Nolly Silver Screen ISSUE 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
SPECIAL FEATURE
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
2015 AFRICA MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS
e k o g e d A a Ugom
R E T T A M S E I V O M ON WHY FESTIVAL M L FI A IC FR A , A R E M A C S, T H AS LIG
TURNS 5
CONTENTS|3
Nolly Silver Screen ISSUE 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
FEATURES 8|
Special Feature: 2015 Africa Movie Academy Awards 28 | Our Top 8 Picks for 2015 Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival
INTERVIEWS 24 | Cover Interview:
Ugoma Adegoke
REGULARS
4 | Editor’s Note 5 | Readers’ Corner 6 | Contributors’ Bios 16 | On Set 18 | Vox Pop 19 | Red Carpet 21 | News 22 | TV 27 | Reviews 35 | Events 36 | Awards
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4 |EDITOR’S NOTE
It is a double whammy this month for film fanatics and cinephiles alike on the continent with the 11th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and 5th edition of Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival happening. We have a special feature on the AMAAs where we make our predictions in ten of the biggest categories and list the top ten movies likely to win big this year. We also shine the light on the Nigerian nominees. What are your predictions? Get in touch and let us know before it all goes down on the 26th of September in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Starting from the 30th of September, Lagos will play host again to the Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival. Last year, Nolly Silver Screen was involved as a media partner and this year, we have the founder, Ugoma Adegoke on the cover. Are you new to the festival circuit? We have you covered with our top 8 picks. Enjoy!
Isabella Akinseye @iakinseye
READERS’ CORNER| 5 Write ‘n’ win u have enjoyed Write to us about what yo a chance of in this edition and stand This month, we winning fabulous prizes. s of The Banker will be giving out 2 copie s are cinema on DVD. Also up for grab movie in tickets to see a Nollywood r. Nigeria and a gift hampe creen.com Email: info@nollysilvers edia Get in touch via social m ilverscreen ys www.facebook.com/noll silverscreen www.google.c=om/+nolly reen www.twitter.com/nsilversc ysilverscreen www.instagram.com/noll
Hi Isabella Amazing work, and what a lovely special report! Thank you for sharing. Best regards,
Thula
Good job. Keep it up as always.
Tope Ajayi
This is awesome thanks so much! Warm regards,
Sharlene
Read Nolly Silver Screen on www.nollysilverscren.com issuu.com/nollysilverscreen scribd.com/nollysilverscreen
6 |CONTRIBUTORS’ BIOS Efeturi Doghudje is a PR
practitioner eager to see a sustainable change in the Nigerian Film, Television & Arts industry. She enjoys watching movies both foreign & local, reading, traveling and adventure. Visit her blog for latest reviews on xplorenollywood. blogspot.com She reviews Mum, Dad, Meet Sam.
NOLLY SILVER SCREEN EDITOR Isabella Akinseye DEPUTY EDITOR Wilfred Okiche
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Isabella Akinseye Olawale Oluwadahunsi
is an Arts, Culture and Tourism reporter with Nigeria’s National Mirror newspaper. In 2015, he participated in the Talent Press at the 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). He reviews Parable of the Railway Street.
Oluwaponmile Orija studied
food science and technology at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. She is currently completing the National Youth Service Corps in Oyo state. She loves writing, interviewing people and journalism. She interviews people in the Vox Pop.
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.
ADVERTISING Quill and Scroll Creatives EDITORIAL BOARD Temitayo Amogunla Bola Atta Bola Audu Shaibu Husseini Toni Kan
STAFF WRITERS Ebunoluwa Mordi Oluwayomi Olushola
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We are currently open to receiving movie reviews, articles, interviews, infographics, cartoon strips and caricatures Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online focusing on Nollywood as well as Africa’s film industry. magazine of www.nollysilverscreen. com. Reproduction without Send an email to info@nollysilverscreen.com requesting permission is strictly prohibited. for contributors’ guidelines.
NSC Nollywood Studies Centre the one‐stop resource centre for everyone doing research on Nollywood
The Nollywood Studies Centre (NSC) is the ultimate portal to Nollywood. It is designed as the one‐stop resource centre for anyone doing research on the Nigerian video film and its industry. Located at the School of Media and Communication (SMC) of the Pan‐Atlantic University, Lagos, the NSC is the first centre dedicated to the study of the Nigerian video film not just in Africa but globally. The goal of the NSC is to be the most important custodian of resources, virtually and physically, regarding the Nigerian home video industry. The NSC is open to everyone interested in the video film. With its twenty‐plus years of existence, the Nigerian video film industry has grown beyond the status of the new upstart kid on the block. Nollywood today is of great importance in Nigeria as well as in the African Diaspora for both its cultural and economic impact. Nigerian home videos have contributed to enhancing the positive representation of Africa. They are by far the most powerful purveyor of an image of Nigeria and Africa to domestic and foreign populations. The NSC, situated at one of the most progressive universities of West Africa, strives to link this image to the place of its origin.
SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION (SMC)
8 | SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA
10 movies expected to win big at this year’s AMAA
For the first time in its 11 year history, the Africa Movie Academy Awards will be heading to South Africa come 26, September 2015. To set the ball rolling here at Nolly Silver Screen, we bring you 10 of the nominated films expected to make a huge splash.
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA | 9
1.The Boda Boda Thieves
4. Le President
2. Cold Harbour
5. Njinga: Queen of Angola
3. iNumber Number
6. October 1
The Boda Boda Thieves is a contemporary coming of age drama about a troubled youth’s misadventures with his family’s primary source of livelihood, the motor cycle (boda boda in local parlance). Directed by the duo of Donald Mugisha and James Taylor, The Boda Boda Thieves casts real life people from the Ugandan slums to play major roles. The film made a strong showing in the acting categories.
