is determined to fight this scourge, and the good news is that we have the backing of Mr. President!

    “In fact, one of Mr. President’s early charges to security agencies was for them to tackle piracy so that practitioners can be able to recoup their investments; and that way contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.”

    Mohammed said the government could not properly diversify the economy if it did not make any effort to end or reduce piracy. He also noted that the present location of the NCC could not allow for international treaties that clearly acknowledge the place of audiovisual performers in the scheme of things.

    “For instance, I am aware that in spite of the position we occupy as the giant of Africa in the area of entertainment, Nigeria is yet to ratify the World Intellectual Property (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty, which it signed in 1996. And the more recent Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, which it also signed in 2012,” he said.

    The minister suggested that piracy should be declared an economic crime, while a dedicated National Task Force on Piracy is instituted.

    On the aspect of intervention fund for the industry, the minister decried the manner in which the N3billion World Bank, otherwise called Project ACT-Nollywood was administered. He said the fund ought to have been managed through a structure of professionals constituted by an agency like the NFC.

    Mohammed however noted that rather than worry about a separate fund for film, music and other creative sectors, the current administration will set up a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which would facilitate the introduction of tax rebates as incentives for sponsors of the arts.

    “Like the American model, we should at this time – when we are trying to streamline spending – think of having a properly established NEA that will service all genres of the arts.”

    As part of its massive social intervention policy, the minister said the administration had made available the sum of N500 billion to be accessed by creative people such as movie actors, artisans, market women, unemployed youths and others.

    Some of the respondents at the meeting include Mr Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman of Audio Visual Rights Society (AVRS), who impressed satisfaction with the minister’s disposition to the issues confronting the film sector. He urged the minister to create a special task force to deal with piracy, saying; “We need a task force like the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that will only be responsible for arresting people that are involved in piracy. It is only when we have this task force that we can know that piracy will come to an end,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr. Alex Enyengho, President of Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP, urged that the much anticipated Motion Picture Practitioners Council of Nigeria (MOPPICON) bill be given serious attention, so as end bigotry in the industry.

    Enyengho who noted that he was not invited to the forum advised that until MOPPICON takes effect, the ministry should deal with the guilds and associations and not individuals, “who, by the way are members of these bodies. Individuals cannot be bigger than the existing structures in Nollywood,” adding that the half-filled hall was not a true reflection of the various interests in Nollywood.

  • DGN Election: Dickson opts out of presidential race

    DGN Election: Dickson opts out of presidential race

    There was a brief uproar, few minutes to the elections of new officers to direct the affairs of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN, when one of the strong contenders, Dickson Iroegbu, withdrew from the race.

    Iroegbu who was to contest for presidential office alongside Kingsley Omoefe, Lancelot Imasuen and Fred Amata, after withdrawing from the race wanted to announce his support for one of the candidates, when many kicked causing a brief uproar which was quickly subdued.

    Iroegbu who will not be allowed to announce his support for a particular candidate publicly told The Nation he would want his supporters to back Fred Amata.

    “The truth of the matter is that I was not in the race for some selfish reasons.  It was about the Directors Guild of Nigeria and the entire Nollywood. That was why my campaign was centered on Nollywood rebirth.

    “But I observed the desperation being expressed and being a candidate who has interacted with other aspirants, I decided to make a sacrifice for DGN. Yes, I’ve stepped down, not because of any inducement, not because of any horse trading but because we are not politicians.

    “This is a professional Guild.  So I have to make the sacrifice as part of my intention to serve. I have to step down so that the bickering could subside.  And get someone whom most of us can say we’ve made a good choice.  This is not a political decision but one that is good for the Guild I want to represent as president, “Iroegbu said.

    On who he would want his supporters to vote for as DGN president? Iroegbu said; “considering the presentations made by us, I have sensed that supporting Fred Amata will be better.”

    In terms of security, two policemen have been drafted to the Tourist Resort Hotel, Asaba, venue of the elections, to forestall any crisis.

  • Stakeholders express worries over spate of death in Nollywood

    Stakeholders express worries over spate of death in Nollywood

    Stakeholders in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, have expressed concern over the spate of death that hit the sector in recent times.

    They spoke their minds in separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that no fewer than six prominent actors in the nation’s film industry died in the past two months.

    The actors who passed on, mostly after brief illnesses included – comic actor, Dede One Day, 14-year-old actor Olamide Daramola and veteran thespian, Mike Odiachi.

