THIS THREAD IS DEDICATED TO NIGERIA'S MOVIE INDUSTRY WHICH IS THE THIRD BIGGEST IN THE WORLD. PLEASE POST ANYTHING RELATING TO NOLLYWOOD INCLUDING VIDEO FEEDS, POSTERS, PHOTOS, STARS AND GOSSIPS

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A CLIP OF NOLLYWOOD MOVIE

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CLIP: LETTERS TO A STRANGER

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STEPHANIE OKEREKE

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MS OKEREKE SPRUNG ONTO NOLLYWOOD SCENE IN 1997 "COMPROMISE II" AND THEN FEATURED IN "WATERLOO"

Chet Anekwe

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Born in Nigeria, West Africa and raised in Queens, New York City, Chet Anekwe has performed in numerous stage productions and received rave reviews for his performances.
Anekwe's outstanding reviews and response for his portrayal of Joseph Cinque in Chap Am So (The Amistad Victory) lead to an NYC Audelco nomination for best actor in 1997
Chet Anekwe beat out over 10,000 contestants for the show,
ESPN Dream Job, where he made it to the final 8.
Chet can also be seen on the feature film Phat Girlz starring Monique Imes Jackson
He also stars in the upcoming Nigerian feature film, "30 Days".
Chet and the cast of "Real Black Men Don't Sit Crossed Legged On The Floor" won the 2006 'VIV' Audelco Award for "Best Ensemble Cast"!
Chet completed his short film "Mama's Great Love" which he wrote, directed and starred in. MGL is presently making the film festival rounds!

EUCHARIA BARES FANGS...

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Star actress, Eucharia Anunobi may have decided to put all the woes of her failed marriage and sickly son’s wahala behind her for once, to make a fashion statement with her “come and see” near nude appearance at the last Nigeria Music Award (NMA) night in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
She was indeed appearing as guest of the NMA for the very first time and for very obvious reasons, she confessed not to

Star actress, Eucharia Anunobie have attended the Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for the movie industry for once.

The acclaimed Sharon Stone of the entertainment industry, in this interview explains her ‘breast’ taking dress.

What have you to say about hosting the NMA in your home state, Imo?

First and foremost, I want to say Governor Ohakim, of my state, is the first and best of the governors today.

This is the first time any governor has put something of this magnitude together for the entertainment industry. You can imagine Imo as a whole is standing still for the stars of the Nigerian entertainment industry. It is a great honour that has never been accorded to the industry

Are you aware that Bayelsa state hosted AMAA last year?

I have never attended AMAA. So I cannot say as of fact, what AMAA has done and what it has not done. When ever the AMAA award is being held, it is either I am outside the country or indisposed.

When the last one held, I was in the hospital with my son. Unfortunately, I have never been to AMMA Award. So I am talking about what I witnessed in Imo State. I saw cultural troupe, market women, school children, lining up the roads to welcome the stars. It has never been done.

How often do you visit home?

Imo is my state but I don’t live here, I wasn’t born here. I was born and bread in Lagos. I really have no business here per se because this is not where I work. Something big is happening here and I was invited. I feel honoured to be here.

What have you to say about the governor’s pledge to retain the hosting rights of the NMA?

That is his own idea because if you do not handle your office well, it will be taken from you and given to another person. If he says he wants to keep it on until he lives office and he has the resources, the ability and capability, why not? As long has he holds on to his thing well.

All the same, I feel it is an honour for the already established actors and actresses, especially the musicians for whose purpose we are all here. On the job as governor, he has been doing very well.

The upcoming ones, particularly the youths, would want to emulate the stars. They would want to be celebrated as we are being celebrated today. It will bring about a complete boost, a complete change in attitude and character of some parents who have this kind of negative views about their children and wards going into music or movies.

Your child would have learnt something from the event as well. Why didn’t you come with him?

My son is in school. He certainly can’t leave school to come and attend an event for now no matter the magnitude unless he’s on holidays. And talking about career choice and decision, I’m not going to decide for my son because nobody decided for me.

My father had wanted me to become a lawyer and I was like no, I don’t think I want to be a lawyer. I want to be in the entertainment industry. I pray the Lord Almighty to direct my son to be whatever he is destined to become. I know he is going to excel like his mother who is an excellent woman in her job.

Do you intend to also do music as some of your colleagues?

For now, I am not a great singer. That does not mean I don’t sing in the bathroom or in my house, car. I am not thinking professionally of singing because I haven’t sharpen my singing ability. I’d rather concentrate on doing my job as an actress. The only thing I will do is that I will clap for colleagues who want to sing. They should showcase whatever they have.

How does you appearance like this portray you as a role model?

Could you tell me how star actresses dress? You tell me the idea of how star actresses dress maybe I will learn from it. If you are talking about Africa and our culture, what are the clothing of Africa if we are really going to talk about it.

They wear jigida and beads on their waist and they leave their boos hanging open? I don’t know if you are talking from an illiterate point of view. I am sorry to say that. When you are talking about a role model, you talk about the content of the brain. The content of your ability and character as well as discipline.

You are not talking about clothing or what you have. When you come close to someone and observe the way he behaves, you will know if you are to take example from them because as long as the person is not a drug addict, the person doesn’t fight or talk stupidly to people outside but talk with reverence and the fear of God, that is what it takes to be a role model. As an actress, I have won seventeen awards and those awards ceremonies were organized by responsible people. If I’m not a role model, those awards will not be given to me.

It’s unheard of that somebody in the show business wearing boubou and tying head tie to an event. It’s about wearing the best fashion because people who made the clothes are fashion designers. They are not mad people, they are not crazy and insane people and I have reason to believe so.

I am wearing a designer’s apparel by Valentino and that is what stars are meant to wear. Star really are born and not made. A secondary school girl can not see me and dress like this because she has not achieve what I have achieved and she certainly cannot afford to buy it.

I am a star actress. When she gets to the level I have attained, that is when she thinks and can afford to dress the way I am dressed.

Do you think any serious man would be attracted to ask for your hand in marriage in an attire like this?

A woman being attractive. You are not enlightened. If you are enlightened you won’t be asking such question.
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Source: Written by Richard Eghaghe

A CLIP OF NOLLYWOOD MOVIE

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CLIP:Games Women Play 2

Nollywood Business Forum inaugurated

Nollywood creme de la creme and indeed Nigeria’s business community gathered at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers to be part of the Nollywood Business Forum, NBF, the new baby of Nollywood which was formally inaugurated with the unveiling of the Academy statuette.

The event which saw Mr Emeka Mbah of the National Film and Video Censors Board representing the Honorable Minister of Information Mr John Odey was also graced by executives of top Nigerian banks including ECOBANK, Fidelity Bank, Intercontinental Bank, Diamond Bank. Also present at the event were PMAN president Tee Mac and his lieutenants who were also there just like the former MD of the NDDC Chief Emmanuel Agwariwviodo who was present there.

Others present include Ambassador Segun Olusola, former Director of programmes of NTA, Dr Victoria Ezeokoli .

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Academy Statuette and the investiture of Zik Zulu Okafor as the speaker of the Nollywood parliament, a think tank overseeing the organisation of whatever goes on in the NBF.

Mathias Obahiagbon, president of NBF says things had to change as far as the way the business of Nollywood was concerned.

He said “a new dawn had come for Nollywood and things will never be same again. We have been doing the show since fifteen years now. We want to do the business from now.

That is why all the financial institutions were invited to see what we are about. In the nearest future, we would continue to unveil what we want to do to redirect Nollywood for the better.For too long, we have been basking in the euphoria of Nollywood, the recognition it has given the nation, and its acceptance worldwide. Unfortunately, Nollywood has not transcended beyond just entertainment.

Majority of Film/Video practitioners have remained impoverished due to obvious and various innuendoes.

Nollywood Business Forum is an organization with strong bias for the business development and human capacity/technology building of the motion picture sector.

Our mission is to reengineer capacity building & effective business coordination, not only in the movie sub sector, but the motion picture industry at large.

It has an advisory board made up of men and women of very high integrity, but with interest in the arts and its business”

Zeb Ejiro, one of the big wigs of NBF concurs and say “ This is the time for Nollywood to rise from its slumber and make a head way. We cannot continue to do what we did since 1992, the same way we did them then. I would only love to say Nollywood here we come and nothing more as our plans will continue to unfold”

A CLIP OF NOLLYWOOD MOVIE

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CLIP: BEYONCE & RIHANNA STARRING OMOTOLA

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

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Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is one of the screen goddesses in Nigeria’s growing home video industry, Nollywood. She hit the linelight with her role in Mortal Inheritance and established her acting ability in Prostitute. “Omo Sexy” as the 28-year-old mother of four is fondly called by her fans is well endowed with a sexy figure.

After a ban by her Actors Guild of Nigeria, she channeled her energy into music and has released a CD

Kate Henshaw

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Since winning the best actress at AMAA, 2008, screen star Kate Henshaw Nuttal has started thinking about giving back to society what she may have gained from it.
Recently she made a trip to Project Alert headquarters, The Shelter, dubbed Sophia’s Place, tucked


Kate Henshaw-Nuttal some where on the outskirt of Lagos.

Project Alert is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) on Violence Against Women and Young Girls, violated widows, housewives and young girls who were already waiting for her visit. Their joy, it was obvious, knew no bounds as they were touched by the glorious presence, emotional hugs and soothing words of the actress

On the day of the actress’ visit, some women victims of violation had just been discharged having had their cases treated.

Kate was hosted by Josephine Effah Chukwuma, project coordinator of the home who took her on a guided tour of the complex

WHAT CRYSTAL AWARD WILL DO FOR NOLLYWOOD

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Chairperson of Nollywood Business Forum, Zeb Ejiro has been speaking on the organisation role for the Crystal Awards coming up in July.
The ace movie and television producer and director explains that Nollywood will never be same after.

The Crystal Award according to him, the Managing Director of Exim Bank India has gracefully accepted to deliver a paper on film financing with the most minimal cash.

This model has worked in India very well and Nigeria banks will do well to be part of this film. Aside this, the Commonwealth Business Council led by Peter Longworth will also be on ground to explain to Nigerian what it means to have a vibrant entertainment industry.

“We have four days of serious business beginning from the 10th of July running through the 13th. The first two days will see discussion on film financing with emphasis on local and international distribution while the last two days will see us celebrating in the biggest party even in Nollywood which ends in the Crystal Awards.

Already the Nollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences have been selecting and classifying the awards categories, Dr. Victoria Ezeokoli, the Chairperson Governing Board of NAS and her group have already met severally to see that Nigeria gets a very befitting award ceremonies.

Continuing, Ejiro says we do not only want to do awards for awards sake, we want to improve the business climate of Nollywood so that people do not only talk about the Glamour but to seek ways of financing the Glamour.

After July 2008, I fervently hope that the Nigeria movie industry will not be same, if the new distribution frame work eventually comes on stream, everything will change for the better. We would launch the N50 million film fund where Nollywood producers could pull from. We have entries for over 17 scripts to be supported.

We have received information that former UN scribe Kofi Annan will be in Nigeria to be part of the event. Also the biggest production company in India BR Production are set to collaborate with

MOVIE MARKETERS ROLL OUT NEW RULES

If the current posture of the leadership of the Film/Video Producers Marketers Association of Nigeria is anything to go by, there is hope that sanity will soon return into the film industry in the country.

For years, stakeholders have lamented the breakdown in decorum both at the levels of the quality of films being produced, and at the rate at which the market is being flooded with all manners of ‘films‘.

But at a crucial meeting held by the leadership of the association in Lagos on Tuesday, it rolled out new rules that, it believes, are bound to help mop up the scene.

It is the aftermath of a three-month break the industry had observed. The break was called off on June 2.

”We embarked on a number of far-reaching measures because we believe that reform never comes to a class of people unless those concerned have worked out their own salvation,” said the FVPMAN President, Emmanuel Isikaku.

