Nolly Silver Screen Issue 06 July

Nolly Silver Screen
LINDA EJIOFOR
Tinsels sweetheart on living the dream...
ISSUE 06
JULY 2014
Ojuju
Behind
the scenes
pictures
The business
of cinema
Figurine
returns in
book form
Torn
out on
DVD
INTERVIEWS
- IRETIOLA DOYLE
- O.C. UKEJE
- ADEJOKE LAOYE
- SERGE NOUKOUE
- DEYEMI OKANLAWON
10

Brands
supporting
Nollywood
5
Film
Festivals in
Nigeria
WIN
CINEMA TICKETS,
NOLLYWOOD DVDS
AND MORE
+
Nolly Silver Screen
CONTENTS
FEATURES
8 Top 10 brands that have
supported Nollywood
through the years
11 The business of cinema
16 Emem Isong on distribu-
tion and other challenges of
a flm producer
27A Day in the life of...
Bayray McNwizu
30 Funke Akindele: Promot-
ing values through flm
30 Dont be mere copycats
32 5 flm festivals in Nigeria
36 Kunle Afolayans Figu-
rine returns in book form
INTERVIEWS
14 On the cover: Linda
Ejiofor
22 Q & A with Adejoke
Laoye
23 Up close and personal
with Iretiola Doyle
26 Talent on the rise:
Deyemi Okanlawon
27 O.C. Ukeje on Dowry,
marriage and the World Cup
31 Serge Noukoue on
Nollywood Week Paris flm
festival
REGULARS
4 Editors Note
5 Readers Corner
6 Contributors Bio
9 Vox Pop
10 Nolly Toons
10 Celebrations this month
12 On Set
19 News
20 Photo News
23 Nolly Pop Quiz
24 Reviews
28 Red carpet
33 Festival News
34 Listings
35 Events
37 Award News
ISSUE 06 JULY 2014
3
23
26 12
27
38
Editors Note
P
H
O
T
O
:

E
M
M
A
N
U
E
L

P
A
U
L
4
This editions theme is on the
business of cinema. Wilfred Okiche
gets approaches the topic by look-
ing at the life cycle of a Nollywood
movie (p. 11). What is the most
expensive Nollywood movie? Take a
wild guess and fnd out what others
think in our Vox Pop section (p. 9).
Our new cartoon strip Nolly Toons
is about the Economics of a Naija
Date (p. 10).
Things get smoking hot on the
red carpet of Mbong Amatas DVD
launch (p. 24 ) and Ivie Okujaiyes
movie premiere (p. 25). It is great to
see these women make their debut
as producers.
Nolly Silver Screen was proud to
partner with the Nollywood Studies
Centre of the Pan Atlantic Universi-
ty during their annual international
conference. Check out pictures from
the event (p. 20).
You probably know her as Bimpe in
Tinsel, our TV sweetheart Linda
Ejiofor dishes on her acting journey,
her ideal man and Nollywood (p.
14).
Get the scoop on what Nollywood
movies will be premiering this
month and those that will be
released on DVD (p. 34).
For the flmmakers, there are a
number of opportunities to submit
your works for awards and festivals.
Fingers crossed, we just might get
one of our movies in next years
Oscars. Get all the details and see if
your flm is eligible (p. 37).
I am always proud to see young tal-
ents on display they are the future
of Nollywood.This was one of the
reasons we started the magazine in
the frst place. In the homegrown
edition of Open Mic Theatre, we
were wonderfully entertained and
the pictures tell the story (p. 21).
Coming up this July is the book
launch of Autering Nollywood: Crit-
ical perspectives on The Figurine by
Adesina Afolayan (p. 36 ).
Enjoy!
Isabella Akinseye
@iakinseye
C
HANGE IS CONSTANT.
This rings so true for us here at Nolly Silver Screen. We have had new additions to the
team, added more pages to the magazine and welcomed new advertising partners. For
our sixth edition, we decided to take our time and come up with a new
and improved magazine from the design to the content. It has been a
lot of hard work, constant back and forth and a lot of long hours. Anyone who tells you
magazine publishing is glamorous is only telling you half of the story. While the fnished
product which you are reading today looks like a piece of cake (it does right?), putting it
together is no sweet dessert.
So, here is a big shout out to everybody who has stood by us with
words of encouragement and advice and has pushed us to come up
with nothing but the best. This is for you!
Write to us about what you have
enjoyed in this edition and stand a
chance of winning fabulous prizes.
This month, we will be giving out 2
copies of Murder at Prime Suites DVD.
Also up for grabs are cinema tickets to
see a Nollywood movie in Nigeria and
a gift hamper.
Email: info@nollysilverscreen.com
Get in touch via social media
www.facebook.com/nollysilverscreen
www.google.com/+nollysilverscreen
www.twitter.com/nsilverscreen
www.instagram.com/nollysilverscreen
W
r
ite
n
w
in
Readers Corner
5
You can now read your
favourite magazine Nolly
Silver Screen on
issuu.com/nollysilverscreen
Great press release and the cover
looks awesome :)
Elizabeth Ayoola, Connect Nigeria
This issue of the magazine looks
great. I will certainly share the
link.
Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, Nollywood
Centre, Pan Atlantic University
Nice. Well done!
Joy Isi Bewaji, The Magazine Club
This is great. A must read at
www.nollysilverscreen.com
Shaibu Husseini, The Guardian
Newspaper
VIA FACEBOOK
VIA EMAIL
Temitayo Amogunla is
an alumnus of Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile
Ife and works in Ibadan,
Nigeria as a freelance
writer and editor. She is
the Creative Director of
Wordsmithy Media, a
company that brings her
passions writing, edit-
ing and public relations
together. She is also an
award winning essayist.
She reviews The Meeting
(p. 25).
She thinks the amount
a Nollywood flmmaker
should spend on a
movie...will depend on
the story.
Akinwande Ayodeji is a
self taught digital art-
ist, graphic designer and
illustrator. He graduat-
ed with an MSc Pharm.
Chem from UNILAG but
creativity is what drives
him. He intends to make
good use of it. He works
for CKDigital as a graph-
ics designer.
His cartoon strip Nolly
Toons is on The Econom-
ics of a Naija Movie Date
(p. 10).
He thinks the amount a
Nollywood flmmaker
should spend on a
the script.

Ikechukwu Obiaya lec-
tures at the School of
Media and Communica-
tion of the Pan-Atlantic
University and is the di-
rector of the Nollywood
Studies Centre. His re-
search work is centred on
the Nigerian flm indus-
try.
He writes on the monthly
forum organised by the
Nollywood Studies Cen-
tre (p. 16 and p. 30).
Nollywood flmmaker
should spend on a
his/her business plan.
CONTRIBUTORS bios
Innocent Ekejiuba is
an alumnus of Obafemi
Awolowo University. He is
the Deputy Editor of
Nolly Silver Screen (the
website and the maga-
zine). He is also an avid
blogger and budding
graphics designer.
He reviews Artist Hustler
and My Delusion (p. 24).
Check out his Nolly Pop
Quiz (p. 23) and his pro-
fle of 5 flm festivals in
Nigeria (p. 32).
Nollywood flmmaker
should spend on a
the vision and scale of the
production.
Wilfred Okiche believes
in God, medicine, music
and movies. A medical
doctor, occasional writer,
columnist and profler.
He compiles a top 10 list
of Nigerian brands that
have supported Nolly-
wood through the years
(p. 8) and writes about
the business of cinema
(p. 11).
He thinks the amount
a Nollywood flmmak-
er should spend on a
the market and the prof-
itability.
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.
She fnds out what peo-
ple think is the most ex-
pensive Nollywood mov-
ie for the Vox Pop section
(p. 9).
She thinks the amount
a Nollywood flmmaker
should spend on a mov-
ie...should not be less
than 10million naira.
NOLLY SILVER SCREEN
EDITOR
Isabella Akinseye
DEPUTY EDITOR
Innocent Ekejiuba
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT
Isabella Akinseye
ADVERTISING
Quill and Scroll Creatives
EDITORIAL BOARD
Temitayo Amogunla
Bola Atta
Bola Audu
Toni Kan
CONTRIBUTORS
Temitayo Amogunla
Akinwande Ayodeji
Steve Ayorinde
Stronghold Ekine
Ikechukwu Obiaya
Wilfred Okiche
Oluwaponmile Orija
EMAIL
info@nollysilverscreen.com
FACEBOOK
nollysilverscreen
GOOGLE PLUS
+nollysilverscreen
TWITTER
nsilverscreen
INSTAGRAM
nollysilverscreen
Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly
online magazine of
www.nollysilverscreen.com. Repro-
duction in whole or in part without
permission is strictly prohibited.
6

