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Nolly Silver Screen

IBINABO FIBERISIMA:
Nollywood will compete favourably
with Hollywood in 10 years
ISSUE 07
AUGUST 2014
INTERVIEWS
- Bayray McNwizu
- C.J. Obasi
- Wana Udobang
- Nosa Igbinedion
- Bimpe Adebambo
- Anthony Monjaro
- Marc-Andr Schmachtel
- Victor Sanchez Aghahowa
New Talent!
10
fresh
faces to watch
out for
+
Nolly Silver Screen
CONTENTS
FEATURES
8 They are next: 10 Nollywood
fresh faces to watch out for
11 The Legal Framework for
Defending Intellectual Proper-
ty Rights Nationally and In-
ternationally A Film Produc-
ers Perspective
16 Nollywood Studies Centre
organises international con-
ference on distribution
30 Filmmakers Interview:
Wana Udobang and Nosa Ig-
binedion
32 5 Nigerians books we
would love to see on the big
screen
36 Nollywood needs a more
focused leadership
INTERVIEWS
14 On the cover: Ibinabo Fi-
berisima
18 Bayray McNwizu
22 Q & A with C.J. Obasi
23 Up close and personal with
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa
26 Talent on the rise: Bimpe
Adebambo
27 A Day in the life of...Antho-
ny Monjaro
27 Andre-Marc Schmachtel:
Nollywood is big
REGULARS
4 Editors Note
5 Readers Corner
6 Contributors Bio
9 Vox Pop
10 Story-Bored!
10 Celebrations this month
12 On Set
17 News
21 Photo News
23 Nolly Pop Quiz
24 Reviews
28 Red carpet
33 Festival News
34 Listings
35 Events
38 Award News
ISSUE 07 AUGUST 2014
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13 21
28
26
Editors Note
4
It is our frst ever double cover
and we have two fabulous wom-
en. The frst female president of
the Actors Guild of Nigeria and
soon to be married Ms Ibinabo
Fiberisima and AMBO winner and
entrepreneur, Bayray McNwizu.
These women have continued to
push boundaries, challenge sta-
tus quos and in their own ways,
bring about meaningful change.
We have been enjoying our journey of change which we
embarked on last month (expanding the magazine from
a 16 pager to a whopping 40). And now, it is our frst ever
double cover and we have two fabulous women. The frst
female president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and soon
to be married Ms Ibinabo Fiberisima and AMBO winner
and entrepreneur, Bayray McNwizu. These women have
continued to push boundaries, challenge status quos and
in their own way, bring about meaningful change. Ms Fi-
berisima talks passionately about her love for Nollywood
(p. 14) while Bayray (as she prefers to be called) tells us
about her latest new female empowerment project (p.
18).
Wilfred Okiche profles 10 new movie stars taking over
Nollywood (p. 8) while Oluwaponmile Orija heads to the
street to fnd out which Nollywood director has captured
their heart (p. 9).
Nolly Silver Screen is happy to welcome on board the tal-
ented and award winning cartoonist Mike Asukwo whose
new new cartoon strip Story-Bored! explores type-
casting in Nollywood (p. 10).
We recently partnered with the Nollywood Studies Cen-
tre of the Pan Atlantic University during their annual in-
ternational conference. Last edition, we brought you the
pictures, now, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya has the full report (p.
16).
Enjoy!
Isabella Akinseye
@iakinseye

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 Potomanto on 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
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W
r
ite
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in
Readers Corner
5
Read Nolly Silver Screen on
www.nollysilverscren.com
issuu.com/nollysilverscreen
scribd.com/nollysilverscreen
100 Word Review: Tunnel is a
good effort for a frst flm
Thanks for being honest and true
with your review and pointing
out the key areas to be improved
upon.
Stanlee
Trailer: Unforgivable
I really enjoy dis movie. And I will
be very glad if u can feature me in
one of ur movie. God bless.
Prince Demilade
Trailer Review: Dazzling Mirage
Thank you for the compliment re
the intelligent script. Enjoyed
writing it and and pleasure to
have such a team bringing it to
life!
Ade Solanke
COMMENTS
FROM
THE WEBSITE
Mike Asukwo studied
Fine Art at the presti-
gious Yaba College of
Technology. He is an
award winning cartoon-
ist and illustrator with
his work appearing in
numerous publications.
He currently works with
BusinessDay Newspaper
as Senior Editorial Artist.
His cartoon strip Sto-
ryBored takes a swipe
at typecasting in Nolly-
wood (p. 10).
Alex Enyengho is a flm-
maker and journalist. He
is the President of both
the Association of Nol-
lywood Core Producers
(ANCOP) and the Asso-
ciation of Itsekiri Per-
forming Artistes (AIPA).
Vice President of the
International Federation
of Film Producers Asso-
ciations (FIAPF).
He shares his perspec-
tive on intellectual rights
(p. 11).
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.
He writes on the interna-
tional conference (p. 16)
and the monthly forum
organised by the Nolly-
wood Studies Centre (p.
36).
CONTRIBUTORS bios
Efeturi Doghudje is a
PR practitioner eager to
see a sustainable change
in the Nigerian Film,
Television & Arts indus-
try. She enjoys watching
movies both foreign &
local, reading, traveling
and adventure. Visit her
blog for latest reviews
on xplorenollywood.
blogspot.com
She reviews Darkside (p.
25).
Wilfred Okiche believes
in God, medicine, music
and movies. A medical
doctor, occasional writer,
columnist and profler.
He runs a regular col-
umn in The Sun news-
paper and contributes to
Y!Africa.
He compiles a top 10
list of Nollywood fresh
faces to watch out for
(p. 8).
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 newspa-
pers.
She fnds out what peo-
ple think is the most
expensive Nollywood
movie for the Vox Pop
section (p. 9).
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
STAFF WRITERS
Ebunoluwa Mordi
Oluwayomi Olushola
CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Asukwo
Alex Enyengho
Efeturi Doghudje
Ikechukwu Obiaya
Wilfred Okiche
Oluwaponmile Orija
EMAIL
info@nollysilverscreen.com
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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?
Nolly Silver Screen is always on the lookout for
writers and artists to contribute to the
website, magazine and social media pages.
We are currently open to receiving movie
reviews, articles, interviews, inforgraphics, car-
toon strips and caricatures focusing on Nolly-
wood as well as Africas flm industry.

Send an email to info@nollysilverscreen.com
requesting contributors guidelines.
They are next: 10 Nollywood fresh faces to watch out for
BY WILFRED OKICHE
8
Adesua Etomi
The pretty damsel has
worked hard on stage
where she appeared in
prestigious productions
like Bolanle Austen-Pe-
ters Saro: The Musical,
Bobo Omotayos Lagos
Life, London Living
and Majmua Theatres
Band Aid. She recently
scored the lead in the
movie-musical Knock-
ing on Heavens Door
where her talents as a
gifted actor and singer
were on full display.
She has also starred in
a short flm, Brave with
Wale Ojo.
Kemi Lala Akindoju
Akindoju is a critics
darling who conquered
the stage before mak-
ing the transition to the
screen. A winner of The
Future Award Africa for
Actor of the Year, Lala
bid her time appearing
on the hit television
show Tinsel and in
Charles Novias 2013
disaster Alan Poza be-
fore landing the role of
her career so far as the
female lead in Tunde
Kelanis long awaited,
big budget adaptation
Dazzling Mirage.

Adeyemi Okanlawon
Okanlawon may well
be crowned king of
online as he has played
roles in some of Nige-
rias most successful
web series. A graduate
of the University of
Lagos as well as the
New York Film Acad-
emy, the occasional
entrepreneur and voice
over artiste has done
fne work on Ndani
TVs Gidi Up, ZR-Z and
Kpians. He appeared
in Ebony Life TV series
Dowry and is expected
to make bigger inroads
in flm soonest.
Linda Ejiofor
Everyones favourite
girl next door is most
famous for playing the
spoilt, childish Bimpe
on television show
Tinsel but she has
transferred her effort-
less charm to the big
screen where she was
cast opposite Femi
Jacobs in 2013 block-
buster, The Meeting.
Ejiofor who also mod-
els professionally has
also starred in Secret
Room with O.C Ukeje
and in Ebony Life TVs
Dowry.
Belinda Effah
Cross Rivers native, Ef-
fah started out on tele-
vision with the series
Shallow Waters before
making the transition
to the big screen in
grand style. She made
a huge splash when
she was cast in the
2012 flm Kokoma and
won the award for
the Most Promising
Act of the Year at the
Africa Movie Academy
Awards. She has been
cast in other hits like
After the Proposal,
Apaye: A Mothers Love
and Mrs Somebody.
Tamara Eteimo
The feisty reality show
alumnus from Port Har-
court drew attention
for herself when she
won The Next Movie
Star reality competition
in 2011. After bit part
roles in Finding Mercy
and Mrs Somebody,
Eteimo had her break-
out role in the dramedy
Desperate Housegirls,
garnering widespread
critical acclaim as well
as an AMVCA nomi-
nation. She recently
premiered her own
flm, Somewhere Down
the Line in June.
Chuks Chukwujekwu
The handsome, physi-
cally imposing bundle
of talent has worked
with some of Nolly-
woods fnest in his
brief but eventful
career since arriving in
2009 with Vivian Ejikes
Private Storm. Since his
debut, Chukwujekwu
has starred in flms
like Finding Mercy and
Knocking on Heav-
ens Door but it was in
the romantic comedy
Flower Girl that he best
presented his bid for
future consideration as
a leading man.
Tope Tedela
Little was known of
Tope Tedela until he
was named the Best
Actor in a Drama at
this years Africa Magic
Viewers Choice Awards
for his credible portray-
al of a troubled youth
in the small flm A Mile
from Home. A graduate
of Mass Communica-
tion from the University
of Lagos, Tedela has
appeared in the sitcom,
Edge of Paradise, as
well as in other major
flm releases like Torn
and The Awakening.
Ikay Ogbonna
The jury is still out
on Ogbonnas actual
acting talent but he has
been a constant screen
presence for a while
back and is only a few
flms away from locat-
ing the role that would
lend him some actor-
ly credibility. In the
meantime though, the
tatooed fair skinned
model turned actor
continues to slum it in
flms with questionable
flmmakers like Elvis
Chucks and Rukky San-
da where he is an addi-
tion to a celeb cast.
Wole Ojo
Ojo emerged winner at
the Amstel Malta Box
Offce reality television
show in 2009 and as a
result, was cast in the
AMAA nominated flm
The Child. In 2012, he
played Kashimawo, a
footballer with a pe-
culiar relationship with
his mother in Tunde
Kelanis Maami. Ojo
has made small screen
guest appearances in
Tinsel, Dear Mama and
Everyday People as well
as big screen credits in
Faade and Convers-
tions at Dinner.
Lets face it, Nollywood has been a tad stagnant for a while now. Many A-list performers have hit the peak of their profession
and moved on to pursue other interests. There has been a slow injection of new talents to replace the established ones but of
late, the scene has been gradually expanding and a couple of new faces appear to be fnding their rhythm. We present 10 of the
freshest faces to look out for in flm. These are the ones to carry on the torch.
9
Who is your favourite director in Nollywood??
Oluwaponmile Orija fnds out.. VOX
pop
Mildred
Okwo
I loved her
performance
in the movie
The Meeting.
- Bamidele Michael

Kunle
Afolayan
His movies
are unique.

