NFC hosts 1st Berlin-Lagos archival film fest

NFC boss, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced its preparedness to host the first Berlin – Lagos Archival Film Festival DECASIA. The festival which will run from Thursday, October 24 – Sunday, October 27th, 2019 takes place at the NFC Lagos office/cinema complex of the Corporation, located beside Voice of Nigeria, Obalende-Ikoyi road. This was contained in a press statement issued in Jos, on Friday, October 18, 2019 and signed by Brian Etuk, Head of Public & Intergovernmental Affairs of NFC.

According to the statement, the Archival Film Festival will feature the daily screening of films that have deployed the unique power of archival footages to drive their narratives. The objective is to also sustain the global conversation on the impact of digital technologies as well as the relationship between archives and festivals.

Other major events lined up for the four day film festival include the presentation of the draft National Film Archive Policy, Update on ZUMA Film Festival, 2019, (scheduled to take place in Abuja, December 1-7, 2019), Stakeholders Interactive Forum and workshop on Distribution Strategies & Preservation Challenges in a Digital Era, Etuk further said.

The statement quotes Dr. Chidia Maduekwe NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive as saying that, Nigeria was in dire need of an archival policy due to its rich cultural heritage and developmental history. The nation, he maintained, is imbued with residue of information that must be secured and documented. He lamented that, despite the volume of films produced in Nigeria, several of those films have either been lost or destroyed, and that “the emplacement of a national film policy will address these anomalies, amongst others”.

Maduekwe, on behalf of the Federal Government commended the German Government and its institutions for partnering the Nigerian Film Corporation to mount the four day event, saying that “the conversation on national archiving, kick started, with Zuma Film Festival 2018, themed Archiving for Creativity, is positively yielding the desired result and meeting its objectives”. Partnering institutions are Goethe University, (Frankfurt) Deutseches Film Institute & Film Museum, Arsenal Institute for Film & Video (DFF) Frankfurt, Arsenal Institute for Film and Video Arts Berlin, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany, and the Lagos Film Society.

The presentation of the Draft National Policy on Archiving, as well as that on ZUMA FILM FESTIVAL 2019, will take place during the opening ceremony (DAY ONE, Thursday, October 24) of the Four Day event. Attendance and participation which is free, is open to all filmmakers and enthusiasts, creative industry stakeholders, the academia, government agencies, the media and the general public.

God saved me through the knives--Shan George ..as she blasts Femi Branch

Nollywood actress, Shan George would forever remain grateful to her maker, who she said saved her from dying through the knives.

“God saved me through the knives,” she wrote on her Instagram page. The actress also attacked actor Femi Branch for insinuating that the leadership of Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, came to her aid on social media when they donated N1 million to support her.

Shan George recently had a successful spine surgery in Abuja , after after battling an ailment for months. The leadership of AGN, recently visited her in the hospital, where an envelope containing a cheque of N1 million was handed over to her. Femi Branch who is also a member of the AGN took to his Instagram page to share a picture of the executives handing over the envelope to Shan George and captioned it, “God bless the actorsguildnigeria for coming to the side of our dear colleague and friend @shangeorge as she recovers from her back surgery.”

However, not pleased with the post, Shan George blasted him. “ They didn’t come to my aid sir, I’m not crying for any aid/help, It was just a show of love from the AGN president towards a colleague @chief_femibranch. I know say you hate me but this is more than low. You either correct this wrong impression or delete this post. Thank You.”

“I no beg you for publicity. God will punish you for me Mr Femi Branch. Bloody beggar..You think say I will be like u way dey beg up and down? Ur Fada!. May your children beg Unclad on the streets Femi branch,” she wrote with anger.

'Living in Bondage: I could not have asked for a bigger platform on which to make my directorial debut--Ramsey Nouah

Nollywood hunk, Ramsey Nouah has described his experience directing the sequel to Nollywood’s most iconic blockbuster, 'Living In Bondage' as 'a dream come true.'

“Living in Bondage” produced in 1992, was Nigerian pioneering two-part drama thriller film directed by Chris Obi Rapu, and produced by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor.

The sequel to the movie, “Living In Bondage: Breaking Free”, created by Play Network Africa in conjunction with Native Filmworks, is co-produced by award-winning producer, Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakurin and Charles Okpaleke. It's Ramsey Nouah's debut movie as a director.

Speaking on his experience, the handsome actor said: “I could not have asked for a bigger platform on which to make my directorial debut. From the power of this story, the intensity of the script, the cache of the cast and the quality of my technical support, there is no story as fascinating as 'Living In Bondage: Breaking Free.' It is truly the movie maker’s dream project and I should know working on both sides of the camera. I cannot wait to pack cinema seats with this truly movie magical work.”

While explaining what motivated him to acquire the rights to the story, the Executive Producer, Charles Okpaleke said: “Living In Bondage is the single most compelling; most consequential movie franchise in the history of the Nigerian film industry. It is the movie which in 1992 birthed the Nigerian movie industry that is today universally known as Nollywood; an industry that is now the world’s second largest, most prolific film industry. Need I say more.”