Want to contribute?
Send an email to info@nollysilverscreen.com
Top 10 Brands that have supported Nollywood through the years
BY WILFRED OKICHE
8
Film business is big business. But with a scarcity of major studios available to bank-
roll ambitious projects, Nollywood has had to turn to other means to scrape budgets
together. We present the top 10 brands that have held out a helping hand and
ensured that the flms are steadily churned out.
Lagos state
With a lot of movies shot
in the Centre of Excel-
lence, almost nothing
can be done without
the total support of the
Fashola-led state govern-
ment. Cinematographer/
director Tunde Kelani
and his Mainframe pro-
ductions have beneftted
from the state govern-
ments largesse with his
2011 flm Maami as well
as the upcoming feature
Dazzling Mirage.
DSTV
With the Africa Magic
stations, multiple 24 hour
channels dedicated to
airing Nollywood content
back to back, perhaps
no other brand has been
as visible in its support
for growing local televi-
sion content. Apart from
acquiring copyrights
for a fee, DSTVs parent
company Multichoice
hosts the annual AMV-
CAs which will enter its
3rd season next year and
only recently, the compa-
ny called for entries for
original flm ideas.
NEXIM Bank
The Nigerian Export-Im-
port Bank has been ac-
tively supporting the flm
industry for a while now,
focusing more on the
distribution end of movie
making. Under its Export
of Services mandate,
the bank has spent over
N460 million Naira as
seen in the investment in
Kene Mkparus Filmouse
group of cinemas which
has outlets in Lagos,
Ibadan and Calabar.
Amstel Malta
Amstel Malta backed the
reality talent hunt show
AMBO Box Offce for a
couple of years and the
show went on to dis-
cover fresh talents like
Tonto Dikeh, O.C. Ukeje
and Ivie Okujaiye. Am-
stel Malta is a big spon-
sor of the Africa Magic
Viewers Choice Awards
and this year, the brand
sponsored the short
flm/advert, The Search,
a mini biopic on the lives
of Genevieve Nnaji and
footballer Mikel Obi.
iROKOtv
Say what you will about
Jason Njoku and his
methods of doing busi-
ness but none can deny
that his iROKOtv has
been good for Nolly-
wood. From exposing the
flms to a wider audience,
especially in the Diaspora
to making them available
at the touch of a button,
hence bypassing some of
the tragic effects of pira-
cy, the iROKOtv project is
a welcome development.
Silverbird cinemas
What would the New
Nollywood be without
Silverbird cinemas? The
Murray-Bruce family en-
terprise re-revolutionised
the viewing of local mov-
ies with the arrival of the
Silverbird cinemas. The
numerous flm premieres
hosted at the Silverbird
Galleria in recent times is
proof that when it comes
to supporting Nollywood
talent and profting
from it nobody does it
better.
Ecobank
The deal may have gone
bust now, but Ecobank
walked the talk and
partnered with some
top fight producers like
Charles Novia and Chico
Ejiro in the short lived
Project Nollywood. While
the productive romance
lasted, Ecobanks part-
nership spawned results
like Fred Amatas Letters
to a Stranger, Novias
Caught in the Mid-
dle and Fidelis Dukers
Senseless.
MTN
The telecoms giant is
quite incapable of play-
ing in the small leagues
so when MTN arrived in
Nollywood, it was with
a splash heard around
the world. The unmistak-
able yellow colour of the
brand was prominent in
Mahmood Ali Baloguns
Tango With Me. Steph-
anie Linus muttered the
most famous line in last
years Doctor Bello when
she promised to get
Isaiah Washingtons char-
acter an MTN sim card.
Globacom
Mike Adenugas Globa-
com has become one of
the biggest supporters
of Nollywood. Globacom
has anointed dozens
of flm stars as ambas-
sadors, paying them
mouth-watering sums
in the process and has
supported fully, the flm
projects of these ambas-
sadors. Funke Akindele
and Kunle Afolayan are
flmmakers who have
enjoyed the Globacom
touch in their various
projects.
Diamond Bank
Diamond bank has taken
a good bite of the Nol-
lywood apple with its
obvious presence in the
production and promo-
tion of Obi Emelonyes
award winning flm Last
Flight to Abuja. The
fnance powerhouse
also was highly visible in
the creation of theatre
maven, Bolanle Aus-
ten-Peters Broadway
style musical Saro which
premiered last year.
9
What is the most expensive Nollywood movie??
Oluwaponmile Orija fnds out.. VOX
pop
Half of a Yellow Sun
27 billion Naira
Fakomaya Ayomide
Half of a Yellow Sun
8 million Dollars
Samuel Tomoloju
Two Brides and A Baby
20 million Naira
Lade Taylor
Snare
270 million Naira
Kevin Emina
Ije (The Journey)
40 million Naira
Tolulope Elemo
Last Flight to Abuja
40 million Naira
Segun Aminu
Last Flight to
Abuja
20 million Naira
Jimi Adesesan
Lekki Wives
Millions of Naira
Ada Uwalaka
Shuga
9 -15 million Naira
Benjamin Edegbai
12
Rita
Dominic
17
Nonso
Diobi
11
Olu
Jacobs
19
Kate
Henshaw
16
Ramsey
Nouah
10
JULY CELEBRATIONS
The business of cinema
The allure of Nollywood and Hollywood has always been the glamour, glitz, red carpets and flm premieres. Movie stars that move
from photo shoot sets to interview studios. But there is a reason the industry is associated with the word showbusiness. The show and
the business; both of them, opposite ends of a spectrum that are not always mutually exclusive.
With the re-emergence of the cinema culture, industry practitioners have had to contemplate newer mays of getting income from their
intellectual property. Distribution, which used to be the exclusive rights of the marketers at Idumota and Upper Iweka, opened up to
accommodate players like the Silverbird Group, Kene Mkparus
Filmhouse and the Genesis Deluxe Cinema franchises. New
wave as well as old school producers have begun to navigate
interesting options to yielding revenue for their moves.
One of the very frst steps to a potentially successful flm in
todays Nollywood is securing endorsement. Now this may
come in the form of telecom companies looking for a shout
out in the flm or state governments contemplating tourism
avenues. In some cases, a windfall of cash is made available
up front which the producer is able to plough into actual
production. More often than not, such boosts arrive when
the shoot is done and are directed to marketing and publicity
efforts. In cases where actual cash does not change hands, the
flmmaker benefts from the products and services the spon-
soring brand has to offer as required in the screenplay and in
the process, helping to keep costs low. A-list stars who enjoy
endorsement deals and chummy relationships with the major
brands are sometimes cast in strategic roles in a flm so as to
convince these players to invest in their projects. Funke Akin-
dele, Kate Henshaw and Kunle Afolayan are some thespians
who have beneftted from this arrangement.
When a flm is ready to be screened, producers make the cin-
ema calls and enter into negotiations with the management
of the privately owned picture houses. The type of deal the
flmmaker scores varies from one cinema house to the other
and is dependent on a number of factors which may include
clout, genre of flm and proper negotiating skills. Most houses
adopt the standard sharing of profts with the flmmaker keeping up to 30% of the flms revenue. A particular cinema is fond of insisting
on the option of hosting the flm premiere as part of the deal, thus, forcing producers to add it to their publicity budget.
After the cinema rounds come the DVD/video sales. This could be the make it or mar it stage of the flms cycle as it is the part most
likely to be pirated and made available for a token. Chineze Anyaene who wrote and directed the future classic Ije: The Journey adopt-
ed strict precautions during her flms roll out plan to prevent losing ground to the pirates. Some of them included recording the flm in
non-rewritable discs and making sure the market was fooded with the reasonably priced original copies of the flm nationwide. Other
emerging alternatives for flm distribution are online and on television where producers give away the rights (at ridiculous prices some-
times) to behemoths like DSTVs Africa Magic and Jason Njokus iROKOtv.
While these methods are still being tested, it has become imperative that flmmakers make an effort to research and study about the
flm business. Structure is as important as talent and to avoid a doomsday scenario where producers sign away their rights to greedy
businessmen and mortgage the industrys future in the process.
11
Chioma Akpotha, Ali Nuhu and Funke Akindele unveiled
as OMO Brand Ambassadors
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF NOSA
IGBINEDIONS OYA: RISE OF ORISHA
12
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF
C.J. OBASIS OJUJU
13
14
LINDA EJIOFOR
BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE
How did you start your career in
TV?
Purely by chance. While waiting for NYSC,
I got involved in modeling on a part time
basis, and then one fateful day, my friend
hits me up telling me about the Tinsel
audition. I was reluctant at frst but then I
gave it a shot and was very surprised that
I got a role. Thats how I got cast to play
Bimpe. The rest, as they say, is history.
Has it been fnancially rewarding
or do you have a side hustle to
foot the bills?
Ive been so blessed being in the Nigerian
flm industry. Lets just say I am able to
pay my bills. If by side hustle you mean
other projects I get involved in, then that
would be movies and commercial model-
ing.
Tell us about your character in
Dowry?
Nike is a bully! She is not scared of any-
one and is way too opinionated (she just
wouldnt let anyone take her for a fool). I
suspect it had something to do with her
past which my dear writer-director
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa is (frustrating-
ly) keeping a secret. Lets not forget shes
also best friend and self appointed body-
guard to the bride.
Was it stretch for you or did you
feel right at home playing her?
Initially, I had thought it was going to be
easy to play Nike but was I wrong! I real-
ised that underneath all that hard exterior,
Nike really had a soft and vulnerable side
which she tried very hard to conceal. That
mix made it a really interesting but still
very tasking role to play. After numerous
conversations with Victor, we were able
to build the character and strike the right
balance.
What is your secret in remaining
consistent in your craft?
YouTube! I watch a lot of acting tutorials
online and read books on acting. I also
watch quite a lot of movies to study my
favourite actors.
Who are your role models in the
industry?
I have so many, if I start I may not fnish.
Which do you prefer TV or flm
and why?
Well, for me, working on TV isnt so much
different from being in a movie set. I love
both and fnd them equally tasking but
for different reasons. For TV, I have been
playing the Bimpe character for years and
most of the acting is technical. However,
when I am on a flm project, I fnd myself
having to go so much deeper artistically
to build a character and intensely main-
tain that character for the period of the
shoot. At the end of the day, whether TV
or flm, the point is I get to do what I en-
joy the most - act!
What next can we expect from
you this year?
I have set goals for the year that I am
working hard towards. I am scheduled to
shoot a few very exciting movies which
unfortunately, I am not at liberty to dis-
cuss at the moment.
Describe a typical day in your
shoes?
If I am scheduled to shoot, I usually wake
up by 5:30 am, get to work by 7:30 am
and I am on set the whole day. During
shoot breaks, I try to catch up on some
movie/series, play pranks on my col-
leagues and catch some sleep. During my
off days, I either have strategy meetings
with my management and PR team or I
simply stay home and watch more movies.
My friends know the only thing that can
bring me out of the house is a new movie
in the cinema (smiles).
Beyond acting, what other areas
of flmmaking will you like to try
your hands on?
I am currently working on co-producing,
co-directing and co-acting a short flm
with Deyemi Okanlawon and will let you
know how that goes (fngers crossed). I
also plan to go to flm school soon.
If you were not acting, what will
you be doing?
The only thing Ive ever wanted to do out-
side of acting was to be a creative execu-
tive in the advertising industry.
What are your hopes for Nigerias
motion picture industry in the
next fve years?
I can see clearly that with the massive
infux of investment, talented flmmakers,
writers and actors as well as skilled tech-
nicians, the next fve years will see Nol-
lywood crossing from acceptance by the
black race to gaining global acceptance.
What is your favourite Nollywood
movie of all time?
That would be Violated by the late Amaka
Igwe (may her soul rest in peace).
How do you spend your free
time?
I love my sleep so Im almost always
home or hanging out with friends.
What does family mean to you?
Family means the whole world to me, I
dont joke with my family. Love them to
the moon and back and Im forever grate-
ful for their support.
Any plans to settle down soon?
Of course! Once the Lord sends Mr.
Right my way...keep watching this space
(laughs).
What qualities does Mr. Right
need to possess?
He has to have a deep relationship with
God and have a clear vision frst for his
life and then for his family. Should have a
great sense of humour, has to smell good,
be a good listener and most importantly
respect and accept me for me.
In three words, you are?
Blunt, funny, and sexy (laughs). Told you I
was funny.
What advice do you have for peo-
ple wanting to join the industry?
Network with other actors so you get
information on upcoming auditions.
Work on your acting skills. Go see some
stage plays, read books and watch a lot
of movies, series, reality shows. One day,
it shall be you answering these questions
