The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood seeks cooperation with Indians to take on Hollywood

    Nollywood seeks cooperation with Indians to take on Hollywood

    Accra  – Nigeria  is keen to collaborate with the over $2-billion Indian film industry to promote better understanding between the two countries and provide competition to Hollywood.

    “I am just excited at the prospect of a future collaboration between a Nigerian filmmaker and one from India,” Femi Adeniye, a Lagos-based Nigerian film producer, told IANS on phone.

    “Indian filmmakers have the know-how and the experience and that can combine to be a threat to the Hollywood industry,” added the filmmaker.

    Recently, Abuja hosted the first Indian Film Festival and screend a number of Hindi movies including “Lagaan”, “Pardes”, “Chak De! India”, “Stanley Ka Dabba”, “Jodhaa-Akbar”, “Sholay”, “Devdas”, “Dhoom 2” and “3 Idiots”.

    Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria A.R. Ghanashayan sees a vast scope for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in filmmaking by virtue of complementing comparative advantages and experiences.

    He believes the hosting of the film festival in Nigeria would lead to a reciprocal Nigerian Film Festival in New Delhi.

    India is currently Nigeria’s second largest trading partner while Nigeria is the largest trading partner of India in Africa.

    Nigeria is also the largest market in Africa for Indian exports with a large number of Indian companies operating in the country and some of them making substantial investments.

    India is one of the largest film producing nations in the world and Indian films have also been a part of the country’s history and are very popular in Kano, Kaduna and other northern States, and local channels regularly telecast Indian films.

    The First Lady,Dame Patience  Jonathan, who attended the film fest, said  that the two countries have a shared relationship and similarities in an enterprising film culture.

    She feels the film industry provides an avenue for growth for the two countries and says: “Just like Nigeria with a population of over 160 million people, India is equally blessed with a huge population of over 1.2 billion people. We can therefore imagine what this translates into economic terms.

    “There is the possibility of stakeholders in the film industry from Bollywood and Nollywood (Nigeria’s film industry) engaging in partnerships or exchange programmes that will yield mutual benefits and promote better understanding between our two countries.”

    A further boost to relationship between the two countries in films is likely to increase trade between the countries. Some of film producers are already looking at collaboration between Nigerian and Indian film makers.

  • Parental gimmicks

    This past week, I clapped my hands and exclaimed in wonderment and perplexity many times, like I have seen done on Nollywood movies when characters hear incredulous tales. The source of my bafflement had to do with the extent parents go to put their wards in trouble in the name of helping them get ahead faster in life.

    For reasons I cannot understand, related stories of this nature came my way like tidal waves almost every day of the week. The first I heard was told by a colleague whose neighbour sought his assistance to counsel her daughter to apply for a science-related programme in the university because of her impressive O-Level grades. But the girl would have none of it. When my colleague dug deeper, the girl told him that she got those grades only because her mother had registered her in a school that specialised in helping candidates cheat to pass. She knew that should she face those subjects in the university, she would not be able to cope so she had to weigh her options carefully.

    Unfortunately, her choice did not please her mother, who said she paid exorbitantly to get her into the centre. Ultimately, both of them will lose at the end if nothing is done to truly upgrade the girl’s knowledge of the subjects.

    The second amazing story was that of the school owner who collected fees to register candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and fled without doing so. Now, the poor SS3 pupils are forced to live with the nightmare of watching their peers take the examination while they wait till next year to re-take the examination. Of all the victims involved, none moved me like Agnes Kalu, who is a pupil of Omole Grammar School, Omole, in Ikeja. For similar reasons as the first girl, her mother’s friend advised her to enrol in the private school located in Sango Ota, in Ogun State. She paid over N47,000 for registration, specimen, form, passport photograph, logistics, name it. Unfortunately, the school is not registered by the Ogun State Ministry of Education, and as a result, not approved as a centre by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The owner’s practice was to register his candidates with a recognised school for the examination. Whatever happened that he could not do so this year can only be explained by him. However, he did not wait to offer explanations before absconding and leaving the candidates and their parents in tears.

