Nolly silver screen issue 03 by Nolly Silver Screen

Nolly Silver Screen TOPE TEDELA ISSUE 03 APRIL 2014

Nollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next big thing

DUAL IDENTITY 10 Nollywood actors who call the shots

2014 AMVCAs:

Nollwood Awards

Write & Wa tiinckets

Cinem Ds V D d o Nollywo r e p m a h Gift

The Contract, Nairobi Half Life win big

Nollywood: A house divided?

Asaba Homevideo vs Nollywood Cinema

EDITOR’S NOTE

www.nollysilverscreen.com

REVIEWS NEWS

he 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards have finally come and gone. It was indeed a great experience seeing African filmmakers recognised (p. 12) and the red carpet was a sight to behold (p. 13). This month is the turn of the Africa Movie Academy Awards which will be celebrating its tenth year anniversary. We cannot wait to see what the organisers have in store. Our cover boy, Tope Tedela was a joy to speak with (p.7). The young man is

humble, unassuming and grounded. He will go very far. We also have interviews with Kehinde Bankole (p. 9), Alexx Ekubo (p. 12) and Nzeribe ‘Sambasa’ Chiedozie (p. 14). The much talked about Half of a Yellow Sun will be showing in cinemas across Nigeria this month (p. 10). The big question is: How well will it do at the box office? Enjoy Isabella Akinseye @iakinseye

COMPETITIONS

INTERVIEWS

GHOLLYWOOD

AWARDS

RED CARPET

CINEMA LISTINGS

ARTICLES

PHOTO: ODUTAYO ODUSANYA

SHORT FILMS WEB SERIES AUDITIONS

FESTIVALS DOCUMENTARIES

THEATRE

SOME OF THIS EDITION’S CONTRIBUTORS

Agina Eberechukwu Gloria is a graduate

of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is a freelancer and contributes entertainment stories for The Nigerian Telegraph. Check out her piece ‘Nollywood: A house divided?’ (p. 10).

What she loves most about Nollywood is that so far the movies have remained original in their stories/content.

Follow @aginaebere

Wilfred Okiche

believes in God, medicine, music and movies. A medical doctor, occasional writer, columnist and profiler. He profiles 10 Nollywood actors who call the shots (p. 3) and compiles a top 5 list of Nollywood awards (p. 12). What he loves most about Nollywood is the fact that it’s home grown, resilient and determined to succeed despite the odds.

Follow @drwill20

Gbolahan

Adams Oluwaponmile Innocent Ekejuiba is an alumnus of Obafemi Orija is studying Food

runs his own media company where he has handled numerous projects for different clients over the years. He sees himself venturing into animation, developing his comic brands and staging an exhibition. View his cartoon strip ‘Rollicking Nollies’ (p. 4) and his illustration for ‘Nollywood: A house divided?’ (p. 10). What he loves most about Nollywood is the actors.

Follow @gadamsyn

Science and Technology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. She loves writing and has published several works in the newspapers. She interviews people for the Vox Pop section (p. 4) and reviews Mother Tongue (p. 11).

What she loves most about Nollywood is the Nigerian culture displayed such as the clothing and language.

Follow @ o_ponmile

Awolowo University. He is the Deputy Editor of Nolly Silver Screen (the website and the magazine). An avid blogger and budding graphics designer, he reviews Blind Aspiration, a shortlisted documentary at the 2014 Afrinolly Awards (p. 11). What he loves most about Nollywood is the fact it is the second largest producer of movies by quantity.

Follow @Prince_ice

Write ‘n’ win

CONTENTS April 2014 FEATURES

3 DUAL IDENTITY: 10 NOLLYWOOD ACTORS WHO CALL THE SHOTS 10 NOLLYWOOD: A HOUSE DIVIDED? 12 TOP 5 NOLLYWOOD AWARDS

13 INTERVIEWS

7 TOPE TEDELA: NOLLYWOOD’S NEXT BIG THING 9 Q & A WITH KEHINDE BANKOLE 12 UP, CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ALEXX EKUBO 14 TALENT ON THE RISE: NZERIBE ‘SAMBASA’ CHIEDOZIE

t you have Write to us about wha and stand a enjoyed in this edition lous prizes. chance of winning fabu giving out 2 This month, we will be w’s fit4life DVD. copies of Kate Hensha cinema tickets Also, up for grabs are ovie in Nigeria to see a Nollywood m and a gift hamper. rscreen.com Email: info@nollysilve l media Get in touch via socia lysilverscreen www.facebook.com/nol llysilverscreen www.google.com/+no rscreen www.twitter.com/nsilve ollysilverscreen www.instagram.com/n

READERS’ CORNER !

Great job. Well done Joy Isi Bewaji

COMPETITION 2 FREE GIVEAWAYS

Just checked out your magazine; very impressed with the obvious hard work you are putting into what is a high quality product; deserves to be read by all industry aficionados. Keep it up! Desmond Ovbiagele

REGULARS

1 EDITOR’S NOTE 1 CONTRIBUTORS’ BIOS 2 READERS’ CORNER 4 CELEBRATIONS THIS MONTH 6 ON SET 10 NEWS 11 REVIEWS 13 RED CARPET 14 DVD RELEASES

I saw your review of

Finding Mercy. Good job! John Edeh

6 EXTRAS

4 VOX POP 4 WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS 9 NOLLY POP QUIZ

NOLLY SILVER SCREEN TEAM PUBLISHER Quill and Scroll Creatives EDITOR Isabella Akinseye DEPUTY EDITOR Innocent Ekejuiba GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Isabella Akinseye

CONTRIBUTORS Gbolahan Adams Agina Eberechukwu Wilfred Okiche Oluwaponmile Orija EDITORIAL BOARD Temitayo Amogunla Bola Atta Bola Audu Toni Kan

Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine of www.nollysilverscreen.com Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.