(smiles).
He has to have a
deep relationship with
God and have a clear
vision frst for his life
and then for his fami-
ly. Should have a great
sense of humour,
has to smell good, be
a good listener and
most importantly re-
spect and accept me
for me.
15
LINDA EJIOFOR
16
Emem Isong on distribution and other
challenges of a flm producer
BY IKECHUKWU OBIAYA FOR THE NOLLYWOOD STUDIES CENTRE
Online platforms for the distribution of Ni-
gerian flms are a welcome development.
The producer/scriptwriter, Ms. Emem
Isong, stated this while speaking at the
May edition of the Filmmakers Forum
organised by the Nollywood Studies
Centre of the School of Media and
Communication. Ms. Isong spoke on
the topic, Overcoming the Odds in
Nollywood: A Producers Challenges,
Solutions and Successes.
I try to let the investor know
that this business is quite
risky. Im not going to promise
that Ill give your money back
within [a particular fxed peri-
od]. I wont give you a timeline.
Id rather say, give it at least a
year It could take a year for
you to get your money back
Ms. Isong acknowledged that some
of her colleagues might not agree with
her as to the opportune entrance of
the online platforms. But she went
ahead to state that It saves me the
trouble I used to have of fghting the
marketers in North America and in
Europe. I am not selling to those people
anymore. They used to owe too much.
Now, Id rather just sell my flms to
Iroko or Ibaka that will cater to the
people in the diaspora.
The proftability of the platform for
the flmmaker, however, depends,
among other things, on his/her
negotiation skills. It depends on your
bargaining power and how much you can
get from these people for your work; how
many years you can negotiate for them to
have the rights. I usually negotiate for, at
the very least, two years. Ms. Isong added
that she always restricted such agreements
to just the internet rights since she prefers
to handle the other rights herself.
In response to a question on the
nature of her overall distribution
strategy, Ms. Isong noted that it
depended on whether the flm was a
straight-to-DVD flm or if it was one
made for the cinema. A lot of the time,
I make straight-to-DVD movies.
Sometimes, I try the cinema with the
advent of the cinema, its been quite
encouraging. Given that the numbers
are important in the cinema, a publicity
campaign is carried out to get as many
people as possible to watch the flm
there. After going to the cinema, we
then go to the [online platform]. We
release through those ones frst before
we go on DVD, which is the fnal stage.
Ms. Isong revealed that she
depended on her own distribution
network to carry out the work at this
fnal stage. My own distribution that I
have [focuses mainly on] DVD. I have
outlets in Onitsha, Aba, Akwa Ibom,
Abuja and mainly Lagos.
Earlier, Ms. Isong shared with the
audience how she entered the flm
industry. According to her, she got into
flmmaking during the golden age of
Nollywood, when the home video
phenomenon was still a phenomenon.
The market was crowded; audiences
were insatiable, and people were
jumping on the flm bandwagon from
other industries She resigned from
her job as a banker and entered the
industry. Her frst flm, Jezebel, was an
Igbo language flm that she wrote and
co-produced with Francis Agu, in 1994.
Her frst solo effort came in 1996 with
Breaking Point, which she funded and
produced. The funding came from her
parents in the form of a sixty thousand
Naira loan. She also got some assistance
from Tunde Kelani, who hired out
equipment to her on credit.
Ms. Isong recognised that she meets
with various challenges in the course of
her journey through the industry. The
frst of these, she said, is creative. Being
a movie producer, our job is to fnd and
tell stories that will stand with the many,
many stories released everyday and sell
enough to make money so as to make
new stories. Where do we fnd these
stories? She went on to add that these
stories had to be mined from ones life
and the experiences of others.
Funding continues to be a major
challenge for the flmmaker.
In response to a question as to how she is
able to reassure investors of a timely return
of their investment if they fund her flm, Ms.
Isong had this to say: I am very hesitant
when it comes to getting money from in-
vestors. If I do, I try to let the investor know
that this business is quite risky. Im not
going to promise that Ill give your mon-
ey back within [a particular fxed period].
I wont give you a timeline. Id rather say,
give it at least a year It could take a year
for you to get your money back, not to
even talk of your getting proft. Making the
money back, she stressed, is the climax of
the flmmaking process, and this is where
the challenges of distribution come in.
The Forum ended with a cocktail during
which the members of the audience had
further opportunities to interact with Ms.
Isong. The Filmmakers Forum is a monthly
activity of the SMCs Nollywood Studies
Centre.
Read every edition on
19 N E W S
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN SET TO
DEBUT IN NIGERIAN CINEMAS THIS JULY
Having met the conditions set by the
Censors Board, FilmOne Distribution have
been given the green light to release Half of a
Yellow Sun in Nigerian cinemas.
The movie has been given an 18 rating and
is set for release this July. While no offcial
date has been chosen, the distributor
has hinted that the movie will be
screened between 18th and
25th July.
JUMP AND PASS NOW ON THE BIG SCREEN
Jump and Pass is a new
comedy produced by Udu-
ak Oguamanam (Desperate
House Girls and Okon Goes
to School).
Directed by Desmond Elliot,
the movie features Ime
Bishop Umoh, Alexx Ekubo,
Belinda Effah, May Owen,
Emem Ufot, David Azeez,
Whoba Ogo and Odot Eka-
nem.
Edem (Bishop Umoh)
plagued with diarrhoea
leaves his gate unmanned
in search of tissue paper.
Theres a robbery in the
neighbourhood and two
strangers run in through the
open gate for safety. Ikenna
(Whoba Ogo) is forced to open his door to his neighbours, the
strangers and Edem. Jump and Pass is screening at Silverbird
cinema, Uyo.
IBINABO PRESENTS THE CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN ABUJA TO AGN
Her Excellency president of AGN, Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima, once again has demonstrat-
ed her penchant for doing the impossible. The fair one that has in less than two years
transformed the guild to become the envy of all other guilds. At the event to mark one
year in offce of the Lagos chapter chairman, Victor Osuagwu, Madam President made
a pleasant surprise appearance. At the announcement of her coming, the atmosphere
became positively charged in anticipation of the president whose achievement surpasses
that of every other president the motion picture industry has ever had.
Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima left everyone dumbstruck when she announced that the presi-
dent of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has
once again demonstrated his love for the creative industry as he has delivered the land
they asked for when they paid him a courtesy visit earlier this year.In her words she said
When I wanted to be president, they said I am a woman but dem no know say na wom-
an sabi make things work pass. I chased this land like a lunatic because I didnt want to
hear that the certifcate of ownership did not come when I was president. So today I am so happy to present this certifcate to the board
of trustees. At the sight of the certifcate of ownership held high in the air by the chairman of the board of trustees Mr. Ifeanyi Dike, her
members burst into heavy celebrations and the ladies began singing and dancing in her honor.
Mr. Ifeanyi Dike could not hold his excitement he said Madam president I thank you for fnally giving AGN a home. This is what we had
in mind when we formed this guild. He thanked the president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for making true his promise to them. Once
again our president has shown that he is a man to be trusted. On behalf of AGN I say thank you. Other notable board of trustee mem-
bers and veteran actors present like Sonny Mcdon W, Okey Bakasi, Emma Ogugua and many others also lent their voice to eulogize the
exceptional president.
Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima in a chat with the press to announce that she had fnally given in to the calls of the congress and her members
nationwide to run for a second term. This they said was due to her monumental achievements and it will be unfair to deprive the guild
of such selfess service. Also it will give her the opportunity to consolidate her achievements. Also benefciaries of the AGNs benevo-
lence fund like Prince James Uche, Maxwell e.t.c. made surprising entrances to share their experience and encouraged other members
to register for the health scheme. Prince James Uche said in 2008 I lost my family and I lost all hope but madam Ibinabo has shown me
that I have a bigger family. Many veterans have beneftted from the benevolence fund. Mr. Larry Williams who the President rented an
apartment for and is furnishing is the latest benefciary. For a long time the veteran actor had been homeless, the matter recently got to
the hearing of Madam president and she took swift action.
TEXT AND PHOTOS: COURTESY OF STRONGHOLD EKINE FOR NOLLYTV
2ND ANNUAL NOLLYWOOD
STUDIES CENTRE
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
PHOTOS: EMMANUEL PAUL & ISABELLA AKINSEYE
photo N E W S
20
Ikechukwu Obiaya Juan Manuel Elegido Gab Onyi Okoye
Alex Enyengho Shaibu Husseini
Winner of the raffe draw, Tony Abulu
receiving a Nokia Lumia 1020
Chris Nkwocha
Patricia Bala
Delegates
photo N E W S
21
Deyemi Okanlawon
O.C. Ukeje
Tope Tedela Xclusive Mic Kemi Lala Akindoju
Dakore Akande Linda Ejiofor spotted in the audience
Kemi Lala Akindoju with some of the actors
and guests
OPEN MIC THEATRE: THE HOMEGROWN EDITIION
PHOTOS: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
From stage to TV to
sitcom, how have
you been enjoying
your move back to
Nigeria?
My mantra has been
keep an open mind
and dont take things
(including myself) too
seriously. To survive
here, you have to be
able to roll with the
punches and take
things as they come
without feeling enti-
tled. I am extremely
grateful for the
opportunities that I
have been given and
grateful for the hard
work that has begun
to pay off.
Tell us about your
character in Dowry.
I play the character of
Lola in Dowry. She is
the grooms younger
sister, a free spirit who
marches to the beat of
her own drummer.
Is this a role you
have played before
or is totally new for
you?
Certain elements are
new, and certain ele-
ments are familiar.
Which do you pre-
fer - the stage or the
camera and why?
They are very differ-
ent, but I would have
to say Im a stage
girl at heart. There
is something about
performing live and
feeding off of an audi-
ences
energy that takes me
to a different place.
On stage, everything
happens in that mo-
ment and once its
gone, its gone. On
stage, Im bigger than
my body, bigger than
my voice, bigger than
my limitations, big-
ger than myself - its
magical.
Describe your frst
audition.
My frst audition wa
disastrous! I had just
started university and
I wasnt sure what I
wanted to study so I
went to try out for the
Musical Theatre pro-
gram at my school. I
had never auditioned
before so I thought
I could just show up
and razzle dazzle them
with my awesomeness.
When I got there, it
was clear I wasnt pre-
pared, and my nerves
got the best of me. It
was bad, it was very
bad.
What keeps you go-
ing as an actress and
TV personality?
They say theres no
business like show
business and I total-
ly believe that. The
entertainment indus-
try doesnt typically
function the way other
traditional industries
do. While it can be
very rewarding, it can
also be very unpre-
dictable. I do what I do
because I am talented
and I enjoy it.
What advice do you
have for people who
want to join the in-
dustry?
Network a lot. That
goes for any industry,
not just entertainment.
Do your research and
fnd out who the key
players are. Try to get
to know the people
who are doing some-
thing similar to what
you would like to be
doing. Some of them
may even become
mentors. Above all, be
professional and leave
a good impression.
Who are some of
your role models?
Im inspired by Chima-
manda Ngozi-Adichie
and Asa because they
live according to their
own rules. Theyre
young and fearless
and are products of
my generation. They
use their creative tal-
ents to make a differ-
ence in their own way.
What is your favour-
ite line from a mov-
ie?
Im obsessed with
Mean Girls and I love
when Damian says:
Thats why her hair
is so big, its full of
secrets.
Beyond acting,
what other area of
flmmaking are you
interested in?
I have done a little bit
of directing and would
love to do that again
someday.
If you were not act-
ing/presenting, what
will you be doing?
Id probably be teach-
ing.
What was the last
Nollywood movie
you watched?
Maami by Tunde Ke-
lani.
In one word, you
are?
[A] Dreamer.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF
ADEJOKE LAOYE
Q and A with Adejoke Laoye
Read every edition on
23
STARRING IN DOWRY
The producer/director Victor Sanchez is a colleague
and good friend of mine and had spoken to me a
long time ago about working together on a proj-
ect.
Besides belonging to my friend, the script was re-
freshing, different, the dialogue brilliant; an actors
dream... Then my character - Jadesola Richards???
I wasnt likely to pass up the opportunity to play
her.
ON JADESOLA RICHARDS...
Simply put: shes a classy bitch who genuinely
cares about her own, though she has an odd
way of showing it. Plus, shes not to be trifed
with.
CAMERA VS STAGE
Stage. Nothing beats the instant gratifcation.