- Seun Oludiya

His movies are catchy; he spices them
up. No wonder they always get nomi-
nated for AMAA awards.
- Damilola Salako

Tunde
Kelani
Maami was
different and
its kudos to
him.
- Yetunde Salawu
Ikechukwu
Onyeka
I really appre-
ciate his movie
style and be-
lieve it is beyond
the usual Nigeri-
an movie.
- Tosin Ogunsekan
Teco
Benson
I believes his works
are classic and I
appreciated Two
Brides and a Baby.
- Oladimeji Ojo
He does classical indig-
enous movies.
- Desola Ibrahim
Desmond
Elliot
He is usually passion-
ate about female child
rights in his movies and
he is as great a director
as an actor.
- Cynthia Okpara Jiakponna
Adebayo Tijani
Adebayo brings out the best of
every actor/actress.
- Mobee Ayobamidele

3
Uti
Nwachukwu
10
Collette
Orji
1
Ngozi
Nwosu
18
Prince
Eke
26
Uche
Iwuji
28
Mercy
Johnson
29
Opeyemi
Owolomonse
21
Jeta
Amata
23
Rukky
Sanda
23
Tony
Umez
24
Funke
Akindele
11
Ayo
Adesanya
6
Aneke twins
10
AUGUST CELEBRATIONS
11
Film producers worldwide de-
velop ideas and stories, obtain
the necessary legal clearances,
secure fnancing, engage writers,
directors and actors, organise
principal photography, and em-
ploy technicians as well as many
other creative contributors. Pro-
ducers are engaged in all stages
of the creation of the flm in-
cluding development, fnancing,
pre-production activities, princi-
pal photography, post-produc-
tion activities as well as sales and
marketing, and in many cases
also, distribution of the fnished
flm. One simple short cut you
might want to use when thinking
about our profession is this one:
the producer is the person who
is always the frst in a project and
the last out. This is true manage-
rially and, alas, it is all too often
true fnancially, as the producer
is generally the last person to
see any money back from the
exploitation of his/her flms.
The flm producer takes the frst
fnancial risk on a flm project
by spending money specula-
tively on story and script, in the
hope of attracting investors
further downstream. It is also
the producers job to coordi-
nate together all the different
fnancial, creative and technical
contributors the function can
almost be compared to an octo-
pus which has its arms reaching
out in many different directions,
engaged in many different activi-
ties.
Here in Nigeria, the booming
of the flm sector is recent. It is
arguable that the Nollywood
phenomenon is barely over
20 years old! However, what
Nollywood stakeholders have
achieved collectively is little
short of extraordinary: in argu-
ably two momentous decades,
we have invented and grown
from scratch, an entirely novel
cultural and industrial reality.
We create flms that entertain
our people at home, in our vast
diaspora in the Northern Hemi-
sphere, and amongst millions of
our African neighbours. At the
low-end, an informal economy in
a low-cost/low-standard produc-
tion model provides video-based
entertainment at a price com-
patible with lower income, to the
tune of well over 1,800 flms an-
nually. At the high-end, our ma-
turing flmmakers have already
proven their ability to break out
of this low-cost/straight-to-vid-
eo template. Looking back on
the past few years, I am thinking
for instance, about Obi Emelo-
nyes Last Flight To Abuja, the
highest grossing West African
flm of 2012, Kunle Afolayans
ground-breaking supernatural
drama The Figurine, his success-
ful comedy Phone Swap and his
latest, the whodunit October
First, Tony Abulus Doctor Bello,
shot partly in New York but very
much a Nigerian flm and Omoni
Obolis debut comedy feature
Being Mrs Elliot which had its
world premiere at the Nollywood
Week event in Paris, France
earlier this month. And although
it is currently not being issued a
release certifcate by the Nation-
al Film and Video Censors Board
who have concerns about its
impact on our society, Biyi Ban-
deles flm version of Chimanan-
da Ngozi Adichies best-selling
novel Half Of A Yellow Sun, has
already had a distinguished ca-
reer in the United States, the UK
and other foreign markets, since
its world premiere at the Toronto
International Film Festival last
September. This $8 million flm
is the most expensive ever shot
in our country and it is a sign
of Nigerias growing economic
strength that its two executive
producers both Nigerians
raised over 80% of the budget
from local investors.
For the policy makers out there
who still doubt the strategic part
my industry plays in national
wealth creation, heres some-
thing to refect on: the Nigerian
Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recent-
ly introduced changes to its cal-
culation of national GDP, which
for the frst time, encompasses
the flm and music sectors. Ac-
cording to NBS, these two in-
dustries combined, now account
for fully 1.4% of our $510 billion
national economic output. I can-
not think how anyone involved
in setting policy could now fail to
acknowledge our importance for
development and growth.
As you can see, there are enough
real and measurable achieve-
ments in Nollywood for us and
some observers whose method-
ologies are sometimes fawed
to be able to afford to abstain
from grandiose and, ultimately,
harmful claims about the level
weve reached. ANCOP frmly
believes that empty boasts do
not build an industry: in the long
run, they may be harmful to us
because they help minimise the
challenges we face and tend
to create the impression that
we can get on with delivering
the miracle of two-digit annual
growth without any need for
enabling regulation, supportive
legislation or public sector in-
centives. This isnt so. In order
to mature into a dependable
contributor to GDP, employment
and innovation, Nollywood,
more than ever, needs to see its
entrepreneurial energies backed-
up by a consistent and effcient
public sector policy and a legal
framework able to incentivise
economic risk-taking and cre-
ativity.
Nollywood or, as some people
prefer to call it these days the
Nigerian Film Industry, is at a
delicate juncture in its extraordi-
nary history: we stand poten-
tially on the cusp of momen-
tous change with unprecedented
opportunities being presented
to us. We can only seize these
opportunities successfully if we
make a deliberate and collec-
tive choice to mutate from a
still largely ad-hoc, unorganised
phenomenon, to a professional-
ly organised industry based on
legal best practice, legitimate
and reliable investment partners
and most important of all an
effcient and above-board dis-
tribution system, reliant on a ro-
bust copyright and enforcement
infrastructure.
So much for back-grounding.
At this point, distinguished
participants, and so that there
would be no confusion, I think
it is important to attempt some
defnition of key terms embed-
ded in the subject matter of my
paper. What exactly do we mean
when we say Intellectual Prop-
erty Rights (IP)? What are the
legal frameworks for defending
IP locally and internationally? For
this brief section of my presenta-
tion, I have relied on the globally
accepted defnitions by repu-
table organizations including
the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO), the Nigeri-
an Copyright Commission (NCC)
and the Trademarks, Patents and
Designs Registry of the Commer-
cial Law Department in the Fed-
eral Ministry of Industry, Trade
and Investment.
Intellectual Property (IP) refers
to creations of the mind, such as
inventions; literary and artistic
works; designs, symbols, names
and images used in commerce.
Intellectual Property, very broad-
ly, means the legal rights, which
result from intellectual activity in
the industrial, scientifc, literary
and artistic felds. There are fve
major types of IP namely, Copy-
right, Patents, Trademarks, Indus-
trial Designs and Geographical
Indications. The main type of IP
that concerns an industry like
Nollywood is copyright, and so
a chunk of the remaining part of
my paper shall focus on copy-
right, albeit I shall attempt a brief
defnition of the other types,
presently.
A Patent is an exclusive right
granted for an invention. Gener-
ally speaking, a patent provides
the patent owner with the right
to decide how - or whether -
others can use the invention.
In exchange for this right, the
patent owner makes technical
information about the invention
publicly available in the pub-
lished patent document.
A Trademark is a sign capable
of distinguishing the goods or
services of one enterprise from
those of other enterprises. Trade-
marks date back to ancient times
when craftsmen used to put
their signature or mark on their
products.
An Industrial design constitutes
the ornamental or aesthetic
aspect of an article. A design
may consist of three-dimension-
al features, such as the shape
or surface of an article, or of
two-dimensional features, such
as patterns, lines or color.
Geographical Indications are
signs used on goods that have a
specifc geographical origin and
possess qualities, a reputation
or characteristics that are essen-
tially attributable to that place of
origin. Most commonly, a geo-
graphical indication includes the
name of the place of origin of
the goods.
Copyright is a legal term used
to describe the rights that cre-
ators have over their literary and
artistic works. Works covered
by copyright range from books,
music, paintings, sculpture and
flms, to computer programs,
databases, advertisements, maps
and technical drawings.
To be continued.
The Legal Framework for Defending Intellectual Property Rights Nationally
and Internationally A Film Producers Perspective
BY ALEX ENYENGHO

