The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • GHANAIAN FILMMAKER SPARKS IRE OF NOLLYWOOD FAITHFUL

    GHANAIAN FILMMAKER SPARKS IRE OF NOLLYWOOD FAITHFUL

    NOLLYWOOD has been widely criticized as a shoddy movie phenomenon, but coming from a Ghanaian filmmaker who described it as ‘Adolf Hitler’, appears to some Nollywood stakeholders as the height of impunity.

    Stella Damasus was the first to slam Ghanaian producer, Leila Djansi, for disparaging Nollywood, while praising the new crop of Nigerian filmmakers for their inventiveness.

    Djansi , producer of award-winning films; I Sing of a Well, Sinking Sands, and Ties that Bind, while speaking to Jimmy Jean-Louis in his documentary, Jimmy Goes to Nollywood, said: “I don’t think those people, this new crop of filmmakers should be put under the umbrella of Nollywood. They should be called independent film because a name carries a lot. If you start tagging it Nollywood, it carries every negative connotation that comes with Nollywood, it’s like calling your son Hitler.”

    To Damasus, “That is the most derogatory thing anyone can ever say about the Nigerian movie industry,” she said in a YouTube post.

    •Omotola
    •Omotola

    According to the actress who is now based in the United States, Djansi’s statement amounts to an insult to the likes of Kenneth Nnebue, Tade Ogidan, Kingsley Ogoro, Segun Arinze, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele and others who have taken Nollywood to its present position. She added that one of the factors that made Djansi’s 2011 film, Ties that Bind, strong was because she used “one of our best – Omotola Jalade Ekeinde.”

    Damasus argued that even though most Nollywood filmmakers did not have the opportunity Djansi had to study filmmaking abroad, they have been able to put Nollywood on the map.  Corroborating Damasus’ position, Obiora Chukwunba, former PA to erstwhile D G of NFVCB, said: “I just watched the clips from Stella Damasus. My take is this: Nollywood ended the tragic sequels of single story about Africa told by non Africans in Hollywood and elsewhere. If an alleged Ghanaian pretender doesn’t know that and doesn’t see that, well, show her pity. There are many slaves like her. My only disagreement with Stella though is saying the Ghanaian had no right to say that. You know what, she has every right to be foolish. It’s her choice. Thank you!”

    In the same vein, filmmaker Chris Ekejimbe who contributed to the documentary noted that Djansi went too far. “You had a point to present, but the word Hitler is crazy,” he said to Djansi. “Stella acknowledged you might have a point, but you are not informed……I am sure I said more than Leila in that documentary….but the describing Nollywood as Hitler is an insult…..Nollywood is a project in progress as I said in the same documentary….Leila, I am highly disappointed with you.” He expressed.

  • The challenges I faced rising to the top -Nollywood star Bukky Wright

    The challenges I faced rising to the top -Nollywood star Bukky Wright

    The joy of a mother is to see her children grow into adult and become successful in life. For popular actress, Bukky Wright, she wishes no less. Bukky, as she is fondly called by friends and fans, is presently in cloud nine over her two sons who have suddenly gown into men and graduated from the university.

    The mother of two is particularly excited watching her older son, Gbenga, aka Ojayy, trying to pursue a career in the entertainment world as a musician.

    Her son, she said, began to manifest the talent when he entered secondary school. But she wanted him to concentrate more on his education. However, unknown to the young boy, she opened a commercial studio, hoping that it would help to build his career whenever he is through with his education.

    “I noticed that he started taking interest in music when he was in secondary school. But because I wanted him to face his education, I didn’t let him know that I liked it. At that time too, he was kind of falling in love with football, so I had to be careful. Without letting him know, I opened a commercial studio, hoping that when he is through with his education, he would take up a career in music.”

    The young man played his part by bagging a degree in Biological Sciences from the Rutgers University, New Jersey, US.

    Speaking with The Nation shortly after watching her first son, Gbenga, perform to the admiration of a large crowd at the University of Lagos, Bukky said she is happy and fulfilled. Brimming with smiles, with her eyes dashing across the room to steal a look at her son, who sat a little distance away, the veteran cross over actress said: “You want to know how I feel? I must confess that I feel happy, I feel fulfilled like a mother whose son has made her proud. I am the proudest mum in the world right now.”

    In truth, Bukky Wright has every bragging right to feel proud, judging from where she was a little over a decade ago.

    At the time, the young Bukky Wright had just come out of her broken marriage. As a young mother of two, she was heartbroken and disillusioned, and probably unsure of what the future had in stock for her.

