Nolly Silver Screen
10
BEST
Nollywood films ever made
+ Interviews
- Charles Novia - Kunle Afolayan - Daniel Etim Effiong - Demola Adedoyin - Judith Audu - Walter Taylaur - Sadiq Daba - Ugoma Adegoke
ISSUE 09 OCTOBER 2014
54TH NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE ISSUE
Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015:
Organisers call for entries
IfooAfrica Launches in Nigeria
KEHINDE BANKOLE
Afolayan’s October 1 as her first ‘big’ fruit
Nolly Silver Screen
CONTENTS
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ISSUE 09 OCTOBER 2014
FEATURES
8 The Classics: 10 best Nollywood films ever made
INTERVIEWS
14 Cover: Kehinde Bankole 18 Filmmaker Interview: Charles Novia 20 October 1: Interviews with the cast 22 Q & A with Daniel Etim Effiong 23 Up close and personal with Walter Taylaur 26 Talent on the rise: Judith Audu 27 A Day in the life of... Amarachi Onoh 27 Ugoma Adegoke talks Lights, Camera, Africa film festival
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REGULARS 4 Editor’s Note 5 Readers’ Corner 6 Contributors’ Bios 10 Vox Pop 11 Celebrations 11 Story-Bored 12 On Set 17 News 21 Photo News 23 Nolly Pop Quiz 24 Reviews 28 Red Carpet 31 Festival News 34 Listings 35 Events 37 Award News
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Editor’s Note
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October 1 means different things to different people. It is Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s latest blockbuster. For us here at Nolly Silver Screen, it is the first anniverssary
of our parent website
www.nollysilverscreen.com
Well done with your website and magazine as well. I read copy with Amaka Igwe on it sometime back. It’s nice to know that someone is documenting the Nollywood industry. :) Ade Balogun
October 1 means different things to different people. It is Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s latest blockbuster. For us here at Nolly Silver Screen, it is the first anniversary of our website www.nollysilverscreen. com Wow! Funny how time flies. The journey has been an interesting but challenging one. We have learnt a lot, tried new things, discontinued old things, made mistakes and achieved some of our goals. All this however, would not have been possible without you – our readers. And for sticking with us through the ups and downs, we say a big thank you.
must-read for die-hard fans of Nollywood. Also in this edition are interviews with some of Nigeria’s budding filmmakers: Daniel Etim Effiong (p. 22), Walter Taylaur (p. 23) and Amarachi Onoh (p. 27). Writer, producer, director, actor and filmmaker Charles Novia reflects on his last work, Nigeria’s film industry and reveals his next big project (p. 18).
Nolly Silver Screen was at the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (p. 33) and Nollywood E-Golden Awards (p. 37) where our newest addition to the Editorial Board, Shaibu Husseini was honoured for his contribution to film Our Independence edition features interviews with journalism in Nigeria. Well done Sir! More power to your Kunle Afolayan, Sadiq Daba and Demola Adedoyin (p.20) elbow. and Kehinde Bankole (p. 14) who share their experience working on October 1. Wilfred Okiche’s article ‘The Classics: 10 best movies to come out of Nigeria’ (p. 8) is a @iakinseye
Isabella Akinseye
Readers’ Corner
5 Write ‘n’ win
t you have Write to us about wha and stand a enjoyed in this edition lous prizes. chance of winning fabu giving out 2 This month, we will be on DVD. Also copies of Mama Africa a tickets to see up for grabs are cinem Nigeria and a a Nollywood movie in gift hamper. rscreen.com Email: info@nollysilve media Get in touch via social lysilverscreen www.facebook .com/nol llysilverscreen www.google.com/+no rscreen www.twitter.com/nsilve ollysilverscreen www.instagram.com/n
Would love to see the Achebe trilogy as well as The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives. Need to have good script writers, directors and artistes who interprete their roles well. ‘Bimbola Nigerian books I would love to see as a movie are Oba Ovorawen Nogbaisi by Ola Rotimi and Azagidi by Don Pedro Obaseki. For Oba Ovorawen Nogbaisi, interpreting the emotions of a proud people being conquered and turned into a vassal of another empire would make for a classic. For Azagidi, the transition of a goddess into a human loved by a man and then discarded. The viciousness of her vengeance would make for an epic tragedy. Omofasa O.
Read Nolly Silver Screen on www.nollysilverscren.com issuu.com/nollysilverscreen scribd.com/nollysilverscreen
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CONTRIBUTORS’ bios
NOLLY SILVER SCREEN EDITOR Isabella Akinseye DEPUTY EDITOR Innocent Ekejiuba ADVERTISING Quill and Scroll Creatives
Mike Asukwo studied Fine Art at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology. He is an award winning cartoonist and illustrator with his work appearing in numerous publications. He currently works with BusinessDay newspaper as Senior Editorial Artist.
Sherif Awad is an art/ film/video curator and has worked as a programmer and communications manager since 1993 in Cairo International film festival, Alexandria film festival for Mediterranean Countries and Luxor African film festival in Egypt.
Olumuyiwa Awojide is a computer scientist, digital marketer and movie lover. Drop him in front of a 100 feet screen showing anything with Tom Hanks in it and his day is made. He runs the award winning movie blog, Sodas and Popcorn.
EDITORIAL BOARD Temitayo Amogunla
Check out his cartoon strip ‘Story-Bored’ (p. 11).
He reports on the 3rd Arusha film festival (p. 32).
He reviews Eric Aghimien’s A Mile From Home (p. 25).
Efeturi Doghudje is a PR practitioner eager to see a sustainable change in the Nigerian film, television and arts industry. She enjoys watching movies, reading, traveling and adventure. Visit her blog for the latest reviews on xplorenollywood.blogspot.com
Wilfred Okiche believes in God, medicine, music and movies. A medical doctor, occasional writer, columnist and profiler. He runs a regular column in The Sun newspaper and contributes to Y!Africa.
Oluwaponmile Orija is studying Food Science and Technology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. She loves writing and has published several works in the newspapers.
He compiles a top 10 list of the best Nollywood movies ever made (p. 8).
She asks people which Nigerian leader would they like to see on the big screen (p. 10).
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Isabella Akinseye
Bola Atta Bola Audu Shaibu Husseini Toni Kan
STAFF WRITERS Ebunoluwa Mordi Oluwayomi Olushola
CONTRIBUTORS Mike Asukwo Sherif Awad Olumuyiwa Awojide Efeturi Doghudje Wilfred Okiche Oluwaponmile Orija
FACEBOOK nollysilverscreen GOOGLE PLUS +nollysilverscreen TWITTER nsilverscreen INSTAGRAM nollysilverscreen Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine of www.nollysilverscreen.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Send email to info@nollysilverscreen.com for permission and other enquiries.
She reviews Teco Benson’s Accident (p. 24).
Want to contribute?
Nolly Silver Screen is always on the lookout for writers and artists to contribute to the website, magazine and social media pages. We are currently open to receiving movie reviews, articles, interviews, infographics, cartoon strips and caricatures focusing on Nollywood as well as Africa’s film industry. Send an email to info@nollysilverscreen.com requesting contributors’ guidelines.
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The Classics:The 10 Best Nollywood
Films ever Made
BY WILFRED OKICHE
Coming up with a list of the best Nollywood films ever made is a thankless task and no list, no matter the merits can be agreed upon generally as Nollywood’s definitive. And no one should, for what is a film if not art? And what is art, if not subjective? But daunting tasks such as this do not scare us here at Nolly Silver Screen and so we took the pains (we’ll take the gains too) of attempting such a list. This one attempts to rank the films based on quality of production, commercial acceptance, staying power and pop culture appeal. We present THE LIST.
