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Tag: Silverbird Cinema

  • Youth creativity shines as Daniel Izu wins SDGs short film challenge in Abuja

    Youth creativity shines as Daniel Izu wins SDGs short film challenge in Abuja

    Nigerian filmmaker, Eze Izu Daniel, captivated audiences and judges alike to emerge as the winner of the 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge with his compelling entry, ‘Wasted’. 

    The event, held at the Silverbird Cinema in Abuja, celebrated the innovative power of young filmmakers in raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Daniel’s film triumphed over 2,249 entries from 119 countries, showcasing the global appeal and impact of the challenge. 

    The story of ‘Wasted’ resonates deeply, focusing on the struggles of a young person whose pursuit of confidence leads to drug addiction, ultimately spotlighting SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

    Speaking after his victory, Daniel expressed gratitude, saying, “I feel like the hard work is paying off gradually.”

    The challenge wasn’t just a local affair; international entries highlighted the universality of the SDGs. 

    Iranian filmmaker Mahmood Pouyandah’s British Passport won Best International Film, while India’s Akansha Tiwari took home the Best Documentary award for Imperishable. 

    Other winners included Carbon Traces by the USA’s Stafie Gan for Best Animation and Alone by Stephen Shenboyejo, which earned the Viewers’ Choice Award.

    The grand finale celebrated more than just filmmaking; it was a showcase of youth-driven innovation aimed at fostering sustainable development. 

    Organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and FreshNEWS Multimedia, the event provided a platform for young creatives to address critical issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and public health.

    “This challenge harnesses the storytelling power of film to amplify youth voices, foster creativity, and inspire collective action,” noted Elsie Attafuah, UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator. 

    From its modest beginnings in 2023 with 73 entries, the SDGs Short Film Challenge has grown exponentially. 

    This year’s record-breaking participation underscores the increasing engagement of young filmmakers in global issues.

    Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, praised the initiative, saying, “By harnessing the creativity of youth, the SDGs Short Film Challenge provides a platform for showcasing diverse perspectives and igniting action. 

    “The remarkable response this year signals a growing commitment among young people to drive sustainable development,” she said.

    Beyond the glitz of the awards ceremony, the event served as a clarion call for youth to take charge of sustainable development. 

    Through engaging storytelling and innovative filmmaking, the participants are not only entertaining but also educating and mobilising action towards achieving the SDGs.

  • 10 ways to spend Easter holiday

    Easter holiday weekend is here and sadly, the weather is not looking too favourable. However, this long weekend provides a perfect opportunity for home improvement and family togetherness.

    Easter is traditionally a time for DIY (Don’t Injure Yourself), be it from decorating to landscaping or even solidifying your family bond. We take a look at ten such ways:

    1 Make your home clean

    Eastertide has officially sprung, so what better time for a home clean? You can either choose to focus on one room, or work your way around the whole property. It’s a great time to tackle some of those jobs you may have been putting off, for example cleaning out the fridge, or washing the windows. You’ll be amazed at how much better the place looks– and it also provides the perfect opportunity to try rearranging the furniture.

    2 Go to the cinema

    The weather on Sunday is set to be the best of the days over the long weekend, so that is the perfect day to go to the cinema. You can take your kids to the nearest cinema within your reach. Cinemas such as Filmhouse IMAX, Silverbird Cinema, Ozone, Ground Zero Cinema, Nollywood Cinemas among others would be best place to be.

    3 Upcycle

    Don’t have the money for a new sofa or kitchen table, but the old one is looking a little bit tatty? Take the Easter holidays as a chance to upcycle! A fresh coat of paint can make your old table and chair set look fresh, while a new throw (or if you’re feeling creative, sewing new covers) can add a whole new lease of life to a sofa.

    4 Add a splash of colour

    A lick of paint can totally refresh a room! Whether your living room looks a bit dull, or your child has outgrown the design of their bedroom, Easter provides a perfect opportunity for redecoration. Peruse the shops for your ideal paint or wallpaper and make your home your personal haven. If it is a child’s room that needs attention, make sure they help pick out the colours and design and even get them involved with the painting if they are old enough. If they are teenagers, you could even set a budget for items such as accessories (lampshade, curtains, etc.). This will make them feel prouder of the finished product – and might even mean they will keep it a bit cleaner!

    5 Clean the gutters

    It’s not the most pleasant job but it has to be done – especially following such a stormy winter! Not cleaning the gutters can lead to serious problems, since water that gets stuck in the gutters finds the path of least resistance when it tries to drain…which can often be into the walls and ceilings of your house.

    6 Spend time with your little ones

    Take the time to talk to your children about the Easter story, or your spiritual beliefs. Children like to understand and celebrate religious ceremonies, and take advantage of the many festivals at this time of year to encourage your children’s spiritual development.

    7 Share more moments with your family

    Sneak a little time away from everyone. Give your partner an hour away from the family and ask them to do the same for you. With the longer days, this could even be a stroll once the children are in bed. When you are away, give yourself the time to enjoy your surroundings and the changes that Spring has brought.