Steve Gukas, added that “Living in Bondage spurned an industry that today entertains hundreds of millions in far flung locations across the world. Nollywood is celebrated in Brazil, The Netherlands, South Africa, everywhere. It is an industry that has brought joy and employment to millions of Nigerians here at home and in the diaspora. It is why there is no more compelling a story than the story of Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.” Starring the likes of Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Enyinna Nwigwe, Nancy Isime, Munachi Abii among others, the movie is due for release nationwide on November 2019. Written by Nicole Asinugo and C.J. Obasi, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free has an original score produced by Larry Gaaga that features A-list Afro beat artistes.

According to the producers, filming of this high rolling, international gold standard epic, started in June 2018, with locations in Lagos, Owerri, Durban, South Africa, and beyond.

Judith Audu, Omowumi Dada, Uyoyou Adia team up for ‘The Sessions’

Just back from the shooting of her movie, ‘The Family’, Nollywood actress and producer, Judith Audu, has teamed up with two of her industry colleagues, Omowumi Dada, and Uyoyou Adia for another feature film titled ‘The Sessions’.

Written by the award-winning Adia, and shot in Lagos, the actress says that the romantic thriller is one that promises to keep the audience glued to the screens.

Speaking on what to expect of the new movie, she said; “Everyone who knows me knows that I am drawn to a good story. It’s even better that is was written by none other than a person who has won awards for her out-of-the-box storylines. This movie promises something like you have never seen before.”

A riveting tale of love gone sour, ‘The Sessions’, tells the story of Onome Oghenekaro who is married to Banjo. All seems to be going smoothly until her past comes calling. What was supposed to be a smooth sail turns into a turbulent ride as Onome finds her marriage going through tough times.

Her friend Eloho, a therapist decides to wade in to help Onome and Banjo get their marriage on the right path, but as they unearth events from the past, the true nature of the situation begins to show. Will there be a compromise to make the marriage work?

The movie stars the likes of Efa Iwara, Omowunmi Dada, Okey Uzoeshi, Judith Audu, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Fred Amata, Ada Ameh and Tony Akposheri among others.

‘The Sessions’ is produced and Directed by Judith Audu, while Daniel Ehimen serves as Director of Photography. It also has Judith Audu’s husband, Morten Foght, Omowunmi Dada and Uyoyou Adia as Executive Producers.

Nigeria, Ghana unite to host Anglophone filmfest

Nigeria and Ghana in a spectacular action to strengthen its bilateral relations using arts and culture, have agreed to co-host an Anglophone film festival, beginning from next year (2020). The film festival to be held biennially will alternate between Nigeria and Ghana, at selected venues in both countries. This and other positive collaborative decisions were taken recently in Ghana, when Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation paid a visit to the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture.

 Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation

Discussions which took place at the Ministry Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, had an elated Deputy Minister, Dr. Ziblim Iddi (MP) as head of Ghana team and host of the meeting. Dr. Ziblim Iddi (MP) described NFC’s helmsman’s visit as a healthy development that will further engender both nation’s desire to create an enabling environment for African film makers to ply their businesses across international borders. The deputy minister averred that Nigeria and Ghana shared common and fundamental similarities especially in culture and arts, with people of both nations, very enterprising. The creative industry in both countries, he said had vast opportunities which are yet untapped, and which Nigeria and Ghana could immediately begin to explore.

Speaking, Dr. Maduekwe, informed his host of the numerous efforts by the Nigerian Government, through the Nigerian Film Corporation to robustly engage domestic and foreign film stakeholders, including public and private agencies in the development of the creative industry. The fulcrum for the sustainable development of the film sector and promote a harmonious film art and business is the emplacement of beneficial partnerships and collaborations, he further said, while informing his host on the key mandate of the NFC.

Maduekwe assured that all issues discussed and agreed, would be captured in the memorandum of understanding that would be signed soon. Some of the key collaborative and partnership issues which both nations agreed on include, a formalized co-production agreement between Nigeria and Ghana, provisions for students exchange programme between premiere film institute’s of both nations, (the National Film Institute, Jos, and the National Film & Television institute, Accra), co-hosting of Anglophone Biennial Film Festival, among others.

Nigerian storyteller, Hollywood producer set to shoot $20million film on world's deadliest disease

*Ben Amushie 

Popular Hollywood producer, Ernest Harris is currently shopping for a huge sum of USD20 million to produce an action packed film, 'Universal Donor' that is bound to take the world by storm.

The film, which will be shot in three continents,including America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe is scripted by a United States-based Nigerian story teller, poet and playwright, Ben Eze Amushie. It will be produced in partnership with RockCity Entertainment.

' When I was approached for this film, I was immediately hooked,' says Harris. ' The script is absolutely one of the best I have ever read. And that saying a lot because I get a lot of scripts offered to me. And when I saw the list of the International film stars the producers are targeting, I was definitely on board. I am very excited about this project,' he added.