South Africa’s Cold Harbour is in the classic tradition of gritty noir films of days gone past. Carried superbly by Tony Kroroge who scored a Best Actor nod for his efforts, Cold Harbour is a crime thriller about a cop forced to confront different loyalties in his quest to solve a puzzling murder case.
Directed by South Africa’s Donovan Marsh, iNumber Number is a flashy, stylish caper about crime and consequences. iNumber Number screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and is nominated for a number of top tier categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Directed by Jean-Pierre Bekolo, this explosive mix of mockumentary and drama caused quite the stir upon release and was promptly banned by Cameroonian authorities fearful of its controversial subject matter. Le President is the story of a country, of the African continent perhaps searching for its conscience. The events of the film are ignited when the country’s president mysteriously disappears.
This year’s history lesson arrives in the legend of Njinga, the warrior queen of Angola who through cunning, bravery and strategic alliances liberated her people from both local and foreign adversaries. Njinga: Queen of Angola scored nods in costume design, make up, soundtrack and a fierce performance from Lesliana Pereira as the titular heroine.
Conventional wisdom is that no matter how badly Kunle Afolayan’s historical epic fares at the AMAAs, it would at least win the Bayelsa state endowed award for best Nigerian film. Which is not to rule out the goodwill Afolayan enjoys among jurors who have been drawn to his work in the past. October 1 remains Nigeria’s biggest hope, with its eight nominations across board.
10 | SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA 7. Run From Cote d’Ivoire comes a powerful feature about a young man who is slowly radicalised into a killer by his environment and events around him. Set against the back drop of the civil war, Run as directed by Philippe Lacote boasts brilliant acting turns and sizzling cinematography.
8. The Thorn of the rose (O Esphinho da rosa)
Horror films do not usually make a dent at the awards circuit but this Guinea Bissau/Portugal collaboration is so good, it may well take the prize for the best film by an African living abroad. To do that though, this sexy scare fest would have to fend off opposition from Nigeria (Gone Too Far) and Morocco (Fevers).
9. Timbuktu
The latest film from Mauritania’s Abderrahhmane Sissako got the film world’s attention when it was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes film festival, finishing with the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury as well as the Francois Chalais Prize. Timbuktu, a riveting account of the occupation of the Malian city by Ansar Dine fundamentalists was also nominated for Best Foreign language film at the 87th Oscars. It is hotly tipped to win the AMAA Best Picture award.
10. Triangle: Going to America
Starring renowned Ethiopian actors, Solomon Bogale and Mahder Assefa, Triangle: Going to America is plucked directly from the headlines as it narrates the compelling story of two East African immigrants who will do anything and endure any obstacle to make the journey to America in search of a better life. Directed by AMAA nominee, Theodros Teshome Kebede, Triangle: Going to America is nominated in a whopping 8 categories. Wilfred Okiche
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA | 11
12 NIGERIANS Hoping to win big at this year’s AMAA
When the Africa Movie Academy Awards started 11 years ago, it was mostly Nigerian fare but as the years rolled by, with increased entries from different parts of Africa and the Diaspora, Nigeria lost her dominance. Nolly Silver Screen spotlights some of the Nigerian nominees looking to bring home the coveted statuette.
12 | SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR
Demola Adedoyin Playing the role of Prince Aderopo in Kunle Afolayan’s period piece October 1, Demola Adedoyin will be hoping to impress the jurors with his performance. He made his acting debut in Secrets, a short film directed by Fleur Wesling. Expect to see him in the new TV series Island produced by Storm Records, Nigeria. Adedoyin who is also a musician and goes by the stage name KamiLion recently collaborated with Ice Prince and DJ Atte on a single.
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
O.C. Ukeje AMAA winner O.C. Ukeje receives a nomination at this year’s edition for his role in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s Love Or Something Like That where he plays the dying lover of fellow AMAA nominee Joselyn Dumas. Ukeje who has starred in several award winning movies such as AMAA Best Picture Confusion Na Wa has enjoyed a good year featuring in both local and international productions and picking up the Best Actor award at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/PROMISING ACTOR
Kemi Lala Akindoju Kemi Lala Akindoju has been acting (mainly on stage) for a decade but her big break came when she was cast in the lead role of Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage which earned her the AMAA nomination. The founder of the Make It Happen production outfit will perform with a star studded cast in the stage adaptation of London Life, Lagos Living this October. She also plays a role in Kunle Afolayan’s new movie The CEO.
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Sadiq Daba Famous for his role as Bitrus in the drama series, Cock Crow At Dawn, Sadiq Daba is a respected broadcast journalist. His return to the big screen playing the role of Inspector Danladi Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s blockbuster October 1 earned him an AMAA nomination. Daba produces the personality programme, Sadiq Daba Presents and also stars in the Africa Magic sitcom Hotel Majestic.
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA | 13
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Hilda Dokubo
Queen Nwokoye Ini Edo
Paul Obazele
The ageless Hilda Dokubo earns a nomination for playing the role of Ibiso, a local midwife in Dagogo Diminas’ feature film Stigma. Starring alongside Jackie Appiah and fellow AMAA nominees Akonte Doniaso Bob-manuel and Annie Bob-manuel, Ibiso infects her daughter with HIV. When Dokubo is not acting, she runs a teaching centre for the less privileged.
Breaking into Nigeria’s home video industry in 2004, Queen Nwokoye has starred in many movies including Speak the Word, His Majesty, Show me Heaven and My Everlasting Love. Her performance in Chetanna earned her a spot on this year’s AMAA nomination list. The private actress has managed to remain scandal free and continues to impress her fans with strong performances.
