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Nolly Silver Screen
TOPE
TEDELA
ISSUE 03
APRIL 2014
Nollywood’s
next big
thing
DUAL IDENTITY
10 Nollywood
actors who call
the shots
2014 AMVCAs:
5
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
T
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
1
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
2
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
CONTACT US
Email letters to info@nollysilverscreen.com
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
3
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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
4
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
21
Nkiru
Sylvanus
23
Ini
Edo
APRIL CELEBRATIONS
27
Ufuoma
Adaora
Stella
Ejenobor Damasus Ukoh
23
24
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
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
© SHAREMAN MEDIA LIMITED / THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE / YELLOW SUN LIMITED 2012
IN CINEMAS ACROSS NIGERIA APRIL 2014
6
PICTURES FROM
THE SET OF
STEPHANIE LINUS’
DRY
7
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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.
8
9
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.
10
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
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
© SHAREMAN MEDIA LIMITED / THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE / YELLOW SUN LIMITED 2012
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
© 2014 GP London. Supplied in company confidence.
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.
11
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)
12
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
13
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
14
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