You can now read your favourite magazine Nolly Silver Screen on issuu.com/nollysilverscreen

s r o t c a d o o w y ll o N DUAL IDENTITY: 10 who call the shoBtYsWILFRED OKICHE Some of our favourite Nollywood actors have not been content with gracing television screens across the continent. They have gone steps further to call the shots from behind the screens – as producers or directors or both. Here are 10 of our favourites.

KUNLE AFOLAYAN

RUKKY SANDA

YVONNE OKORO

Afolayan is one of the most important directors working today. His first crossover success was the future classic Figurine which he also co-starred in and he followed up with Phone Swap. He finds time to star in other carefully reviewed productions and will be seen next in Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage as well as his own October 1 – a period piece set in 1960.

Ms. Okoro was a reasonably successful actress when she decided to produce her first film. She settled on a decent script and hired director Shirley Frimpong-Manso to give life to her dreams. The result, The Contract in which she co-starred alongside South Africa’s Hlomla Dandala and Nigeria’s Joseph Benjamin won Best picture at this year’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Granted Rukky Sanda isn’t much of an actress but she is one heck of a smart lady. After finding it difficult getting work in front of the screen, she took charge of her career and began to write, produce and direct her own films. A lot of them aren’t much to look at but at least she is making an effort. She made the leap to the theatres last year with Keeping My Man and followed with the awful Gold Diggin.

DESMOND ELLIOT

The fresh faced father of 4 started out on the small screen in programmes like Everyday People and Saints and Sinners. He soon made the switch to the big screen and has starred in over 200 films. After many fulfilling years, Elliott turned to directing films and eventually set up his Denziott studios. He co-directed the Emem Isong produced Reloaded before going solo with films like In the Cupboard, Weekend Getaway and Finding Mercy.

RITA DOMINIC

Everyone loves Rita Dominic now but she took a conscious decision to reinvent herself after the good roles sorta dried up. She created The Audrey Silva Company and together with partner Mildred Okwo, carefully picked out their first project The Meeting which was well received by audiences and critics. Dominic has an upcoming televison series as well as a feature film lined up in the nearest future.

Mrs. Linus may pick and choose her scripts these days but time was when she was one of the most prolific actresses in Nollywood, moving from location to location. She reignited the cinema culture with her student film Through the Glass which she starred in, wrote, produced and directed and after cashing out smartly, took her sweet time before her next project Dry. In between, she took a small role in last year’s Doctor Bello.

FRED AMATA

UCHE JOMBO RODRIGUEZ

ERNEST OBI

YVONNE NELSON

The Amata family has produced a number of thespians (Zack, Ruke, Jeta) but Fred Amata makes this list because he has been able to juggle being a movie star, stage actor, producer and director without breaking a sweat. In another lifetime, he directed the music video to the King Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu classic ‘Wait For Me’ long before hitting his stride in the action thriller Anini and the Eco-bank sponsored rom-com Letters to a Stranger.

The scream queen is also a prolific screenwriter and has worked on over 30 screenplays in her long and chequered career. After reviving her onscreen career, Mrs. Rodriguez decided to do some production work and set up her own studios, churning out titles like Lies Men Tell and Mrs Somebody. Her Damage trio of advocacy films (there is a final one in the works) have not quite caught on with the critics but she remains undaunted.

The former chairman of the Lagos State chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) was among the earliest Nollywood screen stars to make the move to directing following his need to be challenged. Some of his credits include The Seed, Daytime Lovers, Drop of Blood and Idemili.

STEPHANIE LINUS

Ghana’s favourite bikini body took the production plunge with 2012’s Single & Married and its success ensured she came back with last year’s messy House of Gold. In between all those bikini photo shoots, she finds the time to star in films produced by Rukky Sanda and directed by Frank Rajah-Arase.

PHOTO CREDITS TOP (L - R) Nairaland; Bella Naija; Daily Independent; Bella Naija; Facebook BOTTOM (L-R) Bella Naija; Gist Mania; YNaija; Vanguard; Nairaland

VOX POP

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS “Nothing good comes easy as they say, so once you’re aware that the challenges will come it’s left to your will and desire to take you across those hurdles.” UDOKA OYEKA, Nollywood director

What book would you like to see adapted on the big screen? Cruel Passion by Dayo Oladele Ilori TOLU OLULADE

The Winner by David Baldacci DAMILARE OSO

Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra OLAMIDE RAFIU

should all “I think as producers, we can shape the start making movies that ve a duty to ha e W . ns ia er ig N of ds in m to think that this nation. I will also like as rivals, the the less we see ourselves better for the industry.” JUMAFOR AJOGWU, Nollywood producer

Maximum Ride by James Patterson TOLULOPE ADEWUNMI Baker’s Boy by J.V. Jones ADA UWALAKA