    Others were- top Yoruba actor, Sikiru Adesina, popularly called “Arakangudu’’, veteran actor, Festus Aguebor and Kannywood actress, Aisha Dankano.

    Speaking with NAN, Mr Agility Onwura, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja chapter, described the trend as “very pathetic’’.

    He called on actors to always go for regular medical checks to prevent avoidable death.

    “I advise every actor not to take matters of their health lightly.

    “It is possible to amuse others and make them reduce blood pressure, while you are under pressure yourself as an artiste.

    “The life of an actor is such a busy one, moving from one location to another, to the extent that there is hardly enough time to rest.

    “If this trend continues for a long time, there may be possible breakdown of health, which may eventually result to death,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Nzeh Frankwhite, immediate past chairman of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Abuja, chapter, said that death is inevitable.

    According to him, “death happens in every sector of the society and Nollywood is not exempted’’.

    “Just as the Bible says, there is time for everything; a time to live and a time to die.

    “Why it is pronounced with that of Nollywood is because they are celebrities.

    “So death is everywhere, not just in the industry’’.

    Frankwhite, however called for fervent prayers for the industry.

    “The industry needs prayers for God’s protection and guidance,’’ he said.

    He also advised artiste to play their parts by going for medical check-up and maintain healthy living.

    Mrs Imaobong Abia, President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) in the FCT said “people died in every sector, however, the death of an artiste always make newspaper headlines.

    “As public figures, people are always interested in everything that happens around them.

    “However, acting is such a stressful job that sapped one’s energy.

    “That is why every actor should take enough time to rest after going on set,’’ she advised.

    Abia also cautioned actors on what they eat and drink that could constitute health hazards.

    “Too much of alcohol intake and smoking will affect ones health negatively.

    “However, this does not imply that every death comes from smoking and drinking,’’ she said.

    NAN reports that 45-year-old talented comic merchant, Dede One Day died of high blood pressure on Dec. 14, 2015 after performing at an event.

    Olamide, the 14-year-old kid actor and a popular face in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood, also passed on, Jan. 17 at the General Hospital Ikeja, where he was rushed to after complaining of stomach pains.

    The talented actor, who won the Best Kid Actor at 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards, was said to have been mistakenly kicked in the stomach while playing football with his friends.

    On February 9, Nollywood was also thrown into mourning with the news of the death of Arakangudu. The veteran Yoruba actor died in Kaduna of heart attack which he reportedly suffered as result of stress.

    NAN reports that barely a week after the death of Arakangudu, Nollywood was also grief with the news of untimely death another actor, Mike Odiachi.

    Odiachi, aged 51, died Feb. 15 at the General Hospital Ikorodu, Lagos, after a brief illness.

    On Feb. 23, the movie industry again suffered loss of two more prominent members- veteran Nollywood actor, Festus Aguebor and Kannywood actress, Aisha Dankano.

    Aguebor who was highly respected and known for his role in the movies “Rituals’’, “the king and I’’, died in his 70s.

    Dankano, aged 34, was confirmed to have also passed away at her home in Kano after battling with an illness which was not made public.

  • Nollywood group endorses President Buhari’s anti-graft war

    Nollywood group endorses President Buhari’s anti-graft war

    •set to premiere anti-corruption movie, Fat-Cat

    A network of Nollywood artistes, producers and directors known as Nollywood Stakeholders Forum (NSF) has endorsed the ongoing anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    NSF, the movie Artistes, Producers & Directors Forum, headed by the erstwhile leader of Buharist  Movement in Nollywood, Comr. Eze Harris Chuma, who is expected  to convey the body’s endorsement of the anti-corruption campaign to President Buhari made this known in a media statement released on February 7.

    The group has slated Sunday 6, March 2016 for the ‘Candlelight Support Rally’ for President Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War. The event will kick-off by 6pm with a red-carpet session at the Feminar Conference Hall, LTV Compound, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. It is expected to assemble prominent Nollywood artistes, film lovers, fans, media and others.

    The official premiere of the first Nollywood anti-Corruption feature Film, Fat-Cat, which is produced by IFF Production Studios, will also take place at the rally.

    The movie features Jibola Dabo,Aisha Abimbola, Benita Nzeribe, Moji Olaiya, Benedict Chogudo,  Vivian Lady-v Anani  and a host of other seasoned artistes.

    All Nollywood artistes, producers, directors, distributors, marketers, entertainment Journalists and on-line news bloggers are cordially invited.

    The event is powered by Citizen Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps(CACVC).