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Living in Bondage (1992) Kenneth Nnebue’s classic probably does not age as well as we may have liked but it is near impossible to compile a list of Nollywood greats without throwing it in somewhere. Why? Living in Bondage started the whole contemporary film culture and birthed a fresh generation of film stars that would go on to do great things on stage, television and film. The story of the luckless Andy who uses his virtuous wife for money making rituals remains as unforgettable as it has been defining.
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Igodo: The land of the living dead (1999) Everyone remembers where they were when they first saw Igodo, this all-star, menancing blockbuster that tested the horror threshold of Nigerian audiences. 7 brave men of different vocations are chosen to venture into a deadly forest to save a doomed community from the nefarious actions of their fore-bearers. In retrospect, Igodo’s cheap looking special effects are quite cringe inducing but none can deny that the film took the horror/thriller genre to new heights.
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Oleku (1997) From the master cinematographer Tunde Kelani comes this adaptation of the literary tome of the same title by Professor Akinwunmi Ishola. Oleku is essentially a love quadrangle set in the seventies and revolves around Ajani, a young man who finds himself caught up in the lives of 3 women as he attempts to find a life partner. Released in 2 parts, Oleku not only became a cinematic success, it sparked a fashion revolution as reintroduced the female style of wearing the Iro and Buba.
Ijele (1999) Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi, Patience Ozokwor, Olu Jacobs and Genevieve Nnaji. Is this movie heaven or what? This film version which borrows but takes generous liberties from the legend of the masquerade Ijele is a compulsively watchable marvel of storytelling. In this account, Dede encompasses the role of the warrior who survives a gruesome birth and is placed on the path to greatness as he saves a community from extinction, finding love in the process.
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Tango With Me (2011) A dashing couple with plenty to look forward to face the challenge of their lives when the virginal bride is raped at gunpoint on their wedding night by unknown bandits. Their long road to getting over the grief and finding meaning in life once again is captured smoothly by Mahmood Ali-Balogun. He keeps audiences invested as they follow this very adult take on relationships and the consequences of tragedy. Even though the ending is wrapped in a bow, Tango With Me is still an effective drama.
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Keeping Faith (2002) Keeping faith set a new standard for romantic comedies in Nollywood and till this day, it is the film that members of its genre have to look up to. The red hot chemistry between its stars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Genevieve Nnaji propelled the movie to new heights in terms of audience appreciation. Produced by Ego Boyo and directed by Steve Gukas, Keeping Faith’s formidable cast of supporting players (Bimbo Akintola, Funlola Aofiyebi) helped make it a memorable outing for Nollywood.
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Violated (1996) Back when Nollywood was still in its toddler stage, Amaka Igwe gathered a fine cast drawn largely from her classic television series Checkmate to tell a story of love and redemption as seen through the eyes of a couple who have to contend with the ghosts of secrets past. Ego Boyo and Richard Mofe-Damijo brought unforgettable, affecting life to their respective roles and Igwe’s confident direction was the icing on the cake.
Ije: The Journey (2010) Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have made movies together prior to this outing but none of them can touch this competently shot tapestry of feminism, blood secrets and the ties that bind. Directed by first timer Chineze Anyaene and sporting a globe-trotting cast, Ije is part courtroom drama, part suspense thriller and part meditation on the Nigerian psyche. The box office draw of its 2 leads was pivotal to its record breaking success but Ije would have done just fine without them.
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Confusion Na Wa (2013) Not as widely seen as it should have been upon release in Nigeria, Kenneth Gyang’s African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner remains an indelible mastery of modern filmmaking. Taking an unusual style of telling disparate stories with different plot lines, Gyang finds a way to tie every end tightly such that the emergent film plays as a satisfying whole. Set in a Northen city and toying with the premise that sometimes, things just happen randomly, Confusion Na Wa stars Ramsey Nouah, O.C. Ukeje and Ali Nuhu among others.
The Figurine (Araromire) (2009) Kunle Afolayan’s Araromire (The Figurine) marked a turning point for the film industry. With a stellar script, high production values, potent acting and a screenplay that chilled as much as it thrilled, The Figurine became one of the most successful films to come out of Nollywood. Afolayan deservedly scooped up every award – from Lagos to London that came his way for this psychological thriller that depicted a young man’s descent into madness, aided by a thriving culture of superstition.
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VOX pop
Which Nigerian leader would you like to see on the big screen? Oluwaponmile Orija finds out..
Ibrahim Babangida He is ofen called Maradonna, he knows how to dribble and manipulate things. He can definitely fit into any role. - Sanyaolu Jacob
Olusegun Obasanjo He was able to bring the military cunnigness and the civilian diplomacy together. He would definitely make a good actor. - Mayowa Fadare
MKO ABIOLA He can sing well and that is usually needed in acting at times. - Taiwo Ogunyemi
Donald Duke Maybe because he is cute. - Adebola Adegunle He is cute. - Adeola Alamu
Muhammadu
Buhari I appreciate his ability to curb corruption, he should be able to act in movies too. - Seun Oyebade
Tunde Idiagbon A realist and a disciplinarian; he would fit into such roles. - Daniel Agbeboaye
OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS 2 Stephanie Linus 7 Laide Bakare 24 Florence Onuma 24 Lydia Forson 31 Taiwo Hassan
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PICTURES FROM THE SET OF SAM KESSIE’S
A LETTER FROM ADAM
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PICTURES FROM THE SET OF
STEVE GUKAS’
A PLACE IN THE STARS
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K E H I N D E
COVER INTERVIEW
B A N K O L E Afolayan’s October 1 as her first ‘big’ fruit
COVER INTERVIEW What was your favourite line in the movie?
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The Ifa priest says, ”Apa aja o apa aja, itele agbo o itele agbo.” Translated into English, it means “the arm of the dog, the arm of the dog, the hoof of the ram, the hoof of the ram.” I just found it very interesting.
What was your most memorable experience on set? Shooting in the forest had the most memorable times.
Why should people come and see October 1? They need an experience!
What other movies have you acted in this year?
I was in Render to Caesar which was released earlier in the year. Another movie I acted in is Apostates and due for release soon.
Who would you like to work with in the future? Kenny Banks as she is fondly called is a fast rising Nollywood actress, model and musician. The Mass Communications graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo university made her acting debut in Wale Adenuga’s Papa Ajasco and Company. In 2009, she was awarded the ‘Revelation Of The Year’ at the Best of Nollywood awards for her role in the Yoruba movie Elerin-Eye. Having featured in numerous movies including Two Brides and a Baby, The Awakening, Facade and Render to Caesar, the former Lux ambassador who played Tawa in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 speaks to Ebunoluwa Mordi in this interview.
Tell us about your journey into showbiz.
I have a few my eyes are set on but no names because my list keeps getting edited and adjusted.
Beyond acting, what else do you do? I sing. I have done a number of soundtracks and mood music for soaps and movies. I also have a music group called Rave. I do voiceovers and also model.
How do you balance everything? It’s been challenging combining my beloved music efficiently as I’d love to. Modeling has been easily combined.
It began in 2003 with Miss Commonwealth beauty pageant where I emerged in the top 10. I also participated in the Most Beautiful What are your hobbies? Girl in Nigeria in 2005 but I did not make it to the top 5. I entered I enjoy watching movies, writing and composing songs and beauty pageants not because I wanted to win but for exposure. sharing moments with family and friends.
How did your educational background prepare you for your chosen career? I read mass communications, which is also a field of entertainment, and some of the courses you do in communication are related to acting. Entertainment is communication; you pass a message good, bad, or questionable but it is still a message.