Runaway Jury by John Grisham SEYON HUNDEYIN You Found Me by Iredele Taiwo SADE ADEYEMI

BY OLUWAPONMILE ORIJA

BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Nkiru Sylvanus

23 Ini Edo

APRIL CELEBRATIONS

27 Ufuoma Adaora Stella Ejenobor Damasus Ukoh 23

ADAPTED FROM THE AWARD WINNING NOVEL BY

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE SUPERB PERFORMANCES”

“

VARIETY

AN EPIC”

”

SCREEN DAILY

GORGEOUS, EVOCATIVE”

“

VANITY FAIR

“A

BRILLIANT DIRECTING DEBUT” HUFFINGTON POST

BAFTA WINNER

Chiwetel Ejiofor Award WINNER

onyeka onwenu

Thandie Newton AMaA AWARD WINNER

Genevieve Nnaji

AMVCA AWARD WINNER

O.C. UKEJE

Anika Noni Rose

Joseph Mawle

John Boyega

FILMONE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED PRESENT SHAREMAN MEDIA AND BFI PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH METRO INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AND KACHIFO LIMITED IN ASSOCIATION WITH LIPSYNC PRODUCTIONS LLP A SLATE FILMS PRODUCTION A FILM BY BIYI BANDELE THANDIE NEWTON CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ANIKA NONI ROSE “HALF OF A YELLOW SUN” JOSEPH MAWLE JOHN BOYEGA ONYEKA ONWENU GENEVIEVE NNAJI CASTING MAKE-UP AND COSTUME MUSIC PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF HAKEEM KAE-KAZI M DIRECTOR JINA JAY HAIR DESIGNER SHARON MARTIN DESIGNER JO KATSARAS EDITOR CHRIS GILL BY BEN ONONO AND PAUL THOMSON DESIGNER ANDREW MCALPINE PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN DE BORMAN BSC EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE BASED ON SCREENPLAY OF PRODUCTION ALAN J WANDS PRODUCER SANDRA MBANEFO OBIAGO PRODUCERS YEWANDE SADIKU MUHTAR BAKARE GAIL EGAN NORMAN MERRY PETER HAMPDEN THE NOVEL BY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE BY BIYI BANDELE PRODUCED DIRECTED BY ANDREA CALDERWOOD BY BIYI BANDELE HalfOfAYellowSunMovie

IN CINEMAS ACROSS NIGERIA APRIL 2014

PICTURES FROM THE SET OF STEPHANIE LINUS’ DRY

A L E D E T TOPE

d n a r e n n i W 2014 AMVCA g n i h T g i B t x e N s ’ d o o w y l l No YE

SE IN K A A L L E B A IS BY

When and where did you decide to take acting as a full-time career?

I toyed with the idea when I was in secondary school but I tossed it away thinking it couldn’t be done. Moving on to the university, I found myself drawn to acting with roles on Edge of Paradise, Super Story and a feature film Twisted by Niyi Towolani. All this was between 2006 and 2008. I ran away from acting again but In 2011, I decided to just focus on acting as a full-time career.

Great choice! How rewarding has the journey been so far?

Reward is relative. The joy that comes from doing what you love is priceless but the part that concerns paying bills can be a lot more better. The journey has not been smooth at all. There’ve been times of rejection, little or no pay and attending auditions with no results but through it all, I’ve continued to strive and I’m beginning to thrive (no pun intended).

What made you to star in A Mile From Home? The material. The foundation of all good films: the script! It was one of the few scripts that has really wowed me and I wanted to be a part of it.

Tell us about your character.

I portray Jude who later becomes Lala after he gets wriggled into joining a notorious gang, one in which he desperately wants out.

What are some challenges you faced in shooting the movie considering the meagre budget?

You can imagine the worst. From feeding to accommodation to transportation; it was really a nightmare at some point but we had to get the film made. All our hands were on the plough, we just couldn’t look back.

Congrats on your AMVCA win. Were you expecting it?

Not exactly. I’ve said that I really kept a neutral stance on the matter. I just did the best I could and kept my fingers crossed. I’m glad about the win, I must say.

What does the award mean to you?

It means a lot. It’s a great thing when your work is appreciated. It means younger and fresher actors are being recognised. That’s a wake up call for us to keep doing great work and never relent.

Do you feel under more pressure to deliver for the fans who voted for you?

I’m very critical of my work and that has just gone a lot more notches higher. Not in a bad way but in a good way. I’m challenged to work smarter, harder and to continue to improve myself.

What was it like acting in Diagnosis?

I’ve done more work on screen than on stage so when the opportunity came to work on stage after over two years, I was delighted. Working on the play really took me out of my comfort zone and that is something I, as an artiste seek after. Moreoever, I was working with an amazing director, the great Ifeoma Fafunwa who drilled the performance out of me; leaving me better. It was an awesome experience!

Which do you prefer: theatre or film?

Ahh! That’s a difficult question! The truth is that both media require different techniques but at the heart of both is being truthful and believable in performance.

How do you intend to further develop your craft?

Training, training and more training. I feel as an actor you should be a student of life and history via books, watching films and documentaries and so on. I try to do these.

If you could be a character in any movie, which would you play?