Among others, it has become a sin for a film maker to release movies in double or multiple parts simultaneously.

Said Isikaku, ”Henceforth, there will be nothing like a Part One, Two, Three, Four or Five movies whether approved by the Censors Board or not until our people understand what it means to have a movie run up to that point.”

Indeed, the number produceable has been reduced to 11 per every two weeks.

”This will also take care of the film glut we are presently experiencing, thereby, making it possible for producers to recoup their investment to enable them produce standard movies,” he added.

The FVPMAN producer noted that part of the fruit of the break was that the practitioners had been able to open ”a whopping 16 outlets” in the country during the three months. He expressed the hope that all the 36 states of the federation would have outlets by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the FVPMAN has also dissociated itself from a new distribution framework being proposed by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board.

On this, Isikaku said, “We are worried not because the idea is bad in itself, but because we are the core investors in the movie industry. We have our distribution network and if anybody wants to talk about structures to distribute our products, we are the right people he should seek advice from. But right now, the reverse is the case.”

MOVIE REVIEW - 100% HUSBAND

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Year : 2005
Genre : Drama
Duration : o.a. 154 min.

Producer : Ada Anachunam
Director : Martin Abazie
Actors : Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu, Tony Umez, Ashley Nwosu, Chidi Ihezie Okafor, Blessing Adibe

Synopsis : To the despair of her mother Janet, Adora has been married for years to Pascal and they remain childless.

Comments : Eucharia takes over from Patience Ozokwor the role of the evil mother-in-law, but Patience’s shoes are too big. Eucharia is just rowdy and unnecessarily violent. Tony Umez is one lucky bird, he comes out with two wives for the price of one!

A NOLLYWOOD MOVIE CLIP

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CLIP: CAMPUS QUEEN

Nollywood Regenerates in Hollywood

Confronted with international appreciation of a homegrown Nigerian pop movie industry, imitatingly dubbed Nollywood in Hollywood, Los Angeles, last week, two Nigerian lawmakers could only readily promise to immediately canvass an industry fund that could propel the country's movie sector to the next level.

Senator Ayogu Eze, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Communications and Honourable Dina Melanye, his counterpart in the lower house, were obviously awed by Nollywood credentials as presented by industry operators and international watchers of the Nigerian movie industry at a Nollywood Foundation Convention which held at Hotel Sofitel on Beverly Boulevard, and confessed that time has come for government to make a determinate intervention through an industry fund.

It is possible to work on a fund in the immediate future while working on President Uamru Yar'Adua to endorse Nollywood, they both said at postmortem for the three-day event.

Call it a magic moment for the Nigerian movie industry, largely appreciated in the continent and Diaspora by an enthusiastic followership but dreaded and pretentiously snubbed by established movie industries of the advanced world who fear that the Nigerian version of the industry could influence and liberate new genres of communications in their part of the world.

Call it a glorious moment for the Nigerian legislature whose two members deviating from the norm of the past of Assembly members flying out of the country but totaling refusing to attend programmes for which they were allocated funds, actually sat in the conference from morning to night, asking questions and making very meaningful contributions, and also created time to attend some few conferences at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Their summary of proceedings therefore and commitment to bring the Federal Government fully into the Nollywood picture didn't come as a surprise to the gathering that had appreciated their painstaking commitment and submissions through the conference.

"The Foundation has lit a fire that is going to burn without borders. We must all now continue to throw in folders in order to keep the fire burning," said Eze who hailed the organisers for tying the conference into the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The Senator's observation was very accurate. For, at that time of the year with the Los Angeles Film Festival and the BET Awards going side by side, the city is indeed tight and jammed and the ears and eyes of the industry moguls will not fail to notice any trace of development.

But that is the very reason the Nollywood Foundation now in its third edition was founded by a group of Nigerians scattered across the United States to advance the course of the Nigerian movie industry by going to the global heart of entertainment, and also inviting the international community to play a role.

"The foundation is an incorporated non-profit organisation that aims at bringing Nigerian movies and culture to the international audience and serves as a forum for new ideas and concepts. It also seeks to encourage Nigerian cultural developments projects in film and new media. The Nollywood Foundation is committed to supporting the Nigerian film industry and has developed programmes and events in order to achieve its mission," Egbe Dawodu, President of the Foundation told Vanguard at the Sofitel venue.

Since inception in 2006, the organisers have tried to build new bridges for Nigeria and industry operators. The African American actor is one of those new friends. "Nollywood can be sure to count on me as a friend," the popular star, Danny Glover said at the event last year.

Theme of this year's event which held in partnership with the Los Angeles Film Festal was "Beyond Limitations - Enhancing Film Production." From the first day the topic was deftly treated by movie makers, industry administrators, academicians, professionals, policy makers and government officials from different parts of the world.

Nearly all the speakers whether Nigerians or foreigners admitted that Nollywood is a unique case that Nigeria has to guide very jealously. They also warned that Nigeria should be mindful in the way foreigners are invited into the movie sector, counseling that they could just come in with their money to corrupt the industry.

"Nigeria is very lucky because you have a local safety net - huge population, not to talk of the Diaspora population," Rob Aft said. Aft largely hailed as the Nollywood ambassador has held topflight positions in the industry, served as educator in film schools, and also worked as analyst of the industry and adviser to the Cannes Film Festival, and has recently completed his seventh term as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Film and Marketing Association, AFMA, where he is chairman of the Buyer Accreditation Committee.

He is therefore in great a position to advise that our movie makers and government keep what they have and not allow the international community to destroy the essential element of the country's movie sector.

Part of that essential element is the art of story telling which is purely Nigerian; the video technology which Nigerians are using in telling our stories, and a huge population which if better nurtured could generate good returns on any properly made movie.

"Do not lose your language. Don't copy Hollywood because you can't. Take a bit of Hollywood, a bit of UK industry and do your film," someone admonished.

At the LA Film Festival, one speaker again drove point that home. Who is your audience - domestic or international? The North American market, he explained, is very closed. Then going further, the speaker pointed to India where 90 per cent of the films produced are for the local market while only about 10 per cent can find its way into the international market. And please note that India has the second largest film industry in the world after Hollywood.

North America is where you have Hollywood. Although the film capital of the world, only a few foreign films can actually push their way into the market and that doesn't happen often. The picture is better explained by the Oscar Awards where for

Nollywood Movie Channel ::: Featuring Full length Yoruba Movies.






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Tons Of Full Length English Nollywood Movies..



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THISDAY Festival: 60 International Journalists Storm Nigeria

An unprecedented number of international journalists from the world’s leading media organisations will cover the 2008 edition of THISDAY Music and Fashion Festival – starting with the first leg holding in Abuja on Friday.
In what is seen as a tribute to Nigeria’s fast-rising reputation as a cultural destination, journalists from reputable international media organisations have registered and have been accredited to cover the event.
Top journalists accredited are from print and electronic media, in addition to online and photo journalists.
Newspapers and magazines that are being represented include The Mail, Daily Express, Ebony, US Weekly and World Report, Rolling Stone, XXL, Vibe, Billboard, GQ, Vanity Fair and The Voice.
News agencies and electronic media include Reuters, Reuters TV, MTV, ITV, ITV Radio, BBC, WENL, Associated Press (AP), Press Association and Press Association TV. America Online (AOL) has also registered.
Freelance journalists who write for Time magazine and New York Times, among other international organs, have already been accredited.
Meanwhile, as the registration continues, more media organisations continue to indicate interest in being part of the epoch-making event.
This year’s festival, which is tagged “Africa Rising: To Celebrate the Best and Brightest of Emerging New Africa”, is designed to revolutionise global perspectives on African issues.
This is aimed at shifting focus from Africa’s problems to the opportunities, and from treating the “symptoms” to curing the “diseases” and projecting a positive image of Africa by showcasing the renaissance of Africa's music, fashion and the arts.
The organisers are of the view that what Africa needs is investment, not aid, and a new mindset can only be achieved through a celebration of the continent’s potentials.
As the build-up to the festival gathers momentum, American pop star, Jay Z, and British supermodel, Naomi Campbell, are expected to spend a day with the underprivileged children in Abuja.
The stars are showing their commitment to the African child by devoting time to the children with disabilities and those who are motherless.
The stars, who will be on parade during the first leg of the festival in Abuja, are also scheduled to plant trees as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, launches the initiative to plant one million trees in his campaign turn Abuja “green” and combat global warming.
The tree-planting programme will place the country as environment-friendly as she seeks to become the haven of foreign investments in Africa.
Other stars who will join him in the environmental campaign are Usher, Youssou N’Dour and Rihana, and Nigerian stars, Faze and MI.
Fashion icons, Ozwald Boateng, Tiffany Amber, Alek Wek, Chris Aire, Momo and Oluchi are also scheduled to plant trees.
Tickets for music and fashion festival are already on sale at all branches of Diamond Bank Plc and THISDAY Media Stores, while worldwide ticket sales are at Guaranty Trust Bank, London.
After the first leg on Friday, July 11, in Abuja, Lagos will host the second leg on Sunday, July 13. Washington DC, USA and London, UK, will host the remaining legs on August 1 and October 14 respectively.
In line with the theme of “Africa Rising: To Celebrate the Best and Brightest of Emerging New Africa”, the festival will feature rising stars such as Faze, MI, Shank and 9ice in the Abuja and Lagos legs of the festival. Blackky, the reggae-ragga star, is also on the bill.
The show offers the emerging music and fashion stars an opportunity to expose themselves to the world as the festival plans to showcase their talents on the international stage.
For the Washington and London legs of the show on August 1 and October 14, respectively, Asa, 2Face and DBanj have been confirmed to fly Nigeria’s flag.

Should be a great success.:cheers:

THISDAY Festival: 60 International Journalists Storm Nigeria



Should be a great success.:cheers:

I 2nd that:banana::banana::banana:

Jay-Z, Usher, Campbell Hit Abuja for 'Africa Rising'

As count-down to tonight's THISDAY Music Festival gradually ticks to zero, top artistes billed to perform at the event started arriving Abuja yesterday.

First to hit town was the United States-based acclai-med hip-pop gladiator, Usher Raymond, who arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a Virgin Atlantic airline at 3.25 pm.

The musician, who was received on arrival by THISDAY airport protocol officers amidst tight security, waved to enthusiastic and anxious fans as he made his way into a waiting grey BMW car.

Immediately he moved out of the arrival hall of the VIP lounge, shouts of "Usher!" rent the air as most of the fans struggled to catch a glimpse of the American music super star.

Supermodels, Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek, also hit town to the excitement of Abuja residents yesterday. The last to arrive was American star, Jay-Z, who came in at 11.30 pm.

Youssou N'Dour and Rehana also arrived yesterday.

Other fashion and music icons who are already in town are Ozwald Boateng and Chris Aire.

Vehicle escort security for the arriving artistes was provided by a combined team of Police, State Security Service (SSS) and men of the Civil Defence Corps.

Clad in dark-blue jeans trousers with a black T-shirt and sporty canvas to match, Usher attracted the attention of the fans and other passengers around the airport as he strolled confidently to the car.

In the company of the musician were 15 others who joined a THISDAY Staff bus in the entourage before being driven in long motorcade to Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

Many of the fans who spoke to THISDAY at the airport said they had been waiting since morning to catch a glimpse of the music and fashion icons while some said they would wait till late night to see if they could see other artistes.

Meanwhile, the Director- General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has stated that THISDAY has contributed immensely to harvesting the country's tourism capabilities through the festival.

According to him, "What THISDAY has done is to add value to the image of Nigeria and tourism. I want to use this medium to commend THISDAY on this laudable initiative. Now, this programme is going to add value to Nigeria's tourism potential. All the celebrities you are bringing in will speak for us when they leave. THISDAY has got the best acts in the world around and it is a pleasure to us as a people to celebrate this wonderful opportunity with THISDAY. THISDAY is helping us to add value to our tourism profile, repositioning Nigeria as a nation."