Paul Obazele makes the AMAA list for his role as an Oba in Frank Rajah Arase’s Iyore. The actor turned director/producer hit the scene three decades ago starring in popular soaps such as Ripples, Checkmate and Third Eye as well as home videos. The Ishan native who is also the founder of the Legends of Nollywood Awards, will be battling fellow Nigerian O.C. Ukeje for the AMAA.
Ini Edo’s debut film as a producer While You Slept in which she plays the lead role lands her on the 2015 AMAA nominees list. She battles fellow Nigerian nominee Queen Nwokoye for the coveted award which was won last year by Clarion Chukwurah for her role in Desmond Elliot’s Apaye. The Akwa Ibom native started her acting career in 2003 and has starred in over a hundred movies.
AMAA 2015 AWARD FOR BEST CHILD ACTOR The Best Child Actor category features two pairs of Nigerian nominees; Joshua Ibrahim and Daniel Ibrahim for their roles in A Place In The Stars while Akonte Doniaso Bob-manuel and Annie Bob-manuel (pictured) received nominations for their roles in Stigma. Though all the nominees have limited screen time, the jurors would have to decide if their performances were strong enough to win the AMAA. Isabella Akinseye
14 | SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA
#AMAA2015: AND THE WINNERS WILL BE... We predict the winners in 10 of the biggest categories. Africa’s biggest movie awards are only a few days away and here at Nolly Silver Screen, we engaged on the hard task of sifting through the nominees to determine who really stands a chance, and who doesn’t. Do you agree with our predictions? AMAA 2015 Award For Best Actor In A Leading Role
AMAA 2015 Award For Best Actor In A Supporting Role
Who should win:
Who should win:
Tony Kroroge – Cold Harbour Sdumo Matshali – iNumber Number Abdoul Kareem Konate – Run Sadiq Daba – October 1 Gerard Essomba – Le President
Tony Kroroge of South Africa’s Cold Harbour gave a non-showy but quietly effective performance as a tormented cop battling both sides of the law. It is the kind of committed performance that deserves some awards season love but hardly ever gets noticed because of the film’s genre inclinations.
Who will win:
Sadiq Daba did fine work in October 1 but his falls in the same category as Kroroge. Abdoul Kareem Konate in Run was frankly not the best acting moment of the film and Gerard Essomba in Le President may be too polarising. That leaves us with iNumber Number’s Matshali whose boisterous, engaging turn is the stuff crowd pleasers are made of.
AMAA 2015 Award For Best Actress In A Leading Role Lesliana Pereira – Njinga: Queen Of Angola Queen Nwokoye – Cheetenah Aida Wang – Juliet And Romeo Jocelyn Dumas – Silver Rain Ini Edo – While You Slept
Who should/will win:
Ini Edo has no business being on this list, neither does Jocelyn Dumas. For different reasons though. While Edo as a grieving wife in While You Slept was predictably bad, Dumas’ Silver Rain street girl was merely capable. None of the performances scream excellence. Not surprising though. Last year this category was starved of deserving mentions and so an inconsistent Clarion Chukwura was rewarded for Apaye. Of all the nominees Lesliana Pereira, who portrays a historical figure, complete with above the navel nudity seems like the most credible choice.
Israel Makoe – iNumber Number Paul Obazele – Iyore Chumani Pan – Silver Rain O.C. Ukeje – Love Or Something Like That Samson Tadese – Triangle Going To America
Perhaps the most competitive acting category this year in terms of quality of performances, it is quite easy to see any of the nominees here picking up the trophy. OC Ukeje has enjoyed tremendous good fortune in awards like this and this may follow him come AMAA night. Chumani Pan is the best thing in Silver Rain and Paul Obazele’s scenery chewing turn as a proud Oba in Iyore is a winner anytime.
Who will win:
Israel Makoe may yet pick this one up if iNumber Number impresses the jury as much as it has impressed critics and viewers alike.
AMAA 2015 Award For Best Actress In A Supporting Role Hilda Dokubo – Stigma Toulou Kiki –Timbuktu Reina Salicoulibaly – Run Prossy Rukundo – Boda Boda Thieves Ama Amphofo – Devil In A Detail
Who should win:
If you leave it to us, we would reward Ghanaian new comer Ama Amphofo for her brave, sexy turn as a cheating, conniving secretary in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s Devil In A Detail. We have however come to the quiet conclusion that this may be a long shot as the performance may be deemed too out there by conservative AMAA jurors. But then again, maybe not, as the extremely violent Viva Riva was received warmly by the jury in 2011.
Who will win:
Run’s Reina Salicoulibaly turns out a funny, compassionate performance as a drifter with extra-large appetites. It would be satisfying to see her work rewarded.
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2015 AMAA | 15 AMAA 2015 Award for Achievement In Soundtrack A Place In The Stars – Nigeria Triangle Going To America – Ethiopia Iyore – Nigeria Njinga: Queen Of Angola – Angola Timbuktu – Mauritania
Who should/will win: The only thing memorable about Steve Gukas’ crime drama/morality tale, is the impressive music that cascades and envelops the whole picture. Any other win will come off as a snub for A Place in the Stars.
AMAA 2015 Award For Best First Feature Film By A Director Carey Mckenzie – Cold Harbour Jenna Bass – Love The One You Love Destiny Ekaragha – Gone Too Far Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera – B’ella
Who should/will win:
Love the one you love did not make much sense to us and B’ella may be too simplistic a tale to stand out. While we are rooting for our former cover girl Destiny Ekaragha to carry the day with her immigrant comedy of manners, we cannot help but think that the moody brilliance of Cold Harbour will be the eventual winner.