I know it wasn’t a film but I loved RMD’s Segun Kadiri or Russell Crowe’s John Nash or Maximus Meredius.

Who are some of the people who inspire you in the industry? I’m inspired by so many people who, in spite of the odds facing the film industry, continue to thrive.

A memorable experience on set?

I was on this set a long time ago and the director at a point threw a stool at me and it almost hit me but I narrowly escaped. That stays with me.

What is the weirdest thing a fan has given you or said to you? A lady wanted me sign an autograph somewhere I’d rather not disclose...

Hardest thing about your job is...

“THERE’VE BEEN TIMES OF REJECTION, LITTLE OR NO PAY AND ATTENDING AUDITIONS WITH NO

RESULTS BUT THROUGH IT ALL, I’VE CONTINUED

TO STRIVE AND I’M BEGINNING TO THRIVE.”

That constant dialogue asking if I’m giving a decent, believable performance. The obvious loss of privacy that comes from being in the public eye.

What was the last Nollywood movie you watched? Confusion Na Wa.

What does style mean to you?

Style is essentially comfort to me. I must be confident and comfortable in whatever.

What fashion trend are you rocking now?

I’m not much of a trend whore. The pair of jeans, tee-shirt and a pair of All Stars are eternal, on a casual level. The semi casual family of chinos, shoes, shirt and blazers/jacket ever shines, I hope.

What is your favourite accessory? Wristwatch.

If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing? Music.

What next can we expect from you?

I’m working on some projects at the moment but there’s a supernatural thriller going to be released soon titled In My Father’s House directed by Jimi Odumosu.

What words of wisdom do you have for the up and coming?

Well, there’s no hard and fast rule but be sure this is what you want to do. Work on yourself by reading and getting training. Show up. And pray!

In three words, Tope Tedela is...? Smart, hardworking and talented.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TOPE TEDELA.

Nollywood: A house divided? BY AGINA EBERECHUKWU Nollywood in its over twenty years of existence has evolved tremendously both in script and content delivery. It has also impacted and transformed global cinema by incorporating indigenous languages in telling African stories. With Living in Bondage by Kenneth Nnebue credited as the first Nollywood movie, the industry has come a long way in terms of production values. Over the years, different approaches to filmmaking have been observed in Nigeria giving rise to the question as to whether there is a division in the Nollywood industry. The homevideos popularly classified according to their location; Asaba movies, Enugu movies and Festac movies versus the new budding cinema films otherwise known as ‘New Nollywood’. Mr Osezua Igho, an actor , believes that there is no division in Nollywood but that differeneces do exist between Nollywood cinema and the Asaba movies. He noted that producers in Nollywood invest a lot of money in movie production to ensure better quality while the Asaba movies are generally shot on low budgets. “I won’t say they are not part of Nollywood but they don’t just pay attention to quality of production and script. At the end of the day, what you see is a poorly produced movie not pleasing to the eye. Such movies hardly make it to the international market because of their standard. However it is for them to take advantage of various opportunities available in production especially workshops that are open to everybody.” According to an upcoming actor Edith, who features majorly in Asaba movies, she sees them as a platform to develop her craft. “I am using here as a training ground and would like to move to Lagos later on in my career. Everybody wants to be where it is happening and when it comes to making it big in this industry, Lagos is the placeto be because of its wide range of options and opportunities.” Furthermore, the rising disparities and the need to maintain and retain power within one’s jurisdiction could be the reason for the various factions springing up in the Nigerian movie industry. Be it Asaba movies or New Nollywood, people at the helm of affairs need to unite for the industry to consolidates its success.

Has your involvement in Nollywood been financially rewarding or is it the passion that drives you? It’s definitely been rewarding What do you like most and least about the character you but nevertheless under all the circumstances I have worked play in Render to Caesar? in, the passion remains the I liked the truth of the situation the character was in and major drive. definitely hated being in such What movies can we expect a fix. to see you in this year? Right after Render to Caesar is You’re a musician and model, how do you manage October 1 and then, Apostates. to combine these things with acting? What advice do you have It’s been challenging combinfor those wanting to join the ing my beloved music effiindustry? ciently as I’d love to. Modelling Be ready and open to learning. has been easily combined. Be ready to work and have your standard from day one. Which do you prefer of the three and why? Who would you like to work I find it hard to separate acting with in the future? and music and the competiMajid Michael, Johnny Depp, tion between the two has been Mercy Johnson and Angelina fierce. Acting seems to be Jolie. having the most of my attention now but music still has my PHOTO: COURTESY OF soul. KEHINDE BANKOLE Kehinde Bankole is a singer, actress and model. She stars in blockbuster Render to Caesar.

Q & A with Kehinde Bankole BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE

NOLLY POP QUIZ BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE 1. How many versions exist of the trailer of Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage? 2. Which Nollywood movies will be showing at the 2014 Nollywood Paris week? 3. Who is the producer of October 1? 4. Where is the nomination party of the 2014 Africa Movie Academy Awards taking place? 5. What is the name of the actress who plays the lead in Render to Caesar? 6. Who was on the first cover of Nolly Silver Screen magazine? Answers can be found online.