How did you get into acting?
My twin sister told me about Wale Adenuga’s audition for Super Story. At that time, I met the person that used to play Miss Pepeye and she encouraged me. I attended the audition and was successful.
Describe your first acting experience.
I started with Papa Ajasco and Company. I remember that I was a bit tense and anxious to learn as well. I was under the directorship of Antar Laniyan who is a good teacher and very disciplined.
What made you commit to the script of October 1? The uniqueness and controversial nature of the story coupled with the fact that that it’s a combination of two power houses being the writer and the producer.
What was it like playing Tawa? Tawa is who I guess I would have been if I was born in the 60s. She is a teacher and the pretty rose among the wild plants, it’s simply so special. I am an old soul. Some kinds of songs I listen to and some parts of my lifestyle is old. October 1 gave me the chance to live what would otherwise have remained an imagination, of what it was like living in the old times, because yes, I often times have wondered. It’s not about the volume of work, it was and still remains an experience.
You had to speak Yoruba, are you a fluent speaker or did you have to take lessons? I am a lover of Yoruba language. I am a fluent speaker and a Yoruba girl.
What parts of Tawa’s character reminded you of yourself? I am a strong man’s woman; I am only for that strong one and Tawa is. I can dress plain and simple sometimes just like Tawa does.
What next should we expect from you? Shocking and surprising projects. You need to see my work in yet another light.
What advice do you have for those wanting to join the industry? Be ready and open to learning. Be ready to work and have your standard from day one. PHOTO: COURTESY OF OCTOBER 1 AND KEHINDE BANKOLE
N E W S
AFRIFF to sponsor 10 students to American university for film training
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As part of its developmental agenda for the film sector, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is planning to take 10 students to the United States for practical training in various aspects of filmmaking. Founder/CEO of the festival, Ms. Chioma Ude, revealed that the top 10 students who show the most aptitude during the AFRIFF organised training workshops which will hold during this year’s festival will be eligible for the sponsorship. This disclosure was made at her Victoria Island office recently, where she said that the training in America is planned as a reward scheme for these meritorious film students. According to her, the scholarship will be to attend a short film course at a prestigious American university, and is a collaborative effort with a key AFRIFF partner. The aspects of filmmaking to be taught at the workshops this year will be acting, scriptwriting, directing and cinematography. This year’s edition of the festival will hold from November 9 to November 16, 2014 at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. Organisers say interested candidates for this year’s workshops should register at the new AFRIFF website, www.afriff.com, as only registered candidates will be eligible for shortlisting for the workshops. Registration for participation in all aspects at the festival begins from Monday, September 14, 2014. According to Ude, this skill acquisition and youth development initiative was conceived using filmmaking as a veritable vehicle for youth empowerment. Tagged AFRIFF Talent Development Workshops, the initiative provides beginners and intermediate courses for young people. AFRIFF also organizes master classes for more established filmmakers and professionals in the industry. Ude noted that the planned US training is in line with the vision of providing growth opportunities for graduates of the festival’s training program. She said, “We believe we can use this model for a social revolution that will change the economic horizon of the African film industry, by providing technical knowledge and skill sets to the abundant talents in our film community. AFRIFF 2014 team is currently resourcing for this year’s talent development training workshops in association with top industry partners who will also be announced later.”
IfooAfrica Launches in Nigeria
IfooAfrica is a brand new audio based online platform bringing back the African art form of storytelling. It allows users registered on the site to share their originally created audio story with the IfooAfrica community Stories could be anything the storyteller wants to share like dramas, folktales, comedy, fiction, spoken word, poetry, narratives etc. IfooAfrica is proudly birthed in Nigeria and made for Africa in African voices. If you can voice it, we want to hear it. IfooAfrica aims to create an online community of African storytellers told in their own individual and unique voices. We believe that even though our histories and journeys might be different, our stories are very similar. The platform intends to be both educative and entertaining while fostering stronger African unity via voice. IfooAfrica will launch first in Nigeria on October 1, 2014 and will gradually make inroads into other countries on the continent. As part of its launch in Nigeria, IfooAfrica will run a monthly Upload, Share and Cash Out competition that will run for 12 months. This competition allows storytellers to upload their originally created short audio story (10 minutes or less), share with the IfooAfrica community who will listen and vote. Any story that has the highest number of votes at the end of the month will be awarded N25, 000. The listeners are not left behind, as they will have an opportunity to win fabulous prizes on an adhoc basis in the Listen, Comment and Win competition. Popular celebrities, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Kate Henshaw and Uti Nwachukwu have kindly loaned their voices to the first story uploaded onto the platform titled Sexual Harassment written by Joy Bewaji and produced by David Jones David. Listeners are now invited to log on to www.ifooafrica.com listen to the story, answer the question asked at the end and leave a comment. If your comment is liked as the best at the end of October, you win a brand new Swatch wristwatch. For more information, visit www.ifooafrica.com.
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FILMMAKER INTERVIEW
Writer, producer, director, actor and filmmaker CHARLES NOVIA reflects on his last work, Nigeria’s film industry and reveals his next big project in this interview with ISABELLA AKINSEYE Your last film Alan Poza premiered in the cinema were astounding for me. We had a good run out of six in which he was nominated. Not and has long been released on DVD, how profit- in the cinemas and made good sales from bad for a film which set out to prove what I DVDs and the movie is still making very always advocate: the new stars out there can able was it?
Alan Poza was really an average-budget movie by conceptualisation and became a high-yield flick after its release. Knowing that the support structures for distribution of movies in Nollywood are skewed unfavourably for the producer at present, one had to test the market after five years off the movie production circuit. Alan Poza was designed to cautiously test the evolving structures and I must admit that the returns
good returns from online platforms such as Dobox. Profitable sales to satellite channels worldwide also raked in good revenue. All-in-all, I’m smiling to the bank and to the shelves because the movie has received a record 17 nominations in different categories in 7 different awards ceremonies since the last quarter of 2013 and won me ‘Best Director’ at NAFCA in America in 2013 and won O.C. Ukeje two ‘Best Actor’ awards
sell a movie anyday without having to break the bank.
Do you feel that the negative criticism by some writers affected the film in anyway? I just told you the movie did quite well by my expectations so I don’t know what negative criticism did to it. As a critic myself, I understand that people would definitely have conflicting opinions about the movie.
FILMMAKER INTERVIEW
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Moreso that I am usually hard when I do my critiques and so the reviewers might have been inclined to measure my work with the same style I use in my critiques. But in movies, the truth is this; critics are a minority opinion group. The real determination of a movie’s success lies with the audience. And Alan Poza being a youth movie (a new genre I experimented with and introduced in Nollywood) reached out to its audience. One of the numerous mails I received over the movie said it was a movie far ahead of it time. I agree. We set out to shoot something different and we did it. Of course, no movie is perfect but given that the movie was one of the rave movies of 2013 in the awards circuits, I think one was quite vindicated. I mean, look at it: 2 AMAA nominations, 8 NAFCA nominations, 2 NEA nominations, 2 GIAMA nominations and 2 BON nominations and recently just in 2014, 1 more Nollywood Movies Awards nomination for Lala Akindoju. That is awesome by any standards, many would agree.
What keeps you going despite the challenges in the industry?
Half of a Yellow Sun has been heavily pirated abroad and in Nigeria, did Alan Poza suffer the same fate?
I am working on opening my own television channel in the last quarter of 2015. It’s going to beam to over 40 African countries and will be very, very different. More on this What advice do you have for new entrants into later.