    But fortune soon smiled on her when an old friend and confidant, Shan George, who was at the time a popular actress, offered her a shoulder to lean on. Bukky was introduced to what at the time was a fast-growing industry- the home video industry. One thing led to another, and Bukky was given an opportunity of a life time when she starred in her first movie, entitled Images.

    The charming actress has earned for herself a befitting status in the industry, with A-list performances in movies and television series like Super Story’s Oh Father Oh Daughter, Agogo Eewo and Saworo Ide, among several others.

    The story of Bukky Wright’s rise from a position of seeming hopelessness to that of one of the best in her profession and a successful businesswoman is a lesson in perseverance, dedication and hard work. This much she attested to herself. “I think I owe my success to God. Then, you all know me as one who does not give up. I am hard working and also endure any condition. My versatility and believing in myself is another thing that has helped me. I think all these are what have helped me till this day. I met a lot of people in this industry who are far better than I am. But I believe it is God’s plan that is manifesting in my life.”

    Undoubtedly, Bukky Wright sure has a lot going for her at the moment. Her two sons, the fruits of her crashed marriage, have graduated from universities in the US. Apart from this, her acting prowess, intelligence, beauty, charisma and unassuming love for all has earned her a place in the hearts of thousands of fans home and abroad.

    While she may have overcome the initial setback of her life, Bukky confessed to The Nation that her greatest wish for her sons is that they grow up to have a stable home. Asked if this has anything to do with her own experience, the popular actress said: “No, not at all. But you see, as a mother, the best thing you would wish for your son is to have a very peaceful and stable home. And that is what I wish for my sons.”

    Far away from what others might view as the turning point in her life, Bukky Wright claimed that the turning point was when her sons came to live with her after the collapse of her marriage.

    “I think the turning point in my life was when my children came to live with me. At the time, my first son was about six, while his younger brother was about four. When they moved in with me, it dawned on me that I have a huge responsibility not to fail myself and them. I knew that I had a task to make sure that things work well. Today, I thank God that I passed that challenge, because it was really a big challenge for me. You can imagine what people would say if I had failed.”

    Bukky said she would have been deemed a failure if she had failed in raising her sons. She would, however, give the credit of the success to God. “I give God all the glory,” she said, stopped what looked like eternity before continuing, “Even now, when I ask myself how I did it, I can’t find the answer. Then I realised that it was God. There was no way I could have raised them by myself without the support of God. Imagine sending two children to university in the US,” she said with her eyes shut as if in deep reflection.

    Asked if she has slowed down on some things she did when her boys were younger, Bukky looked straight as if trying to recollect something, before shooting back with a bright smile pasted on her face, “I don’t think there was ever anything that I did and I wouldn’t want them to see me do. The truth is that I lived my life for them, and anybody who is close to me knows this. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke or party. So, there is really nothing that I would not want them to catch me doing.”

    As she spoke, her son, Gbenga, who had watched and listened to his mother as she fielded questions, sought to contribute to the interview. For the young man, being the son of Bukky Wright has its own challenges. “Being her son can be very challenging. As a popular person, everywhere you go as her son, the people expect you to behave and live above board. But in Nigeria, that is very tough. For instance, I was driving one day when a man brushed my car. I was very angry and I came down in a very angry manner, but at that moment, I remembered that I cannot afford to fight in public, and that if I do, it may affect her brand. So, I simply calmed down and let the man go.”

    And for the mother, building a successful brand took a lot of hard work and several challenges. Asked to name some of the challenges that she surmounted to rise to the top, Bukky Wright said: “There were many challenges. To put it mildly, they were simply too many to start listing them. But the main ones were financial and moral. As a woman in an industry that was mainly dominated by men at the time, you had to be doubly good at what you do to make any headway. So many times you had to go hungry because you had no money. Again, as a woman, that puts you in a moral challenge.”

    Aside from acting, Bukky is relatively a successful businesswoman. Her boutique, located in the Lekki area of Lagos, is a choice shopping place for the big boys. The outfit, she said is the result of a long term planning. “It took me a long time to plan this. I have always thought of sitting down in my own shop and all the things in the shop being my own brand. That’s why I’ve been trying to brand the name. I’ve always said it that Bukky Wright is not just a name. It is a brand that could come out with anything. I’ve been nurturing it for a very long time.”

    From owning a fashion shop, Bukky is expanding her business coast to include entertainment and promotion.