N E W S

The Contract, Nairobi Half Life, Flower Girl and Shirley Frimpong-Manso win big at 2014 AMVCAs It was lights, camera, action at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which kicked off at the Eko Hotel with all of Lagos’ paparazzi on the red carpet. Africa’s stylishly dressed guests were interviewed by Eku Edewor and Denrele for Dstv’s Studio 53. Their efforts were complimented by the fashion police team; Uti Nwachukwu (Jara) and Isabella Akinseye (Dstv.com) as well as Mashariki Mix hosts Nick Mutuma and Sarah Hassan. It was a plethora of big bold African designs as well as chic delicate contemporary pieces for the ladies. The gentlemen on the other hand mainly played it safe with black but the few who dared to be different stood out in white and blue suits with a dash of colour. Biola Alabi, MD, Special Projects said, “The 2014 AMVCAs is a big celebration for the best of Africa.” She thanked Amstel Malta for their support and said that the AMVCAs would continue to recognise and reward African filmmakers for their hard work. Hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, the show opened with a riveting musical performance from the cast of Kakadu. Barabara Minishi started off the winners’ roll call with Best Art Director award for her work in Nairobi Half Life. Other winners included Dr Gilbert Chigbo (Deadwood); Walter Waltbanger Taylaur (The Wages) and Amarachuku Onoh (Mother Tongue). The best comedy acts went to Funke Akindele (The Return of Sheri Koko) and Osita Iheme (The Hero). Coincidentally, both acts were nominated more than once in their category. Elvis Chucks’ A Wish won Best Movie Comedy. To add to the glitz and glamour of the night, the audience were entertained with performances from top Nigerian musical acts; Bez, Flavour, Davido, Waje and Cobhams. The star studded event had the crème de la crème of Nollywood and Ghollywood in attendance including Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Mercy Johnson, Ramsey Nouah and Kate Henshaw. In the drama category, Frank Rajah Arase’s The Groom’s Bride won Best Movie while Nse Ikpe-Etim and Tope Tedela were voted best acts. The winning streak continued for Nairobi Half Life which picked up awards in Best Make-up Artist and Best Cinematographer. Flower Girl’s brother and sister duo (Jigi and Michelle Bello) picked up awards for Best Writer of a Comedy and Trailblazer which included a Hyundai car. Bikiya Graham-Douglas made it a third for the movie with her Best Supporting Actress award. Osas and Vimbai took time out to wish all the gorgeous women a Happy International Women’s Day. It was also the birthday of Multichoice Nigeria Managing Director John Ugbe, who presented the New Era Award (which came with a free holiday to Dubai) to Rita Dominic. Africa was well represented with Zambia’s Love Games winning the Best Television Drama. In the Indigenous categories, Mama Duka (Swahili), Komfo (Yoruba) and Habib (Hausa) emerged winners. Also making the 2014 AMVCA winners’ list were Chiemela Nwagboso (Costume Design), Desmond Elliot (Best Supporting Actor), and Obi Emelonye and Luke Corradine (Best Sound Editor). However, the biggest winners of the night were Shirley Frimpong Manso (Best Writer of a Drama, Best Video Editor, Best Director) and The Contract (Best Picture). In honour of his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian film and TV industry, Pete Edochie was presented with the much coveted Industry Merit Award which came with a Hyundai jeep. The award was received on his behalf by his son Yul Edochie. The show ended with another colourful and energetic performance by the cast of Kakadu. - ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Half of A Yellow Sun set for Nigerian debut

2014 AMVCA FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Best Movie 2013: Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – The Contract Best Movie Drama: Frank Rajah Arase – The Groom’s Bride Best Movie Comedy: Elvis Chucks – A Wish Best Movie Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso – The Contract Best Actress in a Drama: Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey to Self Best Actor in a Drama: Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home Best Supporting Actress: Bikiya Graham-Douglas – Flower Girl Best Supporting Actor: Desmond Elliot – Finding Mercy Best Actress in a Comedy: Funke Akndele – Return of Sheri Koko Best Actor in a Comedy: Osita Iheme – The Hero Best Television Series Comedy/Drama: Catherine Phiri – Love Games Episode 6 Best Short Film: Walter “Waltbanger” Taylaur – The Wages Best Documentary: Dr. Gilbert Chigbo (Narrator) – The Deadwood Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili): Njoki Muhoho – Mama Duka Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Yoruba): Mercy Aigbe – Komfo Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Hausa): Abba Muko Yakassai – Habib Best Online Video: Amarachukwu Onoh – Mother Tongue Best Writer (Drama): Shirley Frimpong-Manso & Hertey Owusu – The Contract Best Writer (Comedy): Jigi Bello – Flower Girl Best Cinematographer: Christian Almesberger – Nairobi Half Life Best Art Director: Barbara Minishi – Nairobi Half Life Best Sound Editor: Obi Emelonye & Luke Corradine – Last Flight to Abuja Best Video Editor: Shirley Frimpong-Manso – The Contract Best Lighting Designer: Mohammed Zain – Nairobi Half Life Best Costume Design: Chiemela Nwagboso – The Kingdom Best Make-up Artist: Elayne Okaya – Nairobi Half Life Industry Merit Award: Pete Edochie Trailblazer Award: Michelle Bello New Era Award: Rita Dominic

ADAPTED FROM THE AWARD WINNING NOVEL BY

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE SUPERB PERFORMANCES”

“

VARIETY

AN EPIC”

”

SCREEN DAILY

“

GORGEOUS, EVOCATIVE” VANITY FAIR

“A

According to Shareman Media and FilmOne Distribution, Half of a Yellow Sun, will be released in all Nigerian cinemas on the 25th of April 2014.