NOLLYWOOD IS AT A DEL-
ICATE JUNCTURE IN ITS EX-
TRAORDINARY HISTORY: WE
STAND POTENTIALLY ON
THE CUSP OF MOMENTOUS
CHANGE
12
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF VICTOR SANCHEZ AGHAHOWAS DOWRY
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF
OMONI OBOLIS
BEING MRS. ELLIOTT
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A
Tell us about your education background.
I am a graduate of the University of Ibadan.
How did you get into acting?
God blessed me with the talent and skills in acting from child-
hood but never took it seriously till after school before I went
into it professionally.
What got you interested in the political part of
Nollywood?
The urge to make positive changes and impact on the lives of
the practitioners.
Describe your experience as the president of AGN?
The experience is great. It has taught me so many things in life.
Its not easy to lead creative people.
How different is it to be a president from being just
a member?
So many differences. A true leader has the confdence to stand
alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion
to listen to the needs of others. A leader does not set out to be
a leader but becomes one by the quality of their actions and the
integrity of their intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles;
they dont fock and you fnd them one at a time. Progress al-
ways involves risks. You cant steal second base and keep your
foot on frst. As the President, you are at the helm of affairs. You
have to take responsibilities and be strong. You have to make
decisions under extreme measures, take care of members wel-
fare and swallow emotions. Its like a driver and a passenger case.
In your opinion is the Nigerian government sup-
porting the industry enough?
Yes. The present administration under Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan has supported Nollywood and is
supporting Nollywood very well. He has done
well for Nollywood.
Tell us about the AGN Benefciary
Fund.
Its a benevolence fund set up to assist mem-
bers who have challenges and are out of
work.
You have successfully implemented
the AGN Benefciary Fund and got
the government to fulfl its promis-
es. What do you regret not accom-
plishing?
I dont have any regrets. I am always content
with what God makes me to achieve, thus, I
strive for the best always.
It has been a while since you appeared on screen, is
this due to your work as the president?
Yes oooh! So much to do as the President of the Guild so no time
for location jobs but I still do some jobs.
What is your take onactors who go into politics?
It is good for actors to go into politics so we can equally help to
create and enact laws that would help reposition the industry. We
have what it takes to be in politics.
How involved should actors be in the processes of
governance and development of communities?
Actors should be active in the process of governance and com-
munity development. We have educated and intelligent members
who can contribute their quotas to national development. Actors
are role models and have large fanbase.
What next should we be expecting from you?
Surprises I am always full of surprises as the grace of God leads
me. Its not by my power though.
New Nollywood versus Old Nollywood?
Good quality flms, young skillful talents are being discovered,
good storyline, better remunerations and general improvement in
the industry.
Nollywood in one sentence?
Creativity at its best.
Look into the crystal ball of Nollywood, what do you
see in ten years?
At the very top...compete favourably with Hollywood in ten years
to come.
Greatest regret(s) in life?
None.
If you were to change one thing about you what
would that be?
Nothing. I thank God for who I am and what I am
You still look young, do you still model?
Once a model, always a model. I still model.
What does family mean to you?
Love and unity.
A word of encouragement?
Believe in yourself, be focused and dont be discouraged. Re-
member no pain, no gain. There will always be light at the end of
the tunnel.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF IBINABO FIBERISIMA
15

I dont have any regrets. Im always


content with what God makes me to
achieve, thus, I strive for the best
always.
16
Nollywood Studies Centre organises
international conference on distribution
BY IKECHUKWU OBIAYA FOR THE NOLLYWOOD STUDIES CENTRE
The need exists for a proper bal-
ancing of certain critical factors
in the process of structuring and
designing the most suitable frame-
work for flm distribution with
appropriate intermediaries and
trained operatives to sell the flm
products in a socially responsible
manner while pursuing proft mo-
tives. This was stated by Ms. Patricia Bala,
the Director General of the National Film
and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), while
speaking at the Distribution in the Nigerian
Film Industry conference. The conference
was organised by the School of Media and
Communications Nollywood Studies Cen-
tre and took place on the 26th and 27th of
June, 2014.
Ms. Bala, who gave the keynote address on
the frst day of the conference, noted the vi-
tal role that distribution plays in smoothen-
ing the fow of movies from flmmakers
to consumers as it involves the process of
making flms/videos available for use or
consumption by the fnal consumer. Hence
the importance of having in place an
effcient and effective distribution system.
This, she however went on to add, is lacking
in the Nigerian flm industry, which has a
defcient distribution structure.
A good part of the problem, the NFVCB
Director General indicated, can be traced to
the informal character of much of the indus-
trys distribution system. She nevertheless
added that it is more worrisome that the
noticeable weaknesses [of the system] are
direct consequences of lack of experience,
gaps in professional staffng, shortage of
credible and legitimate outlets, which is a
huge shortcoming that fans piracy, as well
as the limited capacity to nurture relation-
ships and the distribution footprints needed
to reach audiences. These weaknesses have
led to huge fnancial losses for many of
those that have ventured into the flmmak-
ing business.
Ms. Bala went on to stress the need for
greater synergy among all the stakehold-
ers in the flm/video distribution sector in
Nigeria to promote a value-chain that takes
into account the public interestnever sac-
rifcing the greater good and societal well-
being while keeping abreast of ever shifting
dynamics of the operating environment.
She stressed the commitment of the NFVCB
towards creating the enabling environment
for the industry to continue to fourish and
blossom, contributing to the nations GDP
to the beneft of all.
The NFVCB Director General welcomed
both the establishment of the Nollywood
Studies Centre and the organisation of the
conference itself. According to her, the
Nollywood Centre and this derivative con-
ference on movie distribution are, no doubt,
an unequivocal expression of a growing
appreciation that movies matter and, in the
specifc context, this conference shows an
awareness of the centrality of distribution
in this dynamic industry.
Earlier, in his introduction to the confer-
ence, the Director of the Nollywood Stud-
ies Centre (NSC), Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya,
explained that the decision to hold the
conference was motivated by what the
NSC was established to do. According to
him, the NSC was set up to promote the
study of the industry and to contribute to
its development. Given the importance
of distribution and the fact that it is key
to the growth of the industry, it was only
logical, he said, that the frst conference of
the NSC be centred on the topic. However,
he noted that the goal of the conference
was not merely to have another talk shop.
Rather, it was hoped that the conference
would serve to map the already existing
solutions to the problems of distribution
and to identify new possibilities. The mix
of academics, industry practitioners, fnan-
ciers and representatives of government
agencies, Dr. Obiaya said, was indicative of
what the conference organisers hoped to
achieve.
Also speaking, the Dean of the School of
Media and Communication, Prof. Emevwo
Biakolo, in his welcome address, empha-
sised the importance of the conference. Ev-
eryone, Prof. Biakolo said, is aware that flm
production has escalated in the country,
but one needs to question what has hap-
pened with distribution, which has not suc-
ceeded in getting off the ground. He went
on to say that the conference would have
to respond to questions such as whether
the present distribution model was work-
ing and whether it is leading to consumer
satisfaction. An additional importance of
the conference, the Dean said, lay in the
fact that it would facilitate the gathering of
data and promote the further research.
The conference was then declared open
by the Vice Chancellor of the Pan-Atlantic
University, Prof. Juan Elegido. Prof. Elegido
expressed his pleasure at the conference,
noting that it ft into the tradition of the
University, which strives to maintain a
lively connection with industry. The subject
matter of the conference, he said, was of
special interest since distribution is a key
concern for every industry. Distribution,
he noted, is the real arena for competitive
action.
Various papers from industry practitioners
and academics were presented during
the conference. The National Copyrights
Commission (NCC) was also represented in
the person of Barrister Chris Nkwocha, the
Zonal Director of the NCCs Lagos offce.
The event ended with a cocktail a raffe
draw. The main prize for the raffe draw
was donated by Microsoft, one of the main
sponsors of the event.
Read every edition on
www.nollysilverscreen.com
17 N E W S
Genevieve Nnaji announces 18 year old aspiring
actress, Bola Suru as winner of Act The Part
online contest
Genevieve Nnaji has
announced the winner of the Act the part online contest,
which kicked off three weeks ago as 18y ear old aspiring
actress, Bola Suru.

Bola, a university admission seeker exhibited undeniable acting skills
which shot her to the frontline in the contest amidst thousands of
contestants who sent in videos re-enacting a role from a Nollywood
movie of their choice.

The young aspiring actress could not contain her joy when she re-
ceived the news. I have practically been praying about this since I
emerged one of the three fnalists. My sister actually found out about
the competition and encouraged me to be a part of it. I am so excited
about this, says Bola.

Genevieve inspires me so much and I really cant wait to meet her
and ask all the many questions I need answers to as it concerns acting
as a career, she adds excitedly.

From the numerous entries received for the contest, three acts made
it through the tough selection process and were announced as f-
nalists last week: Bola Suru, Michael Akan and Chioma Okoye. Bola
emerged winner via popular votes.

Bola came tops for re-enacting a role from the movie, Broken Heart;
Michaels re-enactment of his role from the movie Ije, which features
Genevieve Nnaji earned him the second position while Chioma came
third for her role from the movie Mirror Boy.

The Amstel Malta brand ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji also expressed
her delight over the passionate participation from her fans. I started
off my career at the age of eight, so seeing young talents very keen
about what they do gives me so much pleasure because I can relate
to that really well. Im very thankful to Amstel Malta for this amazing
opportunity and I look forward to meeting Bola Suru. We are defnite-
ly going to have a fun day together. she said.