    The irony of the matter is that Agnes is enrolled in a public secondary school where she does not pay fees because of the free education policy of the Lagos State government. The state foots the WASSCE bill for its SS3 pupils. The government does it to reduce the financial burden on parents who cannot afford the high tuition fees charged by private schools. Is it therefore not funny that these same parents can cough out as much as N40,000 to enrol their wards as external candidates in private schools? Where does the money come from? When things like this happen, one is tempted to say that the government should end such programmes. Every year, the officials of the ministry of education sit with WAEC officials to reconcile account so that the government does not suffer loss because of candidates who were sponsored but did not show up.

    It was also in the course of the week that I heard of a father who sent his daughter abroad to study. After four years, she failed to graduate. It was when an aunt started questioning her closely about the programme she was studying abroad that they discovered it was all a fluke. She had to be flown back to Nigeria and enrolled at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The aunt said she just completed her studies. The girl’s father nearly made a mistake with her younger sister too. He paid heavily to get her admitted into the university to read Medicine. About a session or two later, the girl sent a text message to her father that she was no longer studying Medicine but Animal Science because she just could not cope.

    The average parents want the best for their wards. They struggle to give them better lives than they had growing up. They try to earn income, put them in the best schools, get them well dressed and provide all the comfort they can manage. However in doing so, some parents get it wrong. While it is good to give children better lives, it should not be at the detriment of values and principles that they need to live ethically and contribute positively to societal development. Buying grades for children and paying for mercenaries to sit for examinations in their stead do no good. It only harms them. They tend to think that they can get anything of value by just paying for it. And if they cannot afford to pay, they get into dirty deals to do so. Life is not a bed of roses. Children must understand this. But they can also be told that if they persevere, they can be the best in whatever field of endeavour they choose. This is indeed a more honourable path to follow.

  • Mutual Benefits introduces Nollywood, school, 33 other products

    Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has introduced 36 insurance products including Nollywood and celebrity insurance policies, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

    Other products launched by the firm are motor dealers complimentary insurance; school insurance; church insurance; SME comprehensive; event centre; juvenile life; law firm insurance; hair salon insurance; laundry and cleaning insurance; mortgage endowment among others.

    Its Group Managing Director, Akin Ogunbiyi while unveiling the products in Lagos said they are designed to meet the needs of professionals in different sector of the country.

    He said the firm researched into the needs of the people and found out that the major problem with insurance in the country is accessibility and affordability to the insurance companies and their products.

    He said: “We discovered that if people have access to insurance and see the benefits they will derive, they will buy the products. This has also made us to go into the retail business which is a bit different from microinsurance. This way, the product will become more affordable to the people. Presently, we have 76 products that are selling fast and we are adding 36 new ones.

    “We believe the products too will empower the people which are what we look out for. We have empowered people like pepper sellers association, pure water association, butchers, etc, such that they now have their tools, machineries and companies. Our priority is that we have a gospel of insurance for it to take its rightful position within the economy.”

    Also speaking, its Assistant General Manager, Mr. Demola Fagbayi said the new products are generic to the need of the people.

    He said they are also coming at a discounted rate and have been narrowed down to meet the basic needs of professionals in the real estate, health , and education sectors of the economy.

    He said: “We want people to get value for their money. We narrow the products down to customer needs such that they do not have to pay premium for what they do not need.”

  • Genevieve Nnaji: Copy her elegant one colour look

    Genevieve Nnaji: Copy her elegant one colour look

    GENEVIEVE is one of Nigeria’s most-loved actresses and part of her charm is her fun and girly personality, as well as her super cute style.

    Whether it’s on the red carpet at show or acting what she knows how to do best on, Nollywood actress, model and fashion designer, Genevieve Nnaji’s style in recent years has been beyond reproach. Genevieve’s style by itself is worthy of a few minutes of any professional woman’s consideration.

    Over the last few years, Genevieve has dressed with aplomb in a slew of situations from skirt and blouse wear to stunning dinner pieces. But it’s her combination style that has us most enamored.

    The keys to turning this simple garb into show-stopping class are ingenious and figure-flattering cuts, high-quality materials and disciplined posture.

    Her stunning one colour garb and entire looks speak glamour. So, it wouldn’t hurt you to copy Genevieve’s style. Doesn’t she look glamorous?

  • Tope Tedela on Nolly Silver Screen cover

    Tope Tedela on Nolly Silver Screen cover

    FAST-RISING Nollywood actor, Tope Tedela, has landed his first magazine cover in the April edition of Nolly Silver Screen.