Half of a Yellow Sun was touted as a big budget Hollywood movie which had its business plan perhaps far removed from Nollywood. But with its immense publicity, it actually called for piracy. I don’t support piracy in any way and I condemn it but what I am trying to say here is that for years, Nollywood movies have been pirated. That Half of a Yellow Sun suffered the same fate should not single it out for something really special. We all must come together to fight the scourge of piracy. Alan Poza has been pirated too. Massively. We are all in the same boat here, up creek without paddles.
What are your views on solving distribution in Nollywood and reducing piracy? I believe concerted efforts are being made by various bodies to solve the distribution issues. We need more cinema outlets for those interested in high-end movie productions. If we had about 200 cinemas as a starting number compared to the present 17 in Nigeria, producers would have more returns to declare. The cinema chain is key. Then, the country needs better bandwidth and once we have that, internet streaming will be another major source of revenue. We must invest in the technology for the media as done in developed climes.
How have you managed to continue to remain relevant in the industry over the years? Thank you for the compliment of being relevant. I think it has to do with the ability to take stock at every point in time and know where to move to when one reaches crossroads in the industry. I have been recognised by many stakeholders and organisations as one of the most important resource persons in Nollywood and I am known internationally as a filmmaker and author. When you have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished away. I think more of leaving lasting legacies through my works and thoughts than the commercial aspects of film business. When you put the passion first, you become part of the relevant system. And I think relevance cannot be achieved without respect. At the risk of sounding immodest, I have both in the industry and I worked hard for them.
I am motivated by such challenges. I see those challenges as endurance tests. I am a peculiar being made by the Most High. I was not made by Him to fail or give up. Rather, I am made to excel and succeed. It’s a baptismal anointing and it pervades all aspects of my life.
Any new Charles Novia Think on the way? I have decided to satisfy my fans with 3 new movies from me in 2015. I think fans of the Charles Novia Think franchise should not have to wait for too long to watch new out-of-the-box movies from my stable. So, watch out for The Shag in Sagamu (a comedy), Quiet Rush (a thriller) and The Groupie (a pop culture dramedy) in 2015. I am also producing a couple of top-notch television As Nigeria celebrates her independence, what series which hits the screens in 2015.
would you dream film about Nigeria be like?
Beyond film, what other projects are you currently working on?
My dream film would be about Nigeria not gaining her independence till 1985. We got it too early and messed up the republic. That would be the synopsis for my dream independence movie.
Nollywood?
What about your film on Majek Fashek, how is that coming up? It’s in the pipeline. However, given the fluctuations of the movie distribution market in Nollywood presently, I have decided that such a huge project will be better served as a television mini-series. And that is what it will eventually be. A 13-part international mini-series shot in Nigeria and America.
Beyond Project ACT and the loan facility, what more can government do to support the industry? More money. More political will to fight piracy.
Persevere. It’s not easy to get in. Be patient. Make sure you are talented. And most of all, you have got to pay your dues.
Who would you like to work with? Osas Ighodaro fascinates me and I think I might be working with her in the nearest future. Then, I have been harassing Dare Art Alade to feature in my movie. I think he would make a fantastic actor; he’s got the voice, looks and most importantly, the training for it. But he is playing hard to convince. Lol.
Who is your favourite Nigerian designer?
I don’t really have any. But I like the designs of Mudi, Mai Atafo and a dude in Abuja Who are the next ‘fresh’ talents we should watch called Modoc.
out for in Nollywood? Talents abound in the industry. I am always on the look out for such and my radar has fallen on a couple of acts whom I think would blow in a couple of years if they get the right scripts. There’s a young man called Shawn Faqua who is in my sights. I will be working with him soon. He’s very promising. Omoye Uzamere is also a good actress, waiting for an explosive Nollywood career.
Give us your top 5 list of films to come out of Nigeria? 1. Missing Angel 2. Igodo 3. Keeping Faith 4. Thunderbolt 5. Osuofia in London
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What is your favourite line from a Nigerian film? “When money wakes up, the conscience goes to sleep.” It is from my movie Atlanta (2004).
What does family mean to you? Everything. The bedrock of my life is my family.
If you could do it all over again, would you change anything? No. Life is great.
In one word, you are? Myself. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CHARLES NOVIA
When you have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished away. I think more of leaving lasting legacies through my works and thoughts than the commercial aspects of film business. When you put the passion first, you become part of the relevant system. And I think relevance cannot be achieved without respect. At the risk of sounding immodest, I have both in the industry and I worked hard for them.”
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FEATURE
October 1: Interviews with the cast COMMITTING TO OCTOBER 1
PLAYING AGBEKOYA I saw myself in the character. I have done some of those things before. I have been on the farm. As an actor, you have to be versatile.
The story line and the director.
PLAYING INSPECTOR WAZIRI I loved the depiction of a northern police officer serving diligently. I wish I did not have to shoot the prince. I would have preferred he went on trial.
FAVOURITE LINE “Kin ni wi?”
ACTING AND DIRECTING
FAVOURITE SCENE
God gave me the grace.
Second encounter with Koya when he sprang on me.
SHOOTING OCTOBER 1
ON NOLLYWOOD
It is a dream come true. Once I am on set, my focus is always to achieve and bring a dream to life and that spirit keeps me going. Everyday, we work, bond, quarrel and settle. Although, I had to sometimes scream when people didn’t do their jobs well.
There are good but more stupid ones. What I hate most is part 1 to 4 and then it ends with, “To God be the glory”.
NEXT PLANS
FAVOURITE LINE “Do not call me Danny boy. My name is Danladi Waziri.”
WORDS OF WISDOM As an actor, you must know your onions. Give it your best and be yourself always.
I pray that I make my money. I already have 2 great scripts.
IN THREE WORDS... Kunle Afolayan Ayodeji. INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
ACTING JOURNEY I started around 2008, an agent who was helping me get modelling jobs while I was doing my masters course in the UK suggested me to someone who was shooting a short film about racism. It was something I didn’t expect and had to wait in line for a while to get in. But as soon as I was done, they asked me if I’d be available on certain dates. It started from there.
LANDING OCTOBER 1 ROLE I had been talking to industry leaders I had access to about film production, and had been sending Kunle my short videos over the years for his critique. One day he called me and asked me to come to his office for a reading of the script. I was basically shocked by the high quality of the writing. Here I was reading a Nigerian script with themes that had global importance and hopeful as well as tragic tones. I was laughing and frowning all the way through it, and I knew from the way it affected me that I was going to get involved head first.
PLAYING A PRINCE It was interesting. Very educational in the sense that I didn’t know African royalty were that well protected in their kingdoms. The same protectiveness that ensures physical safety but eliminates privacy is there.
SPEAKING YORUBA I speak Yoruba fluently. I’ve a pretty good aptitude for languages in general.
OCTOBER 1 VIEWING
He is quite complex. It involved exerting a wide range of emotions to communicate the depth of one person. Including the times when the character himself is supposed to be hiding what he’s feeling even from the audience.
Apart from the fact that the story, acting, production and directing are of such high quality, people should see it to experience what is possible as a Nigerian milestone in filmmaking. So far I’ve perceived a better response than I ever imagined. Being part of a project can colour your perception of it but seeing its effects on people with no bias can really give perspective on the effect our work is having. People overwhelmingly approve of the film.
FAVOURITE LINE
FUTURE PROJECTS
“Mark my words, in less than 7 years this country will be at war!”
I’m still in negotiation for my next two projects. But there will be 1 more film project and a music project before the end of this year.
FAVOURITE SCENE
IN THREE WORDS...
