The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Re-branding Nollywood gets slot at AFRIFF

    YET to be in existence for three decades, the Nigerian film industry, popularly described as Nollywood, has caught global attention. And this was the topic which Project Nollywood Rebranding, a documentary by Dayo Balogun, addressed.

    The documentary was among the entries of films submitted for the 2015 edition of Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, which holds in Lagos between November 8 and November 15.

    The documentary which looks at the successes and challenges of the Nollywood industry had practitioners take on what has been described at the number two movie industry in the world.

    For his work, he interviewed actors, directors, producers, marketers as well as critics based in Nigeria and abroad on the different aspects of the Nollywood story.

    Some of the practitioners which the documentary maker engaged include Lancelot Imasuen, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Victor Edogun, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Tony Abulu, Uti Nwachuwku and Mahmood Ali Balogun. Others are Femi Odugbemi, Zik Zulu, Pauline Long, Ade Rawcliffe, Tom Rowland-REES, Alistair Soyede, Charles Thompson, Debra Odutuyo, Akin Salami, Phil Hoad, Emmanuel Anyim Osigwe and Wale Ojo.

    Speaking after the screening of the movie on Monday, Balogun said the project started about three years ago when he wanted to do his Master’s thesis in London.

    He said the greatest thing he learnt was the passion of Nigerian filmmakers. He however urged the practitioners to constantly up their game, saying, “I think Nollywood filmmakers need to realise that the world would look at how well we do our films.”

    However, paradoxically Balogun sees what is perhaps the greatest challenge confronting Nollywood  piracy  as good for the industry.

    “I think piracy in Nigeria has actually really helped Nollywood industry,” he said, recalling being on Invisible Borders, a travel trip across some African countries.

    “In some borders, we actually pay with Nollywood films.”

  • Donald Trump should come to Nollywood

    AMERICA’S Republican presidential campaign comic hero, Donald Trump made a joke of Africans recently, describing us as ‘lazy and only good at lovemaking and violence.’ Trump’s basket mouth sure knows no restraint. With a tongue that probably runs faster than his brain, how could he be a worthy Mayor, let alone President? With his obvious shortsightedness about Africa, how could he possibly be president of the world? I wonder.

    I am convinced that as a Nigerian, I am more exposed than millions of Americans, and Trump could just be one of them. The man does not see beyond the walls of America  such a rich prisoner.

    A lady metro driver took me from Downtown Houston to the bus’ last station somewhere close to Sugarland. I told her I didn’t know my way, but she was nonchalant. She felt should call Uber or some red cab, which was difficult for me to do at that point in time.

    I just came in from France and had not acquired an American SIM card. Her attitude put me off, and I felt it was useless glorifying her with this explanation. I became the last passenger in her bus, and as she jumped out of the bus, to smoke part of her life away, I walked up to her and asked, quietly, if she had ever travelled out of Houston, let alone out of America. She looked at me, frowned, blew her smoke sideways but said nothing. I was happy she got my message. I didn’t put it harsh, just to avoid any immigration issue, but I got a last laugh. Her attitude was more painful to me because she is black. Like Trump, it was obvious she had never been to the outside world. She must be one of them who think that Africans live on trees.

    Travelling makes you appreciate a lot of things. It does help your understanding of other people and hone your human relations. But the picture of the Africans around Trump’s neighborhood is not necessarily who we are. Nigerians, for example, are some of the best brains in the United Kingdom, Europe and America  Trump must be living among the black sheep from Africa… the ones that inspired Jonas Carpignano’s Mediterranea, a film about capital flight. But whose fault in most cases, if not our governments’ for failing to manage incidents of our able workforce running away in search of greener pastures.

    If Trump has no knowledge of the over 12 thousand top Nigerian doctors in American teaching hospitals, lawyers and nurses etc, he needs to come to Lagos this week and see the substance of an African film industry. The 2015 AFRIFF industry programme is an indication that film is serious business. And this is just one fraction of the African economy.