As winner of the competition, Bola will spend a fun flled day with the superstar actress and also win a fab makeover courtesy of Amstel
Malta.
TEXT AND PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BHM MEDIA
18 14
The girl child ought to know she is important to the equation
BAYRAY MCNWIZU
BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI
You recently were on
stage playing the role of Sidi
in The Lion and the Jewel,
what was that like?
Sidi in modern times would be your typical next door girl who
is very popular and attractive... all the girls want to be like her
and every man would love to date her. She is young, very jovial
and so you dont realise early enough that she is a troublemaker
because she is very likeable. In the play, Lakunle wants to spend
the rest of his life with her or so it seems, and Baroka the Baaleof
the town wants to make her his last wife at his old age. This is
repulsive to her as well as the repression and and unfair laws im-
posed on women at that time and while no one is speaking out
against this, Sidi bears it brazenly, howbeit in moments of vanity.
It was very very intense and rigorous playing this character. I
think she is quite a talkative (laughs) but I secretly enjoyed it.
Shh! Dont tell anyone.
Do you read a lot of Soyinkas work?
I did as a secondary school student and in the University. I guess
I was subtly miffed that others were studying a course I would
have loved to do, Theatre Arts. His plays always intrigued me. I
always felt like I was at a circus enjoying myself whenever I read
his plays.
What was the performance like and the audience
response?
Performance was amazing! Raw energy, enthusiasm, team work,
amazing cast and a powerful director. The audience could hear
us and they joined the ride, laughed at the jokes and felt our in-
dividual pain. I felt like I was in two worlds at the same time, you
know what I mean?
Congrats on getting to host the BON nominations
party. How did you get that?
Magic! Hahahaha! Thank you very much. And I say many thanks
to the organisers of BON Awards for choosing me from a list of
amazing actors to host the ever sizzling BON Awards Nomina-
tions unveil ceremony in Rivers State. It feels good.
What does it feel like to no longer be a newbie in
the industry?
In terms of energy, I still feel like a newbie! My energy is like
Lucozade mehn! I always think I can do as much and even more.
Ideas, concentration and interpretation are fresh! Its cool.
But in terms of no longer being a starter, it feels great. Ive had
the pleasure of making amazing friends, colleagues and mentors
in the industry who have built me into a brand. I owe it all to God
and them.
How do you balance motherhood and your career?
I do. We all can do anything if we put our minds to it.
Aside acting what else are you passionate about?
Asides acting, Im very passionate about writing. Its quite funny,
Im a talkative in my head and when I write but when I need to
speak, I speak few words. Perhaps, Im from Venus (laughs).
Steadily, more celebrities are getting involved in
charity work, what is your take on this?
Its a good thing and I applaud their efforts and pray they
achieve even better results. Celebrities and people who are fa-
mous for being really good at what they do become some sort
of social priests, engaging the world in change and being that
medium through which their sphere of contact and the world can
be better. And you must agree, Nigeria needs good change.
What is the focus of your charity work?
The girl child. She ought to know she is important to the equa-
tion, has distinct abilities and believe she is a phenomenal wom-
an right now and always as the great Maya Angelou would say.
We are taking the Girls Rock project to primary and secondary
schools, frst, to the rural areas where these girls feel helpless
and are more susceptible to abuse. We would like to show them
that there is another way to be and it starts with their pretty little
minds.
Tell us more about the Girls Rock project.
Im glad you asked. We always make it an exciting circus for
these kids and while they have quite an amusing short attention
span I noticed that excursions work like magic with them. Educa-
tive excursions like meeting with notable female leaders, celeb-
rities and role models who in turn tell them their grass to grace
stories. People can also support the initiative by engaging their
kids or other kids with with the right words. Tell her how import-
ant she is, listen to her, spend time with her, pass on wisdom to
her... these kids are always listening and imitating you anyways,
so you might as well, try or be conscious about doing the right
things. You would agree that it would be much more pleasant if
the next generation had fewer issues to deal with. It is important.
Good change, however little, is change all the same... is progress.
What in your opinion would plague the next gener-
ation of this country the most?
Thats quite deep. Hmm! In my opinion, the disconnect in the
family. Its where it all begins; its where our teachers, Presidents,
Ministers and celebrities come from. Its the same mindset they
are groomed by. Do they apply it to world affairs? So, its a thing
of concern.
Nudity or piracy, which is a greater threat to the
future of Nollywood?
Piracy.
Do you think the government is doing enough for
the industry?
Yes, they are now. Things are steadily getting better between the
two. New structures have been approved and practitioners are
enjoying new benefts all as a result of assistance by the gov-
ernment. Its good.
Who would you love to act with?
Tyler Perry.
What is you ideal meal for breakfast?
Bread and avocado pear!
18

Tell her how
important she is,
listen to her, spend time
with her, pass on wisdom
to her... these kids are always
listening and imitating you any-
ways, so you might as well, try
or be conscious about doing the
right things. You would agree, it
would be much pleasant if the
next generation had fewer
issues to deal with.
What was the most challenging role you
ever played?
A nagging pregnant woman! Gosh! Some women do
have it rough (laughs) my heart goes out to them. I felt
like I was going to explode with all those emotions of
worthlessness and hormonal imbalance!
What keeps you up at night?
My lines! Hahahaha! Getting each nuance right. These
days...its #bringbackourgirls. Can you imagine its more
than a 100 days?
If you were to switch lives with any
Nollywood actor/actress, who would it be?
Tchidi Chikere.
What was the last Nollywood movie you
saw in the cinema?
Lagos Cougars.
If you were to be a car which would it be?
Aston Martin.
Words [of wisdom] for the listening ear?
You only live once.
What next should we expect from you this
year?
You should expect from me, better entertainment and
styletitude this year!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BAYRAY MCNWIZU
19

Tell her how
important she is,
listen to her, spend time
with her, pass on wisdom
to her... these kids are always
listening and imitating you any-
ways, so you might as well, try
or be conscious about doing the
right things. You would agree, it
would be much pleasant if the
next generation had fewer
issues to deal with.