AMAA 2015 Award For Best Director
Theodros Teshome Kebede – Triangle Going To America Theo Nel – iNumber Number Abderrahmane Sissako – Timbuktu Phillipe Lacote – Run Kunle Afolayan – October 1
Who should/win:
For some reasons, Afolayan has not been able to crack this category and there is no reason to expect that his luck is about to change. October 1 may be a major accomplishment but his directing is not without obvious lapses. Any of the nominees in this category would make a deserved winner but it is hard to see how this isn’t Timbuktu’s year. Sissako is one of the continent’s most acclaimed filmmakers, and has been creating slices of life through his art for decades. AMAA would be remiss to deny him his big moment.
AMAA 2015 Award For Achievement in Screenplay Le President While You Slept Timbuktu Love or Something Like That Run
Who should win:
Again, we don’t know understand how While You Slept made the cut. A nomination should be reward enough. Love or Something Like That has its merits but it hardly stands out in terms of quality of writing. This should come down to a 3-way battle between Run, Le President and Timbuktu. Who will win: Timbuktu looks like the obvious winner here.
AMAA 2015 Bayelsa State Government Endowed Award for Best Nigerian Film AMAA 2015 Award For Best Film Run – Cote d’Ivoire Timbuktu – Mauritania inumber Number – South Africa Triangle Going To America – Ethiopia October 1 – Nigeria
Invasion 1897 Dazzling Mirage October 1 Iyore A Place in The Stars
Who should/will win: Only Nigerian films are eligible for this category so it makes this one Who should/will win: easy to call. If there is a better Nigerian film released within the eligibility All of the nominees make a credible case but the biggest film prize on the period than Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, we must have missed it. Apologies continent can only go to one recipient. This race is Timbuktu’s to lose. to Dazzling Mirage. Wilfred Okiche
16 | ON SET
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF SHIRLEY FRIMPONG MANSO’S
LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT
18
VOX pop
Which country do you think will scoop more awards at this year’s AMAAs?
Although other countries have the tendency to pick awards, I believe Nigerian actors have improved a great deal, I believe the award categories will favour Nigeria.
Oluwaponmile Orija finds out...
I think Nollywood will steal it, I mean literally. Tobi Bamuyiwa
Olumide Olowe
I think Nigeria will win more awards, although Ghana and South Africa got nominations too. Tolu Olateru Olagbegi
I hope October 1 wins as many categories as it was nominated in. I’m certain Nigerians will win more awards. Anthony Anuforo
Our storylines are almost perfect and our actors left no stone unturned. We had great improvement this year than last year, even some names which hardly appeared in award nominations have popped up, the likes of Queen Nwokoye. I think Nigeria will win more awards. Austin Ajukwara
I see more of highly anticipated Nigerian movies than Ghana, I believe Nigera will clinch more awards. Sola Awe
RED CARPET| 19
CODE OF SILENCE
NEWS| 21 AYANDA SET TO SCREEN IN THE UNITED STATES
Award-winning South African writer-director Sara Blecher’s latest film, Ayanda, which is garnering very positive reviews on the festival circuit, has been picked up by Ava DuVernay’s company Array for distribution in North America. The film will get a limited theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles in early November, with a digital release to follow. The deal was brokered by Ten10Films/Restless Distribution, a Restless Global company, which is selling and distributing Ayanda worldwide. Array is the new incarnation of DuVernay’s 5 year-old distribution company, previously known as AFFRM (African American Film Festival Releasing Movement). In its new, expanded capacity, Array will focus on releasing films by filmmakers of color and female filmmakers. “Not only is Ayanda a story about women, made by women, but it also highlights female entrepreneurship and ingenuity, both talents which can mean the difference between success and hardship in a city like Johannesburg,” said Blecher. “To have the film bought for distribution by an African American woman who has made her mark in Hollywood was an incredibly proud moment for all of us involved in the making of Ayanda.” “Ava DuVernay has long been a champion of black independent films, enabling filmmakers to reach a wider African-American audience. Array is a perfect fit for a film like Ayanda and we could not have hoped for a more suitable North American partner,” said Restless Global’s Tendeka Matatu. A tale of love, friendship and growth in contemporary South Africa, Ayanda was produced by Real Eyes Films and Terry Pheto’s Leading Lady Productions, with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Africa Magic and the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The film stars newcomer Fulu Mugovhani and Nigerian actor O.C. Ukeje, winner of the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor. Ayanda had its world premiere earlier this year at the LA Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize in the World Fiction Competition. It will next screen as part of the prestigious BFI Film festival’s official selection in London on October 10.
FIFTY SET TO PREMIERE AT THE 2015 LONDON FILM FESTIVAL The British Film Institute (BFI) unveiled the programme for the 2015 London Film Festival. Clare Stewart, Festival Director, presented this year’s rich and diverse selection of films and events including the highly-anticipated Nigerian movie, Fifty which has been shortlisted under the ‘Love Category’. Fifty is directed by Biyi Bandele and Executively Produced by Mo Abudu. Fifty is one of 238 fiction and documentary features, including 16 World Premieres, 8 International Premieres and 40 European Premieres. The film stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Omoni Oboli and Nse Ikpe-Etim. The production is Mo Abudu’s quest to showcase African women coming of age, loaded with increasingly similar aspirations and dilemmas faced by their contemporaries everywhere, while yet navigating unresolved traditions and obligations. Set in Lagos, a city of disproportionate and breathtaking contrasts, Fifty celebrates the pulse and energy of this fast developing metropolis and explores the diversities and complexities of its colourful people through the lenses of its women. Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive Officer, BFI during her opening remarks declared this year’s festival theme as “The Year of the Strong Woman”; a fitting theme for Fifty, a riveting exploration of love and lust, power and rivalry, seduction and infidelity. Fifty will have its Festival premiere on Saturday, 17th October 2015, at the Vue 7 Cinema, London, and a special grand Nigeria premiere on the 13th of December 2015 at The Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Mo Abudu, Biyi Bandele, and one of the movie’s lead cast members, Nse Ikpe-Etim, were all present at BFI’s announcement.