    The AFRIFF programme Top of Form seeks to give expression to the players in African cinema by profiling key note conversations and discussions on issues of strategic importance in moving the industry forward. The focus is to dialogue, share knowledge in key note conversations, about practical ideas and trends with a view to empowering filmmakers through various sessions that will start this Monday.

    The sessions are expected to treat topics such as The Actor as a Commercial Brand; Music in Film; Scores, Soundtracks, Synergy & Alternative Income Streams; Towards A Sustainable Business Framework For African Cinema; The NOLLYFUND Industry Engagement with the Bank of Industry; AFRINOLLY MARKETPLACE Launch; Lighting Design Masterclass; Relativity Education Engagement; Practical Solutions to Minimizing Piracy; Co-production Projects Pitching; Presentations on Rebates, funded projects, funding requirements, partnerships and skills sharing between SA and Nigerian Filmmakers; Exploring Digitalization with the NBC; Theatre and Filmmaking: Bridging the divide; and Collaboration and Trade opportunities between UK and Nigerian Film Industry.

    Africans are hardworking and best at what they do. Trump was wrong. He needs to come to Lagos and learn new things.

  • Another Nollywood day in Texas

    Another Nollywood day in Texas

    In what could be likened to Nollywood’s night of fame in the U.S., the Afro Heritage Broadcast and Entertainment Awards which held in Houston, Texas last Saturday, had a horde of Nigerian actors in attendance.

    By nightfall, some Nollywood players clinched awards. Among the winners are Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin) who emerged the Icon of Entertainment Award and notable Nigerian Master of Ceremonies, Gbenga Adeyinka who emerged Legend of African Comedy. Other winners at the inaugural edition include Iyabo Ojo, Femi Adebayo, and Bayo Bankole of the Papa Ajasco fame.

    Some of the actors at the event include Dele Odule, Yomi Fash Lanso, Abbey Lanre, Muka Ray, Sunday Omobolanle, Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), Tope Osoba, and Mistura Asuramu.

  • Omoni Oboli, Lonzo Nzekwe pay tribute to Sam Sarpong

    Omoni Oboli, Lonzo Nzekwe pay tribute to Sam Sarpong

    Producer and director of one of Nollywood’s most celebrated movies, ‘Anchor Baby’, Lonzo Nzekwe, has paid a glowing tribute to one of the movie’s lead cast, Sam Sarpong who was said to have committed suicide last week.
    In a post on ‘Anchor Baby’’s Facebook page, Nzekwe described the late actor as hardworking and super-talented.
    “When It Rains, It Pours! I just received a sad news that my friend and super talented actor, singer, supermodel, Sam Sarpong has passed away. He played the co-lead character, Paul Unanga in my film, ‘Anchor Baby’ .

    At this moment, I do not know the exact cause of his death. Still trying to find out. He was the most genuine, humble and hard working guy I’ve ever met. Still in deep shock over this bad news. Please pray for him and his family. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace homie,” Nzekwe posted.
    Actress and movie producer, Omoni Oboli, who plays Sarpong’s wife in the film also expressed sadness at his demise.
    “Have mercy Lord!!! I have been balling my eyes out for the last hour! I can’t deal with this! God knows I can’t! My husband in the movie ‘Anchor Baby’ gone like that! I have never met a more positive guy in my whole life! He’s the most genuine, God fearing, lovable character you’ll ever meet. What is in this life now? All the hustle! Over! Just like that! I’m MISERABLE! God speed fam! Rest in the bosom of The Lord,” she posted on Instagram.
    Born December 1979, Sarpong was an English-American actor, model, and musician with over 60 feature films, and fifty-five television shows to his credit. He has featured in such films as ‘Carmen The Hip Hopera’, ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’, ‘Keeping Up with the Steins’, ‘Anchor Baby’ and a host of others.
    He was said to have died last Monday in Southern California after jumping from a bridge in Pasadena. He is survived by a sister and a father.