photo N E W S
21
H
arry D
orgu and M
arie O
laoluw
a-K
itan
Dowry cast and fans chilling out
Linda Ejiofor with
the ladies
DOWRY
CAST
MEET
THEIR
FANS
Nneka Ezealor-Oladimeji and Wana Udobang
Ojuju, how did you come about the name?
I felt that if zombies begin rampaging a slum/ghetto somewhere in Lagos, the inhabitants would
hardly use the name zombie for it. I felt Ojuju was a more realistic name, as regards the phenomenon
and how it affects the lowbrow dwellers.
Where did the inspiration for the movie come from?
Its funny because I never put much thought to the idea of writing a
screenplay such as Ojuju. I was visiting a friend in this cut off and tight-
knit community, which later became the location for almost the entire
shoot. The geography of the area is such that there is only one entry
which is also the exit out of the place. They also have one primary
source of water. In the course of my visits to the area, it didnt take
too long for ideas to start popping into my head. And I started ask-
ing myself questions such as: What would happen if their only source
of water was contaminated? And contaminated by what? How would
they escape? What if the only exit was blocked by fesh thirsty zom-
bies or in this case, ojujus? By answering those questions, as well as
observing the real life characters existing in that environment going
about their daily routine these formed the basis for the inspiration
behind making Ojuju.
How long did it take you to write the script?
I had the frst draft ready in three or four days. Crazy, right? Well, I
had basically all the material I needed from that environment. From
the one entry/exit, to the only source of water, to the colorful charac-
ters I saw there everyday. The script pretty much wrote itself.
How were you able to secure funding for the shoot?
We werent able to secure funding as is often the case in our in-
dustry especially for new flmmakers. So we ended up funding the entire flm among ourselves (my
co-producer Oge Ugwu, partner Benjamin Stockton and myself). Also, from savings here and favours there.
What was the casting process like?
Oge and I casted Gabriel Afolayan, Paul Utomi, Meg Otanwa and
Kelechi Udegbe right off the bat. They were simply actors we
wanted to work with on the project. Then we held an audition in
November last year in Surulere. It was well attended and we were
able to cast some of the other actors from there. I wanted relatively
fresh faces; people who would bring a certain depth of authenticity
to a flm primarily set in a ghetto.
How long were you on set for?
Were on set for about twelve days and working for as long as
eighteen hours a day. Remember, we were shooting on a real
location. Real people live there. As soon as the novelty of having
a flm crew flm around your neighbourhood wears out, trust me,
they want you out of their hair, pronto! But they were lovely people.
Very tolerant.
Describe your experience directing the movie?
Directing comes with its challenges, obviously. Even more so di-
recting a flm in Nigeria. But once you can maneuver through the
hurdles and fnd your rhythm, you just keep sailing. Maybe not as
smooth a sail as you would like but its a sail, nonetheless, and you
love it. It was awesome. I had a great cast and crew. Maybe not the
most known names but defnitely the cream of the crop. Aces in my
book.
What message do you have for the viewers or is it
more art for art sake?
Well, I am an artist, and so yes, in that regard, my motivation for
creating anything is for art. But that being said, in Ojuju, we fnd
that underneath the entertainment and artistic factor is an un-
derlining message, which goes thus if we dont take care of our
environment, the results can be disastrous.
How do you remain creative with a fresh eye after
wearing the hat of writer, director and editor?
Well, writing, directing and editing are all forms of expression. I
approach each writing as a writer would, directing as a director
would and editing as an editor would. I say this because as much
as we can describe ourselves as writers/directors et al, truth is you
really cant be both at the same time (in practice, I mean). The
easiest way to explain it would be to say that each art form has its
mode of expression. And its not the same for everyone. For me,
Im very visceral in writing. I dont always have it all fgured it out in
my head but the process is like a self-exorcism of some sort. Same
goes with directing and editing. The more I reach in, the further the
depths expand. Much like an unending abyss. Its a sad and happy
experience at the same time. You work on a flm, and in the end the
flm works on you.
When can we expect to see the movie?
Youll see it before the year runs out. Thats the much I can say for
now.
Do you plan to go to cinema or straight to DVD or
online?
We plan to go all the way but were just riding the tides. Well let
the people decide.
How rewarding has it been setting up Fiery Film
Company?
Well, its been a dream come true. Were still so far from the
destination but were getting there one step at a time. Financially
rewarding? Well, it pays the bills. Spiritually and emotionally? No
reward can compare.
What advice do you have for people interested in
joining the industry?
If its your dream, then go for it. But only if its your dream. Dont
be distracted by all the razzle dazzle. As clich as this may sound
things are not always as it seems. So be sure its your dream and
not someone elses dream and once youre sure, go for it and never
stop. Keep pushing. No ones gonna give you a chance in this world
not if you dont take it.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF C.J. OBASI
Q and A with
C.J. OBASI
BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THEIR ONLY SOURCE OF WATER WAS CONTAMINATED? AND CONTAMINATED BY
WHAT? HOW WOULD THEY ESCAPE? WHAT IF THE ONLY EXIT WAS BLOCKED BY FLESH THIRSTY ZOMBIES OR
IN THIS CASE, OJUJUS?
23
GROWING UP
My childhood was rather dramatic but at the same time, we were not the worst
we knew. It wasnt harder than most and it wasnt easier than most.
FIRST FILM EXPERIENCE
My frst experience was working on the flm Letters to a Stranger which I wrote
and worked on as assistant director. That was my frst experience on a proper
production.
INSPIRATION
I am inspired by the need to explore the underside of things that we consider
commonplace. And as concerns TV, I miss seeing the community effect TV has.
The building of communities around a TV show and seeing how we can get the
magic back or build it from scratch.
NEXT PROJECT
I am currently working on the second series of Dowry. I have another show in
pre-production and a series of shorts called Five. Lol. Im always busy.
MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE ON SET
There have been so many; several frst days working with screen legends and
times when cast members go above and beyond the call of duty because they
believed in what I was trying to create. Every day I sit behind the monitor and
watch an actor morph into a character and forces me to feel even more than
what I did when I prepped the scene. Thats always memorable.
CHALLENGES
In the early days, I did have a few actors and producers try to test me because
I was rather young when I started out as a director. I kind of understand and
fnd it amusing but the age glass ceiling is an interesting thing. Theres also the
issue of creating business models in an enviroment where none exists. This has
been the fuel for all innovation, so in all adversity, there is always the opportu-
nity to change the game and the rules that existed before.
ROLE MODELS
Femi Odugbemi, Joss Whedon, J.J. Abrams, Chuck Lorre and Yinka Ogun.
WISH LIST
The day I fnally shoot a movie with R.M.D. will be a lifelong dream. Lol! Weve
worked together before but not on a flm.
I WISH I DIRECTED...
Buried by Rodrigo Cortes.
CHANGING SANCHEZ
I would learn to collaborate more and learn how not to get sucked into tunnel
vision mode when Im working.
GOLDEN WORDS
Be yourself. Have a plan. Hone your skills to some level on your own before you
step in. Keep an open mind and no, you dont know everything, so, be willing
to learn everything.
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTO: PATRICK EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Up Close and
Personal
with
Victor
Sanchez
Aghahowa
NOLLY POP QUIZ
BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
1. When will October 1 be
released?
2. What award did Octo-
ber 1 at the end of 2013?
3. When was Gidi Up pre-
miered?
4. Mention two actors
who featured in Gidi Up
and Dowry.
5. Who directed 76?
6. What was dropped
from the title of 76?
7. Who acquired the mov-
ie rights to produce Amer-
icanah?
8. When will the next edi-
tion of Lights, Camera, Af-
rica Film Festival hold?
9. What is the theme of
the next edition of Lights,
Camera, Africa Film Festi-
val?
10. When was the book
Auteuring Nollywood:
Critical Perspectives on
THE FIGURINE released?
R E V I E W S
Title: The Rise of the Eagles
Genre: Documentary
Director: Biola Kazeem
Year: 2014
For a documentary shoot at the
wake of the world cup and a time
when the frenzy of football had
fallen on all, this documentary is
exceptionally lifeless. The lifelessness is not for the lack of an interesting story
or the lack of well-informed interviewees, but rather it comes from the narra-
tor. It goes without saying that the narrator is meant to be the life of a docu-
mentary, but where our narrator had a very good voice, he refused to utilise
it. He thereby inadvertently made the documentary slur. Aside that, the docu-
mentary is fun to watch and very informative.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
Title: Lagos Cougars
Genre: Trailer
Director: Desmond
Elliot
Year: 2013
The title alone Lagos
Cougars is bound to
tickle the interest of
even the most scep-
tical Nollywood fan.
Cougars are basically
older women who date
(or prey on) younger
men. While cougarism
is more popular in the
Western world, it also
exists in Nigeria but
it is more coded. For
me, I wanted to see how a Lagos cougar would be-
have. Would she openly faunt it or hide it from her
friends? Was she doing it out of love or lust? These
were some of the questions going through my mind
as I watched the trailer.
From the opening scene, you are let in on the ac-
tion; somebody wants blood. If I lay my hands on
LawrenceI will kill him is what we frst hear. As the
trailer progresses, we see young boys and women
old enough to be their mothers basically loving and
fghting themselves. There are a lot of things going
on between the different characters. For example,
there is a scene where an African American woman is
saying she will go to Africa to collect her $5000. We
also have extracts of dialogues pieced together with
a lot of action. On their own, the dialogues help to
tell some parts of the story but together as a whole,
they dont work. In this case, less would have been
more.
As is fast becoming the trend in Nollywood, this
trailer has elements of key dramatic moments such
as kissing, touching, slapping, fghting and over the
top acting. Considering the fact that we have scenes
of some African American ladies talking to each oth-
er, hip-hop music or even Nigerian pop music would
have easily suffced. Instead, we are given a country
music soundtrack.
Towards the end, the names of the actors appear
on screen in quick succession. This works for people
who know their Nollywood actors but for newcom-
ers, it would have been nice to see their names as
their characters appear for the frst time. The fnal
scene which comes after a graphic design of Lagos
Cougars shows the African American ladies talking
about a guy promising Gucci bag, Fendi should
have been totally omitted. Better to have ended with
something with more punch from one of the cougars
preferably.
Verdict You would enjoy watching Lagos Cougars
if you want some Naija drama, a good laugh with
the girls and a lot of hot eye candy.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: The Day They Came
Genre: Short flm
Director: Genesis Williams
Year: 2013

The Day They Came is
mind-blowing. Why? It makes
you wonder why no one har-
nessed talents like this and if
this was made with zero budget,
what would an actual budget produce? The short flm doesnt have much of a
story to it. No. We all know that the concept of robotic aliens isnt particularly
novel. This is just a sci-f that showcases the ability of Nigerian CGI designers.
Notably, there were some unacceptable things in the short flm (we see cars in
fames without burning) but whatever error this work has is pardonable con-
sidering that there was no budget.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
Title: The Number One Fan
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Moses Inwang
Year: 2014
Pretty faces, beautiful sets, celeb-
rity razzmatazz and funny ac-
cents characterise Juliet Ibrahims
debut production The Number
One Fan. Add poor acting, av-
erage directing, inconsistent lighting choices and hilarity to the mix and you
have pretty much summed up the whole movie. Ayo Makun aka Ay does not
do much too help than make a joke of his character as a police detective and
invariably, the movie. An emergency back story is introduced to bring the flm
to an end leaving some of the major issues unresolved. A mix of melodramatic
and comedic moments, unfortunately, did not make for exciting viewing.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: Make a Move
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Genesis Williams
Year: 2014
AMBO winner Ivie Okujaiyes de-
but as a producer Make a Move
was met with very high expecta-
tions. Unfortunately, the movie
disappoints with its averagely choreographed sequences, script loopholes
and unconvincing acting by most of the cast which make Ivie and Tina Mba
look like theyre trying too hard. Tuface and Omawumi dont really do more
than just make an appearance which requires them to be themselves. The
lighting, set design and costume could have done with some improvement.
On a positive note though, the movie makes a case against domestic abuse.
For Ivie, its one step forward, two steps back.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
24
Title: Darkside
Genre: Feature Film
Director: Bayo Alawiye
Year: 2013
Darkside from the stables of Alawiye productions is a story of be-
trayal, greed and desperation. Bankole Daniels is a self acclaimed
billionaire, who doesnt really care about the people around him.
After a run-in with a blind man who has premonition tendencies,
his life takes a turn for the better. Bayo Alawiye plays Bankole Dan-
iels, a hard boss that elicits more fear from his staff than loyalty. He
works hard and doesnt have enough time for his wife or notices
her craving for a life without him. He looses his sight in an unfore-
seen accident and the true nature of his wife and that of his friend
comes to bare. Bayos performance as a hard worker, horrid boss
and distant husband is weak and in dire
need of training, an acting coach or
better still, a performance enhancer. He
lacks the grooming as well as cockiness
that comes with being a rich billionaire
businessman. As far as being blind is
concerned, it was quiet easy for Bayo
to adapt to being blind, Im not asking
for the whole process he went through
when he became blind but for some-
one who grew up with his sight, it was
so easy for him to adapt to not seeing
at all and his excitement on being able
to see was so overwhelming that I ac-
tually missed it.

Deola played by Slyvia Udeogu, was
the butt of all the jokes cracked while
watching the movie. She seemed more
anxious to make out with Kayode
played by Joseph Benjamin than give
us a performance to write about. Easily
coerced and determined to see the end
of her husband made her predictable, what I didnt predict though
was her grammar. There were obvious sentences that even in read-
ing, it just wont sit right in ones head, but hey! I thought to blame
it on her roles in Yoruba flms, as direct translation from English to
Yoruba might sound right to anyone, but alas, she isnt a popular
Yoruba actress, so maybe, the blame goes to the scriptwriter, right?
As for Kayode, Deolas lover and Bankoles friend played by Joseph
Benjamin as well as Sheila played by Uru Eke, they both performed
averagely. Josephs roles have become mundane and monotonous;
I believe he can play being a two-timing lover in his sleep. He gave
nothing to his character except his foolishness and bowing to the
every whim of being a lover to his friends wife. Uru on the other
hand maintained her composure and did as she was instructed. She
seemed all put together and manipulative that it became clear fast
that she was pulled in to be a distraction in the plot of the produc-
tion. On his second role, which is the directorial one, Bayo wasnt
too shabby. From fndings, Bayo is the director be-
hind popular hit TV franchise Who Wants to be a
Millionaire and a few other reality series. Although,
its one thing to direct a reality series and another
one to direct a feature flm, I give him kudos for
the use of those cameras used in cars, as we saw
all actors in the vehicle at once as against the cam-
era man having the Herculean task of ensuring all
characters are in one shot. There was no other out-
standing camera angles or those shots that wowed
one, but there is promise in Mr Alawiyes sojourn
and we want to believe it will only get better. As
it relates to the script, I must commend Tijani as
there was a hint of suspense that made one stay
on to watch till the very last scene, however, with
all plans or in this case script, there is need for
powerful execution/acting to make it stand out.