PRINCE ADEROPO
My favourite scene was the final one which answers questions from Loving the process. the plot but creates new questions about life and our country Nigeria for you to take home with you. INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
photo N E W S It’s a full house at Best of Nollywood Talents Meet Class
Zik Zulu Okafor, Fidelis Duker and Tope Oshin-Ogun
Desmond Elliot, Shaibu Husseini and Ibinabo Fiberisima
Tee-Mac
Norbert Young
Gbenga Adeyinka
Group picture
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INTERVIEW When did you get involved in filmmaking? Well I don’t really have favorites, I make a film and I’m done. Quite I made my first film in secondary school. It was actually a recording of a stage drama but it was shot with emphasis on the dramatic elements in the narrative. The camera man shot close up shots for emotional relevance and wide shots to cover events. After the recording, I exhibited the film clip to family members who found it quite fascinating giving the resources we had.
Q and A with Daniel
What inspired this decision?
I had a natural knack for storytelling. In primary school, I was the guy who gathered friends together to narrate films BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI I had watched over the weekend. I narrated everything including dramatic pauses and commercials. I also spent hours alone playing with imaginary friends and creating epic battles between sticks and stones. It was only natural than I gravitated towards drawing, acting and writing.
Etim Effiong
contrary to popular opinion after I make a film I become detached from it and I’m quickly looking forward to the next project.
How instrumental has your Afrinolly win been? Afrinolly was my first major competition I put in for and winning the second prize and the Kumla Dumor award for storytelling was my announcement into the Nigerian film industry.
Do you feel under more pressure to deliver now? No I don’t. I have used my winnings from the Afrinolly competition to do a directing course abroad. If I felt any pressure to deliver, I wouldn’t have made that choice.
How do you deal with criticism of your works? I’d like to think I take constructive criticism very well but you never know. I’ve heard otherwise (laughs).
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on short film called Dis Kind Love, based on the ripple effects of clearing out the Kuramo Beach for the Eko Atlantic city.
What advice do you have for upcoming filmmakers? Spend time investing in your craft, it will always payoff.
Nigeria will be celebrating her independence in October, which Nigerian personalities would you love to see on screen? Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Major Kaduna Nzeogwu.
Did you receive opposition from friends and family or was it smooth sailing Who would you like to work with in the future? all through? As a child my parents supported me, by buying drawing pads and crayons for me to sketch on but at some point in my undergrad days when I decided to quit engineering to study film, it was war. I wasn’t able to convince my family who saw my talents as a hubby rather then a career. I was discouraged from pursuing filmmaking as a career and encouraged to finish my Chemical Engineering course which I did, under duress.
Lindiwe Matshikiza.
If you were not into film, what would you be doing? Lecturing.
How do you relax? Read and swim.
“Raw talent without development is grossly overestimated and just like an underdeveloped muscle will fail the test of heavy lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under pressure of time and magnitude of demand.” Which is more important: talent or training? Training both informal and formal. I say this because development of talent is considered training. Raw talent without development is grossly overestimated and just like an underdeveloped muscle will fail the test of heavy lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under pressure of time and magnitude of demand.
Who is your favourite Nigerian designer?
Describe a typical day in your shoes.
If you could change anything about Nigeria, what would it be and why?
Well this depends on if I’m working or not. When I’m in between jobs, I spend a lot of time reading and writing for pleasure. I also spend a lot of time doing research, watching movies and surfing the internet. When I’m working, it’s crazy. Before a shoot I’m worrying about getting things right and after the shoot, I’m worrying about things I didn’t get right.
The Biafran war because millions of people mostly women and children died needlessly. Also because Nigeria hasn’t really moved on from the events of 1966.
What are some challenges you face on the job? Departmental specialisation. When shooting in Nigeria, it is quite challenging to find people who are specialised in a chosen field. What you often find are people who are able to do several things but aren’t professionally competent in any. Another challenge is access to locations. Finding the right location in Lagos is quite tricky with no clear cut process involved with attaining permits in certain areas.
Which of your works is your favourite ‘baby’ and why?
Mai Atafo.
What is your most memorable lines from a Nigerian film? “Don’t play with my Tutu” from Out of Bounds.
Where do you see the industry in the next ten years? In the next 10 years, I see a formidable, better structured Nigerian movie industry. I see Nigerian films in the Academy Awards.
Any plans to explore other aspects of film making? I’ve been exploring acting. Producing is another aspect I’d like to dabble into.
What was the last Nigerian movie you saw at the cinema?
Hoodrush starring Gabriel Afolayan, OC Ukeje and Bimbo Akintola. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIEL ETIM EFFIONG
NOLLY POP BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
QUIZ
1. Where was Half of a Yellow Sun first premiered? 2. Name one Nigerian musical movie. 3. Amazing Grace got how many AMAA nominations? 4. Mention one actor who features in Half of a Yellow Sun, Last Flight to Abuja and Inale. 5. Who is the Nigerian actor that acted alongside Harrison Ford? 6. Where was The Figure (Araromire) shot? 7. Name the first Nigerian/Ukrainian film. 8. Which year was Igodo shot? 9. Who acted the lead role in Things Fall Apart? 10. Who directed the State of Emergency?
Up Close and Personal with
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Walter Taylaur BANGER SOUP FILMS
It’s a play on words from the cocktail drink Harvey Wallbanger. Let’s just say…a then work colleague gave me the name after I threw a party where things got a little excessive.
FILMMAKING JOURNEY
I started off as a writer and got fed up with producers and directors butchering my scripts. So, I decided to be the one to tell my own stories instead.
ON NOLLYWOOD
It has huge potential. The die hard approach of Nollywood filmmakers. I don’t think we really realise how far we can go. As individual filmmakers yes, but as an industry as a whole, we are just scratching the surface. Unfortunately, the current business models available tend to be restrictive – at the moment only films of a certain scale and/or genre can realistically be attempted and be financially successfully.
CURRENT WORK
Currently in production on Season 2 and 3 of our TV drama/thriller series Married To The Game. We also have two feature films in the pipeline with working titles Young African Pioneers and Gbomo Gbomo Express.
NIGERIAN DREAM
I don’t really dream about the future of Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed. I prefer to dream more about the future of the Nigerian and hope that we follow our own paths and look more within. And when we seek to be influenced by other cultures, let it be less of the superficial elements and more of the good and valued aspects – the areas of substance. All the elements that will build greater character within every one of us.
TOP 3 NIGERIAN FLICKS 1. Confusion Na Wa 2. The Figurine 3. Half Empty Half Full
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT
Having a film script I wrote optioned and made into a film Get Lucky and distributed by Universal. Not many writers based in Hollywood are fortunate enough to have a script option talk less of having it funded, turned into a film and then put out on general release, internationally. The whole process took about five years from start to finish, with over 100 rewrites. I learned so much on how and why certain things are done in a specific way. How certain scenes or locations did not make financial sense being in a script. Every time a new director or producer was attached to the project, they would have new notes on changes to improve the script. You quickly learn not to be a slave to your art and focus on the big picture. I was also an associate producer on the project.
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE BALANCE
I don’t. Work usually comes first. Sad I know (laughs).