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  • BEST OF NOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HONOURED IN GERMANY

    BEST OF NOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HONOURED IN GERMANY

    FOLLOWING the recent outing of the third edition of the Nollywood at the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA) gala night in Frankfurt, Germany, the country’s movie industry is surely getting more thumbs up. The event is the closing ceremony of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG), a viable platform designed for Nollywood film makers to showcase their movies to Europeans and Nollywood fans in the Diaspora which held at the prestigious Filmforum Höchst VHS Cinema, Emmerich-Joselstr, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    “This is the most cherished award that I have ever received,” wrote one of the recipients, Senator of the United States of America, Senator Donzella James, Democratic Senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia, on her Facebook page. “I am humbled and truly honoured!”

    Though Senator James was originally invited as Special Guest of Honour, it was in recognition of what she does for the African people in the US that led to her being honoured by the Nigerian community in the USA. Because of her tireless efforts in creating a voice for the voiceless and less-privileged, she had earlier received the 2014 Friend Of Nigeria award from the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia, NWAG. Also her association with Queen Blessing O. Itua a Nigerian, as her International Liaison – Adviser, proved testament of her love and support for the Nigerian people in particular and Africans in general. Those acts did not escape NEGA organisers and there was little option than to surprise her with the prestigious award as a well-deserved winner of “Distinguished Mouth Piece Of The Voiceless Africans” with additional FESTAC head artefact that symbolizes Black freedom as Ehizoya’s first Highest Recognition Awards designed for very selected personalities with extraordinary track-record.

    Also honoured at the NEGA Awards gala-night was Edo State-born USA-based Hollywood artiste, who is also an author, motivational speaker and the host of the gala-night, Queen Blessing O. Itua. The Hollywood actress/producer and of course, the International Liaison  Adviser to Senator Donzella James was awarded NEGA 2015 “Reputable Cross Cultural Actress”.

    Other big winners were: Ime Bishop Umoh – “Best Comic Actor”, showstopper, Cossy Orjiako – “Distinctive Daring Actress” (she has shattered records with a daring role in Nollywood’s blockbuster, Shattered Homes), Grand master comedian, Ereku Mofe aka Gandoki, awarded – “Nigeria’s Most Creative Comedian”, Mr. Steve Olu, a trained Surveillance and Intelligence officer in Germany and manufacturer of sensitive camera that can film almost every impossible angles even under water by minimizing the rigorous filming risk in film making  “NEGA Grand Innovation”, Mrs. Rosalyn Dressman, the President of African Union Tide e.V, also awarded –  “Grand Supporter of Nollywood in Germany,” Benjamin James, former Stationary Store and Super Eagles player but now Bundesliga Junior Hoffenheim team coach  “Outstanding Diaspora Soccer Coach”, Victor Olusegun Akande, currently the Entertainment Editor at The Nation newspaper  “Distinguished Nollywood Critic” and the Art Editor of National Mirror newspaper, Mr. Emedolibe Ngozi Erasmus was also awarded “Outstanding Film art Critic of Nollywood”.

    Among dignitaries present at the gala-night were His Excellency Ambassador Abdul Bin Rimdap Retd, His Excellency Consul General of the Nigeria consulate, Frankfurt, Germany John Ejineka, His Excellency, CDA Mr. Kenneth Okeh of the Nigeria Embassy, Berlin, Founder of London Base “True Nigerians” Barr. Emmanuel Aluode, Engr J.I Iyamu  President of Nigeria Association Hessen State and Mr Ajibola retd, Chief Anthony Ajidua  The Ohaneze Ndigbo and Mr. Joseph Ogunsaya of Odogbolu both from UK to mention but a few.

    Though absent, the following important personalities were also awarded; His Excellency, Gov Dr Ibramin Dankwambo  “Pillar of Nollywood”, Governor of Gombe State, Nigeria, “Nollywood Grand Innovator” His Excellency Dr Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Former Governor of Sokoto State, Nigeria and Sir Mike Mbama Okiro – IGP retd; CFR, NPM, mni Chairman, “Grand Transformer of Nigeria Police”.