22 |TV
AFRICA MAGIC KICKS OFF ITS ORIGINAL BLOCKBUSTER FESTIVAL In September, lovers of entertainment will be treated to a month of exclusive new movies featuring the biggest Nollywood stars as Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of entertainment for Africa by Africans, kicks off its Original Blockbuster Festival. The Africa Magic Original Blockbuster Festival is in line with Africa Magic’s mission of providing entertainment for Africa by Africans, and involves the production of eight made for television movies that feature established and renowned names behind and in front of the camera. The movies will feature on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) every weekend throughout September, 2015 with the first title scheduled to show on Saturday, 5th September at 22:15 CAT. Speaking at an event to kick off the festival, the Regional Director, M-Net (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Africa Magic remains at the forefront of not only showcasing quality indigenous entertainment for Africa and the rest of the world, but also in developing world class content. Our Original Blockbusters initiative is part of our ongoing investment drive in the Nigerian film and television industry, and we have partnered with renowned actors, directors and producers to give our viewers a truly memorable September.” The eight original blockbuster films which premiered at the event are Red Card, Carpe Diem, Love Struck, Amiable, Merciful, Dowry Man, After the I Dos and Subterfuge. These films feature popular faces such as Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Patrick Doyle, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chinda, A.Y Makun, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Nonso Diobi and Ufoma McDermott amongst many others. The producers involved with the films include renowned industry names like Zik Zulu Okafor, Zeb Ejiro, Obi Emelonye, Stanlee Ohikhuare and the actor-producers Desmond Elliot and Lillian Amah-Aluko. The eight Original Blockbusters come even as Africa Magic continues to shoot and produce other made for television films which continue to air on the various Africa Magic channels. “Nollywood remains at the centre of entertainment not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa and indeed the rest of the continent. Our relationship with the finest talent in the film and television industry not only ensures that our viewers are continuously spoilt for choice, but also ensures that the industry continues the rapid development for which it is renowned for. We continue to support the Nigerian film industry and the exceptional talent that powers it and it is this relationship that ensures that the Africa Magic channels remain the go-to source for world class, African entertainment content,” added Mba-Uzoukwu. The Africa Magic Original Blockbuster Festival kicks off on the 5th of September, 2015 and the films air on Africa Magic Showcase every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) throughout September. For more information on Africa Magic’s programmes and channels, please visit www.africamagic.tv
TV| 23 PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE 2015 MULTICHOICE AFRICA ANNUAL CONTENT SHOWCASE IN AFRICA
24 |COVER INTERVIEW
Ugoma Adegoke’s journey into the film business started as a harmless series of film club meetings with friends and patrons of the Lifehouse, a multi arts socio-cultural centre which served as physical space for her other creative interests. These meets grew into the Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival which will be holding its fifth edition this month. She shares this incredible journey with Nolly Silver Screen and gives a clear picture of what the Lights, Camera Africa Film Festival means for movies and for the culture. PHOTOS: EMMA NWAWUDU
COVER INTERVIEW| 25
W
hat motivated you to start Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival?
Our motivation was to share diverse pieces of African cinema with a Lagos audience and to stimulate a more nuanced narrative and concept of African cinema that appeared to be trapped in a one-dimensional narrative. Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival grew out of a series of film screenings hosted by The Life House Lagos which I co-founded in 2010. In October 2011, the first Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival was held in partnership with the African Film Festival, New York.
In addition to film screenings, what else is on offer at the festival?
I have always been a big believer in cross marketing, cross involvement of different feelings and sensations so we want people to have their minds blown. We want you to come and watch a film, but we also want you as you come and celebrate African cinema, African talent to also see the other aspects of the arts in addition to film. Another aspect of our work is to stimulate emerging filmmakers and to share their work with film viewing audiences in other parts of the continent and globally. Since our first festival in 2011, we have expanded our partnerships to include Film Africa UK and with Nadia Denton, a UKbased film scholar.
What do you consider in selecting films for the festival?
We consider the entire film and also take into consideration the subject matter, the skill displayed in creating the work and the message it shares with viewers. We certainly have a bias towards ensuring the screenings of films of first time and emerging filmmakers that is at the core of our purpose at the Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival. We also work to ensure a representation of diverse genres from across the continent and the Diaspora.
Why don’t you charge participants?
It’s a not for profit initiative so all of the programming that we offer is free and the reason it is free at this time is not because we don’t feel we should charge for it but because we feel that we are in and ‘education’ phase. We are trying to expose the public to arts in a large way. My experience so far indicates that Nigerian audiences want to be introduced to the possibilities, to new things. They want to be blown away, they want to learn. Most of the viewers I find don’t even know what they are coming to see, but they come because of our marketing and because they trust our judgment and they always leave very, very happy, sometimes even very emotional.
What moments stood out to you at last year’s festival?
October 1 by Kunle Afolayan was a special treat for festival-goers who filled the house to the rafters! Last year for the first time, we examined television and the breadth of work and material that exists in this area. We had a Q & A session with Chika Okpala (popularly known by his TV persona Zebrudaya), a Nigerian comedian who is a part of our rich television tradition.