'Universal Donour' is Amushie's yet to published novel, which is being adapted into a film. It's an action thriller that explodes with fury in the deserts of Iraq, sun kissed city of New York and remote jungles of Nigeria. Medical researchers, doctors and politicians work feverishly to find a cure for a virus that is wreaking havoc in New York City. The white-knuckle action is propelled by an American military hero who was betrayed by his own in Iraq.

The story unfolds as a terrible and unknown virus threatens world order with a disease with no known treatment protocol. To contain the virus, the American President and his allies, order a military blockade of Nigeria, where the virus was isolated for the first time. No fly zone is quickly imposed ; all ports of entry are shut down, cutting off a major oil supply to key western countries in the process.

In an exclusive chat with NollyNow, Amushie who was in the country recently, said the essence of the film is to change, if not just for a brief moment, the negative narrative usually associated with Nigeria. “This is because many a time, the stone that the builders refused goes on to become the head cornerstone,” he added.

According to Amushie, he's bargaining with his American partners to feature some A-list Nollywood stars in the film, which shooting will commence as soon as they

French's Canal acquires ROK film Studio

French media giant, Canal has acquired the ROK film studio from VOD company IROKOtv for an undisclosed amount.

Founded by Jason Njoku in 2010 and backed by $45 million in VC, IROKOtv boasts the largest online catalog of Nollywood film content in the world.

Nollywood is a movie genre popularized in Nigeria that has become Africa’s de facto film industry and one of the largest globally, by production volume.

Based in Lagos, ROK film studios was incubated to create original content for IROKOtv, which can be accessed online anywhere in the world.

Actress and producer Mary Njoku—IROKOtv CEO Jason Njoku’s wife—founded ROK studios and will stay on as Director General under the Canal+ acquisition.

Owned by media conglomerate Vivendi, Canal+ looks to give Mary more production resources, without disrupting ROK’s creative chemistry.

“We are acquiring the talent of Mary,” Canal+ Chief Content Officer Fabrice Faux told TechCrunch on a call.

“We will provide administrative support, finance, and equipment, but otherwise it is our intention to give Mary maximum autonomy and creative freedom,” he said.

Mrs. Njoku’s creative work so far has led ROK to produce over 540 movies and 25 original TV series, according to company data.

Through ROK, Njoku has expanded Nollywood’s formula for producing films on low budgets, largely shot on location in Nigeria, that connect with African audiences wherever they are. One of ROK’s more recent popular productions is Ojukwu , a period series set in an 1800s Nigerian village, in which Njoku directs and acts.

“Nollywood is Africa…We tell the African story. You can bring a Nigerian story, a Ghanaian story, a South African story…we talk the same drama. So Africans can connect to the average Nollywood story anywhere in the world,” Njoku told TechCrunch.

With the ROK acquisition, Canal+ looks to bring the Nollywood production ethos to other countries and regions of Africa.

“It’s not that easy to produce an interesting movie for $20,000. People in Nigeria, particularly Mary and IROKO, know how to do that,” said Faux from Canal+.

“We want her to bring that to French speaking Africa. Because we need more African content and we need the industry to develop in French speaking Africa.”

Faux would not divulge the acquisition price but confirmed there is a cash component of the deal. “This is key for Jason…to developing the VOD aspects of IROKO,” he said.

Under the deal, ROK will continue to create unique content for IROKOtv, ROK’s four existing channels—three on

DSTV and ROK Sky in the UK—as well as Canal+’s Africa and global channels.

The ability to reach a larger network of African consumers on the continent and internationally is another acquisition play for Canal+. Nollywood online content has proven the ability to find demand anywhere Africans are, including diaspora populations abroad. IROKOtv’s top-three streaming countries are Nigeria, the US, and the UK, according to a company spokesperson.

“We’ll now be able to do things in English speaking and French speaking African markets…and gain access to an advertising market where we believe there’s huge potential for growth,” said Faux.

The ROK acquisition is not the Canal+ Group’s first collaboration with IROKOtv. The media company joined a $19 million Series E investment in 2016, that also saw Canal+ and IROKO launch a French VOD channel. This was shortly after Netflix announced it would go live in Africa, though with little original African content. Netflix i has since started to commission film content from Nigeria .

VOD tech startups, such as IROKOtv, have worked to take African film online, where it can be better distributed and monetized. That’s become less of a hard road, given the continent’s improving mobile and internet penetration paired with better bandwidth and falling data costs. There has been some attribution and loss. In 2017, Y-Combinator-backed French language VOD startup Afrostream , which had raised over $100 million in VC, shuttered—ending subscription services in 24 African and 5 European countries.

Canal+ and ROK are open to producing content for other VOD and production outlets, according to Njoku and Faux. “We could [for Netflix], or we could create a production corner on another VOD service,” said Faux.

On the possibility of pursuing an African film with crossover appeal to non-African audiences—particularly in the wake Black Panther’s success—ROK CEO Mary Njoku did not rule it out.

“I have been tempted in the past and am tempted today, but I want to focus on making the channels we have now the best Nollywood channels out there she said.