IRETIOLA ON THE TELE
Yes. At least two more TV productions
DAILY ROUTINE
Up by 4 am to get the kids up and ready for school, then Im usually on set by
8 am. Depending on the days schedule, Im back home at anything between 4
pm and 9 pm.
LOVING NOLLYWOOD
Our tenacity and can-do spirit.
CHANGING THE INDUSTRY
Id make make sure we had stronger and more enduring structures, which are
backed by the law. I would also like to see better quality scripts and stronger
female characters.
RUNNING SISI OGE
The competition is an offshoot of the fashion show Oge that I produced and
presented for a decade. It was another way to strengthen the brand and further
appeal to our core fan base which was made up mostly of young people.
ACHIEVEMENTS
There have been several, but the sum total is still being here plying my trade
for close to two decades and still being relevant.
IN FIVE WORDS, YOU ARE...
Easy-going, passionate,diligent, sexy yet subtle.
INTERVIEW: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
PHOTO: COURTESY OF IRETIOLA DOYLE
Up Close and
Personal
with
Iretiola
Doyle
NOLLY POP QUIZ
BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
1. Which movie was frst
premiered this year?
2. Where was Darimas
Dilemma premiered?
3. How many Silverbird
Cinemas do we have in
Nigeria?
4. Who is the executive
producer of Half of a
Yellow Sun?
5. Who directed Mama
Africa?
6. Where is FilmHouse
Cinemas new cinema
located?
7. Who directed Make a
Move?
8. What edition of the
Eko Internationmal Film
Festival would be held this
year?
9. Where was the last Af-
rican International Film
Festival Held?
10. On what day did
Flower Girl screen at the
Toronto Black Film
Festival?
R E V I E W S
Title: Artist Hustler
Genre: Documentary
Director: Taiwo Badejo
Year: 2012
Artist Hustler takes a deep look into the world of a hustling artist. One not
devoid of creativity but opportunity. The documentary is in Yoruba language
but subtitled into English and carefully trails the artist from the point where
the art is made through the frustrations of trying to sell and fnally ends at the
point of refection after a days job. The soundtrack chosen for this documen-
tary carefully complements the artists line of work (sculpting). This particular
artist is inadvertently not just telling his story, but the story of art appreciation
in Nigeria and also the challenges of surviving.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
Title: Unforgivable
Genre: Trailer
Director: Desmond Elliot
Year: 2013
In the less-than-two-minutes trailer of Unforgivable,
what hits you immediately is drama! From the open-
ing lines, you get this feeling that things will only
get hotter and they do! From the hot steamy kissing
scenes to the visible and very audible slap, it is ob-
vious that something indeed must have really gone
wrong.