The movie title Darkside, gave this suspense-thrill-
er feeling like some character would head towards
a bad bend, fall off a very high cliff or just hit a
horrid streak just like Keanu Reeves in the 1997
movie, Devils Advocate although nothing of the
sort happened in this production.
- EFETURI DOGHUDJE
25

The movie title Darkside, gave this suspense-thriller feeling like some character
would head towards a bad bend, fall off a very high cliff or just hit a horrid streak
just like Keanu Reeves in the 1997 movie, Devils Advocate although nothing of the sort
happened in this production.
R E V I E W S
26
CREATIVE BEGINNINGS
I attended Maryhill Convent School, Idi-Ape and it was really an
enabling environment with green lawns, hedges, trees, quaint build-
ings and a convent. They also took us out on excursion during the
holidays and we were always encouraged to learn something new
and they encouraged us to read. All these develop your imagination
as a child. At Federal Government Girls College,Benin City, I learnt
about other cultures and people as we always had cultural festivals
and interacted with other students from all over Nigeria. I studied
General Art for my National Diploma at the Ibadan Polytechnic and
specialised in Painting at the Yaba College of Technology.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
Extremely! My mother comes from a lineage of creative women and
she was no different. She knew we loved cartoons in the newspa-
pers, so, she encouraged us to always cut out our favourite car-
toons and make scrapbooks of them. My father was great at story-
telling, loved music and liked to sing. He was actually in our church
choir with my youngest sister before he passed away.
ROLE MODELS
Internationally I like Kaiser Karl Lagerfelds work at Chanel and
Fendi, Miuccia Prada at Prada and Miu Miu, Consuelo Castigloni
at Marni, bad boys Marc Jacobs and John Galliano and Dries Van
Noten.
BREAKING INTO NOLLYWOOD
I completely hated the whole Nollywood thing with shoddy pro-
ductions and all that especially as I knew they could do much bet-
ter. I started by going for a conference on Nollywood organised by
the School of Media and Communication of the Pan Atlantic Uni-
versity some years ago and then I started getting invitations to the
monthly flmmakers forum. It was when attending one of such I had
the opportunity of meeting Tunde Kelani in person and I told him
that I was a fan of his work and would love to be involved in his
next project if the opportunity arises. Watching classics like Sound
of Music, My Fair Lady and Pride and Prejudice and recently, Devil
Wears Prada, I dreamt of working as a costumier on the flm set of
a great production. When I sent him an email and he asked me to
come over for a meeting I didnt even know I was going to end up
being the costumier of Dazzling Mirage. I had sent him my body
of work and would have been even happy if I just dressed the lead
female but the rest as they say is history!
NOLLYWOOD INSPIRATIONS
I havent watched many so I cant say I have been so inspired but I
loved the costumes in Arugba and The Figurine.
COSTUMING THE CAST OF DAZZLING MIRAGE
It is my debut so I was hyperventilating as I wanted to put my best
foot forward. I also knew TKs style was unique as he always wants
to promote our culture which resonated with me. It wasnt an epic
so I had to fnd a way of making the clothes contemporary but at
the same time bearing stamps of our culture. The script had so
many interesting scenes that I was excited about: a fashion show,
a traditional Yoruba wedding scene, Yoruba naming ceremony and
many others. All these kept me turbo charged as it was quite a rich
story.
CREATIVITY WEDS BUDGET
Hmm...the marriage was something else! The only thing I didnt do
was to steal! TK told me his budget which was very reasonable but I
really wanted to go to town plus the scriptwriter was on a roll!
The frst draft had the female lead character having like forty ward-
robe changes and this isnt Devil wears Prada o! I was happy when
it was reviewed. I loaned some of the clothes from some of my
designer friends and also bought from them, begged for some
and made some of the clothes and special accessories from my
Beampeh label. There is a Kenyan designer friend whose jewellery I
also used. I bought clothes and some accessories from high street
stores as well.
MEMORABLE ON SET MOMENTS
The frst day on set, after we wrapped up, I asked TK how the
clothes fared and then I get an affectionate pat on my shorn head.
He said, Very nice Bimpe! It was really encouraging and motivat-
ing. Another memorable experience was when a door fell on my
leg while we were flming in Abeokuta. Although it didnt break
which I thank God for, I was in great pain but I was so well cared for
by everyone that it was tear inducing.
ALL WORK AND SOME PLAY
Camping at La Campaigne Tropicana Resort was work and great
fun as I love nature and beaches.The owner of the resort threw a
party for us in TKs honour and there was a commemorative bonfre
which many people danced round. It was the day we also reached
the 100th slate which TK called the Palmwine slate instead of the
usual Champagne slate and so it was really memorable. Also, a
night club scene that was flmed had Sean Tizzle perform live.
SNEAK PREVIEW
Expect a world class production done with a modest budget with
memorable everything! Its a love story centred around sickle cell.
Its a human story that we can all relate to and its likely to be a tear
jerker, so people, get your Kleenex handy. You will also smile and
laugh as its not all sorrow and tears. I cant wait to see the movie
myself!
CURRENT PROJECTS
Working on my Beampeh label and a forthcoming exhibition. I am
looking forward to costuming a music video of cerebral quality with
a touch of our culture. I would also like to work on a stage produc-
tion with a great story.
CHANGING NOLLYWOOD
It will be great if there is better funding and I would love to see
piracy eradicated like small pox!
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ADEBIMPE ADEBAMBO
TALENT ON THE RISE: ADEBIMPE ADEBAMBO
Bimpe (pictured) in between Kunle Afolayan and Kemi Lala Akindoju on the set of
Tunde Kelanis Dazzling Mirage.
INTERVIEW
A day in the life of
Anthony Monjaro
A typical day, whoa! Well, I start with my prayers for guidance
frst thing when I wake up. Then I like to listen to motivational
audio in the morning; Les Brown, Tony Robins and the late
Zig Ziglar. My favourite will have to be As A Man Thinketh by
James T. Allen. I think everyone should either read the book
or listen to the audio; it is powerful. I could listen to it ev-
eryday for weeks because every time I listen to it, it inspires
something new in me. Now depending on if I am working on
a TV/flm project, then I tend to focus on either my character
at the time and master my dialogue and scene breakdown.
If I am not working, I am busy working on the plan for my
new company that I hope to start pretty soon. I will say I am
always doing something but one or the other will be a typical
day.
STORY: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANTHONY MONJARO
Nollywood is big Marc-Andr
Schmachtel
BY OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
Afro beat, suya and sun were the three words Marc-Andre
Schmachtel, the director of Goethe-Institut Nigeria chose
to describe himself in Nigeria. But his sojourn in Nigeria
has not been only about enjoying the sun in the daytime and
eating suya at night while enjoying the groovy rhythm of afro
beat, his job in Nigeria involves promoting German culture
which sometimes, is through flm screenings.
According to Schmachtel, flm screening is an easy medium that is easily
set up and only requires the audience to react. He further adds that the
Goethe-Instituts interest in music and flm in Nigeria is a way to create
platforms which encourage inclusive dialogue. We engage the audi-
ence by translating the German culture on screen, he says. But it is not
only German culture, we always strive for a collaboration with the host
country. So we have flms from Nigerians as well as Germans screened.
For Goethe-Institut, flm screenings especially documentary have always provided opportunities to discuss issues in society. By screen-
ing Nigerian and German flms, everyone who attends has the opportunity to take a peek under the hood and discuss the two societies
individually and in comparison. People can also share skills and learn from each others work. Furthermore, Goethe-Institut is supporting
Lagos Film Society which aims to screen independent flms which might not have a chance at the box offce. The society will also serveas
an informal flmmaking forum.
Schmachtel believes Nollywood is big and wants to engage the industry, just as he has the hopes that in the nearest future there would
be an art-house which would screen independent and artistic flms. In earnest, Goethe-Institut regularly organises workshops for per-
formance artistes, flmmakers and writers. A mini ARV workshop which lasted one week was organised last year in April for eight Nol-
lywood producers. The workshop proved benefcial and intense for the participants who had to attend by 9am every day and leave by
8pm. Despite all the traffc, nobody turned up late or left early. It shows that we are defnitely flling a gap. We intend to organise anoth-
er workshop next year.
Another intiative of Goethe-Institut is the Moving Africa mobility programme. Under this programme, Goethe-Institut has proposed to
send a Nigerian flmmaker to Dakar. In addition, the organisation also hopes to introduce a quarterly cultural review magazine digital
and print. It will feature short stories, poems, intellectual content, flm reviews and music reviews with a strong focus on Nigeria. This
magazine would be targeted at readers in Lagos and Abuja primarily but the digital version will be accessible by a global audience. In
preparation for the launche, a training will be organised to put together the team who will run the magazine independently.
For this lover of egwusi and garri who has worked in Nigeria for almost four years, the endless possibilities of cultural work in Nigeria is
endearing and enjoyable enough to spur him to stay on forever. He is fascinated to see how all the different Nigerian cultures work as a
whole. He also admits a deep respect for Nigerian artistry.
Beyond the call of duty at the offce, Schmachtel enjoys reading and listening to music. He also still fnds time to go out and do a bit of
sports for recreation.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARC-ANDR SCHMACHTEL
27
INTERVIEW
28
ROW 1 (L - R) Juliet Ibrahim; Ushbebe; Sonia Ibrahim; Bryan Okwara.
ROW 2 (L -R) A.Y. Makun and presenter; Members of the cast of The Number One Fan and guests.
ROW 3 (L - R) Guest; Teni; Juliet Ibrahim, Sonia Ibrahim and guest.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MVP
Juliet Ibrahim premieres The Number One Fan in Nigeria
Ghollywood actress turned producer premiered her flm The Number One Fan at the Silverbird Galleria in
Lagos on 4 July 2014. The star studded event drew a host of celebrities as well as members of the cast and
crew. Mofe Duncan, Julius Agwu, Gbenro Ajibade, Bryan Okwara, Ushbebe, AY, Sonia Ibrahim and Enyinna
Nwigwe joined Ibrahim as she showcased her debut flm as a producer to the Nigerian audience. Ibrahim
also features as the lead actress alongside Yemi Blaq, Ay Makun, Majid Michel, Sonia Ibrahim and others.
RED CARPET
30
Sensitive skin is as much psoraisis, as it is a
triumph of the human spirit Wana Udobang
There are few people in this world
who are comfortable with dis-
cussing their illness with the world
especially when it is a skin related
ailment. Furthermore, there are less
persons who really identify with
these stories even when they are
not theirs; identifying with them to
the extent of taking it upon them-
selves to share the stories as if the
burden has always been theirs to
bear. Wana Udobang popularly
known as Wana Wana is one of
such persons who take it upon
themselves to enlighten the world on affictions that affect others
and the love needed by the afficted.
Wana Wana is a broadcaster, writer, poet, culture curator, amaz-
ing cook and all round jolly person who decided to venture into
flmmaking with a documentary on psoriasis. The push came when
she watched Restrepo by the late Tim Hitherington and Sebastian
Junger. She was inspired by the intimacy of the story and the fact
that it doesnt just follow the politics of war but the lives of the
soldiers involved. Having an affnity for human interest stories, she
contacted Glory, a friend of hers who had psoriasis and discussed