This year's THISDAY festival, which is tagged "Africa Rising: To Celebrate the Best and Brightest of Emerging New Africa", is designed to revolutionarise global perspectives on African issues. This is aimed at shifting focus from Africa's problems to the opportunities and from treating the symptoms to curing the diseases and projecting a positive image of Africa.

THISDAY FESTIVAL, "AFRICA RISING". (THE PICS) JUL,11

USHER

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ON STAGE

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RIHANNA AND JAY-Z ON STAGE

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OLUCHI AND FAZE

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The guy on VOLTRON sign looks tough!!!

***One of the most interesting stories I have read about Nollywood***

A NIGHT OUT IN NOLLYWOOD
Culled from http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/imagesv01/homepage/logo_hp_top.gif.

It's Monday night in the dimly lit Lagos neighborhood known as Winis, and the stars of Nollywood are out. They sit in plastic chairs and lean against doorways, drinking bottles of potent beer and smoking cigarettes while they gossip and cut deals. This two-block enclave in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, is where the movers and shakers of Nigeria's movie industry congregate in their off-hours.

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Yes, Nigeria has a movie industry. It is as chaotic as the traffic that congests this megacity of 15 million people. (Estimates vary from as low as 8 million to as high as 17 million.) It is also thriving. That it is called Nollywood is an indication of its growth into the third-largest movie industry in the world, trailing only its better-known counterparts in the U.S. and India. Nollywood, mostly straight to video at this point, with the occasional TV soap thrown in for good measure, generates around $250 million a year and is popular not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa and the diaspora. Typically, movies are shot in less than two weeks for $10,000 to $20,000, edited in a day or two, and rushed to tiny shops and street hawkers in Nigeria and surrounding countries. The average flick sells 50,000 copies at the equivalent of $2 a pop, a boon for the producers but few else. If the director doesn't make back the investment plus interest, he goes into debt to the producer.

Even the biggest stars make less than $10,000 a year for a series of movies. (Roughly what the entry-level Screen Actor's Guild member in America would make in four weeks.) And yet thousands of aspiring actors, writers, and directors flock to Lagos every year to pursue careers in the industry. They know there is little money in it, but the lack of other jobs and the allure of seeing oneself on posters and TV screens are still powerful enough to draw more into Nollywood's fold. For a country with little running water, massive amounts of political corruption, and a sputtering economy, Nollywood is a very real phenomenon -- films are distributed to the most remote corners of the continent. The genre even has its own satellite cable channel.

To a Westerner, the movies may seem amateurish. Production values are low, plotlines dubious, and the acting melodramatic. But they are also brilliant. They capture a local flavor that a foreign film crew never could, and their popularity depends on viewers recognizing elements of their own lives in the action onscreen. Hollywood films are still sold here, but you are much more likely to find copies of Sand in My Shoes Parts I, II, and III than Blood Diamond.

PRESENTING MADAME EBANO, THE SUSAN LUCCI OF NIGERIA
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Street vendors are the Nigerian answer to Best Buy, hawking dozens of Nollywood movies with salacious titles like Ass on Fire and My Sister My Love.
Tonight, I am tagging along with two friends, Raymond and Yemi, both up-and-coming actors, as they pitch a movie idea to directors milling about Winis. They've told me that because there are so few white men in town, I'll easily get roles in movies. If I can handle myself in this neighborhood's bars, I will have passed my first test.

After taking in the scene, Raymond and Yemi move quickly to one particularly busy sidewalk and begin chatting up Ricardo Agbor, a popular young actor who has starred in dozens of movies and soaps. Stocky and well-groomed, Ricardo has attained a measure of success that most here will never know. Nevertheless, he is still hustling, struggling to pay the bills and find steady work. He welcomes the chance to talk to me and Yemi, who is based in London. Two Westerners with potentially deep pockets are good contacts for him to make. At The Point, the tiny, concrete-walled bar he favors, we sit beneath a slowly whirring and, sadly, ineffectual ceiling fan.

We order a few bottles of Guinness -- though this Guinness is a different animal from that creamy sort found in Dublin. With an alcohol content of 7.5%, these brews are designed to knock you flat; sales of Guinness in Nigeria actually outnumber those in Ireland. Beer in hand, Ricardo holds court for thirty minutes, speaking mostly in Yoruba, the lingua franca of the dominant ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria. He moves quickly from generic industry advice to a topic with which he seems more comfortable: which actresses make a movie successful. (Hint: They should be beautiful, and busty. Especially busty.)

A woman interrupts his lecture. Her name is Christi Okinko, "but you may know me better as Madame Ebano!" she shrieks. She played the character on a soap, and it is her most recognizable role. Okinko is wearing a tight black top and jeans, and her thick Spackle of makeup doesn’t mask the fact that she is pushing sixty. Though she is recognizable to any Lagosian, she still wants us to take down her number in case any jobs open up. She is Nigeria’s version of Susan Lucci, if Lucci had to spend all day at a Sunset Boulevard Starbucks, batting her eyelashes at uninterested producers half her age.

Then a different kind of character sits at our table. He doesn't introduce himself, and unlike every other person in the bar, he is hesitant to talk at all. He only begins to do so when he learns I am a Western journalist. My companions are hushed, waiting for him to speak. Finally he introduces himself, spelling out his name for me. I have to write it down and show it to him before he assents to an interview. "Aquila Njamah. Yes, that's me. You spelled it right." Aquila is one of the few figures in Nollywood to have experienced some success abroad. His movie The Rivals was shown at the New York International Film and Video Festival last year. While he has great hope for Nollywood’s future, he curses its substandard qualities and lack of financing. “My name is bigger than my bank account," he says. “We haven't arrived. We're still striving. Nollywood is good and can get better.”

Then his phone rings. It's his girlfriend. Aquila shouts something in Yoruba at her, then hands the phone to me. "It's my baby. Tell her you're an oyibo [a foreigner] and you're interviewing me, and that I'll be home soon." Nigerians love to hand their phones off for quick hellos. I had done this dozens of times already with Raymond and Yemi, so I oblige. "Hey there, Aquila's girl. Your man is a little busy right now. I'm interviewing him…. Yes, I am a white man.... No, we're not drinking.... Yes, he'll be home soon. Okay, bye."

Interview now over, Aquila stands to go with a word of advice for me. "Lagos is a dangerous place. Don't go down any dark alleys by yourself." I thank him and he turns to leave, but a friend at another table motions him over and he sits down for one last drink. Someone else will have to field the next phone call from his girlfriend.

When I stand up to leave, the Guinnesses hit their mark. I make my way back to our car, stopping to relieve myself in a gutter, as every other man in Nigeria does, day or night. But Raymond chastises me as I unzip. "No! Will, you are an oyibo, a big man. You can't do that here. You need to act like a star if you want to get any movie roles!" I recover myself and slide into the car. We pull out onto the main road and hit a traffic jam, a "go-slow" in local parlance. I stick my head out the window, try to catch a breeze, and let my mind wander toward the possibility of a white guy becoming a Nollywood star...

STAR PROFILE: OGE OKOYE

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Delectable Oge Okoye is one of the very few young rising figures in the Nigerian movie culture who got it right. Barely five years old in Nollywood, Oge has proven that her choice of acting as a career from childhood was not misplaced.

What has kept her shinning on the acting runway has been her unwavering determination to reach the top rung. Indeed today, her dazzling takes have singled her out amongst her contemporaries-'new acting kids on the block'.

Current industry ratings place her as one of the most sought after actresses in the Nigerian home movie sector. Recent statistics from Idumota, the seat of the popular movie market in Lagos confirmed that Oge appears the busiest now, of the youthful screen actress. Her face is most likely to grace the cover jacket of six out of say ten movies released in the Nigerian movie culture in a month. Indeed Oge seems the new pearl of most of the sector's producers.

Oge was born in London to the Late Mazi Okoye and Lolo Okoye, both devout Anglicans. It was from them that Oge imbibed the virtues of honesty, sincerity, courage and fear of God. A native of Nnewi in Anambra State, Oge, who was born under the star sign Scorpio, had her early education partly in London, at the University Primary School Enugu and at the Holy Rosary College, Enugu. In school Oge was engaged in a number of theatrical activities, which got quite a number of people, including her teachers, convinced that she was cut out for a career in entertainment.

After her primary and post primary education, Oge gained admission into the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Akwa, Anambra State where she graduated four years later with a degree in Theatre Arts. It was during Oge's first year in the University at Akwa that the inspiration to become a 'big time actress' heightened. She felt that it wouldn't be out of place to try her hands on her long held passion.

"I started acting when I was in the university precisely in my first year in school. That was when I did the job 'One Dollar' after which I did 'Spanner' and then 'Sister Mary'. But indulged in little dramas back in those days. So when I grew up and found myself studying theatre arts, I decided to just start acting. I was opportuned to find a platform as soon as I made my intention known to a few people who knew that my passion for acting was boundless.

" I really wanted to act but I didn't really know how to go about it. I had friends who told me that I had to go for audition and all that and I went for one and I was lucky to have been given a role. It was a sub lead. After the shoot, I was encouraged by the comments from the director and the producer who predicted that I would go far once I put my mind to it and work hard. After that movie, I started receiving offers. I am sure I handled my role in my debut performance well, because if I didn't do it very well, I don't think anyone would have called me up for another job."

But even as Oge was itching to be an actress, Daddy felt that she would be better off as a doctor. He had prepared her mind towards becoming a surgeon so she could save lives. "My dad is the strict type. You can't mess around with him. He really had a set opinion about acting because of the negative image actors portrayed then. It's really sad that he is not here to see the height I have attained so far. He died as soon as I started acting full time but he knew that my dream was to act.

"My mummy, who currently resides in Spain, also knew that I wanted to be an actress. She had no objection whatsoever. And really, my mum has always been with me. She has always been on my side to push me to any level I want to get to. I am like the only child of my parents, so all the pampering has been there. I mean she is not surprised at all about what I am doing. She has heard and read of my exploits and she is happy with me."

Oge's first shot at the home video turf was in the commercially successful comedy 'One Dollar' starring Patience Ozokwo and Victor Osuagwu. Though she played a supporting role, she drew attention to herself with her smooth interpretation and showed a lot of promise. "I didn't particularly do much, but many people called me up and were commending me. So that was how I knew that I was going to do some more work and even move higher."

After that outing in 'One Dollar', producers sought and engaged her. They all seemed to be in agreement that Oge was a good center to hang a story on. Today Oge has featured in over 50 movies with a dozen others at various stages of postproduction.

Of all her movie offerings, Oge picks her effort in the emotive movie 'Sister Mary' as her most tasking. "All the movies have I done have been tasking, but I found that particular movie tasking. I must say that it was that movie that brought me to limelight. I found it very challenging for the simple fact that I played the role as if I was really in the convent. I am not a catholic, but to convince the audience I visited so many places like the convent, bought books and made a lot of research. It came out well and so many people liked it particularly those in the catholic fold who thought I was Catholic. As a matter of fact I am an Anglican'

Indeed it was her performance in that movie that endeared her to a number of movie producers and movie lovers. She kept receiving offers and has not stopped receiving those offers till date.

Asked to name her role models, Oge says that they are legion. But she lists the Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, Nigeria's Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Liz Benson and the veteran actor 'Uncle' Olu Jacobs as actors that have had tremendous influence on her. She adds: "I love Uncle Olu Jacobs. He is like a father to me. He talks to me from time to time on how to be better.

"I recall that one thing that he told me that has sort of guided me is the fact that I must never strive to be like anyone but myself. That's my word for anyone who wants to come into the industry. My word for them is that they shouldn't come into the industry to be like my role model Liz Benson or like Auntie Taiwo Ajai Lycett. They should create their style and be themselves. They should do their own thing and aim at being better than those on the turf."