BRILLIANT DIRECTING DEBUT” HUFFINGTON POST

BAFTA WINNER

Chiwetel Ejiofor Award WINNER

onyeka onwenu

Thandie Newton AMaA AWARD WINNER

Genevieve Nnaji

AMVCA AWARD WINNER

O.C. UKEJE

Anika Noni Rose

Joseph Mawle

John Boyega

The movie had its world premiere at the 38th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada to great applause, and subsequently premiered in Europe at the BFI London Film Festival, London. The film will be released in cinemas in Australia from 27th March, in the UK from 11th April, and in the US in the early summer. FILMONE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED PRESENT SHAREMAN MEDIA AND BFI PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH METRO INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AND KACHIFO LIMITED IN ASSOCIATION WITH LIPSYNC PRODUCTIONS LLP A SLATE FILMS PRODUCTION A FILM BY BIYI BANDELE THANDIE NEWTON CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ANIKA NONI ROSE “HALF OF A YELLOW SUN” JOSEPH MAWLE JOHN BOYEGA ONYEKA ONWENU GENEVIEVE NNAJI MUSIC PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF HAKEEM KAE-KAZIM DICASTIRECTORNG JINA JAY HAIMAKE-UPR DESIGANDNER SHARON MARTIN COSTUME DESIGNER JO KATSARAS EDITOR CHRIS GILL BY BEN ONONO AND PAUL THOMSON DESIGNER ANDREW MCALPINE PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN DE BORMAN BSC

EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE ALAN J WANDS ASSOCIPRODUCERATE SANDRA MBANEFO OBIAGO PRODUCERS YEWANDE SADIPRODUCEDKU MUHTAR BAKARE GAIL EGAN NORMAN MERRY PETER HAMPDEN THEBASEDNOVELONBY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE SCREENPLAYBY BIYI BANDELE DIRECTED BY ANDREA CALDERWOOD BY BIYI BANDELE HalfOfAYellowSunMovie

IN CINEMAS ACROSS NIGERIA APRIL 2014

CYAN

MAGENTA

YELLOW

BLACK

Client

Date

Film One Distribution

Job Description

Half of a Yellow Sun

1 SHEET ‘C’

17.02.14

Mechanical

File Name

Full Trim Size

HoaYS_1Sht‘D’_Nigeria_v2.indd

ARTWORK AT 100% 40 x 27”

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

1 Sheet D v2

Directed by the Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele, Half of a Yellow Sun stars the BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), and BAFTA Award-winning actor Thandie Newton. Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, O. C. Ukeje, Zack Orji and Anika Noni Rose led the supporting cast. Set in 1960s Nigeria, the film is an epic love story, weaving together the lives of four people caught up in the turbulence of the Nigerian civil war. Half of a Yellow Sun is a beautifully crafted adaptation of the international bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Shot in the Tinapa Studios in Calabar and in various locations in Creek Town, the production employed several hundreds of local residents. The technical quality of the film demonstrates that it is possible to make a high quality production in Nigeria with the appropriate budget and technical input.As a result, the film was officially invited to screen at several high-profile international film festivals in recognition of its ground-breaking quality.

REVIEWS Title: Mother Tongue Genre: Short film Director: Amarachukwu Onoh Year: 2013

Mother Tongue is filled with funny expression and demonstrations. The actors portrayed the typical ‘oga and his boy’ scenario. The picture quality, soundtrack and costume are great. The whole 4.34 minutes of the film was limited to two locations and the actors tried to be hilarious. The film is one directional; specifically noting how one’s mother tongue affects speech using the Igbo dialect as an example. The visual highlights were good and it tweaked up the film a bit making it easier for any viewer to understand. The film is straight forward; a little twist could have been more exciting. - OLUWAPONMILE ORIJA Title: Finding Mercy Genre: Trailer Director: Desmond Elliot Year: 2013 Desmond Elliot is no new kid on the Nollywood block, so when I came across the trailer of his latest effort – Finding Mercy, I expected a fairly good job. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The actor cum director cum producer seems to improving his craft by the day and this is evidenced in this Denziot production. From the opening scene to the last credits, it is apparent that Elliot understands the craft of good storytelling. There is a good balance of dramatic scenes (yes, we have kissing, crying, shouting, threatening and the likes) as well as dialogue that moves the plot forward. Every scene that appears in the barely two minutes montage is there for a reason. We see all the major characters (Desmond Elliot, Uti Nwachukwu, Rita Dominic, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Tamara Eteimo, Dabota Lawson, Abiola Segun-Williams, Oyindamola Lanpejo and Blossom Chuks-Chukwujekwu) in full action. We actually get an insight into their characters and mannerisms in the few shots. The sound is also properly mixed and you can actually hear the dialogue and background music. The graphics are also well done and not too heavy on the eyes. My only grouse with this trailer is that some parts of it suffer from poor lighting; something which I have realised is very common in Nollywood movies. The ending of the trailer sums it up when Jato says, “She [Mercy] is my life” and somehow, you just want to believe him. Verdict – You would enjoy watching Finding Mercy if you want a ‘different’ storyline with tried and tested actors alongside new fresh faces. - ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Title: Blind Aspirations Genre: Documentary Director: Dapo Oshinaike Year: 2013