    This year’s gala-night featured some brilliant upcoming Nigerians but Germany-based stars like German Mouth  comedian, Cletus Odigie  comedian, MacoRas  Reggae star and Tu-Brain – Hip Hop among others. Nollywood fans that travelled from far and near were fulfilled with satisfaction when Bishop and Gandoki thrilled them with jokes and cracked their ribs with laughter.

    Before presenting NEGA awards to Senator James, His Excellency the Consul General Mr. Ejineka praised Nollywood stakeholders and Nollywood stars for their creative prowess that has promoted Nigeria’s positive image beyond expectation.

    “We’re proud of Nigerians doing everything positive for the promotion of Nigeria’s image. We’re proud of you, Mr. Izoya, with your team and we’re here to serve and support Nigerians and we are happy with our contributions towards the success of Nollywood Film Festival Germany – NFFG and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards  NEGA Awards.”

    Members of Esan Akugbe Worldwide that travelled from all corners of Germany to honour Isaac Izoya’s invitation, added colour to the event with their cultural performance, which caused much excitement. It was a day Frankfurters will not forget in a hurry.

    The screening was well attended by Germans, Africans and diplomats as well. The festival screening started with Dangogo movie – “Stigma” nominated as the Best Sound and Picture qualities. The movie, addressed the sensitive issues of HIV in detail. No wonder, some German cinemas are negotiating for screening of the movie in their respective cinemas.

    In his opening speech, Izoya, the event director and president of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, said that Nollywood is a medium of promoting not just culture but integration and educational tools for the Diaspora children. “It’s a link for them to connect with their roots and Nollywood has come to stay and must be supported by the Nigerian and German governments as well,” he said.

    Izoya also thanked the Hessen State Filmforum Höchst VHS-Frankfurt Am Main, Ministry of Arts and Culture (Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt), The Office for Multicultural Affairs (Amt für multikulturelle Angelegenheiten  AmkA), Ethiopian Airlines, RIA  Money Transfer & Change, KLG Druckkultu GmbH and the Nigeria Consulate based in Frankfurt under the leadership of His Excellency, Consul General Mr. John Ejineka – for his extra-ordinary efforts towards the success of NFFG/NEGA Awards 2015.

    To Izoya, the outing was a success. NEGA is a platform designed to honour Nollywood stakeholders, stars, comedians, musicians (both in Africa and the Diaspora) which have also been expanded to recognize the artistic bias of outstanding politicians and business men, whose actions have directly or indirectly impacted upon Nigerians worldwide and the industry in particular.

    “The turn-out at this year’s screening was far more than last year, this year’s gala-night was better coordinated than the previous year’s and above all, we shot a great blockbuster movie directed by Paul Obomokhai Julius (DGN) with both Hollywood, German and Nollywood stars with high tech camera, and of course, German DOP now in post-production in Germany. We’re expecting a first class product before December.

    “Above all, Senator Donzella James has invited us to Atlanta Georgia, USA for a red carpet premiere. Looking back in retrospect, I think I am right describing the trip as a mission accomplished. Glory be to God and The Show Must Go On!”

  • Queen Amina of Zazzau marries theatre, Nollywood

    Queen Amina of Zazzau marries theatre, Nollywood

    The staging of Wale Ogunyemis play Queen Amina of Zazzau at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja in November is reminiscent of Hollywood stars vying to perform on Broadway in New York. Tthis

    time it will be Nollywood that will be in wedlock with the Nigerian stage. To take place in two shows in two days on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 at 4pm and 7pm the announcement of Jumoke Olatubosun as taking the lead role of Queen Amina in the play is already causing a buzz in Nigeria’s entertainment circles. Olatubosun, a star of the stage also has very intimidating credentials in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry and the country’s television.