Oge obviously has no regrets engaging the movie run way. She says that it has been worth the while and adds that she is always overjoyed each time fans cheer at her and each time people stop her on the streets to appreciate what she described as her 'little effort' on the screen. "I am happy each time they appreciate me. And really I don't feel that I have arrived yet. Oge still has a lot of grounds to cover. But I appreciate all their love and concern they have shown and accorded me."

If there is one role that her fans have not found her playing, then it's the strip-teasing role. Oge says there is no rule to her not playing such roles. "No rule to it. I think as an actress, you should be versatile. You must not be tied to a particular character. You should be able to flow in any role you are given. You shouldn't be stereotyped.

"So if I have not done any daring role, it's because it's the job that I have been given. But there is a very daring one that would soon come out. Maybe I should just ask my fans at this juncture to bear with me and consider my role in that movie as just make believe. I am certain that they would see a different Oge in the yet to be released movie."

Oge loves casual wear because they give her freedom of movement. "I wear the best but it's the best that would allow me move freely. So I normally would go for the best. I mean that's one of the challenges we face as celebrities. You can't afford not to appear good always. So my dress code has to do with what exactly is happening but I prefer a lot of casuals except when I have like a dinner or official engagement. Then I would look for something else to wear. But I prefer being caught in casuals, like in my jean and my shirt.

"As for perfume, I go for designers like Angels and Obsession. For jewelry I prefer gold. I hardly put on gels because I am prone to burns on my neckline. I am not too much into make-up. I only make up when I am on set. And as for food, I like Semovita and Edikaikang. I can hold on a shooting session once I am battling with a plate of Semovita and Edikainkong soup. As for music, I love rhythm and blues. I like to listen to Tuface Idibia and Lagbaja.

Asked to state the most ridiculous rumour she has read or heard about herself, Oge recalls a tale, which suggested that 'she was dead and buried'. She states what would have necessitated such a costly tale: "It was one tale that swept me off my feet and to know that it was flying everywhere and was even published in a popular magazine and with my picture there. It has nothing to do with me. I think someone died after we shot my second movie 'Spanner' and the folks thought I was the one. So they went to the press without verifying. That's one of the challenges we face as celebrities.

"The other is being able to interpret a particular role. I played a role of an army officer recently. It was challenging for me because I was to live a role of an army officer who was to hand out orders and keep a straight face. I tried everything possible and I know it came out well. Another part of the challenge is the fact that people judge you by the works you do and that's a bad thing to do because our own job is to act. It doesn't really mean that that is the way we are and that's the thing we do because our own job is to act.

"I played a wacko role in a movie recently. I think it was in 'Separate Lives' and a woman came to me and was shouting on me at a filling station. She was just screaming and taking the role I played in the movie so personal. But apart from that, everything is cool and okay."

Although she does not believe in reincarnation, Oge says she would choose to come back an actress if given the opportunity to live life again. Indeed for her, this has been very fulfilling. "I don't think I would have been happier in another profession. It has been particularly fulfilling. I am comfortable with whatever I am earning as an actress. It has been able to pick up my bills. And of course, what I earn today is better than what we earned when I started. For me, it was not really about the money, because if it is, there were so many things one would have indulged in. So it was not really about the money. I just wanted to do that I had always wanted to do, which is acting. That was just it, even though the money is helping out somehow."

When not on set, Oge spends time reading, watching movies, 'catching some rest' and 'just chilling out with some of my friends and relations'. Asked where she would want to be five years from now, Oge quips, "Hollywood." She would also want to be married then, be successful, have her kids and live a stress free life."

even with all this nollywood development its still going to be producing bad movies. i watched 4 new nigerian movies two weeks ago. the sound quality was horrible i saw the boom in many shots. tha must have been an amatuer director. the speacial effects are worse than the sound. its crap to me there still the same from the 90's. why is it that many nigerian movies are so predictable. i dont hate nollywood just wish they would improve

U.S., Ford Foundation to Offer Technical Assitance to Nollywood

Barely one month after the introduction of the new framework for the distribution and exhibition of movies in Nigeria by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the dividends accruable to a formal sector have started rolling into the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood. This followed the penciling down of the industry by the U.S government and the Ford Foundation, an international orgnaisation, as one of the beneficiaries of a US government-backed movie support programmes tagged Project 2020.

In the same vein, the industry is to benefit from a Ford Foundation's initiative which seeks to assist the movie industry in West Africa to develop its numerous potentialities. The interest of the foundation, according to its representative, is mainly in the areas of capacity building and skills enhancement, in addition to the provision of funds to produce world-class movies.

NFVCB's Director-General Emeka Mba described as timely the capacity building and the provision of resources to encourage better movies because it would make the board's job easier. The U.S government Project 2020, he said, shared the same philosophy as the board's "Nigeria in the Movies", a project which was conceived to develop and implore filmmakers to project the rich cultural values of the country positively.

Earlier the executive director and member of the U.S Government President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Mr. Henry Moran, told the director-general that the U.S. government, under the committee, was funding a movie programme tagged Project 2020. The project, according to Mr. Moran, seeks to underscore the role of the federal agencies in international cultural strategies and it is inviting both U.S and non-U.S filmmakers to join hands in producing films with cultural contents which aim at bringing out those issues that unite rather than divide the people. He said it was a modern project with a strategy of international cultural diplomacy which the president's committee is driving to help filmmakers to increase their capacity and enhance their skills.

Also speaking, the programme officer, Ford Foundation West Africa, Margie Johnson Reese, identified the areas of the foundation's interest to include capacity building and skills enhancement, with the view of strengthening the industry. Margie Reese said that the foundation aims to elevate the culture of Nigeria through movies and its ready to make resources available to filmmakers to achieve the objective.

ABOUT NOLLYWOOD

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Nollywood, Nigeria's booming film industry, is the world's third largest producer of feature films. Unlike Hollywood and Bollywood, however, Nollywood movies are made on shoe-string budgets of time and money. An average production takes just 10 days and costs approximately $15,000.

Yet in just 13 years, Nollywood has grown from nothing into a $250 million dollar-a-year industry that employs thousands of people. The Nollywood phenomenon was made possible by two main ingredients: Nigerian entrepreneurship and digital technology.

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Lagos and other African cities faced growing epidemics of crime and insecurity. Movie theaters closed as people became reluctant to be out on the streets after dark. Videos for home viewing imported from the West and India were only mildly popular. Nigerians saw an opportunity to fill the void with products of their own.

Experts credit the birth of Nollywood to a businessman who needed to unload thousands of blank tapes and to the 1992 video release of Living in Bondage, a movie with a tale of the occult that was an instant and huge-selling success. It wasn't long before other would-be producers jumped on the bandwagon.

Currently, some 300 producers churn out movies at an astonishing rate—somewhere between 500 and 1,000 a year. Nigerian directors adopt new technologies as soon as they become affordable. Bulky videotape cameras gave way to their digital descendents, which are now being replaced by HD cameras. Editing, music, and other post-production work is done with common computer-based systems. The films go straight to DVD and VCD disks.

Thirty new titles are delivered to Nigerian shops and market stalls every week, where an average film sells 50,000 copies. A hit may sell several hundred thousand. Disks sell for two dollars each, making them affordable for most Nigerians and providing astounding returns for the producers.

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Not much else about Nollywood would make Hollywood envious. Shooting is inevitably delayed by obstacles unimaginable in California. Lagos, home to 15 million people (expected to be 24 million by 2010), is a nightmare of snarled traffic, pollution, decaying infrastructure, and frequent power outages.

Star actors, often working on several films at once, frequently don't show up when they're supposed to. Location shooting is often delayed by local thugs, or "touts", who extort money for protection before they will allow filming to take place in their territories.

Yet Nollywood producers are undeterred. They know they have struck a lucrative and long-neglected market - movies that offer audiences characters they can identify with in stories that relate to their everyday lives. Western action-adventures and Bollywood musicals provide little that is relevant to life in African slums and remote villages.

Nollywood stars are native Nigerians. Nollywood settings are familiar. Nollywood plots depict situations that people understand and confront daily; romance, comedy, the occult, crooked cops, prostitution, and HIV/AIDS.

"We are telling our own stories in our own way," director Bond Emeruwa says. "That is the appeal both for the filmmakers and for the audience."

The appeal stretches far beyond Nigeria. Nollywood films are proving popular all over English-speaking Africa and have become a staple on M-NET, the South African based satellite television network. Nigerian stars have become household names from Ghana to Zambia and beyond. The last few years have seen the growing popularity of Nollywood films among African diaspora in both Europe and America.

"Look out, Hollywood," one exuberant Nigerian producer exclaims. "Here we come!"
This is Nollywood is a documentary film that captures the spirit of Nigeria's booming movie industry.

http://www.thisisnollywood.com/

A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY JAMIE MELTZER

"Relentlessly entertaining and informative, Jamie Meltzer's Welcome to Nollywood boasts wall-to-wall bravado filtered through African-style entrepreneurship: Hook any of the producer-directors profiled here to a generator and the energy might just offset global reliance on oil. Nigeria's do-or-die approach is communicated via lively lensing, snappy editing and a peppy score. Docu is wildly funny...one can only admire the low-budget effectiveness crossed with lunacy that characterizes Nollywood gumption."

- Lisa Nesselson, Variety

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Here's a link to a Nigerian animated series: http://www.mayhemproductions.org/Business_And_Pleasure/Episode_1.html

Pretty good stuff.

Censors Board Seeks Support for Film Industry

The Director General of the Nigerian Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Emeka Mba, has called on stakeholders to join hands in building a virile film industry in the country.

Mba made this call when he led some members of the board on a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of THISDAY Newspapers in Lagos, yesterday.

According to him, "we are here as part of our own efforts of trying to engage the media in what the NFVCB has been doing in the last couple of years."

Mba, who expressed satisfaction that the framework on the distribution of film has so far achieved a measure of success, also declared that everyone has been carried along in the process of enforcing the new guidelines, "We have achieved success so far and we have also carried everyone who wished to be carried along," he disclosed.

He stressed the need to regulate the Nigerian film industry otherwise known as Nollywood, saying that "there is need for collaboration from everyone- stakeholders, producers, government and the media to sensitise people on what is going on about regulation."

He said Nollywood is the third largest film industry in the world and contributes over 300 million dollars to the country's GDP and as such there should be some structure in place to ensure that the industry is taken to its place of pride.

He lamented the trend that exist in the industry where there are no accurate figures on the numbers of films produced, adding that "this is the more reason why we have to enforce this new framework on film distribution."

According to him, "today, we don't know where films are made because they are everywhere. But the responsibility now is that people have to be more professional, embrace discipline in the process of becoming a film maker. You need to be socially responsible and professional in order for you to be able to tell your story," he advised.

It's Criminal to Engage in Film Business Without Licence - NFVCB

THE Nigerian Films and Video Censors Board says it is an offense to engage in any form of films or video business without obtaining necessary documentation from it.

According to the Director General of the Censors Board, Mr. Emeka Mba, the "Act setting up the National Film and Video Censors Board makes it a criminal offence to distribute, exhibit, warehouse or engage in transactions on films and video works without a license from the Board".

He noted that "over the past 26 months the Board has engaged all levels of stakeholders in fashioning out the framework for licensing of distributors and exhibitors, and last month that process was completed and perfected. It becomes unlawful therefore for anyone to purport to do business of distribution or exhibition if the person is not a holder of a license from the Board.