Blind Aspiration does more than discuss the aspirations and achievements of a blind man (Dr. Ife Akintunde). It does more than call out to challenged people to dream as far as the limits of their imaginations, in fact, if anything it fails at that, because then excuses anchored on available opportunities would be given and questions asked about the equality of fingers. Blind Aspiration is a wakeup call to everybody. A reality check on dreams, their sustainability and reality. Dapo Oshinaike is not only sending the perfect message to the public about disabled people, he is challenging everyone. - INNOCENT EKEJIUBA

GUEST REVIEW

Title: The Contract Genre: Romantic Comedy Director: Shirley FrimpongManso Year: 2013

The Contract story is not exactly your typical African storyline, in the traditional sense of the word. In fact, from a strictly Nollywood/Ghallywood perspective, this story of a rich bachelor who has no desire to get stuck with a woman for all his days yet seeks a young version of himself, is quite original. The movie is your typical romantic comedy though, I must say. Like I’ve said again and again, with this genre do not expect it to change your life, do not expect it to move mountains, do not expect it to solve your life’s problems, but it will definitely give you entertainment. The story has its twists and its turns here and there but the end did seem a bit rushed to me. For some reason that amazing climactic romantic comedy movie moment where jokes are put aside and true love is declared, didn’t work for me in this movie. The movie is beautiful: it delights, it amuses, it appeals to your senses in many ways, and makes for amazing light-hearted entertainment. - OGE (Nollywood Reinvented)

Up, Close and Personal with

TOP 5 NOLLYWOOD AWARDS

WILFRED OKICHE

Hollywood may celebrate their own extravagant awards season with the Oscars, Golden Globes and every other lavish affair in between. This side of the Atlantic we have a handful of film awards that truly matter. Here are the top 5, presented in alphabetical order.

Alexx Ekubo

1. AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS

The highly rated AMVCA is only 2 years old but it is already enjoying the media blitz of a long term project. Africa Magic and parent body Mnet pulled out all the stops to make the debut event the year’s hottest tickets. Everyone who is anyone in the industry partook in the celebrations and organisers brought in a touch of class and attention to fine details. Majority of the categories are determined by viewers so naturally, the ceremony has been justifiably dismissed as lightweight. The second year’s red carpet event however proved that the AMVCAs have become’s Africa’s biggest fashion moment.

2. AFRICA MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS

Africa’s most prestigious film awards has found a home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and its founder Peace Anyiam-Osigwe has become one of the most powerful women in Nollywood. AMAA has rewarded everyone from Joke Silva to Genevieve Nnaji and succeeds in attracting Hollywood players like Danny Glover and Angela Basset to Nigeria every year. AMAA is celebrating its tenth year and has built a track record of making legitimate choices in terms of nominees and eventual winners. If ever there is an African Oscars equivalent, AMAA comes closest.

3. BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARDS

The Best of Nollywood (BON) awards was once considered a punchline, a home for the B-listers who could not quite make it to the AMAAs. However, the organisers (who also publish the Best of Nollywood magazine) have refused to give up and with some strategic placement and good fortune, the awards have enjoyed an upswing of late. The Lagos and Delta state governments have brought in high profile sponsorships and the 2013 red carpet train was ajudged one of the longest in the world. With award categories like Best Kiss and Best use of Nigerian food in a movie, BON awards is more populist than critical.

4. NIGERIA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS

The Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA), currently in its 8th year of existence is held annually in New York City and honours the finest (and most popular) of local entertainment talent, with a sprinkling of Nigerians plying their trade abroad. Winners are handed out in both film and music categories and entertainers have come to mark this events as one of the year’s biggest attraction. The judging system isn’t exacly Oscar calibre but everyone wants that trip to New York city. Past winners include Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli and Jackie Appiah.

5. NOLLYWOOD MOVIES AWARDS

The Nollywood Movies Awards (NMA) is an annual Nigerian film award presented by the Nollywood Movies television station to honour outstanding achievement in the film industry. The first edition was held at the Civic Center in Lagos on 2 June 2012. This was followed by another one held in October 2013 also in Lagos. While still in the shadows of the more accepted AMAA and AMVCAs, the last ceremony made a splash by rewarding a surprise car gift through a raffle draw. Industry folks definitely took notice after that stunt.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

My first day on set was very interesting and I learnt a lot. It was the set of Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa directed movie Sinners in the House in 2004 and we had veterans like the Late Justus Esiri and Ngozi Ezeonu. It was all very exciting and new to me.

ROLE MODELS

Most of my senior colleagues; Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, Ramsey Nouah, Monalisa Chinda, Mercy Johnson and Genevieve Nnaji. I have a dream to follow today because they followed theirs. God bless them all.

CHANGING NOLLYWOOD

I would change the level of professionalism. Nollywood has an annual revenue of over $590 million, I suggest we the practitioners should take it more seriously.

BEST ADVICE

Ini Edo once said to me,“Alexx you are only as good as your last movie.” That stuck in my head to never rest my oars.

FUTURE OF NOLLYWOOD

Uti Nwachukwu, Uru Eke, Bryan Okwara, O.C. Ukeje, Diana Yekini, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Belinda Effah and Chelsea Eze.