LAST NOLLYWOOD CINEMA VIEWING Half Of A Yellow Sun.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTO: COURTESY OF WALTER TAYLAUR
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REVIEWS Title: 1j316 Genre: Short Film Director: Akpoufuoma Edafe Year: 2014
Title: Accident Genre: Feature film Director: Teco Benson Year: 2013
Accident revolves around Chy, a top Nigerian female lawyer played by Chioma Akpotha who instead of carrying out the wishes of her client played by Fredrick Leonard to file for a divorce finds herself entangled and having to defend her honor and marriage. The opening scene kind of got me in stitches as Chioma is as stiff as it gets when it relates to lovemaking scenes. However, she did come off strong as a no-nonsense lawyer who would do what it takes to defend her client. Her costumes depicted her role as a professional and as wife and the make-up was perfect as she looked spent when she was expected and she looked beautiful when needed to. Frederick Leonard carried his role quite alright. As an adamant client set on his goal, that was a plus; a desperate convict fighting to survive,he was great and as a lover boy, he needs a little bit of work. Kalu Ikeagwu, another character who I believe can play certain roles like being a husband in his sleep had a no brainier task. Nothing outstanding about his role. My joy from this movie came from the legal proceedings. While it didn’t have the Suits or Boston Legal type proceedings, it was a breath of fresh air. There was good use of the legal language and terms, court like setting with court clerk, the right costumes ad spot on questions from Wale Macauley who played the defendant’s lawyer and Larri Williams who played the case judge. Their portrayal of their roles brought back nostalgic memories and further drove my innate need for veterans in the industry to show the new kids how it’s done.
Kudos is appropriate for the effort put into making this short film look as realistic as possible even though they charred it with some not so pleasant props. Furthermore, it is apparent that the filmmaker has a deep message to convey but chose a very shallow medium of communicating. This left us with a shallow story line, a deep message and some blatantly disturbing images. While the characters did their best to look the part, the camera angling had them totally undone. The post production could have been slightly better too, but all hope is not lost for the filmmaker. - INNOCENT EKEJIUBA Title: Torn Genre: Feature film Director: Moses ‘Sneeze’ Inwang Year: 2013
Torn is a psychological thriller which follows the lives of childhood best friends Ovu (Ireti Doyle) and Nana (Monalisa Chinda). Their relationship is threatened and in the middle is Olumide (Jospeh Benjamin). To solve the mystery is a psycotherapist played by Bimbo Manuel. Who is married to Olumide? The film shines in its unpredictability. The acting is top class. A bit more research would have meant Davido’s song was not played in a scene that took place in 2010. Deserving of praise is the theme song ‘I Am Not Crazy’. Moses ‘Sneeze’ Inwang marries creativity with didactism beautifully. Great job! - ISABELLA AKINSEYE Title: Flower Girl Genre: Feature film Director: Michelle Bello Year: 2013
Flower Girl starts off with a young lady’s fantasy of a full blown Naija wedding. Kemi (Damilola Adegbite) readies herself for the ultimate proposal from her boyfriend Umar (Chris Attoh) but instead she gets a shocker – a public break up. Her recovery plan involves a handsome Nollywood actor played by Blossom Chuks Chukwujekwu. Director Michelle Bello blends romance and comedy very well. Kemi’s best friend Stella (Bikiya Graham Douglas) injects fun into every performance. The film’s success is marred by the poor optimisation of sound and a narrow musical selection. The product placement too could have been better. Good flick. - ISABELLA AKINSEYE Title: Nigeria – State of Independence (Part 1 and 2) Genre: Documentary Director: AlJazeera English Year: 2010
As far as directing is concerned, Teco Benson did a good job making the script come alive. This production had good picture quality plus scenes and conversations were short, sharp and straight to the point. Not only was Mr. Benson the director, he was also the producer and editor and I must commend him for this top-notch production. Mr. Obasi as script writer delivered in his role and is also heartily commendable. Overall, it was a well put together production. - EFETURI DOGHUDJE
The two part documentary leaves a lot to be desired as it fails to fully deliver on the state of the independence of Nigeria as at when shot. The documentary however does a good backtracking on some historical events that shaped Nigeria to what it is today, but it ultimately failed to conduct an extensive research on the other factors that have affected Nigeria and the state of independence in Nigeria. Aside these and lacking a conclusion, the documentary was well shot and the production quality was top notch. Sadly, I cannot say the same of the adopted script. - INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
REVIEWS
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Title: A Mile From Home Genre: Feature film Director: Eric Aghimien Year: 2013
A Mile From Home opens to a scene of a guy being tortured. We don’t know why, but the beating and sound effects looked legit. Then, gun shots were fired and the sounds came out right. Before that point, the movie had my curiosity, but afterwards, it had my attention (Django Unchained pun intended). The movie is a crime thriller written by Eric Aghimien who is a new comer in Nollywood. With his first work being this impressive, he is someone I will definitely be looking out for in the future. The movie raised several themes that I thought would become subjects of concern when it was time to have them resolved. There was the love triangle between the central characters and Ivie (Tolu Akinbileje), the naïve friend Lala was trying to protect, the lady who was spying on Lala in the beginning, the interest of a rival gang member in Ivie and the gang war that this resulted in. Like that wasn’t enough, they had to deal with an ex-con from South Africa trying to get some very important package from them at all cost. But surprisingly, the film managed to resolve them all intelligently. However, it didn’t do a great job with its character development as many were half developed. For example, Lala’s backstory wasn’t so clear. We know he can’t go home because of his involvement with the gang. We know he has a sister in the same school and we know there is some conflict between him and his father for some reason, definitely his involvement with the gang. But a few lines of dialogue with his sister would have given us more light on what really ruined his relationship with his father to make Lala come to the conclusion that he doesn’t have a father anymore. That’s too deep to be left hanging. My biggest issue with the story was the defection of a certain character to another gang towards the end of the movie. It was rushed, lazy and not properly executed.
“A Mile From Home is entertaining, thrilling, action packed and definitely sets a standard for Nollywood action movies.” The stunts, effects and fights were believable and the sound design was very impressive. I can’t overstate how impressed I was with this movie but a lot of the technicalities could have been better. Soundtracks and editing most especially. The acting wasn’t always impressive. Sometimes they disappointed but never the less, some scenes stood out. The scene with Lala and his sister was one of the well acted scenes. It was touching and emotional. Tope Tedela’s as the lead gave a good performance but sometimes was stiff and artificial. Even though Suku (Cheidozie Nzeribe) was very terrifying and my personal favourite character in the movie, he was a bit stagy many times. Don Kobo (Alex Ayalogu) was my least favourite. His voice felt to me like he was trying too hard to sound like Batman. Deba (Eric Nwanso) as the naïve ‘Ju Boy’ was played well.
A Mile From Home is entertaining, thrilling, action packed and definitely sets a standard for Nollywood action movies. I am definitely looking forward to more works from this team. While I did enjoy the movie I feel the movie could have done a better job with its originality. - OLUMUYIWA AWOJIDE
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INTERVIEW What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? It was well planned, so we were able to manage time and everything well. The only challenge I had was during post-production but we found a way around it and it came out nice.
So far, what has the response been like? The response has been very impressive. It was first screened at the Goethe Institut Lagos and Lagos Film Society film festival where it got very good reviews. It was also nominated in the Best Short Film category for both the 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards and the 2014 Abuja International film festival. So it’s been a good experience.
Are there more productions in the offing? Yes, by God’s grace, very soon. We are working on something at the moment and hope to hit location soon.
Where do you see the industry in the next ten years? More advanced, more structured, more professionalism and proper distribution channels.
How do you manage the fame and attention as a married woman? I am very disciplined and principled. I respect people a lot and I try not to be rude. So far I have been able to manage well.
Was your husband a fan of yours?
TALENT ON THE RISE: JUDITH AUDU Judith Audu is a fast rising Nollywood actress and budding producer. The French
When we started dating, I wasn’t seriously acting but was nursing the dream to return back to it. He is the reason I returned to the industry as he supports me a 100% and encourages me not to quit.
graduate has featured in several Nollywood movies and recently produced her own short film Not Right. The tall, slim and unaassuming actress says she is in the world of make believe not just for the fame but to leave an indelible mark.