    “I do a lot of stuff now. I have opened a record label, with my son as the first artiste on the label. By the grace of God, we hope to have more artistes on the label.”

    While it is true that other aspects of her life seem to have fallen into place with relative ease and profound successes, but Bukky has also had her fair share of troubles, ranging from media gossips surrounding her career and relationships to the challenges of making success of her career.

    However, in spite of the brave face and thick skin towards scandals and rumours, Bukky confessed that she had broken down in tears over a story. And talking about her friends, she claimed that, while she has plenty of friends and acquaintances, her two sons remain her best friends. “I have a lot of friends and I have a lot of acquaintances. My kids are my best friends. I have two of them; Gbenga and Eniola.”

    But another person who is close to Bukky Wright was her late mother. Their closeness was on display when the old woman died about two years ago, as the actress was left distraught. But time seems to have mended her broken heart, as she spoke fondly of her mother’s memory.

    “I was very close to my mom. But i give God the glory that we have been able to keep her memory alive.”

    Of the lessons she learnt from her mom, Bukky said the most profound was to be herself at all times and to be generous to people around her.

    “I was very close to my mum and she taught me a whole lot of things. She taught me a lot about life and she taught me that the family comes first before any other thing and it has been working well for me.

    “She would always tell me that I should always believe in myself. She said that, while others may deceive you, you cannot afford to deceive yourself. She also taught me to be generous. For instance, she said that you don’t need to ask your guests whether they would eat or not. She said you should simply serve your guests whatever you can afford. And in truth, you cannot come to our house without eating something, because she would not allow that to happen. These lessons are helping me in my own life today, and I sincerely thank her for inculcating into me these virtues.”

    One of the reasons that Bukky is adored by her fans is because of her beautiful sense of fashion, both on and off the screen. And whether in traditional wear or English dress, Bukky Wright would most likely emerge your poster girl.

    “I love shirts. I love anything that has to do with fashion. Mostly, I love to wear shirts. But that does not mean I don’t wear native attires. Maybe I should say that I dress to suit the occasion.”

    So how does she manage her male fans? She disclosed that she puts in place a structure that defines the role of both parties. “I make them know that they are just my fans and nothing beyond that. But if a particular one becomes persistent, I either refuse to pick his call or simply devise a more diplomatic way to put him at arms length without necessarily hurting him.”

    She however, maintained that she has no regret about her personality. “I have no regrets at all. If I come back a thousand times, I still want to be Bukky Wright.”

  • The Boss is Mine premieres in Enugu

    The Boss is Mine premieres in Enugu

    After months of hard work and putting finishing touches to one of Nollywood’s most anticipated production, The Boss is Mine, producers of the flick have said that they are ready to let the world have a taste of what they have been cooking.

    Produced and directed by Okechukwu Oku, The Boss is Mine is the story of an enterprising young man who comes to a decision to employ a cleaner and a cook in order to ease his fiancée’s return. What he did not bargain for was a tug-of-war between the maids for his romantic attention.

    Oga is every woman’s dream. Handsome, loaded, kind and single. So straight off the bats, Ngozi and Anu (the cook and the cleaner respectively) plot to win him over. They put his driver, Victor, into consideration, a situation he exploited fully. Until Gabrielle, Oga’s fiancée shows up.

    According to Oku, The Boss is Mine premieres on Friday, January 8 at Genesis Deluxe Cinema in Enugu and on Sunday, January 10 at Uyo. Following the premiere of the movie he says, the flick will witness a theatrical release across Nigeria.

    After which it will show in the cinemas for a couple of weeks before going for an online release.

    “I’ve seen some people who have a wrong notion about Nigerian movies and what I’m trying to do is, we are trying to correct it. It is assumed that any movie that has to appeal to the modern audience has to have some western kind of feel.

    “I’m of the opinion that we can bridge that gap. There can be a movie that appeals both to the advanced audience and the local audience. That is what The Boss is Mine sets out to achieve,” says Oku.

    A production of Oracle Films, the movie stars the likes of Imeh Bishop Umoh, Mike Godson, Daniella Okeke, Mary Ogbonna, Sapphire Obi, Osita Chukwu and a host of others.

  • LAI MOHAMMED WOOS BRITISH COUNCIL FOR NOLLYWOOD, OTHERS

    LAI MOHAMMED WOOS BRITISH COUNCIL FOR NOLLYWOOD, OTHERS

    MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that the creative industry as well as culture have a great role to play in the ongoing diversification of Nigeria’s economy, at a time of dwindling earnings from crude oil.