    Nominated for the United Kingdom-based ZAFAA in 2009 as the Best Upcoming Actress for her role in the Nollywood film Greatness, she has had over 30 marvelous stage performances to her credit. Among her television appearances is the soap Band of Five currently showing on ONtv. Others performances include ‘Wetin Dey’ which took television by storm and ‘Nimi’ (in Yoruba) both BBC initiatives. The other films to the credit of the Jos-based Olatubosun are: Sitanda, White Waters, Pensioners, Laviva, Five Apostles, Heart of a Father and Nadia.

    The performance is produced by the indefatigable Patrick-Jude Oteh, the artistic director of the Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT), who said tickets are already on sale and will go on at the door on the day of the performance.

    Last Monday JRT held two other plays at the Lagos Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja with Pedro Antonio De Alarcon’s ‘The Three –Cornered Hat’ as part of the Spanish Week celebration. The other play, ‘Last Stand’ by Sefi Atta, will be staged on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at the French Institute, 52,

    Libreville Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja by 7pm daily. Tickets will be sold at the gate and Oteh promises that the Jos Repertory Theatre will be going the extra mile as is always the case with the group’s performances to not just enlighten and entertain but to also thrill those who find time to attend.

    Jos Repertory Theatre was founded in 1997 as a not-for-profit independent theatre organisation and started full programme implementation in 2000. JRT as the organisation is fondly called does play/poetry readings, production of scripted plays and the creation of theatre-for-development plays.

    It has done very well in the mission of utilising theatre to confront and challenge crucial issues which affect the society with the ultimate aim of educating and entertaining audiences.

    JRT organises the annual Jos Festival of Theatre which has become a nurturing ground for new playwrights, new directors as well as creating an insight into the Nigerian theatre repertory. Featuring plays from the international repertory, new plays as well as landmark Nigerian plays, the festival is currently the only existing private independent theatre festival in Nigeria.

     

  • Bala commends Nollywood over Nigeria at 55

    Bala commends Nollywood over Nigeria at 55

    The Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Patricia Bala has sent her felicitation to the nation’s movie industry for the laudable strides achieved since coming to being.

    According to Bala, as Nigeria clocks 55, it is note-worthy that the nation’s movie industry has taken a quantum leap to the second biggest in the world, creating jobs boosting the national income and projecting the Nigerian prowess in a distinctive way.

    “That the Nigerian movie industry has grown to be an authentic and distinctive brand of reckoning on a global scale is indeed a thing of pride that shows the remarkable heights the nation can attain.

    As the nation’s apex movie regulatory agency, the NFVCB wishes to urge all industry practitioners to continue to raise the ante and creative bar of excellence in a way that promotes economic progress and development of the nation,” she stated.

    The industry, according to Bala, must re-double efforts at projective the positive values that edify the nation and bind the country together in unity, peace, social harmony and sustainable progress.

    “The industry must also never lose sight of the fact that Nigeria’s wellbeing and development as a peaceful nation will continue to be of immense benefit to Nollywood’s creative energies anchored on achieving a broad value-chain. The NFVCB is ever committed to pursuing regulatory policies that will continue to propel the growth of a better structured and organised industry with tangible benefits to all stake-holders and the nation at large,” she added.

  • Bala commends Nollywood over Nigeria at 55

    Bala commends Nollywood over Nigeria at 55

    The Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Patricia Bala, has sent her felicitation to the nation’s movie industry for the laudable strides achieved since coming to being.

    According to Bala, as Nigeria clocks 55, it is note-worthy that the nation’s movie industry has taken a quantum leap to the second biggest in the world, creating jobs boosting the national income and projecting the Nigerian prowess in a distinctive way.

    “That the Nigerian movie industry has grown to be an authentic and distinctive brand of reckoning on a global scale is indeed a thing of pride that shows the remarkable heights the nation can attain.

    “As the nation’s apex movie regulatory agency, the NFVCB wishes to urge all industry practitioners to continue to raise the ante and creative bar of excellence in a way that promotes economic progress and development of the nation,” she stated.