"Yes, indeed, the Board, in a joint exercise with the security agencies and the judiciary has empaneled Task Forces to identify and apprehend all those doing business illegally in film and video works across the country. In the process, arrests were made during the weekend in Onitsha, Anambra state, Lagos, Lagos State and Aba in Abia State respectively. The suspects will be charged accordingly before the law and they will have the fair opportunity to defend themselves. "Like I have mentioned, the Board is working with all relevant agencies of the law enforcement and crime deterrent agencies to stamp out dubious and shadowy characters who are suspected to have illegally flooded the Nigerian markets with pirated foreign movies," Mr. Mba said in Lagos.

"It is our belief," he noted, "that those who have so far been arrested are prime suspects in the criminal practices I have identified above. These no doubt, are clear economic crimes that costs Nigeria about $1 Billion annually in revenues from the film sector only. No government will fold its hands and watch such grave pillage of national resource unchallenged".

So it needs no restating that the principal mandate of the Board is to ensure compliance to the provisions of the laws setting it up.

You could see from the list of licensees as published in some national dailies and the Board's website that the compliance level is almost total. I am clear in my mind that Nigerians are generally law abiding people who are respectful of transparent processes. But unfortunately, the nuisance of the criminally minded few tends to drown the genuine contributions of the patriotic majority. That is what is happening here. From the North, South, West and East the compliance level has ranged from commendable to total.

Try finding out what the criticism is, and try investigating the authenticity of whatever it is you call criticism by examining the opinions of those who have complied. If people are involved in criminality as is the case here and do not want to be subjected to transparency test and processes they will do anything possible and impossible to befuddle the issues. Criminals in the creative industries in Nigeria must be exposed and smoked out, that is the simple mandate that I see myself pursuing.

The Board believes the questions arising from our enforcement activities should be as follows:

1. Why have the marketers in Onitsha refused to comply with the regulations, whilst over 2,000 plus distributors have so far complied with the requirements. In fact the Board bent so far backwards to even offer provinsional licenses to all those who simply obtained the form, and registered, without even completing all the processes. The Board took this action to show faith with the perculiar circumstances of the industry. This more than anything is a firm commitment of the Board's believe that everyone who requires a license is given one, as long as the meet the MINIMUM requirement. No one at the Board excluded the marketers, furthermore, the forms are still on for sale.

2. Regarding the cost of compliance: the Board has reduces the applicable fees and charges from 250,000 a year to a special rate of 40,000 per year for the coalition of marketers, whilst the 25,000 registration fee was equally waived. questions should also be.

3. On the issue of the insurance bond, the Board equally relaxed the conditions allowing each association to obtain a collateral insurance cover from which the association would now indemnify each member. they marketers could also borrow a leaf from the Yoruba film producers and marketers, who have struck a deal with Niger Insurance Ltd. to provide the Bond and other collateral insurance cover for its association and members.

4. It is also important to note the significance of the licensing regime which is to ensure strict adherence to the Board's censorship decisions. in the recent times we have seen a huge difference in the movies censored and the movies actually released in the market. in fact we have seen movies that were actually refused classification are being distributed in the market. a classic example is the movie " Presidential Ambition" which the Board withheld classification, and which is currently in the market. other examples include the movie Executive Decision! You may recall that even members of the National Assembly have consistently excoriated the Board about the levity in enforcing its mandate.

At the moment, several movies are being released without the necessary approvals.

5. The issues are quite simple to avoid the embarrassment of possible arrest and prosecution, all persons involved in the business of film video marketing, distribution, and exhibition must register and obtain license to do so, as the Board remains absolutely resolute in the enforcement of its decisions across the country.

In fact it may be even be that the amount the marketers are willing to pay as legal fees may actually pay for the registration of a majority of all their members!!.

6. The Board also frowns at the attempts to blackmail and intimidation being employed by the shadowy association of film video producers marketers (FVPMAN).

Several text messages and calls have been made to the DG, and other key staff, as well as other marketers who have already registered with the Board, such as OJ productions, Ulzee Productions, Remdel Productions, and Don Pedro Media etc. Already the threat to life case has been reported to the relevant security agencies. for investigation.

Only few actors and actresses catches my admiration in Nollywood. The others are so lame in their acting. The ones that makes me mad most are the two short guys. They know nothing about acting and all they do on screen is make noise, make dry jokes and go out of points in rendering their lines. The so called big names have got nothing to offer apart from people like Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Pete Edochie, Femi Fatoba, Liz Benson, Regina Askia, RMD, Hilda Dokubo and a handfull of others. Ramsey Nouah is now improving having completed his theatre arts course. They can only fool a layman with their acting by falling in and out of characters.
Some of these actors and actresses only care about the $2000 or so amount and don't care about their reputation as proffesionals by casting in low standard films. It sucks!!!

The directors are worst but few are excellent, these includes Don Pedro, Tunde Kelani, Amaka Igwe, Ego Boyo and some few as well. Almost The rest of the others lack good directorial approach and also continuity is their biggest problems.

NFVCB should properly scrutinze all films going into the market and throw out those that are not up to standard.

i've seen some nigerian movies. some are good but most are bad. its not that the storey line isnt good, but the sound and special effects suck. in the movies that i watched, one moment you can't hear what there saying and the next, it so loud that i almost went deaf.

The Good thing is that they've got some lovely story-lines but lack the technical know how

Here's a new Nigerian soap opera:

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tY_EN4Lu4

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FD5nDc70yk

Clip 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwyXYMe-P0

Clip 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8FcpLJ-oKo

Who looks best and acts best?

GABBY
http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/gabrielle-union/pictures/gabrielle-union-picture-6.jpg


GENNY
http://evasitoe.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/genevivennaj.png

:)

i've seen some nigerian movies. some are good but most are bad. its not that the storey line isnt good, but the sound and special effects suck. in the movies that i watched, one moment you can't hear what there saying and the next, it so loud that i almost went deaf.

true lets hope tinapa can fix that

Things Fall Apart Opens in Abuja

The stage adaptation of the classic novel, Things Fall Apart would hold between October 3 and 4 at the Merit House auditorium in Abuja.

The landmark play which is a collaboration between the Jos-based theatre organisation and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will climax the year long activities marking the 50th anniversary of the publication of the novel which has been adapted for the stage by the UK based Nigerian novelist and playwright, Biyi Bandele.

The theatre group fresh from a performance of the play in Lagos for the 50th anniversary, courtesy of the Ford Foundation will open with a performance for schools at the Merit House venue as part of the activities marking the 48th independence anniversary of Nigeria and this will be followed by the public performances.

The novel spending 50 years on the bookshelves has sold over three million copies, translated into 40 languages and is read as a text worldwide. It will be recalled that Chinua Achebe, founded ANA on June 27, 1981, when he convened a meeting of notable personalities in Nigerian literature.

"That meeting which was to give birth to ANA was also attended by Ngugi Wa Thiongo and Gacheche Wauringi. The Jos Repertory Theatre founded in 1997 is currently revving up its touring programmes with the aim of taking live theatre to Nigerian cities. With the story of Okonkwo been told on the live stage, it is possible that a lot of us will see lessons inherent in his hardwork, dexterity and reaction to issues - these are lessons that the organisers are hoping audiences will go away with," said Patrick. Jude Oteh of the Jos Repertory Theatre.

Nigerian (Stephanie Okereke) Directs Movie in Hollywood. Nollywood meets Nollywood

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"I am looking beyond Nollywood" - Stephanie Okereke

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Hob-nobbing with international stars at the 32nd edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, Nollywood's delectable actress, Stephanie Okereke, speaks with STEVE AYORINDE at the Sutton Place hotel in downtown Toronto about her mission at the festival and plans for the future

Is this your first time in Toronto ?
Yes it is. But I have been to a couple of other festivals like the New York African Film Festival and SITHENGI in South Africa. I was supposed to be at Cannes this year, but I could not make it. I have heard so much about Toronto and I thought it would be nice to attend this year.

Has is been fulfilling for you?
Yes it has. My aim is to see how the business aspect of it is organised and how as a filmmaker one can use the platform here to market my films to the global audience. I will be happy to screen my film here some day. My dream is to get an invitation that my film has been accepted by Toronto and then see myself walk down the red carpet.

You speak as a filmmaker or as an actor?
Well it is the same thing really. But I do more than acting these days. I am also a scrip-writer, a producer and a director. I have just directed a film in the United States.

Really. Tell me about it?
It is called Through the glass, which I wrote, produced and directed in Los Angeles in August. It is basically a romantic comedy about a promiscuous guy who is going through different stages of his life. It is about the transition from the stage of irresponsibility to responsibility. It was shot after I finished my course in Acting and Directing at LA.

Is it a student film then?
No, it is a feature film that I hope will sell me to the world. It was shot on High Definition camera. I am already looking beyond Nollywood. Film, you know, is universal, and it is all about the next level.

Is it a Nollywood or Hollywood film?
It a combination of both - Nollywood and American. I used a few US-based Nigerian actors, but the rest are American actors.

How expensive was it?
Quite expensive, but am not` telling you my budget!

We are back to the Nigerian reluctance of hiding information. Haven't you noticed that everybody knows the budgets of every single film shown here in Toronto ?
Yes I know. But I am not hiding my budget, it is just that we are yet to finish the post-production and even what will be required to get it into major festivals and publicity will all go into the final budget.

Have you made useful contacts in Toronto ?
Yes I have and I will build on the contact. I am only disappointed that although we have a stand at the festival, there is no single film from Nigeria. We cannot continue like this. It seems to me like there is a disconnection between the government agencies overseeing the film industry and the professionals in the industry.

Do you realise it takes more than film festival to get into the mainstream of world cinema?
Yes I know. And that is why I am retraining myself in the US. I even auditioned for A Good Shepherd, the film directed by Robert De Niro in 2005 but I could not go back because I had the accident shortly after I returned to Nigeria.

Did your pedigree in Nollywood help you at the audition?
In a way, yes. But I remember that when I told them I had acted in close to 100 films, they burst out laughing. They said if I had done that in Hollywood I would be close to being an old woman.

How many films have you done this year?
Only three. I did two in January, and you know I have just recovered and I have been traveling a lot. I spent like five months in the US. The scripts have been coming, but there is no time really.

Have you fully recovered from the accident you had in 2005?
Yes I have. I am now back on my feet after that horrible experience of coming out of a burning car with burns all over me and a broken leg.

Has the experience changed your attitude to life?
Definitely! The lesson I have learnt from it is to take life as it comes; one day at a time. And that anything can happen at any time. I have also become very close to God. I am like maybe I was moving too fast. But I am still trying to discover why God saved me from that accident. I was close to death you know.

You sound religious now.
Do we not all? I believe in God and I am a Christian. But I hate to sound or appear religious. Religion does not define my relationship with God.
You must be learning quite a lot these days having just been out of a bitter divorce.
Well it is all about life and lessons to learn.

Do you blame yourself for having gone into a marriage that would be so short-lived?
Well, you feel sad about it but then it is just a phase. You learn from mistakes. I don't think I regret it. I certainly won't call the marriage a regret. I know that I went into it with my heart pure.

Is it really all over? Don't you believe in 'never say never'?
I used to say never say never until my accident in 2005. But that marriage is a never that must stay never. We al have choices and my choice about this is never to go back into that marriage. You know everything that looks good may not necessarily be good for you. I may like chocolates but won't want to grow fat, so I have to make a choice.

Has there been any emotional replacement that is more reassuring?
Not for now. I am just taking my time. I am enjoying the fact that I am single, that I can travel without any worries. But for sure I will be hoping for something assuring when the right time comes.

What are the chances of that emotional assurance coming from Nollywood?
Nill. My involvement with every actor I have starred with ends on set. There has never been any romantic involvement between myself and any Nollywood person.

Do you find any them unsustainable?
Not that, but it has never really passed the professional level. I find many of them attractive but it has just never happened.

Even with all the deep kissing in many of the films?
Even with all the kissing. It all ends on set, nothing personal. It's all make-believe.