    Receiving the Country Director of the British Council, Ms. Connie Price, in his office in Abuja on Monday, the Minister said the Federal Government would not restrict its efforts at diversifying the economy to agriculture and and solid minerals.

    “This government, even before knowing that the price of crude oil was going to plummet to about $38 per barrel, had promised Nigerians during its campaign that it is going to diversify the economy. Diversification of our economy is not just limited to agriculture or solid minerals or even the real sector. I think one area where we need capital investment is in the area of culture because this abounds everywhere.

    ”But our biggest challenge so far is how do we harness this abundant cultural heritage and create an economy out of it? There is virtually no state in Nigeria today that cannot boast of 3, 4 or 5 cultural industries, either pottery, painting, textile making or leather works,” he said.

    Alhaji Mohammed identified inadequate knowledge and the capacity to translate the nation’s abundant cultural heritage into a viable economy as the bane of the sector, and therefore sought the assistance of the British Council to support his ministry to surmount the challenges.

    “This is one area I believe you can assist us either in the area of capacity building or in the area of infrastructure. But more importantly in the area of organizing how these things work in a co-operative manner,” he said.

    The Minister also sought the support of the British Council in assisting the agencies under his ministry to rediscover their capacity and revive the cultural industry as a major source of revenue for the nation.

    He expressed optimism that through the culture and the creative industry, women could be empowered to acquire skills that would enable them to explore the industry and be economically independent.

    Responding, the Country Director said the diversification of the economy had been a huge challenge in Britain because of the country’s over-reliance on industries.

    “People might not realize this but this has been an issue in the UK until very recently, particularly in the North of our country where many cities have been dependent on industries and the industries have now gone and we have empty factories,” she said.

    Ms. Price said her country had now turned its thinking away from mono-economic dependence by giving vent to its culture and creative industries, which were now bringing billions of pounds into the British economy.

    According to Ms. Price, initially Britain witnessed a crisis of management in its cultural institutions because of their orientation as agencies of state that relied solely on state funding, but noted that through the diversification of the economy, the agencies had been re-orientated to think creatively in order to earn revenue instead of depending on government.

    She expressed satisfaction with the determination of the Minister to use the culture and creative industry to empower women, saying the British Council was extremely committed to supporting women empowerment.

    The Country Director was accompanied on her courtesy visit by the Arts Director, Ms. Ojoma Ocha, and the Partnership Director, Mr. Chikoli Onyemerela.

  • AMVCA 2016: Actresses take over Nollywood

    AMVCA 2016: Actresses take over Nollywood

    As the much anticipated nominees for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) were unveiled on Friday, December 12, one thing was clear; Nollywood actresses are no longer comfortable with being confined to the sidelines.

    Evidently, some of Nigeria’s finest actresses who have taken to producing their own movies were nominated in the best categories. Three of them, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Linus and Omoni Oboli, especially stood out.

    Nnaji’s movie, Road to Yesterday, for instance, is nominated in six out of the 26 categories. The movie is in contention for the Best Overall Movie (Africa) category with five other films; Dry (Stephanie Linus), Freetown(Adam Abel and Garrett Batty) Ayanda (Sara Blecher), Tell Me Sweet Something (Akin Omotosho), Silverain(Juliet Asante) as well as House Arrest (Joseph Kenneth Ssebaggala)

    It is also nominated in Best Writer of a Movie/TV Series (Emil B. Garuba), Best Director (Ishaya Bako), Best Actress in a Drama (Genevieve Nnaji), Best Picture Editor (Chuka Ejorh), Best Movie – West Africa (Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevieve Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko) and Best Sound Editor (Kulanen Ikyo)

    Stephanie Linus’ Dry also made a statement in eight categories; Best Overall Movie (AFRICA), Best Costume Designer (Uche Nancy), Best Makeup Artist (Gabriel Okorie), Best Director (Stephanie Linus), Best Supporting Actress (Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge), Best Art Director (Gabriel Okorie), Best Cinematographer (Angel Barroeta),Best Movie – West Africa as well as Best Sound Editor (Marquex Jose Guillermo)

    Omoni Oboli also establishes her presence in the 2016 AMVCA nominees like with her two movies, Being Mrs Elliot and The First Lady. While neither of them make it to the most coveted category, the Best Overall Movie (Africa), they are prominent in several others; Best Costume Designer (Being Mrs Elliot/The First Lady), Best Makeup Artist (Being Mrs Elliot), Best Lighting Designer (Being Mrs Elliot), Best Actor in a Drama (Being Mrs Elliot) and Best Actress in a Comedy (Being Mrs Elliot).