Obi Emelonye’s ‘Heart& Soul’ premieres on Africa Magic Showcase

As ‘Heart & Soul’, a medico-spiritual TV series shot by renowned filmmaker, Obi Emelonye premieres on Africa Magic Showcase Channel 150 on Tuesday June 4, 2019, it will be availing opportunities to Nigerian youths interested in taking part in the film and television industry when they engage with the TV series on social media (Facebook: Heart & Soul NG and Instag ram @heartandsoulng).

The TV series which starts at 5.30pm (WAT) and will run every weekday, was shot under the The Obi Emelonye Foundation’s ‘50-50 Legacy’ project, an initiative to offer budding talents in Nigeria the opportunity to join the film and television industry. The TV series started with a string of film workshops in Lagos, and had enlisted about 100 youths in the state to take part in the filming as actors and crew members, with the aim of giving their aspirations in the industry the needed boost.

Obi Emelonye says: “When my twin brother and I, turned 50, we thought of how we could give back to the society in our various fields. This is the result. I am doing mine through television I am interested in giving the opportunity to young Nigerians to realise their dreams in the audio-visual industry. We started at Nsukka with ‘Crazy, Lovely, Cool’. At the Lagos end, we have done this TV series, ‘Heart and Soul’, which has given about 100 young Nigerians the opportunity to participate in the industry. It is usually difficult for the young ones to get that very first opportunity. That is what we intend to bridge with this project.”

Comparable to classic medical dramas like ER, Casualty, and Scrubs, ‘Heart & Soul’ has been described by critics as ‘Grey’s Anatomy set in Lagos with African mystery’, and features Nollywood star, Anthony Monjaro alongside Adekola Amoo, Phoenix Ezendu and many new but talented acts who were selected from the film workshops by the ’50-50 Legacy’ initiative of The Obi Emelonye Foundation.

Omotola, Sola Sobowale, Hollywood Stars Stun In New Flick, ‘Shadow Parties’

Nollywood stars, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Sola Sobowale have joined the stellar cast including two Hollywood stars, in the much-anticipated blockburster movie, ‘Shadow Parties’.

The movie which already has gone through the post-production stage is sponsored by Media Concept Studio, and is produced and directed by seasoned filmmaker Yemi Amodu.

Omotola is the lead actress with hunk actor Yemi Blaq plays her opposite while energetic actress Sola Sobowale joined the other cast of Lucien Morgan, Hollywood actor and producer known for An American Wolf in London (1981), Theft Unexpected (2013) and Return of the Don (2016), and Magdalena Korpas, Poland-born Paris-based film and stage actress.

Speaking on the upcoming flick, Amodu said movie lovers should watch out for a very good movie with a twisting plot and an enriched production.

He explained that it was pretty easy choosing Omotola as the lead actress, not just because she is marketable but for the fact that she is a good actress and interprets role excellently.

‘Shadow Parties’ is a story about Aremu (Ken Erics) who hails from Aje, a town that neighbours Iludun, where his wife, Arike (Toyin Aimakhu) was born. Known for fratricidal wars, which had claimed the lives of Arike’s parents, the towns were one more time thrown into war after the kinsmen of Aremu decided to burn his wife and child claiming she was an enemy which then triggered a reprisal attack from the Iluduns led by Lowo (Yemi Blaq), Arike’s brother.

A paradox of communal clash, ‘Shadow Parties’ encapsulates the endless political intrigues that would later transform into blood business of arms and ammunition and of course the killings of innocent residents, which is an exposition of reality.

Amodu explained; “This is a story on communal clashes; like the issue of the herdsmen. We have so many issues bordered on insecurity in the society that needs to be talked about. As a filmmaker, it’s my duty is to help the society. ‘Shadow Parties’ has a lot to do with the society. It is not just producing film for fun; though we have different themes in the movie. There’re drama elements that are entertaining, but the story is didactic enough to teach moral and exposing the evil involved in communal clashes.”

Other casts in the movie said to have gulped over N100 million are Segun Arinze, Prince Jide Kosoko, Hafiz Oyetoro, Said Balogun, Sola Kosoko, Rotimi Salami and others.

‘Shadow Parties’ shot across major South-west cities of Lagos, Ibadan, Erin Ijesha, Akure and Ekiti, will soon hit the cinemas after a round of exhibitions at major international film festivals across the world.

Bollywood makes inroad into Nollywood with Deceptive Measures

The much needed international co-productions in film and television between India’s Bollywood and Nigerian motion picture industry Is underway, as Global Content Hub by Zee partners with the country’s based Mace Entertainment to launch in the second half of the year a world class TV series titled ‘ Deceptive Measures.’

The 104 episodes TV drama series is expected to be shown in major pay TV and free-to-air channels across the country.

Deceptive Measures, which is an international scripted format by Zee Entertainment Is the remake of Pavitra Rishta. The show was originally produced and shot in a modest environment devoid of any glamour and grandeur and focuses on a middle class household’s routine and lifestyle. It’s realistic portrayal and its nuances were felt and lived by all those who watched the show back in India.