Are there roles that you will not take due to your status?
Talent, I have been training on the job since the day I started acting. Whenever I am on set, I learn a lot. And that is not just from the directors but from my fellow actors too. I read a lot of acting books, watch videos and train myself with every opportunity I get. However, I plan on getting more in-depth training.
If you could change anything in your journey, what would it be and why?
Your acting journey: talent or training?
How did your education background and professional experience prepare you for the world of make believe? My first degree is in French and my first stage experience was actually performing one of our literature books and we did quite a number of that before I joined a theatre group while still at the University.
What inspires you in your craft? A lot of things inspire me. I draw inspiration from several sources, happenings, people, life and things I see on the road sometimes.
Stage or screen? Stage anytime because it makes you feel alive. When you get positive response from the audience, you just get this priceless fulfillment and joy. I have been away from the stage for too long actually and need to retrace my steps and get back on stage. Everyone can be on screen but not everyone can be on stage.
What led you to produce your own film? I had always wanted to produce something but just never got around to do it either the funds will not be available or I will not have the time. I see it as growth for me personally to be able to contribute more in my industry and am glad I did.
Describe the experience. It felt so unreal! I was very happy everything worked out as planned. The first day I watched it on my TV, I couldn’t believe it was mine! I was really proud of myself. I must admit, I shed some joyful tears and hoped to do something bigger after it.
How long did it take? It was planned for months but we shot it in two days.
Yes, there are some roles I wouldn’t take up even if I were single.
I would have studied Theatre Arts or I would have started training myself earlier because I believe I would be a more grounded actor and would have a more in-depth knowledge about my craft.
In two words, you are? Absolutely awesome. INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUDITH AUDU AMOGUNLA
INTERVIEW
A day in the life of… Amarachi Onoh
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Ok, my typical day is pretty simple. I wake up, say my prayers and refresh for the day. Then I set out for the day. It could be an audition, filming or brainstorming session for some projects. If I’m not doing any of these, I would read. I eat a very heavy lunch and light dinner (fruits). I unwind with good music, movies, hang out with friends or my latest addiction Zombie Highway. #ilovemylife#COLLECT# STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMARACHI ONOH
Ugoma Adegoke talks Lights, Camera, Africa film festival BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI
Ugoma Adegoke is the founder of Lights, Camera, Africa film festival. What inspired you to start LCA? The Life House had a successful film club that presented films of various genres to audiences for free every week. We wanted to widen this reach and to add value by connecting audiences to filmmakers in an engaging and entertaining way.
What were some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Funding and awareness initially but 4 years later, things are getting better. We are especially encouraged by the enthusiasm of the public for alternative entertainment.
Tell us some memorable moments from past editions.
Last year a film that we made a festival centerpiece, Confusion Na Wa was invited to show in the African film festival in New York earlier this year. It was also screened at other festivals in Brazil. We like to think that LCA has supported this excellent piece of work by a Nigerian filmmaker, Kenneth Gyang. Another memorable moment was when we found out at the first edition of the festival that there were enthusiasts of Chadian director, Mahamet Saleh Haroun who had been looking forward to seeing his comedy, Sex, Okra and Salted Butter. That really confirmed for us the need to hold events like these.
What informed the choice of this year’s theme Legacy? It is connected to the ongoing celebrations of the centenary of Nigeria’s creation. Our goal is to interrogate that a bit more rigorously and to consider what the legacy of that act means for us in terms of culture, art and film. We shared works of Nigerian film masters like the late Ade Love and Ola Balogun right through to the more contemporary work of the late Amaka Igwe. We also explored our strong tradition of storytelling through television. Our thesis was to show that there is a clear canon of filmmaking in Nigeria and that frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connecting our film past to our film present, we were able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian film.
“Our thesis was to show that there is a clear
canon of filmmaking in Nigeria and that frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connecting our film past to our film present, we were able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian film”
What legacy do you want LCA to leave behind? We hope that LCA will contribute to a growing and eventually strong tradition of making the arts accessible to everyone in our communities.
What plans do you have for expansion of LCA? A goal of ours has always been to screen in multiple venues across the city to ensure no one is left out.
What are some of your achievements so far? Reaching at least 3,000 people and counting. Each year is significant. Creating learning opportunities is another milestone which we are pleased to be able to do.
Beyond LCA, what other initiatives are you involved in? Woman Rising, an annual platform celebrating women in music, literature and art. I also support our wellness arm which is led by my husband, DaYoga Studio which is Nigeria’s premier yoga and wellness studio. In addition, I promote and support visual artists through exhibition, education and international exchange. Finally, I manage my fashion brand, Zebra Living, a favourite among Nigeria’s women as well as women across the globe.
In one word, you are? Restless. PHOTO: COURTESY OF UGOMA ADEGOKE
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RED CARPET Faces at the Africa Magic private screening of October 1
Leading pay cable station Africa Magic held a private screening of Kunle Afolayan’s thriller October 1 at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on September 20, 2014. The screening attracted a host of celebrities as well as members of the cast and crew. Tinsel cast as well as Africa Magic staff had the opportunity to view the film before its official October 1st release date. Kehinde Bankole, Sadiq Daba, Kunle Afolayan and Demola Adedoyin were some of the cast and crew members who stepped out after the screening to take a bow. They received a warm applause at the end of the film and also stayed back after the screening to speak to fans. STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI PHOTOS: Courtesy of Multichoice Nigeria.
Wangi Mba-Uzokwu
Beverley Naya
Linda Ejiofor
IK Osakioduwa
Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi
Gideon Okeke
Members of the cast of October 1
Guests
FESTIVAL NEWS
Chinese Zodiac wins big at 11th Abuja International film festival
Fred Amata and Monalisa Chinda
Fidelis Duker, Chico Ejiro and Andy Boyo
Over 60 cutting edge films from around the world with a special focus on films from Nollywood screened during the 11th Abuja International film festival.