How rewarding has the film industry been for you artistically and financially?
It's been good. Compared to other areas of the arts and entertainment, we are quite fine. I can't think of any other industry to function. It is still a growing industry though, with all orts of problems and limitations especially about protecting our works. This is my passion and like everybody else I wish to cross over to the mainstream, global scene. I am sure the future is very bright for me.

How did you manage to escape the bitter rivalry among some actresses over who was better and who should be the face of Nollywood figuratively speaking?
There is no face of Nollywood as far as I am concerned. They should get that into their heads. I think we are all in the same category. Just like in Hollywood, nobody goes around saying she is the best. There is enough room for everybody. The industry is big enough for everybody a role to play. I heard about the in-fighting too, but if it is true, I think it is not a very good thing to do.

Could it be that you were not considered a competition?
What competition? They tried to play me against Genevieve (Nnaji) when I started acting, but I was too busy for such nonsense. I just preferred to stay out of bitterness. I think people just think too highly of themselves. The industry will survive without anybody. For me, it is when you've gone international that we can begin to talk about who is big or not.
Today's Headlines


Video on Previous Page (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=646730&page=2)

New animated series:

LSXwhQ4VYtU

^^ Thanks. That seems like such a good show, can't wait until the next episode! :happy:

good job. its a start

They better air it in Nigerian Television

Rita and Genevieve’s war gets colder
Kemi Lawal


It is very unlikely that feuding Nollywood personalities, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji, will sheath their swords and embrace instruments of peace anytime soon. The A-list actresses who ceased to be best of friends years back, fell out in a supremacy battle, owing to their acting prowess. Since then, they have always looked in the opposite direction where the other was concerned.

All efforts to reconcile them have incessantly come to a naught as both actresses have become adamant at remaining aloof.

The two were reported to have bumped into each other at a recent function on the island where they cleverly avoided each other. Witnesses who are in the know of their frosty relationship, observed that neither said hello and both carried on as if the other was not existing, fuelling speculations that there might be more to the hostilities than we are aware of.

http://www.punchontheweb.com/Article-print2.aspx?theartic=Art20081123091635

United States of Nigeria: TV Series


United States of Nigeria, the new TV series by Ayo Shonaiya starts on Nigerian and UK televsion on Saturday the 17th of January 2009. USN is a reality/fly-on-the-wall series featuring interesting lives of some (regular and celebrity) Nigerians living in America.

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** They should put me in this show.:colgate:

this is filmed in america but isn't broadcasted there. crazy.:nuts:

nvm this could be filmed anywhere

What the industry needs is huge investment in all facets.

yep!they do need alot of investment.
and they already have millions of fans, so better qulity product = a further increase in their market

What the industry needs is huge investment in all facets.

definetly

NOLLYWOOD GOING HIGH TECH


The Smoke & Mirrors Movie was made employing similar techniques used to produce movies like SIN CITY, 300, and SKY CAPTAIN & THE WORLD OF TOMORROW. The movie was shot on a sound stage in Veritas St...
The Smoke & Mirrors Movie was made employing similar techniques used to produce movies like SIN CITY, 300, and SKY CAPTAIN & THE WORLD OF TOMORROW. The movie was shot on a sound stage in Veritas Studios, Lagos, against a green screen backdrop. The entire environment was then placed in using computer generated imagery (CGI). It was financed by Adonijah Owiriwa of ADONIS PRODUTIONS, produced by Ibironke Ojesebholo of CEROMS MEDIA, & directed by Ehiz Ojesebholo of NANTOONS STUDIOS in 2008, in Nollywood, Nigeria.

SMOKE & MIRRORS was recently nominated at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for Achievement in Visual Effects.

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the movie looks way to fake, espically the explosion. but hey at least there trying.

Forest Whitaker and Danny Glover in Nigeria for the 2009 AMAA movies awards.

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They look wonderful on those traditional actfits.

Forest Whitaker and Danny Glover in Nigeria for the 2009 AMAA movies awards.

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OMG!! This is priceless.

Chuks and Jide thought they could better their lots in Europe.They wished, they could get educated and civilized directly from the Alleged masters and founders of civilization. But strict laws and policies of the host country were misconstrued by the desperados as racial discrimination.
Unfortunatly, their hopes and expectations took a downward turn.
When Ambitions were twisted, when good hearts are poluted with Evil policies. One has no other choice than to chose between survival and defeat, to draw a line between heroism and cowardice.
What happens, if one of them decides to set off in search of his fore-father´s Skull?

An Elvis N.Ololo film. „HIT EM UP
Starring Ngozi Ezeonu, Simon El Junior, Larry Koldsweat, Elvis N. Ololo, Emeka Nwaför, Adekunle Adebiyi Moses, Emele Francis Agari, Ibironke Olaoni, Lenjes Robinson and many others
D.O.P.Jude Ntoh, written by Elvis N.Ololo and directed by Anthony Baggette and Okechukwu ifeanyi (Simaboy)

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best nigerian movie preview I've seen. :applause:

i agree

EDIT DOUBLE POST

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NICE TO HEAR :).

Nigeria surpasses US in film production: UN survey

United Nations, May 6 : The Nigerian film industry has surpassed Hollywood and closed up to India, the global leader in the number of movies produced each year, according to a UN agency report.


According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) survey, Bollywood and other Indian film centers produced 1,091 feature-length films in 2006. In comparison, Nigeria’s film industry, commonly known as Nollywood, came out with 872 productions in video format while the US produced 485 major films.

Film and video production are shining examples of how cultural industries, as vehicles of identity, values and meanings, can not only open the door to dialogue and understanding between people, but also to economic growth and development, said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura, who released the report yesterday. This new data on film and video production provides yet another proof of the need to rethink the place of culture on the international political agenda.

Key to Nollywood’s explosive success is Nigerian filmmakers’ reliance on video instead of film, reducing production costs, and, as the survey points out, the West African country virtually has no formal cinema halls, with about 99 per cent of screenings in informal settings such as home theatres.

The three cinema heavyweights were followed by eight countries that produced more than 100 films: Japan (417), China (330), France (203), Germany (174), Spain (150), Italy (116), South Korea (110) and the UK (104).

The survey also revealed that about 56 per cent of Nollywood films are made in local languages, while English remains a prominent language, accounting for 44 per cent, which may contribute to Nigeria’s success in exporting its films.

According to the study, US movies continue to dominate cinema admissions around the world, and all of the top ten films seen in Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Namibia, Romania, and Slovenia were US made

There's an urgent need to develop local cinema for Nigerian movies.

The cinema/theater arts are thriving in Nigeria- maybe not as vibrant as it should be. I enjoyed local movies almost every other month at a good cinema in Abeokuta before I left. I find it ridiculous that they think that any country in the world has 'virtually' no formal cinema halls.

Can somebody help with the list of the Nigerian movies for the year 2009?

that would be one huge list. im guessing about 2400 movies are going to be made by the end of the year.

You can list the ones you known of!

You can list the ones you known of!

Go the reviews section of naijarules.com

Thank you!

anybody seen this movie "MY american nurse"?

you laugh ur ass off...

anybody seen this movie "MY american nurse"?

you laugh ur ass off...Is it Nollywood's?

yes dude ...go to the africa thread u will see the movie there....watch it

yes dude ...go to the africa thread u will see the movie there....watch itOk. I'll check it up.

10859605

Added On April 27, 2010
CNN's Christian Purefoy walks the red carpet as Nigeria's stars and filmmakers attend the African Movie Academy Awards.
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/international/2010/04/27/ia.nollywood.night.bk.a.cnn

I think you have been unfair about Christian Purefoy in one of yor posts which, in my mind is not the cuprit of the issue with NBC less anticipated, in the past, television show"The Phylanthropist". Christian Purefoy has been a good reporter.

Might Just Be The Best Nollywood Movie By Far

STREETS OF CALABAR

Welcome to the teaser trailer for the upcoming Nollywood comedy thriller 'Streets of Calabar'. Filmed entirely in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria using both local and international cast and crew. Written and produced by Charles Aniagolu of Spirit Creations, an independent production company. It's his vision to produce a Nigerian movie that will meet international production standards.

WEBSITE: http://www.streetsofcalabar.com/home.html

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not even close i think

^^ :lol:....i meant video quality...the script looks cheesy...maybe becuase its a comedy..idk

I like it

Ije (The Movie)

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Trailer

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Nollywood agog as Ije begins cinema run

The excitement in the air is contagious as the movie entitled Ije makes its debut in all cinemas across the country on Friday, July 30. The blockbuster is expected to run for weeks in the big screen.  Also, Nollywood will on July 31 witness a revolution in film making as the same movie premieres in Lagos.

Produced and directed by Nigerian international filmmaker, Chineze Anyaene, founder of Xandria Productions, the movie that stars Nigerian screen goddesses Omotola Jalada-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji as well as Nollywood star Clem Ohameze alongside international stars such as Odalys Garcia, Jeff Swarthout and Ulrich Que, will also be premiered in the UK, United States and other European countries between now and next year. Immediately after the Lagos premiere, Ije: The Journey, will make its round in local cinemas across the country.

 Former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ejike Asiegbu, has praised the new film describing it “as a watershed in filmmaking in the country. From the plot to the cast and crew, the quality of production... Ije is just too much. And to think it was produced and directed by a young female filmmaker from Nigeria. I am impressed, Nollywood is proud to have a film like this come out of Nigeria.”

 Since its production, the movie shot on 35mm, has already made headway, winning several awards,being nominated and chosen as official selections in many film festivals around the globe. These awards include Excellence in Filmmaking, Best Editing and nominations include Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Feature Film and Best Feature Film Screenplay.

  It has made appearances and received accolades at film festivals such as Swansea Bay International Film Festival with Festival Patron Catherine Zeta-Jones and Festival Vice President Michael Sheen; International Youth Film Festival with Patron Sir Anthony Hopkins and the highly regarded Boston International Film Festival that holds in Boston, MA. With AMC Theaters (the largest chain of movie theatres in the US) as one of its sponsors, the Boston film feast draws a large following, and it also has many other influential sponsors that include BET, A&E Television, Bravo TV, AMC TV, Microsoft, American Express and JVC among others.

Comedy Challenge Finale Holds Sunday: There will be laughter unlimited this Sunday, July 25 in Lagos as 14 budding comedians battle for the grand prize of N1.5 million in the Opa Williams National Comedy Challenge grand finale.

Scheduled to hold at Tribeca Club, Lagos, the talent hunt that saw over 5, 000 budding stand up comics participating in six regional competitions in major cities across the country since March this year, produced 14 finalists that will slug it out this Sunday.

A statement signed by Opa Williams media company, Media Image Managers revealed that a panel of judges made up of seasoned comedians, journalists and practitioners in the entertainment industry have been set up to handle proceedings on that day.

  Being sponsored by MTN mobile communications company with Pay TV giant HiTV and AIT as media partners, the comedy challenge finale will be a mini show as notable comedians will entertain the live audience in an evening that promises to be fun.

Comedy merchant Opa Williams in the last decade and half, has turned the laughter business into a multi-million naira business empire and in the process discovered talented young Nigerians that have become household names in Nigeria and in the African region as well as Europe and America.

Hundreds Jostle for Naija Sings 2 Lagos Slots: Hundreds of young Nigerians with musical talents  attended the Lagos audition of M-Net's music reality talent search, Naija Sings, which held at Frame 24 Studio, Philips Building, Ojota, Lagos on Thursday. The first season of Naija Sings held in 2009 with the then 17-year-old Jon Ogar winning the ultimate prize of 100,000 US Dollars. He also won a music contract with Storm 360, one of M-Net's partners on the show and an appearance at the 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards in South Africa.

Biola Alabi, Managing Director, M-Net Africa, expressed satisfaction at the turn out of hopefuls at the audition. She described it as a sign of many good things to come. "This large number of Nigerians at the first leg of Naija Sings Season Two audition is a confirmation of our long-held belief that Nigeria has got talents. That is why we created a platform to give these budding talents the opportunity to realize their dreams and ambitions." She added that some of the hopefuls  will make it to the Lagos Regional Finals on Monday, August 9.