Starring popular actors from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, the first season of the show which will kick off in the second half of the year will have 52 one-hour episodes. The production, using Nigerian cast and crew including international crew from Zee Entertainment from Canada and India is said to be the first local adaptation of an Indian scripted format in the history of Nigerian TV production. The producers expect that the success of this scripted format will definitely create the much-needed inroad into the Nigerian TV industry for more international co-productions in television.

The series directed by Uduak Obang, Deceptive Measures is the second African co-production from Zee. The likes of Michale Godson, Joy Jasmin, Aygeman,play boy actor, Kwame Amanfos, Bolanle Ifelodun, Wale Ifelodun, Frimpomg Amanfos among others stars are the prominent faces in the series.

Speaking at a private screening of the series at Indigo Bar restaurant and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the week, Mr. Nitin Michael, the Regional Head Content Licensing, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited for Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan, : We remain committed to fostering our local engagement with Nigerian TV audiences through creating locally adapted stories produced with world class and best international production values that can travel and be accepted anywhere in the world.

Founder of Mace Entertainment, Mr. Manoj Jagtiani said the interest to further diversify the Mace Group and invest in entertainment industry in Nigeria is borne out of the passion to demonstrate the profitability and the untapped potentials that can bring so much value to the Nigerian economy through entertainment. He hopes that this partnership with Zee Entertainment will open more opportunities foor the local industry.

Memuna Abaji’s 'Clustered Colours' hits cinema tonight

Clustered Colours, the new movie by notable actress Memuna Abaji Yahaya opened in major cinemas across the country this Friday. Remi Ibinola calls the shot on the star-studded movie and it features some of Nollywood’s beloved actors such as Deyemi Okanlanwon, Paul Adams, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Mary Lazarus, Emeka Okoye, Lucy Ameh, Stan Nze. Maimuna Yahaya also doubles as an actor in the movie and there are guest appearances by Tosin Martins, the love crooners, Ozzmanic and Mrs. Oghoghor Eleshin.

Memuna who described her cast list as ‘’a fusion of the Veterans and the younger generation’’ said she decided on producing the movie because it addresses the issue of relationships and the need to foster intimacy among couples. ‘’The story is centered around a Television presenter and an event convener who organised a quiz on her talk show that x-rays challenges in marriages called bond’’ she said adding ‘’three lucky couples emerged as winners. These families who were chosen represented the Igbo, Yoruba and the Hausa region of Nigeria. The reward was an all expense paid trip to a resort tucked away in Epe; Jubilee Chalets. Away from distractions, they couples have more time to bond, fosster intimacy and work out their differences’’.

When the movie showed to a select crowd at a premiere recently, words of commendation poured out for the actress of vast credit and her crew for delivering a movie that will resonate with the yearning cinema crowd. Star of several television series and movie productions including ‘Hills and Valley’, ‘Living in Lagos’, ‘Spider’, ‘Shadows’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Plumber’ and other hit films, Memuna hinted that the movie will show at all Silverbird cinemas across the country and at major cinemas across the country including Maturion Cinema, Igando, Lagos, Ozone Cinema Yaba, Espionage cinemas, Kaduna and at Mcrystal Cinema in Oyo, Auchi and Osun.

Aduah returns as FVPMAN chairman

Popular movie marketer and CEO Magnetic Lynks limited, has been re-elected for the second time as the chairman of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria,FVPMAN, the umbrella body for all film marketers and executive producers in the country.

Aduah was re-elected alongside Chibuzor Emelu Simon and Chika Ogbaya Philip who emerged first and second vice-chairmen respectively.

While the positions of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Welfare went to Tony Iyke Okafor, Obinna George, George Onyekaonwu and Osita Eze Onyebuchi in that order. Other elected officers were : Uchenna Nsidinaya, Okwuchukwu Umeh, Ezenwa Chibuzoba Pascal and Akuegbonwu Morris Emeka who respectively clinched the posts of Financial Secretary, Chief Provost, and Assistant Provost. The new executives will pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Aduah thanked the members for the confidence they have reposed in him to continue to the pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years. He, however, promised not to let the association down, adding that he would use his good office to move the industry to the next level with the support of all stakeholders and practitioners. Particularly, he promised not to relent in his fight against piracy believed to be thriving at Alaba International Market.

According to the chairman of the electoral committee, Emelu Simon Chibuzo, the election held at Lakeview Hotel, Ojo, Lagos, was conducted in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

CNN meets Hollywood actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim

On this week’s episode of African Voices, CNN meets actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim who has returned to his roots to help teach aspiring thespians. Kae-Kazim discusses the future of ‘Nollywood’ and why he feels passionate about celebrating African storytelling.

Kae-Kazim explains to the programme how his acting career began: “My interest [in the theatre] happened from an early age, at 15 or something like that. I trained as an actor, went to the [Bristol Old Vic] Theatre School and then did the Royal Shakespeare Company in the United Kingdom, then the National Theatre… I did some amazing plays with some amazing people. I just walked my way though, doing amazing projects.”