If you dont understand Yoruba, I am sorry, because
majority of the dialogue is in Yoruba and unfortu-
nately, there are no translations. For me, Dayo Amu-
sa really has no excuse except of course she wants a
very limited audience. How much would it have cost
to get a translator for the trailer?

Generally, the trailer is well produced save for a
scene where the lighting could have been improved.
Also, less would have been more and a better selec-
tion of more toned down scenes would have made
for entertaining viewing. There is far too much kiss-
ing, fghting and drama and not enough on the story
line. It all seems like bits of interesting pieces all put
together to get the maximum effect. The ending
of which basically has a character speaking English
saying, I want to discuss with you has no business
being there and does nothing to further help me
understand the movie.

The biggest strength of this trailer is the stars it fea-
tures: Dayo Amusa, Mike Ezuruonye, Bukky Wright,
Desmond Elliot, Faithia Balogun, Bimbo Thomas,
Iyabo Ojo, Niyi Johnson, Bidemi Kosoko, Lawal Aisha,
and Titilayo Shobo. That alone would seal the fate
of the movie and would make some people watch it
irrespective of the glitches and that list includes me.

Verdict You would enjoy watching Unforgivable if
you are a fan of Yoruba movies and do not mind the
odd over acting here and there but leave the kids at
home.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: My Delusion
Genre: Short Film
Director: Okuns Osanyade
Year: 2013
My Delusion says a lot in just 4 minutes. It tells a tale of love, woe and addic-
tion. Without dialogue but rather making use of props probably too small for
some to notice, the director passes a lot of information to the viewers (for ex-
ample, what Charles did for a living and why he was sacked). Further impressive
in the tale of love lost due to the delusional interpretation of marital vows is
the acting and the scene transition and the musical score. These three features
compensated for the writers seemingly frail grasp of what the perfect anti-cli-
max should be.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
24
Title: The Meeting
Genre: Feature Film
Director: Mildred Okwo
Year: 2012
I just saw The Meeting; I am a late bloomer like that. Slow to catch
on things when they trend. Maybe that is where The Meetings en-
during quality lies. For this one, I am about three years late. Howev-
er, the movie is as relevant today, as it was three years ago, as it will
be for many years to come. Lets dig in.
The flm starts in a small placea mans attempt to save his com-
pany from recession. An appointment with the Minister of Lands:
Monday Morning. Monday Evening, he should be back in Lagos.
On Friday, the single father of two also has to be at his daughters
convocation ceremony. There are a couple of bottlenecks. The
civil service bot-
tleneck. Tough to
pry openwith
smiles, good man-
ners and bribe.
Sometimes it takes
force. The tightest
bottleneckthe
Ministers Secretary.
He does not see
the Minister until
Friday morning.
What happened
between Mon-
day and Friday?
That is the movie.
With some ques-
tionswhat can
happen in a mans
life in a new city, in
Abuja as he tries to make an appointment? What can happen that
can change his life forever? From that small place, the movie gets
bigger, spreads like cancer, taking on bigger issues, it begins to hit
in, eat into the viewercorruption, bribery, nepotism, civil service
bureaucracy, love are some of the murky issues it delves into. The
well-told, well-acted story answers these mundane questions in a
creative way.
The story is one that everyone, that many Nigerians can relate to.
The actors are compelling in their execution of the characters. They
make the story easier to relate with, they make it easy to picture.
The characters are revelatory of us, of the baggage we carry as
Nigerians: Makinwa, the hustling worker, refuses to give a bribe
(Femi Jacobs); Clara, the frustrated Secretary whose palms must
be rubbed to get anything done (Rita Dominic); Ejura, the youth
corper unsure of the future, but fnds love along the way (Linda
Ejiofor); Professor Akpan Udofa, the professor, full of big words, no
actions (Basorge Tariah); the elusive Minister, so much protocol for
doing so little; Bolarinwa, the runs babe, connected in high places
(Nse Ikpe-Etim); Mrs. Ikomi, the citizen who gives in to pressures
when integrity no longer works (Kate Henshaw). Each character has
a purpose which they live up to. All these characters and more are
really striking in their roles. They bring to fore something extra, that
makes them memorable, that makes the movie unforgettable.
Make-up equally complements characterisation. This is one Ni-
gerian movie that makes effective use of make-up. Rita Dominic
is transformed into a frustrated civil servant who easily rubs her
frustration on others. Make-up lines her face with believable wrin-
kles. However, what stands out is how Rita Dominic plays out her
frustrationher sheer lack of respect for visitors; the movement
of her jaws as she chews the gum that is always in her mouth; the
happiness that lights her face when her palm is whet by a visitor.
The more frustrated she was, the worse she looked.
The main character had some fashes of good acting, especially to-
wards the end of the movie when frustrated, he takes laws into his
hands; when frustrated, with no fear of Code Red he barges into
the Ministers Offce, and into the car park. He eventually is able to
make his presentation with the minister on the move. Thats not the
whole story, in Abuja, he gets the contract and also fnds love. In
the arms of a younger girl. The creative way of connecting the main
plot and the sub-plot is inventive. The minor characters bringing
on their best as well. The scene with the Fantastic Yoghurt drinking
woman, sucking on an empty bottle. The sound: an allusion to what
is left when a runs-girls fnishes sucking on Professors account. The
sexual imagery, straw in mouth, well served. The comedy: exact,
to douse the waiters tension. There is comedy in the irritating: a
traditional leaders entourage at the Ministers Offce, complete
with drums and dance. The scene where Ejura tricks her ex-boy-
friend, Jolomi, a way to lift her curse off his head. The scenes fow
into each other easily, the funny and the frustrating, side by side.
There was a
throw-in of
some tourism
angles for
Lagos and
Abuja there.
Abuja being
the peaceful
and tranquil
city. Lagos
being the city
of hustlers.
I am Mr. Ma-
kinde Esho,
from Tech-
mas Nige-
ria Limited;
I have an
appointment
with the Min-
ister. This line was repeated many times. Repetition with a purpose.
If the play were a stage play, one would call it an existential drama.
There is a lot of repetition. Of setting, costume, dialogue and ac-
tion. The main settings used are the waiting room of the Ministers
Offce and the hotel, every other setting was just thrown in here
and there. This, minimal use of everything is a stunt that is diffcult
to pull. Yet, it was well done. Comic relief was thrown in. Romance
was thrown in. All these in, you have an exciting meeting in front of
the screen watching the movie.
The Meeting is one movie that stares you in the face with the big
issues about Nigeria yet takes you to new places. Of laughter, at
yourself, at the hilarious things you withstand as Nigerians. Of
sadness, at how much this country need s good revolution. Of
optimism, perhaps there is hope, for you, for Nigeria. Of probing,
where do we go as a nation if the several issues raised by this mov-
ie are still present?
Some things though. Rita Dominic would have been better with
some more skills at pronouncing Yoruba names: Ijebu Remo. Also,
the frustrated make-up looks as if it would soon peel off her face
towards the end. Perhaps it was a way to heighten the frustration.
Also, my copy of the CD started scratching after the frst watch.
Perhaps, the movie is meant to be watched once. Makindes wait to
see the Minister was worth it in the end: brought him love and his
company a contract. My wait for The Meeting was well worth it: it
brought me laughter and introspection. The movie did not depreci-
ate in value because I didnt watch it on time; in fact, like fne wine,
the longer the wait, the sweeter the taster.
- TEMITAYO AMOGUNLA
25
The Meeting is one movie that stares you in the face with the big
issues about Nigeria yet takes you to new places. Of laughter, at
yourself, at the hilarious things you withstand as Nigerians.
Talent on the rise: Deyemi Okanlawon
Describe your education background.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical
Engineering from the University of Lagos, an Acting
for Film certifcate from the NYFA as well as several
work specifc training certifcates during the course
of my eight year sales and marketing career. My most
important learning however came from hustling on
the streets of Lagos.
What made you go into acting?
Ive always enjoyed stories and since about the age
of 5, Ive enjoyed acting. Growing up I realised two
things; acting was the one thing I could possibly be
the best in the world at and secondly, that drama and
actors have in them power to change lives and cause
social change. In the last few undergrad years, I got
into a fellowship group, Harvesters company of HICC,
and later led Xtreme Reaction, the drama, music and
dance youth group of Covenant Christian Centre. I
always found ways to express my passion even while
I worked full time without it affecting my job. All the
hard and mostly free work fnally paid off when I
posted a few short flms I featured in online and they
got quite a positive reviews. The calls from producers
started coming in after (yes, yes Im Nollywoods
version of Justin Beiber).
Has it been fulflling and fnancially
rewarding?
Making the career shift from sales and marketing to
acting has been my best decision yet. For me the act-
ing profession has been immensely fulfling and much
more rewarding than I thought possible.
What are some of the projects you have
worked on in the past?
Ive had the opportunity to play roles in some flms -
ZR7, Journey to Self, A Few Good Men, Kpians Feast of
Souls and A New You. Ive also done some short flms
such as Blink, In Iredu, 6:30, Dependence, A Grain
of Wheat, Lagos Lying Game and Badt Guy. Ive also
appearedn in some TV and web series like Gidi Up,
Knock Knock and Kpians Premonition. Ive also been
in theatre productions including Itakun, Clogs and
Diagnosis.
How did you hear about Dowry?
I had met Victor a couple of times and we had both
talked about seeing each others work and wanting to
work together. So when I got his call for Dowry, the
decision was already 80% made.
What made you commit to the production?
Victor! The story, and the manner in which it was told
was one of the most innovative I had experienced as
well as his passion for flmmaking and his skill (caveat
- he paid for this promo).
Who are your role models?
Acting wise, Richard Mofe Damijo and spiritually Poju
Oyemade. I have observed them prove that no mat-
ter the obstacles, clarity of purpose with depth of
thought as well as determination with a sense of re-
sponsibilty will bring results that exceed expectation.
What does family mean to you?
A haven to go to when the world goes crazy (even
when my family is crazier than the world at least its a
craziness I am familiar with).
In one word, you are?
Intense!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DEYEMI OKANLAWON
26
A day in the life of
Bayray McNwizu
A typical day for me is waking up at 5 am. Try to
read up on my favourite book the Bible. Then I
set out to jog at 5.30 am. At 6.15 am, my son and
adopted daughter leave for school. Then I begin to
answer the frst batch of mails, speak to my publicist
while I eat a light breakfast and then set out to the
flm studio for work. At about 8 pm Im kinda done
at the studio. I may head to Shoprite for groceries
and then head home. I do homework with the kids,
jump into the shower and the day is almost gone.
We prepare for the next day especially if its a week-
day, have a couple of jokes, say our prayers and then
its...bon nuit!
STORY: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
O.C. UKEJE on Dowry, marriage
and the World Cup
How did you hear about Dowry?
Well my good man Victor Aghahowa aka Sanchez has all these
projects hes always buzzing about. All really good scripts. All
premium stuff. And he hollered at a brother when this was com-
missioned. Alas...
What did you enjoy most about playing your
character?
I think I enjoyed the banter between my character and Nike as
played by Ade Laoye. They were really great scenes together and I
loved them. Outside that, just being the centrepiece for all char-
acters to draw from in some way was a blast for me. A kind of
centre-of-attention scenario.
Any memorable moments on set?
I particularly loved a scene Ade Laoye and I had to shoot that was
about 8 to 12 pages long. And we werent aware we were doing
that much of a scene. We were losing daylight. We needed to be
offbook asap. Other scenes were pending. I cannot believe the
magic we pulled on that scene. It was surreal. Other really amaz-
ing moments were when Victor would take a script and rip it apart
in a matter of seconds, and he was simply doing this to flter off
the unnecessary stuff either because of time or some other con-
straint. Pure, unadulterated magic.
In real life, will you be paying a dowry anytime
soon?
Lol...soon is relative. As the popular song goes, when will you
marry, this year, next year, sometime or never... Its one of those.
What next should we expect from you this year?
As far as releases go, I know Special Situations or it might be
called The Department will be at the end of the year. I have no
dates on other projects yet but there are flms in August and
September to be shot though.
Who do you think will win the world cup?
Uhm. I dont even know the countries that qualifed. But I shall go
with my supposition that it will be the best team. Lol!!!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF O.C. UKEJE
27
28
ROW 1 L - R) Mbong Amata; Frederick Leonard; Monalisa Chinda; Ikay Ogbonna; Susan Peters.
ROW 2 (L -R) Nnamdi Oboli and Emem Isong; Ihuoma Nwigwe, Ikay Ogbonna, Padita Agu, Mbong Amata, Uru Eke and Moses
Sneeze Inwang.
ROW 3 (L - R) Grace Johnson; Belinda Effah; Uche Iwuanyanwu; Bola Aduwo; Uru Eke.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MBONG AMATA
Mbong Amata releases Darimas Dilemma on DVD
Mbong Amata offered her producing debut Darimas Dilemma on DVD to cinephiles celebrities 8 June 2014
at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Those in attendance included event was well attended Susan Pe-
ters, Agatha Amata, Chico Ejiro, Uru Eke, Elvis Chucks, Ikay Ogbonna, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Padita
Agu among others. The movie in which she starred in alongside Ghollywood actor Majid Michel was pro-
duced under the supervision of Royal Arts Academys Emem Isong who also graced the occasion.
Ivie Okujaiye premieres Make A Move at the cinema
Award winning actress and screenwriter now turned producer, Ivie Okujaiye made
premiered her debut production Make A Move to a packed audience at the Silverbird
Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos on 29 May 2014. The movie which stars two of Nige-
rias leading musical acts Tuface Idibia and Omawumi Megbele combines music, dance
and drama. The star studded movie premiere was graced by Denrele Edun, Ibinabo
Fiberisima, Norbert Young, Bimbo Manuel, Uti Nwachukwu, Tope Tedela and Adesu-
wa Etomi among others. Members of the cast and crew were also present to interract
with fans.
ROW 1 Uti Nwachukwu
ROW 2 (L -R) Ayoola, guest and Denrele Edun; Ayoola, Norbert Young and Bimbo Manuel
ROW 3 (L - R) Tina Mba, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Ivie Okujaiye; O.C. Ukeje; Adesuwa Etomi and Tope
Tedela
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BIG SAM MEDIA
29
30
BY IKECHUKWU OBIAYA FOR THE NOLLYWOOD CENTRE
The desire to promote good values as well as the need to give back to the society and make a difference are the driving forces for Ms.
Funke Akindele. Speaking at the April 2014 edition of the Filmmakers Forum of the Nollywood Studies Centre, Ms. Akindele stated, Be-
fore I take up any role, I think about the message Ill be passing. She went on to add that her choices of roles as an actress were guided
by the framework of the Nigerian culture and its value system. She emphasised the importance of promoting good values, especially
with respect to the protection of children. This, in addition to the protection of her personal brand, has sometimes led her to request
that certain aspects of a screenplay be toned down in order for her to accept the offered role.
Earlier, at the start of the Forum, Ms. Akindele narrated how she began her acting career. She had always wanted to act, she said, and
she had the full support of her mother. After obtaining an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the Ogun