FASHION

My mum has her clothing label Jalex Creations, so at a very tender age, I was taught to match my colors and dress appropriately. I love Pit Bull’s style; he wears really colorful and clean cut suits.

ON MRS. RIGHT

She should be God Fearing, intelligent, fun loving and very beautiful woman. Very beautiful so we can make interesting babies. With makeup, less is more. My onscreen wife in the movie Keeping My Man was a very adventurous woman played by Ini Edo. I wouldn’t mind if my woman in real life is that daring. Variety is the spice of life, remember.

NATURAL HAIR VS WEAVE

The last time I commented on women hair, they quoted me as saying, “I hated women with Brazilian hair.” So now biko, any hair you like carry.

THE REAL ALEXX EKUBO

I’m pretty much the guy next door. I fart, eat, sweat and make mistakes like every other person, so please bear with me as we all live and learn.

HOBBIES

I watch a lot of movies, read books, play basketball, swim and travel.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER

I studied Law in the University of Calabar, I would probably be a practicing lawyer.

IN FIVE WORDS…

Articulate, innovative, talented, fun and God-fearing. INTERVIEW: ISABELLA AKINSEYE PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALEXX EKUBO

2014 AMVCAs

CLOCKWISE 1. L-R: Yul Edochie, son of Peter Edochie winner of Industry Merit Award; Michelle Bello, winner of Trailblazer Award; Biola Alabi, Managing Director, M-net Africa; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria; Rita Dominic, winner of New Era Award and Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries. 2. Tope Tedela , winner of Best Actor (Drama) 3. Funke Akindele , winner of Best Actress (Comedy) 4. Joke and Olu Jacobs 5. Alexx Ekubo and Yemi Alade 6. Yvonne Okoro, Ken Attoh and Shirley Frimpong-Manso, winner of Best Picture - The Contract PHOTOS: MULTICHOICE NIGERIA

Belinda Effah

Apaye Movie Premiere

Clarion Chukwurah

Emem Isong

Bola Aduwo

Ngozi Nwosu

Ushers

Apaye was premiered on 7 March 2014 at the Silverbird Galleria Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos. Mr. & Mrs. Desmond Elliot with Executive Producers Mr. & Mrs. Aziboala Robert

PHOTOS: BOLA ADUWO

Kanayo O. Kanayo, Uche Iwuanyanwu, Bobby Michaels and guest

DVD RELEASES

2013 Cinema blockbusters Alan Poza and Lagos Cougars out on DVD

Out now on DVD from award-winning filmmaker Charles Novia is the star studded flick Alan Poza. The movie explores the emotional adventures of Alan Poza, a young music label executive and his daily grapples with the temptations in that sector. The film stars O.C Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Norbert Young, Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwerre, Okey Uzoeshi, Terry tha Rapman, Mtrill, Sylvia Oluchi, Evaezi and Charles Novia.

TALENT ON THE RISE: NZERIBE ‘SAMBASA’ CHIEDOZIE

Lagos Cougars will be available for purchase on DVD from 4 April 2014. The Royal Arts Academy production which follows the story of three mature women who go after younger men stars Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Monalisa Chinda, Daniella Okeke, Alex Ekubo, Bobby Michaels, Diana Yekini, Benjamin Touitou, Shawn Faqua and Ifeanyi Kalu. Directed by Desmond Elliot, Lagos Cougars is a story about lust, love and adventure. -ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Did you have to learn new skills? Yes, we had training sessions on how to hold and shoot a gun. I also learnt the reaction to the impact of a bullet on the human body. How were you able to get into character? I am a theatre practitioner. I studied in the university to become an actor and I learn everyday when I walk on the streets. I take What led you into acting? The love for it and the fact that I studied my long works to meditate. So, when the direcdream course. It has been a part of me since tor told me personally that he believes in me playing that role and after meeting the my mother introduced me to drama in the talented cast and crew, I blended into my church when I was 9 years old. character (Suku) smoothly. How did you hear about A Mile From Home? How easy was it handling the props and making the action look very real? I was approached by the producer/writer Did you say easy? For me it wasn’t easy at of the movie while I was rehearsing at my department in school. all. A Mile from Home is not your everyday Nigerian movie. So, in using my props when What was it like acting in an action the camera starts rolling, utmost concenpacked drama production? tration is needed. My lines, believability and gadgets involved must all be one in one Cool, interesting but tough (very very tough). Being believable always when acting moment. wasn’t easy due to situations and circumstances encountered at different locations Why should people watch this film? when shooting the movie.. This movie will make you proud of what can be achieved when you believe in your

dreams. For the minds that came together to achieve greatness in delivery, message, concept and originality of a story that appeals to all ages, I guarantee that no second watching this movie will be wasted. Who is your favourite actor? I have a few: Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Nouah, Denzel Washington and Will Smith. What is your favourite line from a movie? “If killing is your only talent, that is your curse.” It is from Troy. How do you spend your free time? I am a movie freak. I love the indoor lifestyle and playing games especially Playstation soccer. Which sports team do you support? Arsenal. What does family mean to you? Everything; my family means the world to me. INTERVIEW: ISABELLA AKINSEYE PHOTO: COURTESY OF A MILE FROM HOME