Known best for his powerful portrayal of a Hutu warlord in the critically acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda and for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean, Kae-Kazim is now returning to his home country to help teach young actors. He explains to the programme how this opportunity came about: “A director had come over to LA from Nigeria, had seen me work in 24, and said, ‘No one knows you’re Nigerian, you should come back, there are people who would love to see you, they’ll be surprised that you are Nigerian.’ So off the back of that I thought, you know, what a good idea. Let me go back and see what’s going on.”

Kae-Kazim outlines why he wants to share his knowledge: “I’ve come back to do some training with actors and people in production so that we can get to an understanding of the discipline really required to produce a top-notch film or television production.”

Sharing his skills hasn’t been the only thing he’s been busy doing since returning to Nigeria, he’s also been spending some time in front of the camera, making his ‘Nollywood’ debut in 2010: “The very first thing I did was a musical film called Inale. I then did a little film called Last Flight to Abuja and that was a really lovely little piece about the airline industry.”

Kae-Kazim describes why he feels passionate about supporting the film industry in Nigeria: “I am very proud of ‘Nollywood’, in terms of what the people have done. They’ve put Nigeria on the map and they’ve done this without any support of any kind and I think they must be acknowledged. I think what has to happen now is that the industry has to expand, it has to get bigger and better. It’s really about upping the technical anti of the film [and] being able to tell stories that are very true to the African voice.”

Kae-Kazim tells the programme that in order for this to happen, more needs to be done to support the industry: “No one is going to come and shoot there when the lights go off or when you need generators which are going to destroy your sound. That again is a lack of incentive to help build an industry which could be doing tremendous stuff for Nigeria.”

On why ‘Nollywood’ must continue to produce films and its’ potential to compete with the content being produced by the best in the industry, Kae-Kazim states: “We have to start to tell these stories for ourselves, to me, that’s the most important thing. You know, I’m coming back from Hollywood, not to come and say, ‘Let’s bring Hollywood here’, but to really make ‘Nollywood’, Hollywood. To inspire the fact that we should be the stewards of our own stories. We have a myriad of different stories that we can tell that are all uniquely Nigerian on one level and uniquely African on another level.”

Kae-Kazim explains that part of supporting the industry would be to make cinemas more accessible in Nigeria: “I think building more cinemas in and around Nigeria would certainly help… I would love to see more cinemas going up in places like Ajaygunlay and Surelee with affordable prices.”

He describes what he hopes to see from ‘Nollywood’ in the future: “I want to see Nigeria as the hub of African filmmaking, not just concentrating on Nigerian films, but on films that tell you about the African voice from the African perspective.”

Kae-Kazim offers some advice for aspiring actors: “Just keep loving what you do, but it’s really [down to] working hard, trying to improve not only yourself as an actor but the state of the industry. That also means [improving] the day to day discipline and making sure one is on time and focused when one is at work.”

Nollywood set to sign co-production treats with France, Norway, others

High level talks which precede endorsement and subsequent signing of film co-production agreements have reached advanced stages between Nigeria, France, Norway, Morocco and other countries. Discussions which started late last year and followed with formal meetings in Abuja and Jos, by the Nigerian Film Corporation,NFC, the nation’s leading regulatory film agency, with the above mentioned countries film development counterpart agencies has started to result in the upcoming signing of co-production agreements between both countries.

The fury of activities by officials of the NFC and CNC, positively suggested that both nations were poised towards having the co-production agreement before the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, arrives Nigeria. However, bureaucratic delays meant that the signing ceremony had to be shifted to a later date in September this year in Paris. This will among others, strengthen bilateral relations between France and Nigeria in the transfer of skills and best practices, preservation of films and its exhibition from and within both countries, signed.

As at the last count, the closest Nigeria came to signing a co-production agreement was some three years ago with South Africa. That agreement is yet to be ratified by both nations and a date fixed for formal signing, despite much of film and video activities between films practitioner of both nations. Efforts are on to get the two nations to the talking table once more on the propriety of an early ratification of the draft agreement. The co-production agreement between Nigeria and France is long overdue. Whereas, both nations have robust film industries, with their film makers exchanging their film trade/profession over the years, such however, have not been under a formalized bilateral arrangement. This meant denying themselves the full benefits derivable thereof if a formalized co-production agreement had been in place. The agreement between Nigeria and France will result in the expansion of our film, television, video production and distribution. Directly linked to this, is the development of cultural and economic exchanges that will engender financial and economic benefits for both nations. This will be actualized through the use of local locations for film projects, expansion of markets and the development of skills. The significant and most important aspect of the agreement is the derivable impact and benefits to film practitioners. This relationship will bind both countries film practitioners who are expected to bring their creative skills, experience and other perspectives to bear on the co-production process. Furthermore, the agreement document is expected to fit into the UNESCO convention of 2005 on the protection and promotion of the diversity cultural expressions to which Nigeria and France are signatories. The few key components within the proposed agreement are significant, when situated in the context of Nigeria’s quest to leverage on bilateral relationships with other film cultures to address several challenges. Film heritage, film literacy, artistic cooperation, institutional exchanges, distribution and exhibition are component of the proposed agreement. Both parties are expected to formally create the necessary environment to enable their film practitioners bring their expertise and experience to bear in the conservation, cataloguing, restoration and digitalization of classic and vintage films.