    In a special live broadcast beamed on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv last Friday, nominees for the 2016 edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) were revealed.

    The show was hosted by popular Kenyan broadcaster, Larry Madowo and Nigerian comedienne Chigurl.

     

  • Nollywood comic actor Dede One Day reported dead

    Nollywood comic actor Dede One Day reported dead

    Nollywood Actor cum comedian, Dede One Day has reportedly died.

    The Nation gathered that the talented comedian died of high blood pressure in the early hours of Monday after performing at an event on Sunday.

    According to a report, “One Day anchored a program for One Mr Charles Esonu on Sunday in Aba, from there he went to Ugwunagbo for another event he was paid to anchor as Master of ceremony, but he couldn’t conclude that event as he fell sick and was rushed to hospital over BP related issue and he died late in the Night.”

  • AMVCA 2016: Actresses take over Nollywood

    AMVCA 2016: Actresses take over Nollywood

    As the much anticipated nominees for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) were unveiled on Friday, December 12, one thing was clear; Nollywood actresses are no longer comfortable with being confined to the sidelines.

    Evidently, some of Nigeria’s finest actresses who have taken to producing their own movies were nominated in the best categories. Three of them, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Linus and Omoni Oboli, especially stood out.

    Nnaji’s movie, Road to Yesterday, for instance, is nominated in six out of the 26 categories. The movie is in contention for the Best Overall Movie (Africa) category with five other films; Dry (Stephanie Linus), Freetown(Adam Abel and Garrett Batty) Ayanda (Sara Blecher), Tell Me Sweet Something (Akin Omotosho), Silverain(Juliet Asante) as well as House Arrest (Joseph Kenneth Ssebaggala)

    It is also nominated in Best Writer of a Movie/TV Series (Emil B. Garuba), Best Director (Ishaya Bako), Best Actress in a Drama (Genevieve Nnaji), Best Picture Editor (Chuka Ejorh), Best Movie – West Africa (Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevieve Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko) and Best Sound Editor (Kulanen Ikyo)

    Stephanie Linus’ Dry also made a statement in eight categories; Best Overall Movie (AFRICA), Best Costume Designer (Uche Nancy), Best Makeup Artist (Gabriel Okorie), Best Director (Stephanie Linus), Best Supporting Actress (Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge), Best Art Director (Gabriel Okorie), Best Cinematographer (Angel Barroeta),Best Movie – West Africa as well as Best Sound Editor (Marquex Jose Guillermo)

    Omoni Oboli also establishes her presence in the 2016 AMVCA nominees like with her two movies, Being Mrs Elliot and The First Lady. While neither of them make it to the most coveted category, the Best Overall Movie (Africa), they are prominent in several others; Best Costume Designer (Being Mrs Elliot/The First Lady), Best Makeup Artist (Being Mrs Elliot), Best Lighting Designer (Being Mrs Elliot), Best Actor in a Drama (Being Mrs Elliot) and Best Actress in a Comedy (Being Mrs Elliot).

    In a special live broadcast beamed on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv last Friday, nominees for the 2016 edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) were revealed.

    The show was hosted by popular Kenyan broadcaster, Larry Madowo and Nigerian comedienne Chigurl.

     

  • HOW I MANAGE MY PRIVACY–NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS UZOR OSIMKPA

    HOW I MANAGE MY PRIVACY–NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS UZOR OSIMKPA

    Though she has been in the industry for over a decade, Nollywood actress, Uzor Osimkpa, says that with acting she feels a sense of wholesomeness. The thespian who plays Adaku in the acclaimed sitcom, Do Good, has also featured in several successful TV series like Flat Mates, Shallow Waters, Edge of Paradise among others. She speaks with OVWE MEDEME on her staying power among other issues. 

    FOR how long have you been an actress?

    I never like doing that but I think it’s been about 12 years now. By the time I started I was just getting out of the university so yes, I was pretty young but not as a child actor.

    With over a decade in the movie industry, what has been your staying power?

    I would say it has been resilience, passion and the fact that there is nowhere to go. This is where I want to be, this is where I feel a sense of wholesomeness. When I’m doing this, when I’m here, I don’t feel like I need to be anywhere else. I don’t feel like I need to do anything else.

    When you say there’s nowhere to go, doesn’t it sound like you are putting all your eggs in one basket?