    The actor, who shot to the limelight after clinching the Best Actor at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), talks to Isabella Akinseye about his journey into the world of make- believe.

    He discussed his inspiration, his role in A Mile from Home, which won him the award and love for the theatre. “The journey has not been smooth at all. There’ve been times of rejection, little or no pay and attending auditions with no results. But through it all, I’ve continued to strive and I’m beginning to thrive,” he said.

  • Juwon Lawal single and mingling

    Juwon Lawal single and mingling

    BUSINESSMAN and socialite, Juwon Lawal, is single again and seems to be enjoying it. His marriage to Nollywood actress,Uche Iwuji, crashed over alleged infidelity. He has since relocated abroad, leaving the actress and the product of the union, a baby, barely one year after the union.

    The managing director of ABD Fuel is trying to keep the reason for the break-up under wrap and has also promised to remain friend with his estranged wife.

    Sources squealed that he has since moved on with his life and shifted his focus now to his business interest.

  • Juwon Lawal single and mingling

    Juwon Lawal single and mingling

    BUSINESSMAN and socialite, Juwon Lawal, is single again and seems to be enjoying it. His marriage to Nollywood actress,Uche Iwuji, crashed over alleged infidelity. He has since relocated abroad, leaving the actress and the product of the union, a baby, barely one year after the union.

    The managing director of ABD Fuel is trying to keep the reason for the break-up under wrap and has also promised to remain friend with his estranged wife.

    Sources squealed that he has since moved on with his life and shifted his focus now to his business interest.

  • Rita Dominic now Key bank pink Account ambassador

    Rita Dominic now Key bank pink Account ambassador

    NOLLYWOOD star, Rita Dominic, has been confirmed the face of the yet-to-be launched Keystone Bank Pink Account.

    In a statement, the Head, Brand Management, Keystone Bank, Omobolanle Osotule, said: “The Keystone Bank Pink Account is a current and savings account for women that are resourceful, innovative and glamorous.

    “The account is primarily designed for the empowerment of women with entrepreneurial drive and career inclination to actualise their financial independence, lifestyle and domestic needs.

    “The Pink Account will create avenues for women to network and share ideas through periodic networking events, seminars and workshops, which will be anchored by Rita Dominic as the ambassador of the project.”

    Osotule explained that the choice of Rita Dominic as the face of the Pink Account was predicated on her profile as a thoroughbred professional and a celebrity with role model credentials.

    The actress, who was excited over the appointment, said, “I am also excited about the fact that the bank considers working with me to promote this laudable project to other women in different strata of the society’s ladder.

    “I am aware that the Pink Account, as a project, will cater to the empowerment needs of professional and working class women, self-employed female entrepreneurs, female lecturers, actresses, musicians, women in uniform, female politicians and society women. This account is truly for women.”

  • I enjoy kissing

    I enjoy kissing

    For Hannah Ojo, the romance with acting started about 10 years ago. With several appearances in a number of TV soaps and home movies, it is obvious the graduate of Human Resources Management from the Lagos State University, Ojo is having a ball in Nollywood.  In this interview with BABATUNDE SULAIMAN, she talks about her journey into acting and other interesting issues. Excerpts:

    WHEN precisely did you realise you wanted to be an actress? It was when I went for my first audition and was picked for a major role. But I used to act when I was a child in the church. Also, in school, I was in the Art class and we did several stage plays then.

    How did your background contribute to your interest in acting?

    I will say that it contributed a bit.

    How?

    My parent didn’t object to it; so, they allowed me to be who I wanted to be.

    What are your parents into?

    My father is into business, while my mother has stopped working.

    How many are you in the family?

    I’m from a family of six.

    What course did you study in the university?

    I studied Human Resources Management at the Lagos State University, Ojo.

    How did you clinch your first acting role?

    A friend took me to an audition in 2005 and I did what I was supposed to do. Luckily, the director liked it and gave me a major role in that film. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t come out. You know how it was back then when some producers would shoot films, but they won’t see the light of day.

    How did you feel the first time you were on a movie set, especially when you had to play alongside some of the heavy weights in the industry?

    I was just a little bit tense, but I got over it within a few hours.

    How much were you paid for your first acting role?

    I wasn’t paid for it.

    So, you were desperate to join the movie industry?