Death in Nollywood: Ifeanyi Dike calls for 3 days of praying and fasting for Nigerian entertainers

Saddened by successive deaths of some prominent entertainers, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Prince Ifeanyi Dike has called on Nigerian entertainerment practitioners to embark on three days fasting and prayers to seek the face of God in order to avert the prevailing calamity.

Dike who recently visited the family of late actor, movie producer and comedian, Chukwudi Bambino Anaechina lamented that this seemingly incessant deaths of practitioners may not be physical after all.

He said: “This situation has gone beyond what we can say is normal. We have not recovered from the death of Ras Kimono, we are now mourning Bambino. This is not normal. I call on entertainers to set aside three days of their choice and pray to their God to intervene in our affairs. This is one death too many. Let us ask God for mercy so that this cup will pass over us.”

Dike also advised that care should be taken by practitioners to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, burial date of Bambino has been fixed for August 2.

Details later...

Cartoon Network Begins Search For New Animation Talents In Africa

Cartoon Network Africa has launch of a brand new initiative, Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab, an African venture designed to bring innovative, local short form content to the channel and its digital platforms, while reinforcing the local relevance of the brand.

Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab is conceived to address the gap in locally relevant content, which offers a viewing experience that resonates with its African audience. The initiative will encourage African talents, creators, writers, graphic artists, animation students and lovers of kids’ content to explore their creative, animation and production skills and stand the chance to produce a short-form animated comedy.

Entries for the Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab will be open from 7 June until 31 August. Applicants must be not be younger than 18. African-based companies can submit their one-minute to three-minute creative short project, which must be in the genre of comedy and fit with Cartoon Network’s values of funny, random, irreverent, smart and contemporary humour.

According to Ariane Suveg, Head of programming and acquisition Turner Kids Africa, “We are honoured to be supporting local African animation talent through the Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab. We look forward to seeing the entries and hope to see the winners flourish in their career as content creators, following the footsteps of some of Cartoon Network’s greatest talents. There is a need to invest in local content and our commitment to further mentoring talent in the African animation industry.”

Ten projects will be short-listed in September and the local creators will get the opportunity to pitch their work to Cartoon Network Africa’s content programming team. The winner and two runners-up will be revealed at DISCOP Johannesburg at the end of the year.

The winner and runners-up will be given the opportunity to get their project produced as a pilot with Cartoon Network Africa, which will then premiere on Cartoon Network Africa and its digital platforms in 2019.

Nigeria and Norway set to partner on film development

Nigeria and Norway have reaffirmed their commitment to partner and develop their film industries which bear some similarities in terms of the role they play as tools for change and social re-engineering. This renewed commitment was expressed when the His Excellency, Jens Petter Kjemprud, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria visited the Headquarters of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos, last Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), commended the Ambassador for the visit and assured that the NFC as the lead regulatory government film agency was desirous in creating the enabling environment for the Nigerian film industry to par with others film cultures. Dr. Maduekwe was emphatic that Nigeria has become the next frontier in terms of global creative economy.

NFC, he further said, is developing a robust plan, which includes domestic and foreign linkages that will serve as catalysts for Nigerian film practitioners to ply their profession. Maduekwe, emphasized that training and capacity building to deal with skills gap in the film sector was being addressed through the National Film Institute (NFI), and called for further partnership and exchange programmes between the National Film Institute (NFI) and the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI).

Earlier, His Excellency, Jens Petter Kyenprud, said he was at the NFC to seek ways of partnership and collaborations for film agencies in Norway. According to him, Nigeria has a large and robust film industry with an employment of about 100 million practitioners. This to him, and in addition to the rich culture and literature of Nigeria, makes Nollywood a major brand for Nigeria. He averred that the Nigerian film industry has a duty to correct the negative portraiture of Nigeria, through the development of appropriate storylines in films. “Nigerian films must strive to breakdown these negative perception”, he said.

Why we appointed Debbie Odutayo as Head judge for 2018 AMVCAs –M-Net boss

As  preparations shift into gear for the forthcoming sixth edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA),organizers have announced the appointment of veteran film maker, Deborah “Debbie” Odutayo, as Head Judge.

Debbie brings over 30 years’ experience spanning television production, content creation and administration, and is famous for being one half of the brains behind Nigeria’s leading content creation and production company, Royal Roots Communication Network, which birthed Royal Roots Television (R2TV) and Royal Roots FM (R2 92.9FM) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on Mrs. Odutayo’s appointment, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Debbie Odutayo is a respected and seasoned television professional who brings extensive experience and renown to the AMVCA judging process. Her appointment as Head Judge is in tandem with the AMVCAs being the biggest celebration of film and television talent in Africa, with its impact seen in the improvement of the quality of entries, year after year. Debbie’s appointment reiterates yet again our commitment to excellence and professionalism, even as the AMVCAs mark another milestone by entering the sixth successive year.”