Opening the festival on 23 September 2014 was Lancelot Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 while Chinese Zodiac donated by the Chinese embassy in Nigeria closed the four day event. The colourful affair brought together industry practitioners, governement representatives and key players from the private sector. In competition this year were over 145 entries from around the world with Nigeria making up over 60%. Chinese Zodiac directed by Jackie Chan won the Golden Jury Film and Best Feature Film (Foreign) while Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 picked up the award for the Best Feature Film (Nigeria). Full list of winners BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897 BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Yawa (Nemesis) BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt) BEST DOCUMENTARY: Paradox of Life EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafia THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: I Come Lagos OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Mike Omoriegbe in Invasion 1897 OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Abimbola Ademoye in Where Talent Lies BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos) OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897 GOLDEN JURY FILM: Chinese Zodiac (China)
Mr. Yong
CAMIRA announces winners at Abuja Film Fest
The Abuja International film festival welcomed an independent jury for the first time in its 11-year history. Constituted by the Nigerian chapter of Cinema And Moving Image Research Assembly (CAMIRA), the jury comprised Shaibu Husseini, Michaela Moye and Osang Abang, who announced a slew of winners in the festival’s various categories. Because the categories were few, the jury decided to name winners in all of them rather than restrict themselves to three main categories of Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short. At the closing ceremony, the festival organisers also gave a representative of the jury an opportunity to shed light on CAMIRA’s activities to a larger film-loving audience. Full list of winners BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897 BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Frost Bite BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt) EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafia THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: Yawa (Nemesis) OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Jackie Chan in Chinese Zodiac (China) OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Ivie Okujaye in Black Silhouette BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos) OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897 BEST DOCUMENTARY: No winner was selected based on the quality of entries in this category. They were mainly news features rather than documentaries. STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Saint Obi
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FESTIVAL NEWS
It’s a Wrap for Arusha African film festival
The 3rd edition of Arusha African Film Festival (AAFF) that took place 20-27 September, 2014 wrapped up after showcasing more than three dozens of African films coming from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, Angola, Guinea- Bissau, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and South Sudan. With the presence of seventy artists, seminars on the prospects of filmmaking in Africa, youth engagement, socio-cultural integration and how these elements influence socioeconomic advancement in the society have been held during the festival’s week at L’Alliance Française and the Arusha Natural History Museum. LA based, Nigerian-born actor and film professor Akpor Otebele, the festival’s director, supervised an acting workshop for more than twenty professional young actors and actresses from the East African region. The workshop was also taught by Port Harcourt Professor Emmanuel Emasealu who, along with Otebele, helped to polish the acting talents of the attendees to higher levels of impersonation and character understanding. Burundi’s Léonce Nagabo, chairman of the recently launched East African Film Festival Network (EAFN), signed an agreement with Sayed Fouad, the president of Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) in Egypt, to create collaboration between the two entities. The agreement will make LAFF to provide Egyptian visiting film professors to teach cinema techniques for the five state countries of EAFN while EAFN will nominate East African films for LAFF. EAFN is set to enhance the value and make known different professionals and talented filmmakers from the East African Community and to create a synergy gathering different associations and festivals so that we may have an advocacy regional platform. Also it will aim to harmonize the laws and regulations in the five partner states, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. In the closing ceremony, AAFF also gave an award to I Mashoka by Jean Mari Ndihokubwayo and Pascal Capitolin, a new feature from Burundi. Its story is reminiscent from the two 1986 French films Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources by Claude Berri, as it revolves around two envying families who are competing to control water sources. But in the midst of this struggle, a love story is born is between a young man and a young women from the two opposing communities. STORY AND PHOTO: SHERIF AWAD
FESTIVAL NEWS Nollywood film festival Germany debuts in Frankfurt am Main
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Festival representatives at the airport promoting the event
Cinema goers buying tickets for one of the daily film screenings
Some guests discussing during the opening night of the festival
Isaac Izoya addressing the cinema audience just before the screening
Hessen’s Filmforun Höchst VHS, Frankfurt am Main played host to the four-day Nollywood film festival Germany organised by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment. The festival which featured daily screenings of two Nollywood films was headlined by award winning Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor. Fortune’s Card starring Mercy Johnson, Benedict Johnson, Charles Inojie and Isaac Izoya and shot on location in Berlin, Frankfurt, Athens, Bremen and Lagos made its worldwide premiere during the festival. Isaac Izoya who is regarded as ‘Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment ambassador’ to Europe, explained that the decision to showcase the best of the Nigerian film is based on the interest shown by Germans and Europeans to watch classic Nollywood films on the big screen for the first time. He noted that the festival also aims at fostering international trading and exchange opportunities in what he described as the ‘largely untapped market’. The festival wrapped up with an interactive Q & A session with Ozokwor and was moderated by film critic Shaibu Husseini. STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO
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LISTINGS
IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS OCTOBER October 1
Synopsis: October 1 is a psychological thriller directed by Kunle Afolayan. The film follows the story of Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba), a police officer from the North who is posted to the remote town of Akote, to investigate a series of female murder cases in the community and have the mystery solved before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.
When Love Happens
Synopsis: Moduroti Bankole-Smith is a twenty eight year old events planner that has always been unlucky in love. She is reminded at every turn about how wonderful love is with proof to substantiate the case. Her parents are madly in love and are always nudging her to find someone. Events take a bizarre turn when she is hired to plan a long time friend’s upcoming wedding.
Release Date: 1-10-2014 Release Date: 26-10-2014
OUT ON DVD Mama Africa, an inspiring new movie directed by Ubaka Joseph Ugochukwu has now been released on DVD after premiering in the cinemas earlier this year. Produced by Norbert Ajaegbu, Chairman of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), the film features Zach Orji, Tonto Dikeh, Jibola Dabo, Peachman Akpota, Nkiru Umeh, Chioma Igwe, Livinus Nnochiri, Belinda Effah and Remi Ohajianya. Mama Africa is an exposé on the goings-on in the corridors of power; how the ruling minority controls the lives of the masses, trampling even on their human rights at will. The movie tells the story of how 500 children die from the use of a fake vaccine, while the poor and needy are locked up in a military detention camp without any hope of food or freedom when they were to be kept in a rehabilitation home.
MONTHLY SCREENING Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next Stop Freedom to screen this October The October edition of the Monthly Documentary Film Screening Series (MDFSS) will feature Sebastian Dehnhardt and Matthias Schmidt’s Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next Stop Freedom (with English subtitles). MDFSS is an initiative of Goethe-Institut Lagos and the IREP International Documentary Film Forum in collaboration with Freedom Park Lagos. This month’s screening is in commemoration of the German Unity Day, which is marked annually on October 3. MDFSS holds on the 3rd Saturday of every month at Freedom Park Lagos at 7pm. Entry is free.
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EVENTS
Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda celebrates 40th birthday
Mai Atafo, Monalisa Chinda and AY
Friends of the celebrant
Celebrant with friends
Monalisa Chinda
Celebrant with family
AWARD NEWS Ozokwor, Osuagwu honoured at 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards
Donald Peterson, Patience Ozokwor and Victor Osuagwu
Shaibu Husseini
Patience Ozokwor and guests
Charles Nwagbara
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All roads led to Saalbau Event Centre in Frankfurt am Main on 13 September 2014 where the 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards held. Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama Gee bagged the Nollywood Living Legend Award while comic Nollywood actor and Chair of the Lagos State chapter of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Victor Osuagwu received the Outstanding Nollywood Actor Award. The Guardian’s Shaibu Husseini and High Society Magazine’s Charles Nwagbara were also honoured for their contributions to Nollywood. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Richfield Technologies Limited, Dr. Donald Peterson received the Pillar of Nollywood and the Entertainment Industry. The event featured various musical and dance performances by African artistes. STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO
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AWARD NEWS
Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015: Organisers call for entries
Having recently wrapped up the activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy Awards with a Praise Jam and Media Recognition Awards, the organisers of the continental awards have called for entries for the 2015 edition of the fiesta. Entries for the 2015 edition opened on Monday September 1, 2014 and will be open to December 1, 2014 according to the Director of Administration, Mr. Tony Anih who enjoined filmmakers and their representatives across Africa to submit their works for the 2015 awards. “We have given four months window to enable entries to come from all parts of Africa and from the Diaspora filmmakers to give room for logistics of sending to our regional offices in Ghana, Nairobi and Johannesburg and our Lagos office,’’ he said. Filmmakers are expected to send in their works produced and or released between December 1, 2013 and December 30, 2014 for consideration for the awards and such works in case of full length feature films should not exceed 120 minutes and must not carry any commercial of any product or service. In case of works produced in any language other than English, most especially where language of dialogue is African indigenous language, such work must be subtitled in English. Speaking further on the awards, Mr. Anih noted that the acceptance of the awards that celebrate professionals in the motion picture industry has been huge across all regions of Africa with entries coming from North Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa. “We are proud of the work we have done with filmmakers across Africa in the last 10 years and moving into another 10 years starting from the 11th edition next year, we are sure the future of AMAA and business of filmmaking on the continent is very bright. For full details on the entry rules and format of submission, filmmakers should visit our website: www.ama-awards.com,” Mr. Anih enthused.