the possibility of telling her story.
Wana Wanas experience as a journalist guided the production from
conception in February 2014 to completion in July 2014. In the
university, she majored in audio documentary production and had
always tilted towards human interest stories, sound art and exper-
imental audio. Wana Wana, who considers interviewing people as
one of her favourite things drove the storytelling in the documen-
tary while Jay Franklyn Jituboh brought his professional and tech-
nical skills as a flmmaker. Her desire not to make the documentary
just another awareness video, but rather build the story around the
prism of friendship made subjective story telling acceptable to her.
Along with the help of Jituboh, the treatment of story was written
with a participatory observer type situation going on so as to cre-
ate a deeper emotional connection. She, however, admits leaving
most of the technical decisions to Jituboh in terms of visual direc-
tion and editing.
The story which was born out of her belief that everyone has an
important story to tell if we are patient and intuitive enough to fnd
the heart and connect with the humanity in their stories was self
funded by the persons involved. Wana Wana wrote and produced
while Jituboh shot, directed and edited. Only sound was paid for
with Glory coming in as a generous willing subject.
Wana Wanas vision for the project was to create the awareness
that not all skin conditions are caused by dirt, neither are they all
contagious. She set out to inspire people living with whatever type
of condition or even insecurity to live their lives and push bound-
aries despite what the world thinks or how they are conceived.
She blames this on huge ignorance and the almost none existent
awareness about psoriasis and other autoimmune and skin condi-
tions.
Since the release of the documentary, people with lupus, poly-
myostisis, eczema, acute dermatitis, and vitiligo, have opened up
to Wana Wana on how diffcult it has been to deal with unsavoury
comments, awkward stares and the excessive prescriptions they are
given (even when some of the people who recommend do so in
good faith). When asked of the response received from the doc-
umentary, she said, It has been overwhelming, I have even cried
because people have shared their experiences and limitations living
with other medical conditions.
Wana Wana also expressed deep felt feelings for persons whose
personalities have been altered by things like this. This, she
claimed, is heart-breaking. She went on to explain that the change
in personality is because you are constantly teased and bullied
and it beats every ounce of self-confdence out of you. She added
that someone asked her why she didnt make the documentary ten
years earlier. For this documentary fllmaker, Sensitive skin, is as
much about psoriasis as it is a triumph of the human spirit. I also
hope it is the beginning of more research into other kinds or ill-
nesses and hopefully fnding a cure someday.
For Wana Wana, the next step in her new found career as a docu-
mentary maker is the shooting of another documentary that will
focus on grief. This will precede a series of experimental shorts to
be released online called Room 313. She is also writing a short flm
at the moment as well but intends to take it one project at a time
as she still has her hands full with radio, blogging, art promotion,
poetry and doesnt want to collapse from being overworked.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTO: COURTESY OF WANA UDOBANG
Super heroes are the closest thing people have to gods like
those in folklores and stories of ancient Obas Nosa Igbinedion
As a child, Nosa Igbinedion enjoyed listening to stories of African
gods and watching super heroes on screen. Over time, he saw
a matrimonial bed for both. Myriad questions fooded his mind.
What is the difference between Sango and Thor? What makes it
possible for the Western world to have super heroes while Africans
doesnt? And why cant we have ours? With these questions beg-
ging for answers, Igbinedion set out to make an African super hero
flm titled Oya: The Rise of the Orisha.
Igbinedion started writing scripts as a child which ultimately led
him to a career in flmmaking. Shortly after graduationg from uni-
versity, his flm won the best short flm at the 2009 BFM awards.
Since then, he has produced music videos which have been broad-
cast nationally in the UK on major channels. He does admit that
producing short flms has helped him to build up his skills and
brand as a flmmaker.
Tired of just making flms for the the audience, Igbinedion decided
to make a flm for himself; one that would unite his love for Nigeri-
an folklore with the magical powers of a super hero. And that was
how Oya: The Rise of the Orisha was birthed. The short flm has
already enjoyed good reviews and viewership. It screened at the
Matatu Film Festival and its trailer already has over one hundred
thousand views. The aim of the short flm is to help create aware-
ness about the project and raise funds for the feature length flm,
explains Igbinedion. In addition, we also hope to produce a web
and TV series to raise the profle of Oya: The Rise of the Orisha. So
far, so good, the response and feedback have been amazing. Var-
ious actors have already showed the willingness to feature in the
flm that would cost north of 500,000. The fnance for the short
flm which cost 5,000 was raised through crowdsourcing. The
success of the short flm is further proof that thereis an audience
for superhero movies in Nigeria.All things being equal, Igbinedion
hopes to begin pre-production by this August/September while
shooting will commence by March 2015. The movie should be
ready by December 2015, says an excited Igbinedion.
Speaking about his inspiration, this flmmaker credits oral story
telling. Stories of gods and ancient Obas I
heard as a child. He believes that young
people will be able to relate to it. He adds,
Super heroes are the closest thing people
have today to gods like those in the folk-
lores and stories of ancient Obas.
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NOSA
IGBINEDION
FILMMAKERS INTERVIEW
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Nigerian books we would love to see on the big screen
BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
32
TITLE: Joys of Motherhood
AUTHOR: Buchi Emecheta
PUBLISHER: Allison & Busby
Now, who wouldnt want
to see a movie about the
Joys of Motherhood, or
rather the ironical lack of
joy in motherhood?
Buchi Emechetas novel
has been described as a
semi autobiography of
the writers life, but be
that true or not, the book
stands as one of the
most moving and cathar-
tic books ever written by
a Nigerian. Do you want
your audience to identify
with and feel the pain of
your protagonist? Then
flm Joys of Motherhood.
The story telling is terrifc
and the characters are
the everyday persons we
see around us dealing
with the issues of life.
TITLE: Things Fall Apart, No
Longer at Ease and Arrow of God
AUTHOR: Chinua Achebe
PUBLISHER: Heinemann
Things Fall Apart along
with No Longer at Ease
and Arrow of God has all
the markings of a great
movie trilogy. Written by
one of Africas brightest
minds, Things Fall Apart
is also on the list of top
50 books of all time. The
main reason this would
be lovely as a movie
especially a trilogy is to
see how improved the
treatment of the story of
Things Fall Apart would
be from the frst time it
was flmed for TV (Pete
Edochie was outstanding
in that anyway) and also
to see how our flmmak-
ers will make the con-
nection between all three
books.
TITLE: Secret Lives of Baba
Segis Wives
AUTHOR: Lola Soneyin
PUBLISHER: Cassava Republic
Lola Shoneyin is one
writer who threw all
cautions to the wind and
wrote a very sensational
book that treats amongst
others the theme of
lesbianism. Secret Lives
of Baba Segis Wives
properly describes the
new age of Nigerian
writers; an age where the
uncomfortable is com-
fortable and no limits
are placed. Nothing is
too sacred. An age of
immense enlightenment
and fearless confronta-
tion of seldom discussed
societal ills. It is only ap-
propriate that Nollywood
fows seamlessly into
this age with Shoneyins
masterpiece.
TITLE: Waiting for an Angel
AUTHOR: Helon Habila
PUBLISHER: Cassava Republic
Do you remember Quen-
tin Tarrantinos Pulp
Fiction? Well, in Waiting
for an Angel, we have
the Nigerian match. The
scene progression would
be interesting to watch
and the monologues
would also be captivat-
ing. Habilas approach
to the book is one that I
fnd extremely amazing
and the fusion of fction
and facts (faction) should
play out well on the
screen. Yes, it would also
serve as a bit of history
lesson for some. All your
favourite themes are
treated here. Expect mil-
itary brutality and love
as a tool of redemption
with Nigerian favour.
TITLE: Farad
AUTHOR: Emmanuel Iduma
PUBLISHER: Parresia
Reading Farad was like
watching images foat
across my face from the
details to the stories. The
insightfulness and the
cluelessness of the char-
acters in the book was so
beautifully merged that
it passes a basic message
of life across to readers.
More often than not,
writers burden a single
character with all the an-
swers to the mysteries of
their work, but Emmanu-
el Iduma did not have to
do this rather he allowed
the electricity of the frst
story run through the
whole book while seem-
ingly making everything
look separate from each
other.
Xolile Tshabalala unveiled as Goodwill Ambassador of the 2014 Africa International Film Festival
South African actress and natural hair beauty advocate, Xolile Tshabalala has been un-
veiled as the Goodwill Ambassador of the 4th edition of the Africa International Film
Festival (AFRIFF). The star of Mnets Jacobs Cross and SABC1s soap, Generation, along-
side Nollywood actress Rita Dominic, will be the ambassadors for the festival.
When Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, called me, I had no choice but to jump at
the offer-perhaps, it is also because its woman power. Yes, the festival is being run by an
amazing woman. So, I feel excited about an opportunity for me to share my experience
and belief about the beauty of Africa. More importantly, I am excited because it will also
offer the opportunity to show that AFRIFF has demonstrated that she can hold a flm
festival equal to internationally acclaimed festivals, she said.
Tshabalala met with the AFRIFF team during the 2014 Durban International Film Festival
(DIFF), where she held talks with the Project Director, Afe Braimoh and the Artistic Di-
rector, Keith Shiri. The actress, whose short flm, Through Her Eyes, screened at DIFF, was
excited to join the team, having been eager to lend her voice to projects that promote
Africa.
Im very excited as an artiste and as a female flmmaker. Also, as an African, I am so
happy about anything that brings Africa together and puts us on the world map. Im
overwhelmed with joy for being a part of the AFRIFF team, she said to reporters at the
festival.
The 4th edition of AFRIFF will run from November 9 to 1+6 at the popular Tinapa Busi-
ness Resort in Calabar, Cross River State. The event will feature daily flm screenings,
workshops, master classes, exhibitions, flm premieres, glamorous opening and closing ceremonies. It will round off with an award night
that will celebrate winning flm entries as well as their cast and crew.
- OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
33
FESTIVAL NEWS
=REVIEWS
.
ARTICLES
.
PICTURES
INTERVIEWS
.
LISTINGS
.
NEWS
COMPETITIONS
.
FEATURES
CARTOON
.
CELBERATIONS
NOLLYWOOD
Read Nolly Silver Screen magaine
www.nollysilverscreen.com
www.scribd.com/nollysilverscreen
www.issuu.com/nollysilverscreen
Single Married and
Complicated
Opens 1 August 2014
--------------------------------
Half of A Yellow Sun
Opens 1 August 2014
--------------------------------
Blind Promises
Opens 22 August 2014
Potomanto, which won Shirley Frimpong-Man-
so the 2014 AMAA for Achievement in Editing is
now available on DVD. The movie features the
legendary Olu Jacobs, alongside Yvonne Okoro,
AdjeteyAnang, Marie Humbert, Mikki Osei-Berko
and many more. Angry about being cheated on, ex
police offcer Adane sets out to take his pound of
fesh when he employs his skills to catching wom-
en who cheat on their men.
The star studded Elvis Chucks fick, Honeymoon
Hotel which premiered in cinemas on Valentines
Day this year has now been released on DVD.
Featuring actors from Nigeria, Ghana and South
Africa, the movie revolves around the story of a
couple who face multiple challenges on their way
to matrimony. Hlomla Dandala, Martha Ankomah,
Xolile Tshabalala, Beverly Naya and Vanentia Otto
star in the movie.
34

IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS AUGUST

OUT ON DVD
LISTINGS
35
EVENTS
NEW OMO FAST
ACTION TRADE
LAUNCH
Nollywood
actress, Ronke
Ojo, fanked by
Unilever team
during the
market activation
READY TO GO
...but still time
for a goup
picture,,,
PARTY TIME!
Music, danc-
ing and OMO
fun!
Nollywood stars storm Lagos market for new OMO Fast Action detergent activation
Nollywood stars lent their support to the market activation of the new OMO Fast Action Detergent which took place on 17 July 2014.
Among the stars were Ronke Oke, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Afonja Olaniyi (Sanyeri), Mercy Aigbe, Muyiwa Ademola and
Fausat Balogun.
One of the Nollywood celebrities present, Muyiwa Ademola said, No other detergent removes stains faster than New OMO Fast Ac-
tion detergent.
The stars who were dressed in the traditional colours of the OMO brand red, blue and white, took part in the trade launch where the
new product was unveiled to retailers in the open market.
Speaking during an interactive session with one of the consumers in the market, Abiodun Akingbade said, Ive been using OMO de-
tergent for so long, and it has never disappointed me. Now with the launch of this New OMO Fast Action that is promising improved
wash experience, I will defnitely use it more and more.
- EBUNOLUWA MORDI
36
FEATURE
Nollywood needs a more focused leadership
We need to have a more focused, more responsive, more reactive lead-
ership in Nollywood. This was stated by the popular actor, Kanayo O.
Kanayo (KOK), while speaking at the July edition of the Filmmakers Forum
of the Nollywood Studies Centre of the School of Media and Communi-
cation. The session which was centred on reviewing the actors years in
Nollywood, was titled From Living in Bondage to Apaye: 22 Years of Plying
the Thespians Trade.
KOK took members of the audience down history lane as he spoke about
the development of the industry. In responding to a question on leader-
ship in the Nigerian flm industry, he decried the lack of trust and togeth-
erness in the industry today. Looking back to the early days of the indus-
try, he agreed that there was no leadership, but there was love. People
trusted each other then, he said. However, mistrust crept in, lack of con-
fdence a whole lot of stuff, such that people tend to be more focused
on looking for a means of gaining for themselves and not for the industry.
He went on to add that collaboration and partnerships are the only way
to overcome this, but there needs to be a return to the camaraderie that
existed in the early years of the industry.
KOK spoke about those early years and his entry into what were the beginnings of the industry. Were we jobless before 1992? he
asked rhetorically. Not at all, he added, explaining that he and the other early entrants into the then budding Nollywood had already
spent quite a few years working in television productions such as Ripples and Checkmate. According to KOK, he began working with the
television in 1982. His frst role came in 1984 when he appeared on New Masquerade. This was followed by many other opportunities
that opened to him during his television years and which he made the most of.
The subsequent move to video flm came as a natural transition. The move was not seen as anything big. It was just in the normal
line of things. However, Living in Bondage opened the vistas of opportunities. Before then, there was nothing to be talked about. He
narrated that the selling point, which captured the audiences attention, was to put on screen the kind of story people had always heard
about but never seen. People had always heard of human ritual sacrifces and secret societies, but Living in Bondage was the frst time
that it was being put on screen in that way. The fact that the language of the flm was also in good Igbo dialect was an added clincher.
That flm, KOK stated, established at that time some of the elements of what a good flm set up should be. He went on to salute the
enterprise of the private citizens who got involved fnancially, without fully understanding the flm business. The traders that provided
the funds that facilitated flm production, he said, should be commended. They were quick to provide the money and showed a lot of
trust in the flmmakers. Unfortunately, some of the flmmakers, taking advantage of the trust imposed in them by the traders/producers
and their ignorance of flmmaking issues, eventually began to dupe them. This led to the advent of the flmmaking marketer because, to
avoid being cheated, they went into flmmaking on their own account.
KOK then spoke about some of the key
stages in the growth of Nollywood. Some
of the notable moments he spoke about
include the rise of the guilds (as from
1999) and the recess that was declared in
the industry in 2002. He also spoke about
the problems of creating the structures
and sub-structures that the industry re-
quires for its development. He noted, how-
ever, that the resolution of such problems
lies with the private sector and not with
the government. He criticised the excessive
dalliance that practitioners of the industry
were tending towards with the govern-
ment. If Nollywood must survive, it must
get out of government business! What
the industry requires from government,
he said, is not welfare packages handed
out to delegations but access access to
locations, equipment, uniforms, etc., to
facilitate shoots.
With reference to the diffculties the flm-
maker faces in getting funding from
fnancial institutions, he stressed that, The
industry must be built. It is very important.
We need to localise or indigenise the col-
lateral thing for movie making. It is a real
challenge, he said, to ask flmmakers to
provide collateral in the form of buildings
because they do not possess such proper-
ties.
The Forum ended with a cocktail during
which members of the audience were able
to interact on a one-on-one basis with
KOK.
STORY: IKECHUKWU OBIAYA FOR THE
NOLLYWOOD STUDIES CENTRE
PHOTO: EMMANUEL PAUL
38
AWARD NEWS
AMBO winner, Bayray McNwizu is the host of this years Best
of Nollywood Awards (BON) nominations party scheduled to
hold on 1 August 2014 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to McNwizu,I am excited about my choice as host
of the nominees unveil because the BON Awards has grown
to become one of Nigerias biggest awards ceremonies for
practitioners in the movie industry and it is a great honour to
be singled out as anchor for one of the most important days
in the annual calendar of Nollywood.
The executive producer of BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, re-
vealed that the event would be broadcast live on select ter-
restrial television stations. He said, We are happy to
announce that after several months of screening, our
screeners committee have fnished a critical part of their
work. So, on 1st of August, we shall unveil to the world which
movies and moviemakers, stars and stakeholders have
outdone their contemporaries in the year under review.
The nominees unveil, a wholly media event, Oloketuyi said
would have as special guest of honour, the First Lady of
Rivers State, Lady Judith Amaechi, and she would be joined
by Niran Adedokun, Chairman of the Jury of the BON
Awards, to announce the nominees.
Speaking on the choice of the hosts for the 2014 BON
Awards which comes up on the 4th of October in Port Har-
court, Rivers State, Oloketuyi said, I can conveniently tell
you is that we have an exciting and multitalented pair that
transcends different audiences and expectations. Important-
ly, we have chosen a pair that would give us a great awards
night.
- EBUNOLUWA MORDI
Omoni Obolis directorial
debut, Being Mrs Elliot,
which was the opening
flm at the 2014 Nolly-
wood Week Paris Film
Festival has bagged 11
nominations at 2014 NAF-
CA (African Oscars). The
annual event which is now
in its fourth year will take
place in California, USA.
Speaking on her nomina-
tion, Oboli said, Getting
11 nominations at the
NAFCA is a big boost
because it is my frst
movie. Perhaps, my New
York Film Academy educa-
tion is paying off. It goes
to show that people are
aware of what we do and
appreciate us; lets hope
we come home with the
11 awards.
The categories include
Best Film, Best Drama,
Best Comedy, Best Screen-
play, Best Editing, Best
Costume, Best Actor In A
Lead Role, Best Actress In
A Lead Role, Best Actor In
A Supporting Role, Best
Actress In A Supporting
Role, and Best Director.
-EBUNOLUWA MORDI
Bayray McNwizu set to host 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards nominations party
Being Mrs Elliot bags
11 nominations at 2014
NAFCA

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