“Besides being renowned and respected in the African film and TV space, Debbie also boasts experience with the AMVCA judging process, having worked on all previous editions. We are thrilled to have her with us as Head Judge, and we ask that our viewers stay tuned as preparations for the show enter the final stages,” Mba-Uzoukwu added. After a hiatus necessitated by a busy production calendar, Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, announced the 2018 AMVCAs in February. Entries for the awards opened on the 1st of March 2018, and closed on the 30th of April, with films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered into or nominated for an award, being eligible for submission. The 2018 AMVCAs will be broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels on the 1st of September, 2018.

RMD, Joseph Benjamin For Steve Ogbaro’s New Flick

Nollywood bankable actors, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Joseph Benjamin are set to headline a new flick produced by US-based filmmaker, Steve Ogbaro and his Antilia Heights Production team.Inline image

With a working title, ‘The Heir Apparent’, the story which is situated in America revolves around a Nigerian Prince who went to American to study but nothing prepared him for the lifestyle shock and the lures that come with it.

The Antilia Heights Production movie is directed by Robert Peters and is shot in both Atlanta and Lagos with plans to hit the box-office in August. The producer wants to go the whole nine yards with his new flick.

“We hope to make a good showing in the box office. The plan is to premiere in American and go into cinemas in Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he said.

Casting such high-profile actors is not exactly a stroll-in-the-park, Steve Ogbaro has his way around these things. Ogbaro noted, “Everyone knows RMD as the consummate actor that delivers on every role. He has been like an older brother to me. We’ve known each other for many years. Similarly, Joseph is also a friend, and when I sent each of them the script, they read it and after were blown away and couldn’t wait to jump on board.”

Beyond its cinematic preoccupation, Antilia Heights has its eyes on the big pie to float its own online streaming TV service. “We have a lot of other projects going on. For instance, we have another movie we are shooting in Lagos now and a comedy series going on as well,” he revealed.

He explained further, “we will have thousands of movies and some series that will be exclusive to our online TV. Yes we are working on a online streaming TV service just like Netflix Etc.”

Emem Isong, Jerry Mofokeng set to be honoured at TAFF 2018

Nollywood producer and CEO of Royal Arts Academy, Emem Isong Misodi alongside South African actor, Jerry Mofokeng are bound to be in the spotlight on the 3rd of July, in Dallas, the United States. Organizers of the annual The African Film Festival, TAFF, in Dallas, have announced the distinguished film practitioners as recipients of its 2018 African Film Leadership Awards. The awards will be presented to the duo at this year's festival, opening on June 29, and will run till the 3rd of July, at the Dallas City Performance Hall, Dallas, Texas, United States.

According to TAFF founder, Mr Kelechi Eke, the award will be given to Emem in recognition of her immense contribution towards the development of the African film sector.

A renowned film maker, Emem is the founder of Royal Arts Academy, where she mentors young talents and provides opportunities to rising stars. On his own, Jerry Mofokeng enviable exploits in South African film industry, is inestimable, having starred in several critically acclaimed films, including “ Cry The Beloved Country”; “Lord of War”; “Mandela and de Klerk”; and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film “Tsotsi.”

Speaking on the festival, Kelechi said, the festival which opens on the 29th of June, will climax on July 3rd, with an awards night.

According to him, Richard Mofe Damijo who hosted last year's edition will be teaching the Master Acting class again this year, while popular film director, Lancelot Imasuen will teach a class in directing. The classes, he said will be held at Southern Methodist University, one of the most prestigious universities in Texas, which supports TAFF initiative in promoting African Arts and Culture through motion pictures.

While the festival opening night will be a folklore of storytelling sessions by Eclectic Vanessa Danso from Ghana; Ben Amushie from Nigeria, Dallas Poetry Slam, Juliana Musical Drama from Tanzania, and Ruth Ndulu Maingi from Kenya, the festival director revealed that the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America,ANPA, will be part of this year’s event, as its members will be holding a convention in Dallas ahead of the opening of the festival. ANPA is said to be partnering TAFF to showcase the power of Medicine and Film, as its founder will be delivering a paper at the convention. Notable film makers who are expected to grace this year’s TAFF include: Uche Jombo, Stella Damasus, Charles Billion, Jim Iyke, Kenneth Okolie, Mykel Parish Ajaere, Robert Peters, Dolapo Ajayi, and other US- based Nigerian filmmakers. Also, expected at the event are Cameroonian filmmakers, Kang Quintus, Ruth Nkweti, Terence Limona, Tiana Bibish. Gambian Alhagie Manka; Sierra Leonian Winstina Taylor; Congolese Soleil Marie; Kenyan Hollywood-Based, Benjamin Onyango; and all the practitioners whose work were among the 40 selected films, including Esi Yamoah (Ghana), Molatelo Mainetje (South Africa), Andy Boyo (Nigeria) and Pascale Serra (Central Africa Republic) just to mention a few. According to the organizers, the Five-day event will showcase films made by Africans, as well as a few made by non-Africans about issues important to different regions of the continent.