State Polytechnic, in 1995, she decided to study Theatre Arts. However, her father insisted on her studying Law, and she got a place in
the University of Lagos to do just that. But this did not stop her from attending auditions and seeking an entry point into the flm indus-
try.
Her frst role came in 1997 in Opa Williams Naked Wire, and she also got minor roles in a couple of other movies. Her big break, how-
ever, came with the television series, I Need to Know, which was directed by Lloyd Weaver and produced by his outft, Swift Studios. It
was a big break in more than one sense because she seized the opportunity to learn the ropes of production. But this still did not open
the doors of the English flmmaking sector to her. She had better luck with Yoruba flms, which she turned to on the advice of others. Ms.
Akindele seized the opportunity to emphasise the importance of determination and self-confdence for the thespian. It will always be a
tough struggle, she said, and encouraged budding actors to always hold on to their dreams.
In 2004, she decided to bring into play all that she had learnt about production on the set of I Need to Know, and she made her frst
flm, Ojoketala (The Thirteenth Day). Her delving into production, according to Ms. Akindele, was facilitated by her curiosity and interest
in learning about the different aspects of flmmaking. When I make flms, I oversee every aspect closely such that a cinematographer
once asked me with irritation whether I am a camerawoman. Ojoketala was followed by other flms such as Itanu and Taiwo Taiwo. But
the flm that has made her well known, and which provided one of her major roles, was Jenifa.
The decision to make Jenifa arose from the desire to make an impact by passing a message on moral norms aimed at parents and their
daughters. In this case, she was concerned about prostitution on the university campus. However, the realisation that similar stories had
already been told in other flms underlined the need to tell the story differently so as to make the message register, hence the use of
humour.
Producing Jenifa was diffcult, Ms Akindele noted, due largely to the challenges faced in raising the funds. She had not intended to
play the lead role but, after three days of fruitless auditioning, she was forced to take it on. She created the character around the idea
of a wannabe village girl and imbued her with different mannerisms that she had observed in different persons. I carried out a lot of
research for the character and travelled as far as Oshogbo, Ilorin and Ibadan to get the dialect right. Her efforts paid off, and the flm
was very successful. Following another success with the sequel, Jenifa Returns, she now plans to produce a television series based on the
same character.
Speaking passionately about the need to give back to society, Ms. Akindele said that the Jenifa Foundation had been set up to achieve
this end. The Foundation aims to help people nurture their talent by training them. As such, workshops and other activities are organ-
ised on that platform. The areas of training include fashion design, make up, hairdressing, bead making and drama. The Scene One
School of Drama has also been set up to contribute towards the needed manpower development in the flm industry.
The Forum ended with a question and answer session during which Ms. Akindele slipped into the Jenifa character in various moments to
the pleasure of the audience.
Funke Akindele: Promoting Values Through Film
BY IKECHUKWU OBIAYA FOR THE NOLLYWOOD CENTRE
Nigerian flmmaking should not be reduced to merely copying foreign styles of shooting and editing. Rather, keeping in mind the cul-
tural aspect of flms, the Nigerian flmmaker should be able to produce flms that are not only technically well-made but also refect the
cultural milieu in which they were made. These ideas were put forward by Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun while speaking as the guest at the
February 2014 edition of the Filmmakers Forum of the GTBank Nollywood Studies Centre. Mr. Ali-Balogun, who spoke on the topic, En-
hancing the Cinematic and Production Values in our Movies, stressed the importance for the flmmaker of being able to do something
that works for his/her people. But, he noted, there is a need to know the rules before attempting to bend them to suit ones purpose.
Mr. Ali-Balogun went on to list what he termed the fundamentals that a good flm should have. These fundamentals consist of a com-
bination of quality technical materials and methods that are used in production. Speaking about the script, which was mentioned as the
frst critical requirement for a production, he noted that it was not enough to have a good story. The story must also be believable with
appropriate casting and location.
Still speaking about the script, he emphasised the importance of the script supervisors role. The script supervisor is responsible, above
all, for monitoring and ensuring adherence to the script. Unfortunately, he noted, this role is largely neglected in the Nigerian flm indus-
try, and the consequent glitches are obvious in many flms. The script supervisor works closely with the director and the editor, and the
presence of such a person on set helps to prevent many mistakes.
Mr. Ali-Balogun, the producer/director of Tango With Me, showed the audience clips from his flm, which he used to illustrate some of
the points he was making. He did not hesitate to draw attention to what he identifed as faws in the flm. These were used as learning
points from which members of the audience beneftted.
The Tango With Me producer also spoke about the importance of cinematographic values as a prerequisite for getting ones flm accept-
ed for exhibition in the cinema. For a flm to be accepted in the cinema, he said, it must possess four key values: it must be interesting; it
must be profound; it must be sublime; and it must possess visual appeal. Films that lack these qualities are hardly likely to be accepted
by cinema owners.
The Filmmakers Forum, which ended with a cocktail, was attended by a large audience that included Mr. C.Y. Okonkwo, the veteran
documentary flm producer.
Dont be mere copycats
FEATURE
31
How and when did your love for Nollywood develop?
SERGE NOUKOUE
Founder, Nollywood Paris Week flm festival
It started in the early 2000s. I started watching a lot Nigerian flms
(though it was not easy to access those flms as I was not in Nigeria)
and I was also eager to learn more about the dynamics behind that
industry. I remember reading about the stories of people who would
sell their cars or their houses in order to be able to fund their flms
for instance. I found those stories to be very inspirational. I quickly
developed a personal relationship with Nollywood. I even met my
wife while attending a Conference on Nollywood back in 2006.
What has the perception of Nollywood been like in
France?
The perception in France prior to the festival for those that heard of
Nollywood was that all flms are low quality, low budget and ex-
tremely fast productions. Now after two editions of Nollywood Week
that perception is changing. But also keep in mind that it is only a
small fraction of French people that even know what Nollywood is or
where it comes from.
What made you start Nollywood Week Paris?
I felt like it was needed due to the lack of awareness and access to
quality Nollywood flms. Especially in a city like Paris that has cine-
ma in its DNA. The most dynamic African country when it comes to
cinema had to have a window in the capital of cinema. It just made
sense. It also helps change the discourse about African cinema. Until
now, mainly flms from francophone Africa would enjoy exposure
in France and spectators started to believe that was all that was out
there.
The challenges are many for whoever wants to start something like
this. Funding is probably the most important challenge. But you also
have people who will tell you that your project doesnt make sense
or is not needed and you should do something else. If you are not
100% convinced of the importance of what you are doing then all
these obstacles will eventually make you give up. In my case, I have
been able to continue precisely because of my belief in this project
and my will to contribute to the growth of Nollywood.
Get in touch with us via info@nollywoodweek.com We are
looking for more partners, more staff as well and we are open
to new ideas so do not hesitate to reach out to us.
I watch Nollywood movies all the time but the last one I
watched in a cinema was Apaye at the premiere of the flm in
Lagos.
I wish there was a bit more of collaboration in the industry and
mainly among the Directors. I think it would help the industry
grow faster.
A passionate cultural entrepreneur.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SERGE NOUKOUE
Nollywood Week Paris flm festival has gathered thousands of peo-
ple in Paris to watch Nigerian flms in a cinema. Thats the main
achievement. It shows that people are interested. It also means that
Nigerian flmmakers now have a new market to cater for. Which
means potentially more revenue for the flmmakers.
Another important element to the festival is professional network-
ing. Thanks to the festival, some of the directors have found collab-
orators for their future projects. To help with production needs, this
year we partnered with Angenieux, a French company known for
making top-of-the-line optic lenses, to lend a lense free of charge to
the Director of the winning flm of Nollywood Week 2014 for use in
their next flm. This is a value of about 15,000.
Thats the kind of added value that Nollywood Week is providing
and we hope to do more in the future. This festival was conceived as
a tool to contribute to the development of the Nollywood industry.
What were some of the challenges you faced along
How can people get involved in the next years
What was the last Nollywood movie you watched?
If you could change anything in Nollywood, what
In three words, you are?
would it be and why?
event?
Tell us about the achievements of Nollywood Week
What next should we expect from you?
the way?
Paris flm festival.
We plan to continue growing and have other projects in the pipeline
but will speak about them when the time is right.
This year we partnered with
Angenieux to lend a lens free
of charge to the director of
the winning flm of Nollywood
Week 2014 for use in their next
flm. This is a value of about
15,000.
INTERVIEW
5 NIGERIAN FILM FESTIVALS
BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
iRep International Documentary Film Festival
The most unique thing about the iRep Film Festival is that it is de-
signed to promote awareness about the power of documentary. It is
focused mainly on documentary on the conceptual framework of Af-
rica in self-conversation. Obviously iRep is bringing something new to
the table. Unlike other flm festivals that threat documentaries as just a
category, iRep has assumed the responsibility of deepening and shar-
ing social and cultural education as well as encouraging participatory
democracy in our societies by projecting documentaries.
Eko International Film Festival
Eko International Film Festival was founded and established by
Supple Communications Limited in 2009 and since then, the jour-
ney have been somewhat straight forward and upward for the
festival. This year EKOIFF promises to surpass previous editions as
it gears up to host the 5th in the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria.
You do not need to stray too far to discover what they are doing
right. Consistency is the key, and the ability of the organisers to
constantly push the bar higher ever year and while their patronage
seems low now, there is always room for improvement.
Africa International Film Festival
The sheer number of participants at the Africa International Film
Festival alone is breathtakingly amazing and deserves recognition.
Since inception in 2010, AFRIFF has hosted more than 10,000 guests
(international and domestic), more than 2000 industry guests, over
500 workshop participants and also, an excess of 500 entries from
around the world has been received. This alone puts AFRIFF on top
of this list. For a flm festival that is barely four years old to pull
such a weight, they must be doing something amazingly right. Hav-
ing held the frst edition in Rivers State and the next in Lagos state,
AFRIFF has afforded more cities and persons the opportunity to
witness the festival. I guess it is ok to say that they have anchored
at Tinapa, Cross River state as the last edition was held there and so
would the next edition.
Lights, Camera, Africa Film Festival
The frst edition of Lights, Camera, Africa Film festival was held in 2011 and un-
like conventional flm festivals, it wasnt held at a location, but rather across var-
ious locations in Lagos. With the standing partnership with 20-year old African
flm festival New York (AFF), and new partnerships fostered with New Black Lon-
don Film Heritage group and Nadia Denton of the United Kingdom it is easy to
see how high LCA would soar in 10 years. LCA Film Festival has all the right indi-
cators that point to a project of immense passion. The name is unconventional
but strategic and the vision as conveyed in their concept note is engaging.
Abuja international Film Festival
It is not easy to keep a fag fying for a decade, and the organisers of Abuja Inter-
national Film Festival has done just that. The mere fact that it was started in 2004
and is still running till now deserves respect and hence earns the festival a place
on this list. Over the course of its existence, the Abuja International Film Festi-
val has enjoyed good patronage and popularity in the circles of flmmakers and
in the industry. But when it comes to recognition outside the industry and circle
of flmmakers, the same cannot be said. It raises the legitimate question of who
matters the most? The consumers or the in house persons?
32
AWARD WINNNG ACTOR/DIRECTOR FRED AMATA APPOINTED ACTING
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR OF THE ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Board and Management of the 11th Abuja International Film Festival are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Fred Amata,
a Nigerian-born flm actor and director, media personality, and cultural icon as the acting festival director of the Abuja International Film
Festival. Fred Amata is a 1986 graduate of theatre arts from the University of Jos. He was the second director of the longest running TV
soap of the eighties Ripples. An award winning actor; for his heart rendering role in the 1996 sensational movie Mortal Inheritance with
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. He has worked with the several TV stations amongst them NTA, Clapperboard TV, and DBN Television.
One of the most recognised screen fgures in Africa, Fred Amata is a scion of the renowned Amata flm dynasty that has produced some
of the most recognised and celebrated names in African flm.
He made his debut as an actor in the awardwinning TV series, Legacy in 1986. In a career spanning almost three decades, Fred has
earned directorial, acting and performance credits in over 150 productions spanning almost the entire genre of flm, theatre, and cine-
ma. He has won the coveted Nigerian Best Actor Award (Mortal Inheritance, 1997), Best Director Award (Light and Darkness, 2002), and
several other awards and recognitions including: The Afro-Hollywood Awards for Outstanding Performance, London (1999); Outstand-
ing Performance and Contribution to the Nigeria Film Industry, Washington DC (April 2004) and Nollywood Ambassadors Award, Kenya
(May 2010).
Fred Amata has consulted for the UNFPA on the use of Nollywood (Film) Content for advocacy and was inducted into the Movie Makers
Hall of Fame, USA in October 2009. When off set, Fred is an ardent football, scrabble and chess player who loves music and dancing,
travelling and discovering peoples of the world and their culinary delights. He will be receiving the baton of leadership from Mr. Fidel-
is Duker who founded the flm festival almost 11 years ago and whose role will be advisory capacity cum founder of the flm festival. It
must be noted that Duker has over the last 11 years developed the Abuja International Film Festival to an enviable height globally as
the foremost and longest running independent flm festival in West Africa. According to the Head, Media Communications of the Abuja
International Film Festival, Mr. Louis Okpoto, Mr. Amata will be leading a team of creative individuals. The 11th edition of the festival is
billed for the 23rd to 26th of September 2014 in Abuja.
Source: Abuja International Film Festival website
THE MEETING SHINES AT 2ND NOLLYWOOD WEEK PARIS FILM FESTIVAL
The Meeting, directed by Mildred Okwo Meeting and co-produced by actress Rita Dominic, won the Nollywood Week 2014 Audience
Award. The other fve flms in competition were Confusion Na Wa, Flower Girl, Half of a Yellow Sun, Misft and Journey to Self. The festi-
val opened with Omoni Obolis directorial debut Being Mrs. Elliot.