    I’m not putting any egg in any basket. There is nowhere to go in that I’m content with who I am being an actor. I don’t see myself doing anything else. That is the best of myself that I can be. The ability to be able to play several characters and still be me is a gift and I don’t take it for granted that I have the opportunity to have been doing this for as long as I have been and still be here. It has been a while but it’s been paying the bills, it’s been taking care of stuff.

    What informs your love for acting?

    You know how when you just feel something in your insides, you can’t do anything about it except be that thing that you are called to be. It’s a calling and you know that if you do not stay in the calling, with the calling, answer to the call, you will be living short of yourself, short of the life that you have been destined to live. Its destiny; it is who I’m called to be, it is who I want to be. It is who I’m known to be; an actor, interpreting roles and doing them tastefully.

    Was there a time you considered giving it all up?

    Yes, there have been times like that but I’m not known to back down in any situation. In fact, when something seems more difficult, I feel more urge to go at it with everything that I have. So there’s never really been doubt of whether I will make it in this field. Yes, there might be some sort of insecurity, questioning the calling but I have to do it despite the highs, the lows, the good times or the bad times.

    What has been your lowest moment as an actress?

    I honestly do not keep records of my lows. I can tell you about my highs.

    Tell us about your highs then

    Very early on in my career, I got the opportunity to work with BBC World Service Trust. I went on auditions as a rookie almost and I got the role. We were flown into Abuja to shoot at the time. This was in 2005. We did a pilot series that went on to become a full blown series and was shown around the country.

    That was for the sitcom, Wetin Dey. Also, I’ve been working with Mnet since 2005 in different projects. I’ve been on and off with them but more on than off. Every year since 2005, I’ve done something with Mnet. So, it’s been fulfilling for me, but it’s still not enough because there is so much to conquer, there’s so much more to do, there’s so much more to be. There’s Hollywood to go to. When you keep a dream alive and you know that there’s something to look forward to, that is your staying power.

    Have you ever found any role so challenging, you had to reject it?

    Uzor 2Yes, I found the role that I’m currently playing, which is Adaku on Do Good television comedy series very challenging. I was invited for the reading and when I got there and I realised what I was supposed to do and how much was expected of the character, I told them I didn’t want to do it, that they should just consider me for something else. I couldn’t do that. I’ve never had to say that ever before because I feel I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.

    Before I got there, somebody had dampened my mood and I was upset. But that wasn’t enough reason for me to say I wasn’t going to take on a role. I didn’t even have a contender for it. Other people were considered but I didn’t have to contend with them, so to say. I didn’t even think I did so well with my audition because I didn’t think I presented it the way it would have been expected of me. That was the only time and hopefully that would be the only time I would have to turn down a role. I’ve done really challenging roles that took me out of my whole essence that I even fell ill. This was for theatre. Theatre is actually more challenging because there are no levels there. It’s all high.

    Between theatre and the screens, which do you find more fulfilling?

    There is a huge sense of fulfillment with theatre. Even when you know that when the curtains come down, it’s over, there is still the sense of hurray. And it’s not a one man’s job, except you are doing one man theatre.

    When you finish, that is when it ends. It’s an out of body experience for me. That has also made me, because most of the theatre productions that I’ve taken on, I’m still taking them because I’ve gotten other offers that I didn’t take. The ones that I’ve taken on were challenging. They always made me go far. I had to always push the button, push the envelope far. I can’t really explain it.

    Are you exploring other aspects of the arts?

    Oh yes, I am. I’m going to do it all. Maybe not all but I’m going to take it in my stride. If I’m going to do it at all, I have to do it right so I don’t feel ready to do it just yet. But a time will come when I will have to do it well. It has to be tasteful. Because if I’m going to do it at all, I must do it well. That is what I believe. Then again, there is the issue of time and chance. The time has to be right and the chance has to be there. When they come together, it will be a good picture.

    Are you married?

    Goodness, I’m single. Not yet married is what I am.

    What was growing up like for you?

    Growing up was interesting. I had a very interesting childhood. A lot of what I know today is a function of the family that I am from. My family is close knit. Everybody is interested in what the other person is doing. There is no distance. I know what my siblings are doing at every point in time. I know what my parents are doing at every point in time. We are interested in ourselves.

    It is not a see finish thing. I love the fact that my parents trust me to take my own decisions. My father would, even in my absence, say he knows what I would do. It gives me a sense of worth, a sense of fulfillment. That’s my root. That’s everything that I am. I grew up in Lagos. I’m the second of four children. I daresay I had everything that I wanted growing up. My father gave me just about everything I wanted at the appropriate time. I wasn’t spoilt. Dem beat me ehn. If my father beat you. My father is a very strict disciplinarian.