What inspired ‘Future Forward’, the theme for this year’s edition?
‘Future Forward’ embodies ideas like dynamism, energy and ingenuity. It is an assembly of bold and energetic pieces of African and independent cinema that portray the intrepid spirit that characterises the force that propels us and feeds our imperatives to pursue success.
26 |COVER INTERVIEW Favourites this year include Remi Vaughan-Richards’ Faaji Agba – a documentary about highlife music in Nigeria and its leading figures.
Which films can we look forward to seeing this year?
Favourites this year include Remi Vaughan-Richards’ Faaji Agba – a documentary about highlife music in Nigeria and its leading figures. This thoughtful documentary explores an important piece of Nigerian musical history. A film like this will entertain viewers and also provide information on a phase of Nigerian life. Another film to look out for this year is Head Gone by Dare Fasasi which is a well-written, intelligent and multi-layered Nigerian feature comedy which also cleverly takes a swipe at the geo-political landscape.
What kind of films will you like to see come out of Nigeria?
I would love to see more films that audiences all over the world can enjoy. I would love to see Nigerian films coming out of Nigeria that are not necessarily only for the Nigerian public because if we are trying to become an international film making phenomenon as a country we need to produce films. Just as our music is travelling and our music is crossing over relatively successfully, I would like to see that same thing happen for the films. Having said that, I do believe very strong that the Nigerian audience itself still needs to be educated and still needs to be exposed to what it is we can do because it does a lot for our confidence. I would love to see more comedy. Documentary is very, very popular. I would love to see more feature films and animation. I would love to see more feel good stories. Stories with a social message but not depressing. I am tired of depressing African films. We know that there is suffering. We know that there is corruption. It is boring already. So more films with a good plot, that are not too long and that will consider a global audience.
What about historical films?
History is a very, very important part of our education and I believe it is eroding in such a quick way, history is no longer taught on the Nigerian school syllabus so filmmakers have a very big responsibility and I think those filmmakers need to fill the gap that exists between our formal education and our social education in chronicling our heroes in very short documentary form. Putting those stories of historical characters into film in a way that is very accessible is a big duty. I would like to see more truth telling no matter how scary it is. It is important, not because we want to create political waves but because Nigerian’s need to know their history, they need to understand who they are so that they can move forward and learn from the mistakes. Biyi Bandele’s Half of A Yellow Sun was a great first effort. Chika Anadu I think is brave. She champions the woman’s and Igbo story very well.
What achievements has the festival recorded in the past five years?
It has provided a platform for emerging filmmakers in Africa to reach audiences that would like to see good quality African film that is a true reflection of our lived experiences. In terms of attendance, we receive an average of about 3,000 annually over a period of 5 days. These guests not only see films, they participate in workshops and panel discussions and engage with established industry experts.
Where do you see the festival in the next five years?
I expect the festival to grow to become a fixture on the festival circuit in Lagos.
Final words, why should people attend the festival?
The experience that we want people to have at the festival is in a nutshell, one of pride, disbelief that this film was made in Nigeria or this film was made in Africa. We are a repository of these fantastic films made by Africans or for Africans. We are proud that we can expose these films to a Nigerian audience who often times does not even know that these films exist, cannot imagine the amount of talent that there is which exists because of course they buy into the marketing of the more popular genres of Hollywood.
Title: Mum, Dad, Meet Sam Director: Tony Sebastian Ukpo Reviewer: Efeturi Doghudje The movie unveils Josiah Abiola (Joseph Benjamin) who is at the peak of his career, the only thing left for him is to find the perfect girl to settle down with, and Samantha Smith (Daniella Down) is stunning, intelligent, and pretty much fits the picture. Both met and fall in love and might just be perfect for each other. He decides to take her home to meet his family in Nigeria. What is meant to be a special occasion turns out to be their worst nightmare, with a devious exgirlfriend Morenike (Edith Nwekenta), an over protective, overdramatic mother (Helen Gold), and the fact that Sam is…English (caucasian), then you have a recipe for an explosive and disastrous encounter ripe with awkwardness and hilarity.
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Samantha, played by Daniella Down was pretty fresh and decisive. I loved her humor which didn’t feel overly done (probably because the accent is hers). She portrayed the lonely single look to please her mother-inlaw well and this didn’t seem or look different from what a black woman will do. I did feel however that her style, both hair and clothes looked grandma-ish and nothing a young British girl her age will be caught dead in. Josiah’s overzealous cousin Fola played by A dot Comedian was a character I felt the movie could do without. He didn’t bring anything to the production neither did he leave us with anything that left me gasping or wowing on his role.
Samantha also had cool friends, Nigerian for that matter, who brought a humph to the movie. With quick pick up lines and cheeky sounds, the two characters are every girl’s nightmares as well as dreams and they were loads of fun. Production quality was top notch, with sound and visual going hand in hand. I liked the retro style that came with the production, I believe it’s a camera style and till I find out what it is, I was cool and different. I must hand it to Film One the second movie in their line up that is top notch and I do hope they keep this up, putting quality always above anything else in their movies is what movie lovers long for in our Nigerian movies.