    No, I wasn’t. I never even thought about being an actress until my friend forced me to go for that audition.

    So, what was your original plan?

    I wanted to become a lawyer until the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) messed things up and I went in for another course. But later, I found myself in acting and I was schooling alongside.

    Could you mention some of the movies you have featured in?

    I have acted in Living Close to You, Private Sector, Needles Eyes, Edge of Paradise, My story and Wrong passions, among others.

    What role brings out the best in you?

    In every role, I make sure I put in my best by interpreting it better. This makes me versatile; I am not restricted to a particular role or character.

    Have you ever acted in a Yoruba movie?

    Yes, I featured in Itan Aye Mi, Atopinpin and Wakati Mesan.

    Have you played romantic roles?

    As I said earlier, I am not restricted to a particular character or role. So, there can’t be any problem as long as I like the script.

    What has been your most challenging role so far?

    I do get lots of challenging roles, but the one that was most challenging was the role of a ghetto woman with kids. I had to watch how those ‘garage’ women and touts behave. It was quiet challenging because I had to interpret my role in a more convincing manner.

    What movie was that?

    It was titled The Canal, but it is yet to be released.

    Have you worked with a tough director?

    Yes, I have worked with some directors like that.

    What did these directors did to you on sets?

    They were not satisfied until they brought out the best in me.

    Have you been sexually harassed in the industry?

    Sexual harassment is in all sectors of the economy, so I don’t know why people are always particular about us actors.

    What are you doing to improve on your acting skill?

    I read books and do some coaching online.

    How fulfilling is acting for you?

    Acting has opened ways for me in some ways. Whenever I go out, I get favoured one way or the other.

    What is the greatest favour you have got from anyone?

    It’s a secret.

    Maybe a male fan bought you a car?

    No comment.

    Does acting alone pay your bills?

    For now, I’m not well paid.

    So, how do you cope?

    Well, to God be the glory.

    Certainly your our boyfriend is helping out…

    Maybe.

    Is he also in the industry?

    No, he’s not.

    How did you meet him?

    That’s personal.

    Was it love at first sight?

    That is personal.

    Is he your first love?

    That is personal.

    What role(s) are you looking forward to playing?

    Maybe a lunatic!

    Really?

    Have you had to really kiss in movies?

    Yes, I don’t have issues kissing in movies.

    So, you love kissing, not necessarily in movies?

    Yes, I love kissing naturally and I don’t think something is wrong with that.

    What is the greatest romantic thing you enjoy doing?

    Maybe kissing.

    Why do you enjoy kissing?

    Ha, ha! You? If it’s written in a script, then, I have to do it, which becomes the reality at that particular time in the story.

    Could you recall the first time you ever kissed?

    Ha! I think I was 16years old.

    I understand you are also into events planning? How challenging and interesting is it?

    The challenging part of it is usually during the preparation when the client tells you what he or she wants and you will want to make sure you do a good job; so, all you are thinking during that period is perfection. However, the interesting part of it is when the job is successfully done; that is, when your client comes to you and says, ‘Wow, you did a good job.”

    I also understand that you write gospel songs. Do you write them for some artistes or you want to go into music some day?

    No, I don’t sell them. I am writing them for myself because I plan to go into music someday.

    As a model, what has been the most daring job you have done and how much were you paid?

    Hey, hey! I haven’t done any daring jobs as a model, but I wish to do some someday.

    What part of your body do you love most?

    I love every part of my body because one isn’t complete without the other; so, every part is important to me.

    Do men stare at you because you are busty? If yes, do you feel embarrassed?

    There we go again! Hmm! I am sure that even when you are not busty, men will still have something to fix their gaze on. When you have a beautiful face without being busty, men will still look at you.

    Can you date an actor?

    Aren’t they human beings?

    This is a yes or no question?

    Yes.

    Have you ever been attracted to any of them?

    Yes.

    Who among them?

    That’s supposed to be a secret.

    What will make you quit acting?

    For now, I haven’t given it a thought, which means nothing yet.

    Maybe marriage…

    Until that time…

    When are you walking down the aisle?

    Very soon.

    Can you recall any embarrassing moment?

    My embarrassing moment was when a fan recognised me inside a Keke Maruwa.

    Will you like to go into movie production someday?

    Yes, I would love to be a producer someday.