    You seem attached to your father…

    Yes, we are cool. Nothing goes unpunished with him. I’m close to both my parents. In fact I probably speak to my mum more than I do my father but I revere my father. He’s a demigod. My parents are cool jare. I would not want to be from anywhere else. if things were different, I’m sure that they will be with me every step of the way.

    What did you study in school?

    I studied Education Economics at Abia State University. I graduated in 2004 and I went for NYSC for my dad because left for me, I wouldn’t have gone for that. It turned out to be my best years. I served in Kaduna State. It was a beautiful one year. I didn’t serve until 2007 and my father forced me. When I came back, I gave him my certificate.

    Did you have to look for a job?

    By 2003 before I graduated, I was already going for auditions. And the first audition I went for, I got cast in it. I went on to do House Sisters with KP Cyprus. Flat Mates, Shallow Waters, Edge of Paradise, Doctors Quarters and so on. so, I was busy. I even did a film in Enugu back then. The moment I got out of school, I already knew this is what I was coming out to be. I never applied for any job.

    Although, in 2008 or thereabout, I worked for about a year with True Tales Communication. I was writing for them at the time. Then I went on to become Head of Media. I got two promotions at the time I worked with them in a period of nine months. Every time I was there, I just felt like something was missing. My friends were going for auditions and I didn’t have the time to go. But every now and then, I still went on to shoot.

    Is there any part of your privacy that  has been stolen from you?

    Not really, because I manage myself well enough to not put out what I do not want out there.

  • AFRINOLLY APP HYPED AS NEXT CASH COW FOR NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS

    AFRINOLLY APP HYPED AS NEXT CASH COW FOR NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS

    Nollywood filmmakers are set to enjoy a new market with the coming of the Afrinolly Marketplace, a digital platform on which producers can sell the content to mobile phone users.

    Disclosing this at the launch during an industry session at the just concluded Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, penultimate Tuesday, Mr. Chike Maduegbuna, CEO of Afrinolly, said the App enables users to watch Nollywood movies and music videos on mobile devices such as Android, Blackberry, IOS and Windows phone.

    According to Maduegbuna, media companies have to innovate around the product and user experience.

    Maduegbuna said they are already working with the telecommunication companies in the country.

    According to him, a movie will cost N100 and short film will cost N50 in Nigeria, compared with the U.S. where it is $1 for a movie and 50cents for a short film, and the United Kingdom where it is £1 for a movie.

    “As we push things out like that, it doesn’t matter where the consumer comes from,” he said. “Whether from within or outside, we have something to show for it.”

    And with over 90 million mobile phones in the country, Nigeria provides a huge market.

    “How many of you know that short film is a major cash cow for us?” Maduegbuna asked. “Before, they use to sell music in albums. Today, they sell music in singles.

    “When you talk about short film, the first thing that comes to your mind is what you did as school work before you finish or when you’re trying to introduce yourself to the market. There are faster ways you can engage the industry.”

  • I THINK LIKE THERE’S NO BOX – NOLLYWOOD PRODUCER UDUAK-OBONG PATRICK

    I THINK LIKE THERE’S NO BOX – NOLLYWOOD PRODUCER UDUAK-OBONG PATRICK

    Uduak-Obong Patrick a Nigerian film director and producer with five years hands-on experience in the industry. Having studied Theatre Arts and Mass Communication at the University of Benin, Edo State, he delved right into the movie world, an industry which he says comes with its challenges. With several short films and feature productions in his kitty, he speaks with OVWE MEDEME about the challenges of filming in Lagos, and sundry issues

    HOW did you end up as a movie director?

    I consider myself a protégé of Emem Isong because I understudied her immediately after school. My first short film was a very experimental production which I did with some partners. We entered it for the Afrinolly Short Film Competition. Afterwards, we co produced a second short film. Not long after that, I met actress, Judith Audu and she asked me to direct her short film on domestic violence titled Not Right, I was very glad I did it because it got multiple nominations last year. In 2013, I produced my very first feature film, and I have never looked back since then.

    Basically, what is the life of a Nigerian director like?