From the stables of Film One Production comes yet another Romantic Comedy; Mum, Dad, Meet Sam also known as MDMS. From the synopsis above, it kind of says it all. Having either a white boyfriend or girlfriend is Editing felt pretty close during some scenes, as one could notice the one thing, bringing them home to meet your Nigerian folks is another and sudden change, but they were excusable. As it relates to the script and this production tries to capitalise on that. directing, coming from total unknowns in the industry was welcome. Mum, Dad, Meet Sam had a civil character delivery and a fresh perceptive Joseph as the main character knew his lines and delivered to them. He was on getting hitched or hooked to a white person the Nigerian way. Closing confident and handle his role well, however, he seemed to lose his tongue the loop seemed to be an issue that is rearing its head in our movies as when he returned to Nigeria with his girlfriend. If the aim was to get us the scenes drawing up to the end of the movie seemed to drag and felt angry that as a grown man he couldn’t stand his ground and talk to his totally unnecessary. The movie was fun to watch and put together nicely. It mum, it worked hands down that I was somewhat letdown at those scenes. delivered to cheeky lines and usual drama.
Title: Parable of the Railway Director: Kamo Kwele Reviewer: Olawale Oluwadahunsi Kamo Kwele’s Parable of the Railway Street is a minor-slice-of life look at the dashed hopes of two friends who find their dreams of a better education and their aspiration of becoming successful businessmen unattainable. Set in a train station, the film introduces Drama and Nqubeko, two friends who had their high hopes of becoming successful people dashed because they lack the means and support. At the train station Drama, the more playful character, nudges Nqubeko by the edge of the platform. They walk the street as Drama points out a pole with an exposed switchboard. They throw pebbles at the pole, damaging it in the process. A woman in the neighborhood has died from tampering with the same pole. So it is unsafe to throw pebbles at the pole. An argument ensues and Nqubeko threatens to report the incident to the police, a move Drama takes seriously since they both threw rocks at the pole. The rest of the story raises the question of whether the two disparate souls can resolve their differences. Clearly a low budget film, a reason the technical glitches can be overlooked, Parable of the Railway Street runs for 61 minutes and that is the movie’s major minus. It is 20 minutes too long. The lengthy and cheesy dialogue and too many moments of jest that didn’t connect stretched the movie. Nevertheless, Kwele pulled a good cast and does so well in the directing and editing. There was an assured directing and editing that makes it enjoyable to watch. But all of these fall apart when you think of the lengthy dialogue and over stretched scenes.
28 |FESTIVAL
Our Top 8 Picks for 2015 Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival
When we saw the list of films showing at this year’s Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival, we were impressed. There is so much variety from all over the world...which made it hard to come up with favourites. So go ahead and watch every film but if time is not on your side, Nolly Silver Screen has got you covered. We present to you our top 8 picks.
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Title: Olu Amoda: A Metallic Journey Directors: Tam Fiofori and Joel Benson Olu Amoda: A Metallic Journey is a documentary that explores Olu Amoda’s creative journey as a metal artist for three decades. Fiofori and Benson interview Omoba Yemisi Shyllon (renowned art collector and founder OYASAF), Adebisi Aderonke Arije (artist/art critic) and Chief Arthur Mbanefo (art collector/former Nigerian Ambassador to the UN). Watch this...if you love history, arts and culture. And if you’re looking to be more enlightened about the creative sector, this is a must-watch.
Title: Soko Sonko Director: Ekwa Msangi Told in KiSwahili and Sheng, Soko Sonko is a hilarious, fish-out of-water roller-coaster of a journey, about a well-intended dad who braves the fires and goes where no man has gone before because only women have been there! Watch this...if you love a light-hearted flick and want to laugh. With a running time of 22 minutes, you have no reason to miss this flick .
Title: Boat Girls Director: Roger Young In the aftermath of a one night stand Kirsty, now a visitor in her hometown is forced to turn to Jessica in order to get back to her luxury hotel. As they drive the two women reveal the different paths that their lives have taken since their life long trust was broken. Watch this...if you love drama, romance and intrigue. The short film debuted at this year’s Durban Internaltional Film Festival.
30 |FESTIVAL Title: Sex, Okra and Salted Butter Director: Mahamat Saleh Haroun Hortense, a nurse of African origin in her forties, abandons her family to be with her lover, JeanPaul – an oyster cultivator in the Arcachon Bay. Her husband, Malik remains in denial about his wife’s departure as he is left to look after their children – two boys aged 12 and 6. While Malik dreams of returning home to Mali, the rest of his family embrace life in France. Watch this...if you love stories set in the African Diapora with complex characters.
Title: The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo Director: Yaba Badoe The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo explores the artistic contribution of one of Africa’s foremost woman writers, a trailblazer for an entire generation of exciting new talent. The film charts Ama Ata Aidoo’s creative journey in a life that spans 7 decades from colonial Ghana through the tumultuous era of independence to a more sober present day Africa where nurturing women’s creative talent remains as hard as ever. Watch this...if you enjoy African Literature and have read any of Ama Ata Aidoo’s works.
Title: Once Director: Jay-Franklyn Jituboh This story is about a 10-year-old Plateau boy called Panshak whose closest friend is Abubakar, an 11-year-old Muslim boy. Panshak and Abubakar do almost everything together but when Abubakar starts to push him away, Panshak tries to find ways to be like him so as to get closer to him again. Watch This...if you love movies with a message as it was produced as part of the Afrinolly Cinema 4 Change.
Title: Gone Too Far Director: Destiny Ekaragha
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When London teenager Yemi’s big brother comes to live with him from Nigeria, Ikudayisi’s terrible fashion sense, broad Yoruba accent and misplaced confidence with the opposite sex threaten to destroy Yemi’s already small amount of street cred. When the pair are forced to spend the day together on their Peckham estate Yemi is forced to confront local bullies, the unattainable girl of his dreams and his own African heritage, eventually teaching both of them the values of family and self-respect. Watch this...if you want an intelligent comedy that will make you laugh, reflect and think. A typical London story told with wit and creativity.