Pamela Ofoegbu, Commissioning Editor, M-Net Africa, said: "I look forward to an interesting second season of Naija Sings. It is evident from the attendance and performance here today that Naija Sings has come to stay. The second season promises to be far more interesting than the previous one given the performance I have seen demonstrated by some of the participants that have been auditioned so far."

Karl Raccah, lead judge at the Lagos audition of Naija Sings 2 said: "What I look for in the hopefuls first is the way they entered into the audition venue. It says a lot about their ability to make it to the regional final. Then comes their voice, their confidence and the manner they performed their chosen songs. From what I have seen here today, I look forward to a hugely entertaining show, and I hope new Nigerian singing stars will emerge after the season."

Some of the young people at the Lagos audition expressed optimism that they will make it to the Regional Finals in August.

M-Net's production crew will move to Benin-City on Saturday, July 17, Sunday 18th and Monday 19th for the Benin Regional auditions and finals. The crew will be in Enugu on Tuesday, 20th, Wednesday, 21st and Thursday, 22nd for the Enugu auditions and finals. From Enugu, the crew moves to Port-Harcout on Friday, 23rd, Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th for the Port-Harcourt Regional auditions and finals. Calabar Regional auditions will take place on Monday, 26th, Tuesday, 27th and Wednesday, 28th.

Auditions will take place in Kano on Saturday, 31st, and Sunday, 1st while the Kano Regional finals take place on Monday, August 2nd. The crew will be in Abuja on Tuesday, August 3rd, Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th before returning to Lagos on Monday, August 9 for the Lagos Regional Finals.

Segun Fayose, Head, Corporate Communications, MultiChoice Nigeria said: "It is a busy schedule for everyone involved in the production. This is to ensure that interested Nigerians are given the opportunity to showcase their talent, and possibly, make it to the finals." He added that MultiChoice is committed to bringing top quality content and programming to all DStv viewers on all the bouquets.


Source: http://odili.net/news/source/2010/jul/23/201.html



Launch, Silverbird Galleria

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Producers Who Changed Nollywood

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Source: Alayande Dayo

The past three years has witnessed a big leap in movie production in Nollywood. The industry has in this period witnessed the rise of didactic story lines modern directing and production of movies that match up with the second rated movie industry in the world called Bollywood.

With the crop of few seasoned producers such as Teco Benson and Emem Isong who launched the big screen movies with 'Mission to Nowhere' and smithy Pleasures respectively, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jumbo, Kunle Afolayan, Stephanie Okoreke, Lilian Amah Aluko, Vivian Ejike efc followed suit and have presented films that defeat the hitherto all low quality movies.

This report focuses on the achievements of these actors and actresses in changing the industry for better, and moving it to the next level.

Uche Jumbo: This popular screen goddess and Glo ambassador has scripted series of block buster movies such as 'game men play' before venturing into movie production late last year. She produced the high quality picture movie titled 'Hollywood Hustlers' which extrayed controversial story of life in Nollywood with state of the arts equipment that gave the movie that standard which Bollywood has used as an edge over the Nigerian movie industry.

Desmond Elliot: Star actor Desmond Elliot is a household name in Nollywood. He produced “Shit on the Kak' which went home with an award. Early last year, he made 'Before the Light' a movie that saw the light of the day in 35mm format and was premiered in TV's GAMA Film executive theatre. From last year till date, Desmond has co-produced three movies with Emem Isong one of such movies is 'Guilty Pleasures' which was equally premiered in Ghana. Aside turning a superlative movie producer, Desmond equally directs his movies.

Stephanie Okereke: This top actress, producer cum director had the world in mind while making war movie 'Through the Glass' with which she placed Nollywood on the same level with Hollywood. The movie was produced in Hollywood with rated equipment 'Through the Glass' was rated as one of the highest budgeted movies that Nollywood has ever made. Through this movie, Stephanie towed the line of contributing her quota in taking the industry to the next level by skyrocketing the name Nollywood to Hollywood.

Kunle Afolayan: Top actor turned producer hit the industry with 'Irapada' a movie he produced in 35mm format, he also dazzled movie buffs with 'The Figurine' also produced in 35mm format on the premiere of this movie on Silverbird gallerie, Kunle projected Nollywood as an industry where movies should possess word standard story lines and high picture quality.

Lilian Amah Aluko: She is not new in the art of movie making as she has produced lots of soap operas that are gracing the screens of local television stations. She also produced a movie titled 'Jungle Ride' which tells the story of what Nigerian youths pass through as a result of unemployment. Premiered at the Silverbird galleria, the movie is produced in 35mm format, with high picture quality and standardised production cum directing techniques.

Vivian Ejike: She has been a movie producer for many years. In December last year, she premiered her movie titled 'Silent Scandal' which has been rated among the high quality picture movies. Apart from the twisted and suspense filled story line, the movie was done with state of the arts equipment which rates at par with the 35mm format and premiered at Silverbird Cinemas.

Jeta Amata: This vibrant actor, producer and director will stand tall as one of those who pointed the way to the best practice in movie making with his production of the wave making picture 'Amazing Grace' which grabbed attention not only in Nigeria but also internationally.

Kingsley Ogoro: Years after masters like Hubert Ogunde, Eddie Ugboma etc did their stuff; it was Kingsley who took the initiative of doing movies in celluloid format in this generation through his flick, “The Return'. Although the movie was not a commercial success, it opened the vista for the return to making films in the big picture format.

Source: http://www.modernghana.com/movie/8195/3/producers-who-changed-nollywood.html

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All on 35mm or Equivalent

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http://www.sudplanete.net/_uploads/images/films/AFOLAYAN_Kunle_2007_irapada_affich.jpg

http://www.ghanamma.com/images/dec/silent%20scandal.jpg

http://calabarsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Amazing-Grace.jpg

Very nice stuff. I am not sure if this is the right thread but Is there any Nigerian 3D Animation Film? or any plans?

also do you guys have IMAX Films? or any plans??

lovely way 2 go tbite.

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THE MIRROR BOY

Produced by OH Films in association with The Nollywood Film Factory

Starring Genevieve Nnaji, Osita Iheme, Edward Kaguzuti, Fatime Jabbe with Victor Carvalho, John Charles Njie, Momodu Musa Cisse and Felix Cisse

Film Credits

Writer/Director: Obi Emelyone
Producer: Patrick Campbell
D.O.P: Clive Norman
Film Editor: Andrew Webber

Graphics: Daniel Tah
Sound Designer: Luke Corradine
Production Manager: Amma Aning
Line Prducer Gordon Irole
Assocoiate Producer: Fatime Jabbe
Make Up & Hair: Gabriel Okorie
D.O.P Assist: Chukwudozie E. Manuel

Co-Executive Producers: Akin Salami & Patrick Campbell

Promo Credits

Promo Director: Patrick Campbell
Film Editor: Andrew Webber
Sound: Luke Corradine
Graphics: Daniel Tah
VO Artist: Frazier James

For more information visit mirrorboythemovie.com (http://mirrorboythemovie.com)

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with all these wonderfully executed movies being showcased on here, how come Ghana is treating Nollywood actors badly?

with all these wonderfully executed movies being showcased on here, how come Ghana is treating Nollywood actors badly?

The locals feel threatened. I thought it was going to foster good collaborative productions from the two nations. God, was I wrong. Now tariffs have been imposed and retaliatory tariffs on actors. It is so strange.

The locals feel threatened. I thought it was going to foster good collaborative productions from the two nations. God, was I wrong. Now tariffs have been imposed and retaliatory tariffs on actors. It is so strange.

You feel threatened when people are coming to take from you not when they are coming to contribue.....it's a sick and irrational idea by our Ghanaian neighbours

Production, presentation and technical training for staff at the Nigerian Television Authority in Abuja prior to the launch of NTA News 24 in Oxctober 2009. The training, staff development and programme design was delivered by Quayside Media.

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Didn't know were to put this but...

Miss World...Miss Nigeria:lovethem:

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Sesame Street to Debut in Nigeria

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i'd have become more patriotic if i grew up with stuff like this...

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i'd have become more patriotic if i grew up with stuff like this...

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LOL My little girl liked it..... But come on man they asked the people to leave lol more like most fought them out

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Caroline Chikezie Stars In Nigerian Movie "Inale"
PUBLISHED: OCT 16, 2010

If there is any doubt that a brand new Nollywood is rising out of the ashes, another world-class naija film is coming up to drive home the point. This time, it's Hollywood star Caroline Chikezie herself (Aeon Flux, Eragon, etc), coming closer home to play lead role in Nigerian movie musical "Inale".

The movie, directed by Jeta Amata is based on an age-old Idoma folktale -- a tale of enchantment, valour, and the test of true love, in the quest to restore peace between two warring communities.

The flick's star-studded cast include Hakeem Kae-Kazim who plays the love interest Odeh, who must win a wrestling tournament for her beloved Inale's (Caroline Chikezie) hand, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Dede Mabiaku, Keppy Ekpenyong and singer Omawumi.

Its soundtrack includes songs by Bongos Ikwue(!) According to the filmmakers, Inale is the first-ever Nigerian movie musical shot in celluloid.

This is definitely a big thumbs-up for Nollywood, and for Caroline, for helping boost the local content.

Have you guys seen Through the glass
Directed by stephanie okereke in Los Angeles,
It has whote actors in it
It was featured on CNN,during the iList

Have you guys seen Through the glass
Directed by stephanie okereke in Los Angeles,
It has whote actors in it
It was featured on CNN,during the iList

Highest Paid Nigerian Actresses. There is still no publication of salaries for the male actors.

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall (N67 million)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs678.snc4/61869_151787398194278_134158903290461_221703_765615_n.jpg
Humble and hardworking, she is what one may call the silent millionaire. She became one of the actresses to try out other ventures. Spared by the tabloids' bashing, the African Movie Academy 2008 Best Actress winner has graced the screen of Nigerian television like an amazon. The screen star who also has an 8-year old daughter, Gabrielle, is a business woman to the core. Although she often appears classy, she spends wisely on what she wears and only travels abroad for business rather than pleasure. She does not drive very expensive cars and she lives a purely average and normal life. The Cross River-born star has her own company which specialises in different businesses but with blas in real estate. She currently has three buildings and several landed properties scattered all over the country. By 2006 she had earned N10 million and the following year, she reached N12 million. She has never looked back since then. The warm and beautiful star is also a model, presently a Glo Ambassador and face of Onga (brand from Promasidor) and has since earned a whopping N20 million between 2008 and 2010. Plans are also underway for her to commence the production of her own movies.


Genevieve Nnaji (N64 million)
http://www.nigeriashowbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/genevieve-black.jpg
An icon in her own world, a screen goddess and the queen of Nollywood, many describe her as an industry of her own. The Best AMAA Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, Genevieve Nnaji is arguably the most popular actress in the Nigerian make-believe movie industry called Nollywood. She has over 10,000 registered fans on her website genevievennaji.ning.com and receives about 3,000 letters from fans all over the world every week. In September 2009 American mega television talk show host Oprah Winfrey named her one of the 100 most famous people in the world. She is also by far the highest paid actress per movie and the first to earn a million naira in a single movie. By 2009 she raised the bar and she was paid $25,000 in the block buster international hit movie IJE produced by Chineze Anyaene. A model and also a singer, in 2004 she became the Face of Lux and subsequently was involved with Pronto beverage and omo detergent.The following year she released her debut album Longolongo in Ghana, which saw her prove her versatile talents to her adoring fans all over the world. Between 2004 and 2006 she earned a whooping of N31.3 million. Major part of the money N14.7 million came from her two-year deal with Lux ($100,000). With no great interest in real estate she decided to dive into the fashion industry. She launched her clothing line St. Genevieve in 2008 which is presently being managed by fashion icon Zizi Cardow. St.Genevieve is reportedly worth N20 million. There is no doubt that she would have been topping this list with a great margin if she eventually got the Glo deal. She became the first to be contacted by Globacom, but she demanded N50 million while globacom wanted to sign her on for N30 million. She's reported to have tried later to salvage the deal, but she had already lost it.