    For every director, the experiences are different. Since I’m relatively new, I can’t really say much, but I know that directors in Nigeria are always faced with the challenge of location. Filming in Lagos is work. Lagos is a very densely populated state. There is noise pollution and air pollution. We have issues with Agberos here and there, we have issues with touts. Even when we get permission from the appropriate authorities, we still have the challenge of dealing with such people.

    Then again, beyond all of that, when we finish work and it comes out, people hardly recognise our effort. I think now, the industry and movie lovers are getting more conscious of the persons behind the film. When you see a film, it is not just the actors that make it work. There is someone who is responsible for the creative process that we enjoy. People are beginning to look out for who directed the film and we are beginning to get followership. People are beginning to realise that it is not always about the actors. The director is the brain behind everything that you see and enjoy.

    Knowing that it is a thankless aspect of movie production, why did you choose to work behind the camera?

    I would say that is more of a strong discovery process. I studied Theatre in school, so I started as an actor and a dancer. I’m still a dancer; I still act when I get the opportunity. But in the process of self discovery, I discovered that I think like there’s no box. When I pick up a script, I look at it and I see pictures, I see a different interpretation, I see camera movement.

    And then again, because I dance, I see rhythm and flow. Just before I graduated, I had a talk with one of my lecturers and I asked him what I could do. He told me that it is either I become a cinematographer or a director. Then I began to read books on directing. I’m one of those few people who are multi-gifted when it comes to the arts. I write, I sing, I dance and I can act. I started as a production assistant; from there, I became a production manager. I’ve done continuity, I’ve done props, the only thing I’ve not done is make up. So I channel all my energy into making all that process come alive.

    Tell us about your latest project

    Every filmmaker in Nigeria has his or her peculiar challenges but one thing that stood us out for this project was the fact that we were prepared for the challenges we faced. It was the shoot of Judit Audu’s feature film, Not Just Married. We envisaged the challenges so they didn’t come so much as challenges because we were already prepared for them. In terms of technical production, location and whatnots, we had already envisaged them. It was so much fun for me. We had everything planned out. We didn’t shoot overnight like most productions in Nigeria, which is a very surprising thing. We had 132 scenes to shoot in six days.

    So we started filming in the morning and it was fun. The crew was amazing, the actors were on point. My Director of Production and the second camera man were very good at their jobs. We had a very good technical director in the person of Oluseyi Asurf. He was an asset to the production. We knew what we wanted to do, so we just went for it. Directing Not Just Married was super fun. I learnt a lot about myself, I learnt a lot about filmmaking, and producing all over again.

    Compared to the other scripts you’ve done, what was different about this?

    It started from the story. It was completely different. It is not like anything we have done in Nigeria. I can boldly say that this story is not like anything the Nigerian film industry has seen at all. It just stood out for us. The plot was captivating. Everybody who read that script was amazed. That was very different for us.

    Also, the method of filming was different. We were going to approach it with the guerrilla style, so the kind of equipments that we worked with was something that was going to be very flexible. Another thing that was different for us was that for the crew members, we had worked on previous projects together, so it was more like the coming together of friends and family to make a film. That’s what was different for us.

    What stage of production are you now?

    Presently, we are in post production and it should take about a month or two. We are not expecting it to exceed two months because we are confident that we made a film that would be a pleasurable watch. It is a film that will make the viewers feel good and while we are entertaining, we are also making very strong commentaries on some societal issues. At the end of the day, we would have been able to generate a conversation. There are a number of issues that we talked about in the movie.

    How financially rewarding has the industry been to you?

    Well, I’ve just done five years in the industry so I would say this is just the beginning. Nollywood has been rated as an 800 billion dollars industry. There is money in the industry. It is just a matter of time. It takes time for things to fall into place. And the creative part of me is the director while there is a business part who is the producer.

    So I know that I am an entertainment entrepreneur and my business is film business. My company is just three years old, so we are just starting. Give us the next five to ten years, then we can know whether it has been financially rewarding. I strongly believe in this industry. There is no need going after the big cake when you can get a small chunk of the big pie. It is matter of time. Universal Pictures did not get to where they are overnight.

    Are you married?

    Yes, I am. I got married last year.

    How demanding is the job?

    It is very demanding but fortunately for me, my wife understands. We actually studied Theatre Arts together; we were classmates so she understands the demands of my career. She too wants to be an actor. She is just bidding her time with the corporate world. She is a copywriter. We are all in the arts so she understands. Everything I have done or been through prepared me for all of this process. I had prepared for this stage of my life so I’m not stressed. Before we got married, we talked about it. A time is coming when I will plan my whole year ahead. That is what I’m looking forward to.