    8 Enjoy a meal together

    A meal with your family will quench your hunger during the Easter break. If your children are old enough, get them involved in choosing ingredients, shopping for them and cooking the meal. Even if they play a small part, it’s a helpful and positive step for their development for them to join in with mealtimes.

    9 Pray together

    A family that stays together prays together. Ensure you share the word and pray together to make your Easter a blessed one. You can cite several verses from the Holy Book for your family to stumble upon during your leisure time and give them room to ask questions when needed.

    10 Break your chores into bit

    Finally, if you really need to get some of your house chores done, be realistic. Think about what you can really achieve with everyone at home (not much, am I right?). Break down large chores into chunks of one hour tasks and don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get everything done. Long weekends are for you all as a family to chill out, come together and create some lovely memories.

  • Nollywood masterpiece ‘Fantastic Numbers’ premieres in Abuja

    “Fantastic Numbers’’, a hilarious thriller depicting female triplets separated at birth, has premiered in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The movie, a production of 2effect Pictures was premiered on Thursday night at the Silverbird Cinema.

    Set in the FCT, the movie presents an intriguing story of triplets – Natasha, Nadia, and Eman, who were separated at birth following the death of their mother.

    Their lives, while growing up, became tales of rejection, abuse and struggle until fate brought them together again when they needed each other the most.

    They eventually wedded the same day to different men.

    The movie also presents identical male twins, Samee and Rhau, whose lives were characterised by deceit, impersonation and suffering for each other.

    Read Also: Why I avoid kissing in movies –Nneka Adams

    They were to eventually become superstars following a dramatic twist of events.

    Veteran Nollywood and Kannywood actor,Sani Danja played the dual role of Samee and Rhau, in the suspense-filled drama

    The movie also features Nollywood ace, Ivie Okujaye; 2014 Best Actress, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), Sambasa Nzeribe; Funky Mallam; and Rahama Sadau, among others.

    Fantastic Numbers has Uzee Usman as Producer and award-winning Nollywood icon, Paul Apel Papel as Director.

    Speaking at the public presentation of the movie, Usman said besides entertainment, the film seeks to address issues of abandoned children, impersonation, and abusive relationships in relation to their social effects on society.

    “This is not just a story, but a message for everyone to take responsibility in building a peaceful society; and I hope Nigerians of all class and age will accept it,” Usman said.

    The producer disclosed that the movie would be shown in Cinemas on June 29 across the country.

    NAN 

  • Lagos registers 14 cinemas in two years

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it had registered 14 cinema houses in the last two years.

    Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Acting Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in her office at Ikeja, Lagos.

    “The Lagos State Government registered the cinema houses between March 2015 and March 2017.

    “Prior to now, it was only 11 cinema houses that registered with the government; but, with the additional three newly built cinemas, this makes up the 14 cinemas in the state.

    “All the 14 cinemas have registered with the government through the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board.

    “The idea is to have the records of the cinema houses existing in the city,’’ Akinsola said

    According to her, the additional three cinemas centres include “Genesis de Luxe’’ in Sangotedo, “Silverbird Cinema’’ in Amuwo Odofin and “Metropolitan Cinemas’’ at Onipanu.

    She said that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board was a regulatory body established to control the film and video industry under the Lagos State Laws in 2004.

    “The Censors Board is empowered to regulate and control cinematographic works and exhibitions.

    “The board is also empowered to control and regulate the production of films; it  also controls and regulates the show of films in cinemas.

    “This is to prevent the production of undesirable or dangerous acts against public order and decency,’’ she said.

    Akinsola said that government would continue to intensify efforts to ensure that Lagos State remained on top in entertainment and tourism activities.

     

  • Producer drags Silverbird Cinema to court

    Producer drags Silverbird Cinema to court

    Producer of award-winning Nollywood movie, ‘The Boss is Mine’, Okechukwu Oku has sued the management of Silverbird Cinemas, Uyo for breach of exhibition contract, demanding N10 million as damages.

    Explaining the rationale behind the move, Oku said the screening of the movie was scheduled to hold at the Silverbird Cinema, Uyo in early 2016 but the management of the outfit failed to live up to its bidding. He stated that to the chagrin of guests who turned up in large numbers to grace the premiere, the cinema failed to produce the needed electricity to power the cinema.

    “I was embarrassed to say the least. Everybody we expected was present. We were all seated by 3pm, expecting the film to come on when the lights went out. When we approached the management of the cinema, they told us that their generator was faulty. This lingered on till 9pm. By then, the guests had left,” Oku lamented.

    He revealed that since then, he has sought the attention of the outfit to settle the issue amicably but to no avail.

    ‘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.

    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.

    Despite the setback, its lead act, Imeh Umoh recently won the best actor in a comedy at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for his role in the movie.

    The actor beat Ayo Makun (A Trip to Jamaica), Bovi Ugboma (It’s Her Day), Blossom Chukwujekwu (Ghana Must Go), Mike Ezuruonye (Brother Jekwu), Okey Uzoeshi (The Life of a Nigerian Couple) and Amechi Muonagor (Meet the In-Laws) to win the award.