Title: Timbuktu Director: Abderrahmane Sissako Not far from the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, proud cattle herder Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima, his daughter Toya, and Issan, their twelveyear-old shepherd. In town, the people suffer, powerless, from the regime of terror imposed by the Jihadists determined to control their faith. Kidane and his family are being spared the chaos that prevails in Timbuktu. But their destiny changes abruptly. Watch this...because it is just that good. Did we mention that it was nominated for an Oscar this year?
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AFRICA MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS HOSTS SPONSORS, LAUNCHES AFRICAONE INITIATIVE Organisers of the continental African Movie Academy Awards on Saturday 8th August, 2015 hosted Corporate Nigeria and other business leaders to seek support for the award organisation that has promoted the film industry in Africa in the last 11 years. The event which took place at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos had in attendance business leaders and professionals in the entertainment industry covering the Nollywood, Music, Comedy and fashion. The Founder of AMAA, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe who is now the President of Africa Film Academy took the guests on a historical excursion into the history of pan-African reward body and how it has served as a platform to showcase the best in the industry to the rest of the world. “We have invited you here to tell you about our plans for the future and seek your support to help us in our determination to make the creative industry a major contributor to African economy. We need the private sector and government to continue to support and invest in the creative industry and we are here this evening to let you know the way you can support us as the government of South Africa hosts this year’s AMAA in Port Elizabeth, the home of the legends.’’ She used the evening to announce the partnership deal between Facebook and AMAA and how the working relationship with the social media business will boost creative enterprise, brand visibility for sponsors and increase revenue for content owners. The Facebook partnership with AMAA will drive digital impact in film and entertainment with over 1.4billion users, 120million of who are in Africa. “Facebook partnership with us is a commercial and cultural one leveraging our platform which covers film and the whole entertainment sector and the Facebook global platform. This will give an unprecedented opportunity for brands to engage with millions of African movie fans as well as Africa’s filmmaking community leveraging the digital reach of the world’s most pervasive social network,” said the AMAA founder. In the same vein, the organisation at the dinner unveiled the AfricaOne initiative targeted at bringing together all contributors to the African Creative industry, on the same platform. Fundamentally, the idea of AfricaOne is to create an avenue for the realisation of the Pan-African dream using Africa’s creative industry according to Anyiam-Osigwe. “AfricaOne seeks to rewrite the African narrative. As Africans, now more than ever, we must have our own voice in our story: our story, by us and for us. For this to come into fruition, it is crucial for Africans to come together; thus, the structural establishment of AfricaOne. “The AfricaOne road show will include music concerts, film screenings and the film-in-a-box initiative. In its strive to showcase all of Africa’s creative innovators, the AfricaOne show will also showcase all other aspects of Africa’s creative sphere including visual arts. However, in its entirety, AfricaOne is much more than a showcase. Against the backdrop of providing an opportunity for African creativity to manifest, AfricaOne seeks to establish a pathway to turn creativity into substantial revenue earners for the continent and the young people. It will re-enforce the economic viability of African creative sector, and its capacity to enhance the African economy at large.”
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36 |AWARDS AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS RETURN FOR FOURTH EDITION
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frica Magic, the continent’s leading provider of entertainment for Africa by Africans, is delighted to announce the call to entry for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) in association with MultiChoice Africa.
Regional Director for M-Net (West), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “We are pleased to announce the call to entry for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. At Africa Magic and MultiChoice, we have continued to show our support to the film and television industry across Africa even as we continue to provide world class entertainment for Africa by Africans. For the 4th edition of the AMVCAs, we are inviting all entries for film and television works that are produced and broadcast or publicly exhibited from October 1st, 2014 to September 30th, 2015.” The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous three editions, preparations for the 2016 edition are underway. MultiChoice Africa CEO, Tim Jacobs, commented: “We are very excited to once again bring the AMVCAs to our viewers across the continent and indeed the world. The 2016 edition will make it four years of celebrating Africa’s finest talent in the film and television industry and we at MultiChoice are glad to be a part of that celebration.” Speaking further, Mba-Uzoukwu said: “The African film and television industry continues to show tremendous growth in the kind of content we see and the quality of existing and up and coming talent. The previous editions of the AMVCAs have had a significant impact on filmmaking and I am very certain that the next edition will have an even bigger impact on film and television across Africa.” The third edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony took place in Lagos in March 2015, and was broadcast live to DStv and GOtv audiences across the continent. The event, which drew big names from the continent’s TV and film industry, saw Nigerian superstars OC Ukeje (a second time winner) and Kehinde Bankole winning respectively, in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories. For the 4th edition of the AMVCAs, the organisers are inviting all entries for film and television works produced and broadcast or publicly exhibited from 01 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. GUIDELINES: STEP 1: Prepare a 2 to 3 minute long showreel for your online submission. STEP 2: Log on to www.africamagic.tv and click on the AMVCA2016 banner which will take you to a submission page. STEP 3: Fill out the submission forms and upload the clip. A unique reference number will be allocated to each completed online submission. STEP 4: Quote your unique reference number, send a hard drive of the submitted project to one of the following, based on your region:
For Southern Africa Submissions
Attention: Head of Production Magic Centre 137 Bram Fischer Drive Randburg, South Africa 2194
For East Africa Submissions Attention: Head of Production 2nd Floor, MNET Offices Local Productions Studio Jamhuri Grounds off Ngong Road Nairobi, Kenya.
For West Africa Submissions Attention: Head of Production MSS Local Productions Plot 1652 Olosa Str, Victoria Island, Nigeria.