    The industry, according to Bala, must re-double efforts at projective the positive values that edify the nation and bind the country together in unity, peace, social harmony and sustainable progress.

    “The industry must also never lose sight of the fact that Nigeria’s wellbeing and development as a peaceful nation will continue to be of immense benefit to Nollywood’s creative energies anchored on achieving a broad value-chain. The NFVCB is ever committed to pursuing regulatory policies that will continue to propel the growth of a better structured and organised industry with tangible benefits to all stake-holders and the nation at large,” she added.

  • Lancelot Imasuen celebrates 20 years in Nollywood

    Lancelot Imasuen celebrates 20 years in Nollywood

    Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, popularly known as The Guvnor is set to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of his foray into Nollywood. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones have rolled out the drums to celebrate this great thespian. Amongst the activities scheduled to celebrate this Nollywood pacesetter will be the launch of his incursion into television with the release of two television series, amongst a flurry of activities within, and outside the country.

    In recognition of his immense talent, body of works, and contributions to the Nigerian Movie Industry, the prolific and hardworking filmmaker, screen writer, and director recently received three awards. One of which was his investiture as patron of a youth organisation in his home state; Edo. He will be celebrated by friends, colleagues, mentees, and well-wishers at a red carpet event on Saturday, while a thanksgiving service will hold at his church on Sunday.

    The Edo born Film director, who cut his teeth in acting as a secondary school boy at his alma mater, Eghosa College, has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Lancelot started his love affair with the make-believe world in front of the camera, before moving behind the camera, finding fame and fortune in the process. As a young man, he was involved in singing, dancing, theatre, voiceovers, and such. Although he started his movie career in Benin with the now defunct Bendel Broadcasting Service in a variety of roles; actor, radio presenter, voice over artist, and lots more.

    As he puts it, “I have never done any other thing (job). From secondary school I was acting, after which I continued acting, even before going to the university to study Theatre Arts. In fact, I was already a household name in my state, Edo State, prior to being split in into Edo, and Delta States.”

    The young Lancelot, who moved to Lagos in 1994 in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece made his first movie in 1995, and has quite a number of movies to his credit, the last of which; Invasion 1897, has been nominated for several awards at various film festivals.

  • Hollywood, Nollywood actors unveiled as cast in ’93 days’

    Hollywood, Nollywood actors unveiled as cast in ’93 days’

    PRODUCERS and directors of 93 Days, a historical movie that telld the Nigerian story of Ebola crisis, have unveiled their casts. At the world press conference held in Lagos, it was gathered that top Hollywood stars, Danny Glover, Tim Reid have joined some of Nigeria’s Nollywood stars are to feature in the movie.

    Hollywood actor, Danny Glover who has blockbuster movies to his credit, is on board to play the role of Dr. Benjamin Ohiare. Actress Bimbo Akintola plays the heroine, the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh Ameyo. Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey plays Patrick Sawyer, Nigeria’s index Ebola case, while the role of Dr Ada Igonoh will be played by Somkele Iyamah Idhalama. Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Gideon Okeke and a host of other movie stars are expected to feature in the movie.

    Recounting what sparked her interest to join the project, one of the movie producers, Bola Austen-Peters, said, “I couldn’t drop the script of the movie having seen it. The story is worth telling, and if you don’t tell your story someone else will tell it.

    “This is why we have come together to celebrate the major stakeholders who have played a significant role to control the Ebola virus in Nigeria, and Africa at large.”

    The movie scriptwriter, Paul S. Rowlston, speaking with The Nation, revealed the importance of telling the African story with his craft despite not being an African.

    “I have been in Johannesburg since I was 15,” he said. “And why won’t I see myself as an African? The African story is the best I have ever told. This is the most important script I’m asked to contribute to. And being on the same platform with the Nigerian producers and team has really been awesome to me.”

    According to the movie producer, Steve Gukas, the cast are the best. “When we started this project,” he said, “many names cropped up in my head as to who will play each role before I finally came out with the best.”