The festival trophy was awarded to actress/producer Rita Dominic who expressed her surprise and joy at the closing ceremony which
was sold out, as was the case for several sessions of this second edition. The winner of the Audience Award will receive material sup-
ply from Angnieux ( a leading supplier of high-tech optical products for the audiovisual production industry) that can be used during
the shooting of her next flm, a special screening at the World Day of African Culture and an acquisition offer from Canal + Africa. The
teams of the six selected flms will also receive pre-production software published by the company Melusyn.

The closing ceremony ended with Andrew Dosumus flm, Mother of George. The Nigerian flm festival brought together over 2000
spectators in Paris over 4 days.
Nollywood Week Paris Film Festival is an annual Nigerian flm festival based in France, whose objective is to bring the best of the New
Nollywood Cinema to French audiences.
Source: Nollywood Week Paris Film Festival website
11TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CALLS FOR ENTRIES
The festival considers flms completed between 2011 and 2013, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the
flling of the entry form online at www.abujaflmfestng.org.
The deadline for all entries, including receipt of samples, is 15th of July 2014 for all flm entries. Entries are accepted in features, shorts,
documentaries and experimental. The extensive seminar, panel discussions and master-class workshop programme featuring local and
international flmmakers and industry professionals will hold simultaneously with the daily screening of flms. The festival has a Competi-
tion and Non Competitive Category. The competitive category has awards for the winners.
For more information visit: www.abujaflmfestng.org or email infor@abujaflmfestng.org
Follow the festival on twitter: @AIFFest
Send 2 DVD copies to: Festival Director, Abuja International Film Festival, 85 St. Finbarrs Road, Akoka, Yaba, P.O. Box 365 Sabo, Yaba, La-
gos, Nigeria.
The festival is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Authority Arts & Culture Council, National Film and Video Censors Board, Nige-
rian Film Corporation, Nigerian Television Authority, National Broadcasting Commission, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ministry of
Information.
Source: Abuja International Film Festival website
33
FESTIVAL NEWS
The Number One Fan (4th July
2014)
One Night In Vegas (18th July
2014)
Half of A Yellow Sun (Sometime
between 18th of July and 25th
of July)
Dead Drop (25th July 2014)
The Moses Inwang production Torn is fnally out
on DVD. The psychological thriller features Ireti
Doyle, Monalisa Chinda, Joseph Benjamin, Bimbo
Manuel, Julius Agwu. Torn depicts a psychologi-
cal and emotional thriller of two friends Ovu and
Nana, who both believe they are married to the
same man.
Dayo Amusa has released Unforgivable on DVD.
The movie features Dayo Amusa, Mike Ezuruonye,
Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot, Faithia Balogun,
Bimbo Thomas, Iyabo Ojo, Niyi Johnson, Bidemi
Kosoko, Lawal Aisha and Titilayo Shobo.Unforgiv-
able is the story of a woman who sacrifces every-
thing to make her home work to the detriment of
her health with the hope of pleasing her husband
who doesnt appreciate her love.
The Broken Bride will stages its world pre-
miere at the Odeon Cinema Greenwich,
London on the 4th of July, 2014. The mul-
ticultural Nollywood movie is directed by
George Kelly and is produced by Theodora
Ibekwe Oyebade. Starring in the movie are
Julie Coker, Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade,
Olivia Eze, Verona Rose, Preston Toghanro
and others.
The much anticipated action drama The
Voice produced by Nkiru Slyvanus is set to
be premiered. Starring Nkiru, Kenneth Oko-
lie, Betty Njoku-Olumowe and others the
movie was directed by Afe Olumowe. The
flm will be premiered at the Oriental Hotel,
Lekki Lagos on July 13th, 2014.
34

IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS JULY

MOVIE PREMIERES

OUT ON DVD
LISTINGS
35
Faces at Gidi Up 2 Private Screening
Ndani TV hosted a private screening of the
Gidi Up series yesterday, June 21, 2014. The
premiere launch event was held at The Palms,
Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Lekki, Lagos.
This new season of the hit series Gidi Up, sees
a more thrilling adventure centred on friends
in pursuit of happiness, success and indepen-
dence. It will premiere on Ndani TVs website,
YouTube channel and national television on
Monday June 23, 2014.
The event featured the casts from the series;
OC Ukeje, Titilope Sonuga, Deyemi Okanlawon,
Adesua Etomi, Anthony Monjaro, Daniel Ef-
fong and other celebrities made the exclusive
screening guest list.
TEXT AND PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RED MEDIA
Adesua Etomi
Daniel Ettim Effong
Zainab Balogun Toolz and Onos
Folu Ogunkeye Ikechukwu Kemi Lala Akindoju
Anthony Monjaro Osas Ighodaro O.C. Ukeje
EVENTS
36
Kunle Afolayans Figurine returns in book form
set for launch at MUSON Centre
Kunle Afolayans popular flm, The Figurine (Arar-
omire) is returning to the limelight fve years after
making waves, winning fve awards including the
best flm category at the prestigious African Movie
Academy Awards (AMAA) and travelling far and near
at Film festival circuits.
The flms story is now being told in a scholarly book
titled Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspectives
on THE FIGURINE which will be unveiled at a major
ceremony on Thursday July 31, 2014 at the MUSON
Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
According to a press release from Relentless Me-
dia, the outft coordinating the book unveiling and
launching in conjunction with Golden Effects Ser-
vices, the ceremony will witness a rich array of Nolly-
wood stars, allied flm professionals, academics, top
government functionaries, captains of industry and
members of the diplomatic corps.
Former Minister of National Planning and a respect-
ed patriarch of the arts, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi,
OFR will chair the ceremony that is designed to be
one of Nollywoods greatest moments outside movie
location.
The book, a collection of scholarly essays, is the frst
of its kind devoted to the work of a single Nigerian
flm director. It interrogates the thematic focus and
cinematic style employed in The Figurine, while also
using that singular work to engage the new trends
in the new Nigerian cinema popularly referred to as
Nollywood.
Edited by Dr. Adeshina Afolayan of the Department
of Philosophy, University of Ibadan, the books Fore-
word was written by Prof. Jonathan Haynes of the
Long Island University, USA and a notably scholar on
Nollywood. Contributors to the 455-page book in-
clude Dr. Sola Osofsan, Dr. Dele Layiwola, Dr. Chuk-
wuma Okoye, Jane Thorburn, Matthew H. Brown,
Gideon Tanimonure, A.G.A Bello, Foluke Ogunl-
eye and Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi. An Afterword on
Neo-Nollywood and its Other by the prolifc Schol-
ar, Dr. Onookome Okome, is also provided in the book in addition to series of interviews with key actors and technicians that featured in
the flm. This is a novelty, says Kunle Afolayan, who has since shot two other well-acclaimed flms Phone Swap and October 1 (whose
premiere is slated for October 1, 2014 in Lagos). We have always said we should tell our stories. But I believe it goes beyond mere rhet-
orics and images on the screen. Releasing ones movie to scholarly interrogation like this is one of the next levels for our flm industry to
climb and Im excited that this is already happening through my flm, he added.
The book has been receiving critical acclaims already. According to Dr. Nduka Otiono, former Secretary General of Association of Nige-
rian Authors (ANA) and a lecturer at the Institute of African Studies, Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada this book is seminal in its inau-
guration of a new chapter in the study of Nigerias phenomenal contribution to global flm culture it makes a strong case for a more
in-depth artistic and critical approach to the study of Nollywood that triangulates around orality.
Similarly, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, renowned journalist/flm Critic and helmsman of Relentless Media, applauds the arrival of Auteuring Nol-
lywood at a time that the Nigerian flm industry is opening up to the Academy Awards and is also being duly acknowledged as a major
contributor to the Nigerian economy. The book, he added, fulfls two roles - championing a new and positive development in cinematic
and literary studies in Nigeria by focusing exclusively on the work of a single cineaste while also expanding the narrative around a flm
industry that continues to announce its arrival on the global scene in a spectacular way.
To Dr. Akin Adesokan of the Indiana University, Bloomington, USA, the book is comprehensive and informed about its subject and in
unexpected ways gives solidity to the characterization of Nollywood as telling our own stories.
The reviewers that will do justice to the intellectual content in the book are Mr. Emeka Mba, the Director General of the National Broad-
casting Commission and Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, who is the Director of Nollywood Study Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
TEXT AND PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVE AYORINDE FOR RELENTLESS MEDIA
FEATURE
The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee Calls for Entries
The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee is delighted to announce that it is now accepting submissions for its inaugural selec-
tion edition (from 16th June 2014 16th July 2014). In line with our commitment to screening the fnest and boldest Nigerian
cinema, the committee accepts flms of all lengths and genres.
1. ELIGIBILITY
a. NOSC accepts motion pictures from Nigerian flmmakers living in Nigeria and Diaspora whose flms relate to Nigeria.
b. The recording of the original dialogue track as well as the completed picture must be predominantly in a language or
languages other than English. Please note that Pidgin English is also considered as a foreign language. Accurate English subti-
tles are required.
c. The motion picture must be frst released in Nigeria no earlier than October 1, 2013 and no later than September 30,
2014
2. GUIDELINES
a. Films that have previously screened publicly in Nigeria, aired on television prior to the selection, are available for pur-
chase on DVD in Nigeria, or are available for continuous online viewing in their entirety are NOT eligible.
b. Films must be submitted on DVD and must be clearly watermarked with: Preview Copy. Do not send flm prints, master
tapes, or other originals.
c. Entrant confrms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images,
and content in the entry.
d. Entrant will allow usage of clips from the flm for promotional use on television, radio, in print, and at live Festival
events.
e. Works in Progress: While entrants are permitted to submit flms that are not fully complete (i.e., without fnal colour cor-
rection and sound mixing), please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted; subsequent
cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee.
f. Only complete entries (including entry form, and preview DVD screener) will be processed.
g. Please submit a typed or clearly printed entry form or a copy of the online form receipt along with the submission. The
Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee is not responsible for incorrect wording in publications or on awards if the entry form is
incorrect or illegible.
h. Productions in the following exhibition formats are eligible for screening: 35mm, DCP, HDCAM, DigiBeta, and Blu-ray
Disc.
3. DEADLINES
Eligible entries must reach the offce of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee on or before 16th July, 2014.
Submissions can be done by post to the following address:
House 2, Block 101, Plot 8,
Furo Ezimora Street,
Lekki Residential Scheme, Phase 1,
Lagos, Nigeria.
4. SELECTION CRITERIA
The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) focuses on choosing high quality flms from Nigeria. All eligible submissions
will be reviewed and selected based on the quality of the flms narrative and its production values.
Please note that, NOSC will only inform you if your flm meets the criteria and is among the flms in consideration by the com-
mittee. The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) will endeavour to complete all selection procedures by 1 September,
2014 and Nigerias offcially selected flm for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards will receive be announced
on a gala night shortly after.
For more information and enquiries, visit www.nigerianoscarselection.org or e-mail info@nigeriaoscarselection.org
Source: Nigeria Oscars Selection website
37
The 4th Lights, Camera, Africa
Calls for Entries
Submit flms via post to LCA 2014 Film Festival, WSE Nigeria,
59 Ademola Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. Please note that flms need to
relate to or express the festivals 2014 theme, LEGACY. The dead-
line is July 18th, 2014.

You can contact LCA with your questions or inquiries by emailing
info@thelifehouselagos.com or visiting us at www.lightscamer-
aafrica.com or calling us on +234 703 403 0683 or +234 703 417
0400.

Source: The Lights, Camera, Africa website
AWARD NEWS
NOLLYWOOD MOVIES AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES!
The Nollywood Movies Award is now open for entries
for the 2014 edition, which will be held on the 18th
October 2014 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria
Island, Lagos. The deadline for all flms submissions is
the 15th July 2014 and nominations will be announced
in August 2014. Only English and Nigerian indigenous
language movies produced, released or premiered
between 1st February 2013 and 31st April 2014 will be
eligible for consideration.
Submitted movies should not exceed 180 minutes and/
or should be in a maximum of four parts. Short movies
should not exceed 40 minutes. Final decisions will be at
the discretion of the nominations panel.
Please ensure that your movies list the full credits to
all concerned to enable the panel identify individuals
eligible for nominations. reach Nollywood offces, SW1
MEDIA, 18 Esomo Close, Ikeja, Lagos by the deadline
of the 15th July 2014. Deliver movies in hard drive or
DVDs.
CATEGORY 1: THE BEST OF NOLLYWOOD
These awards celebrate Nollywoods:
Best Movie
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Diaspora Movie
CATEGORY 2: CULTURE & HERITAGE
These awards recognise the key role of indigenous languages, culture and heritage:
Best Film in an Indigenous Nigerian Language
Best Lead Actor in an Indigenous Language
Best Lead Actress in an Indigenous Language
CATEGORY 3: PROFESSIONAL & INDUSTRY
These awards recognize the professionals that work behind the camera to make the flms possible:
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Director
CATEGORY 4: POPULAR CHOICE
These are awarded to the Nigerian actor and actress who receive the highest number of votes in a public online poll
or the flm that makes the biggest box offce returns in Nigerian cinemas:
Most Popular Actress
Most Popular Actor
Top Box Offce (Nigeria)
CATEGORY 5: ARTISTIC
These awards are in recognition of the artistic contribution of creative individuals and artisans within the Nollywood
industry:
Best Make-up Design
Best Costume Design
Best Set Design
Best Music Soundtrack
CATEGORY 6: RISING STARS
These awards are in recognition of emerging new talent in the industry:
Best Rising Star, Male
Best Rising Star, Female
Best Child Actor
CATEGORY 7: SHORT FILM
This single award is in recognition of new flmmakers who have displayed exceptional talent in the production of a
short movie. The duration of the movie should be a minimum of 12 minutes and a maximum of 40 minutes.
For full submission instructions visit www.nollywoodmovies.tv
Source: Nollywood Movies Awards Website
38
AWARD NEWS

Nolly Silver Screen Issue 06 July

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