  • No man can turn me into a punching bag

    No man can turn me into a punching bag

    Judith Audu, a Nollywood star, joined the movie industry a couple of years ago. She has featured in a number of home movies and TV soaps. She recently cut her teeth as a producer with the short film, Not Right. In this interview with OVWE MEDEME, the actress, who holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs, talks on her experience as a first-time producer as well as the issue of domestic violence, which her movie seeks to address, among other issues.

    THE first quarter of the year has just ended. So, how did you fare within the period?

    It has been great so far and I am really thankful to God. This year has been filled with opportunities. I have done some good productions. The year started for me on a bright note and I would say it has been a very fruitful and successful one. I’ve got a lot of projects piled up and I am just so grateful to God for all the opportunities so far.

    What are you working on presently?

    I just wrapped up my very first production. It is a short movie entitled Not Right. I thought I should stamp my name out there as a producer, so I decided to do something on domestic violence.

    How will you describe your first experience as a producer?

    As a first-time producer, I must say I worked with the most amazing cast and crew. They made it so much fun and smooth. It was well panned. Everyone did his or her part to the best of their abilities, which made the work easy for everybody.

    Why did you choose to talk about domestic violence? Is it something you have experienced?

    I chose the topic because it is beginning to eat deep into our society, which can be seen from the news we read every day. These days, we hear stories of husbands beating wives to death and so on. It is provoking when I hear stories like that because I don’t believe anybody should do that to a fellow human being they claim to love.

    Such things should not be tolerated or accepted. Communication should be the only medium to resolve issues and not violence. I have never experienced it. But I have met and spoken to people who have suffered such a fate. I hope the movie will throw more light and make them see reasons to stop battering their wives. There have been movies on this same topic, but I believe a topic like this can never be over-emphasised.

    How long did it take you to shoot the flick?

    It is not a complicated script. There was not much movement to be done, in terms of location; so, we were able to shoot in two days.

    Who were the cast and crew in the movie?

    The cast was made up of outstanding actors like Omowunmi Dada, Ani Iyoho, Philip Festus and I. The crew was just so on point and awesome. I couldn’t have worked with a better team. The movie was directed by Uduak-Obong Patrick, the D.O.P was Fayo Favour Festus, while the make-up/special effect was done by Dorothea Kwofie.

     

    How long is the flick?

    It is a 15-minute short film.

    When do you intend to release it and on what platform?

    We are planning on doing a screening for the film soon and then it will be available online.

    If you find yourself in a domestic violence situation, how would you react?

    I wouldn’t accept it. My reaction will depend on a lot of things. But I am 100 percent sure I will never put up with it and sit quiet to become anybody’s punching bag.

    With this production, have you fully delved into the production world?

    Not exactly! I am still learning. Although I have other projects I am working on, I am taking my time because it’s a new terrain. I can’t just jump in without knowing how things work.

    So, is it goodbye to acting?

    Never! Acting is my first love. I will never stop acting. Every other job is secondary.

    After this, what other production will you be involved in?

    Currently, I am working on a TV show. You will get more information about it as it unfolds.

    What other productions have you been a part of this year?

    So far, I have shot two movies with Mnet original movies. I have also featured in Stopping Kloe, Out of Fire, Alpha Mum and Antique. Also, I am back on the set of Emerald, in addition to Not Right, my production.

    It is said that movie and fashion go together? In your view, what is the proper fashion statement?

    It is showbusiness and when you are involved in it, you automatically become a role model and people want to see what you are wearing. But I personally believe fashion should define a person and not wear something because it is trendy. My style is comfortable, effortlessly classy, presentable and chic.

    Aside acting and movie-making, what else are you into?

    I am also a voice-over artiste. I have done several radio dramas and voice-over jobs. I do presenting too. I am a blogger. I profile up and coming entertainers, share food recipes and write a bit, here and there, in entertainment on my blog. But I don’t do gossips.

    Could you recall one negative experience that almost marred your dream of being an actress?

    There is a lack of professionalism that runs deep in the industry. Sometimes, there is also lack of respect for actors when we go for auditions. Sometimes, people address us like we come because we are desperate and jobless. They offer almost nothing that can’t cover even transportation and expect us to be excited. If not for the love I have for acting, I have been tempted several times to get a regular job. But then, I always find myself coming back to the industry.