The event also saw her sack her manager of 3 years. Unknown to her, Glo had already decided to involve other Nollywood actresses before contacting her. Rather than stopping after the loss of the Glo deal, the star decided to step it up and show her fans the daring side of hers. 2010 has seen her feature in some of the best movies ever seen in Nollywood and that includes Ije, Bursting Out, Mirror Boy and Tango With Me. 2010 has also seen her become the face of MUD cosmetics. She also appeared in the video of D Bbanj's hit song Fall In Love.


Ini Edo (N60 million)

http://www.africanstarz.com/ini%20edo%203.jpg

She has remained very consistent and has proved time and time again that she was born to be a star. Ini believes in landed and housing properties and has invested in this area more than any other Nollywood sister. She has five buildings to her credit and another one to be completed by the end of the year. Most of the buildings are being rented to tenants. The actress, model and producer presently has nine landed properties which she either plans to build upon, fence for keeps or lease. Five of the landed properties are in Ikotun and Ikorodu areas of Lagos State and the rest in her home state. By 2007 she had earned N15.7 million from movies and her businesses.

She has just produced her latest flick Memories Of The Heart which will be premiered in the United States. She is part of the Glo pride pack and is also part of the project to move Nollywood to another level. She is fully involved with Nollywood USA led by J. J. Bunny and has featured in the latest film by Nollywood USA titled This Is Houston.

Rita Dominic (N58 million)
http://www.stylehousefiles.com/wp-content/gallery/red-carpet-photos/rita-dominic.jpg
She is the best-dressed actress" according to Nollywood insiders and fans. In 2004 she won the City Peoples Award as the Most Outstanding Actress. The face of Nokia and the Glo ambassador is also a business woman. Rita has done well both as an actress and a model. Her assets include landed properties and two homes estimated to be worth over N40 million. Between 2008 and 2009, she earned N16million (most of it part of the money coming from Nokia and Glo.) She is about to launch a book and produce her own films.

Mercy Johnson (N55 million)
http://nollywood.codewit.com/images/stories/demo/mercy-johnson-cnp.jpg

When many argued whether there would be another star like Genevieve, along came the fierce and hot Mercy Johnson. At the moment she remains the most controversial actress in Nollywood. The movie, The Maid, was not enough to woo Nollywood fans to her, but 19 Mackaulay Street revealed her to be the latest Nollywood revelation. Since then she has never looked back. Many argue that the tens of movie scripts that come her way are due to the fact that she's is not a glo ambassador, but the actresses does not see it that way.

In the past three years she appeared in more movies than any other Nollywood actress. By 2008 Mercy Johnson had appeared in fifteen movies and earned N11.4 million from movies alone. The following year, she earned N13 million and she featured in the Emen Isong hit movie Guilty Pleasures. She is also an investor in properties and she is about to complete two houses at the moment. She also owns about six landed properties in lagos.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (N53 million)
http://www.nigeriashowbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Omotola.jpg

She is the darling and princess of Nollywood, bold and a beauty to behold. Many believe she shares the same status with Genevieve Nnaji and together they are the two biggest actresses in Nollywood. Omotola is not your impression of an everyday business woman but what you may call a seasonal investor in whatever she develops a passion for. Although she has not featured in many movies recently, she has always proved that she is always at her best in any movie she acts in. In 2007 she grossed N9 million. Omotola takes it easy with her life and also has great passin for cars. She drives more expensive cars than any actress in Nollywood and her garage is estimated to be worth N20 million. The mother, model and musician has recently stepped up her game in the music industry.

Her first album Gba was her first introduction to the music industry but her sophomore album Me, Myself & Eyes has defined her as truly talented. The production and promotion of her album cost her a whopping N13 million

Patience Ozokwor (N51 million)
http://www.ghananewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/935840264_939485.jpg

The Enugu star is nicknamed "Mama G' in Nollywood. She is the oldest on the list and is notable for her tough roles in movies. 'Mama G' who is also a musician has been consistent in the industry and her roles have been raw energy. She is very diverse in her investments but also has several landed properties. She also started business very early.

Uche Jombo (N50 million)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3lFqBksmrE/TH_yoZU2qlI/AAAAAAAAhFw/f_Na9u-mZOM/s1600/IMG_5314%2520(1)%5B1%5D.jpg

Nollywood insiders, stake holders and fans all agree that this has been Uche Jombo's year, one in which she has razzled and dazzled many with her acting in several movies this year. The year 2010 has seen her dominate the headlines more than any other actor or actress in Nollywood. The media pictures her everywhere (although in a positive light) and she has enjoyed media hype like Genevieve Nnaji (2005) and Mercy Johnson (between 2008 and 2009). In 2008, she pocketed N10 million for her slick performances in several movies. Uche started to prove her talent in the industry when she co-wrote the block buster movie Games Men Play with veteran female producer Emen Isong in 2005. In 2009/2010 which appears to be her biggest year in the industry, she featured in the Nollywood USA movie by J. J. Bunny Rebound followed by her own very work and master piece, one that has set Nollywood on fire, which is currently being premiered in the United States.

The Glo ambassador and model, who earned more than N11 million in 2009, seems unstoppable at the moment. The year 2011/2012 could see her top this list, since some of her movies are not yet released and the ones being shown in cinemas are still enjoying sold out status across the continent. Uche is also among the stars involved in the ongoing Nollywood 'Rebirth' that raises the quality of Nollywood movies via the Emem Isong Royal Arts Academy and J. J. Bunny's Nollywood USA. Uche could also be the first mega actress turned producer in Nollywood if feeters and her body language are anything to go by.

Monalisa Chinda (N50 million)
http://nigerian-movies.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Monalisa-Chinda-E4-PR-Bella-Naija009-399x600.jpg
Also involved in the Royal Arts Academy mission, the beautiful actress from Rivers State has done well for herself after more than ten years in the industry. Between 2004 and 2008 Monalisa Chinda earned about N25 million. The actress and producer is about to release her movie which is already in its final stages. She also owns landed properties in choice locations in both Rivers State and Lagos.

If anyone has the links to the highest paid Naija male actors, please share with us.

N.B: Nigerian editors need to learn to proof-read their articles before publishing them because this article has a lot of grammar mistakes.

www.arodrive2.com

great site to watch naija and or ghanian movie.

also www.thenaija.com

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MBGA Nollywood Movie of the Year 2010. Busted Life coming soon!!!

man fuck all these shot in america shot in london movies. wtf?
just keep it real, nobodies watching a nigerian movie you see london.
my friend shoot that shit in Warri.

From Jeta Amata, comes "Black Gold", a powerful story of greed, murder and corruption in the murky waters of the volatile oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs793.ash1/168305_142034019188079_139370876121060_247704_6608143_n.jpg

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no just 3

Amata is co-producing a film that features three foreign actors and is directed by his nephew Jeta Amata.

The actor was in Nairobi last Friday as part of the Nigerian contingent for the launch of the MUDI store in Kenya. “I have come straight from location in Abuja where we are shooting a movie about the crisis at the Niger Delta called the Black Gold”, he told reporters upon arrival.

The current conflict in the Niger Delta arose in the early 1990s over tensions between the foreign oil corporations and a number of the Niger Delta’s minority ethnic groups who felt they were being exploited, particularly the Ogoni and the Ijaw.

Competition for oil wealth has fueled violence between the different ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups as well as Nigerian Military and police forces (notably the Nigerian Mobile Police).

“The foreign cast will play roles that will depict the dire situation. The lead female is played by Sarah Wayne Calliese, the actress who played the lead in Prison Break as Dr Sara Tancredi.

“William George “Billy” Zane Jr. also has a role in the movie, you all know him as the American actor who played the role of the jilted fiance, Caledon Hockley in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic.

“Another actor is Nigerian born Hakeem Kae-Kazim based in Los Angeles. He portrayed Jocard, in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, and Georges Rutaganda in Hotel Rwanda.”

Fred said the budget for the movie is close to Kenyan Sh25million. ‘That’s around 30-50 million Naira”, says Amata…

the movie looks nice but 2 out of 8 of the main cast is nigerian. this is looking like all those hollywood movies about 'africa'
Jeta Amata is pure Nollywood, though he thrives for higher quality.
He was the same director that produced the Nollywood "Amazing Grace" movie.

Shooting on location in Nigeria (courtesy of FB page)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs014.snc6/166463_140422702682544_139370876121060_236737_1338033_n.jpg

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Anchor Baby

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This is one nollywood movie i found very interesting.

Well that doesn't look cringeworthy and for once a serious issue other than juju...it does look boring though btw the guy is a Ghanain

One of the most funniest Nigerian movies of all time!

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part 1

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part 2

lol so thats where you got that saying from: orange juice, mango juice and tangerine juice combined

Seriously though will a Nigerian man chase anybody and anything :ohno: I was trying not to puke when she kissed him *shudders*

If a man looked like that and he was the last guy on earth believe me I will choose to remain celibate.......either that or I'll turn into a lesbian.

What happened, was it in the clip :)

haha sokoto...yes that's where I got that phrase


arinze u need to watch that movie

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Genevieve Nnaji: Nollywood's Julia Roberts

March 29, 2011 -- Updated 0922 GMT (1722 HKT)

One of Africa's most successful actresses

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji is one of Africa's most recognizable faces

She's been called the Julia Roberts of Africa

The Nollywood star says Nigeria is "just like another New York"

Nnaji says she wouldn't live anywhere but Lagos
Every week CNN International's African Voices highlights Africa's most engaging personalities, exploring the lives and passions of people who rarely open themselves up to the camera. This week we profile Nigerian movie star Genevieve Nnaji.

(CNN) -- With her glamorous looks and exceptional talent, Nigerian movie star Genevieve Nnaji is one of Africa's most successful actresses.

The screen diva -- dubbed the Julia Roberts of Africa -- has starred in dozens of films, enchanting millions of movie fans across the continent.

The 31-year-old actress is considered to be a poster girl for Nollywood, the booming Nigerian movie industry, which according to UNESCO, is the world's second-largest film producer after India's Bollywood.

Nnaji has been performing in front of the camera from the age of 8. She is now one of Africa's most instantly recognizable faces and has won several accolades, including the 2005 African Academy Movie Award for Best Actress.

CNN's Pedro Pinto caught up with Nnaji before her latest movie premiere in London to discuss fame and her passion for Nigeria. An edited version of the interview follows.


Acting in a children's adventure

The Julia Roberts of Africa
CNN: Do you see yourself as an ambassador for your country?

Genevieve Nnaji: As long as you are a celebrity and in the public eye, you are an ambassador because you are the person they see -- they can't see the whole continent, they can't see the whole country.

CNN: How would you describe Nigeria to people who've never been there?

GN: Nigeria is a unique and a peculiar country, and as the people, we are too.

CNN: Why peculiar?

GN: Because everything, every aspect of human nature is in every Nigerian -- the good, the bad, the ugly, it's just like another New York. Nigeria is fun, to be honest.

But when...all we have people talking about when it comes to Nigeria is crime and fraud and things...that's just a very very minute number of people. Nigerians on the whole are very confident people. I believe we are confident, I believe we are very resourceful and we are very hospitable when it comes to visitors in the country.

I don't think I have reached my peak necessarily so I hope for other opportunities, greater opportunities to express myself.

CNN: When you look at your country, what are some of the things that you love about it?

GN: I like that as Nigerians we have some sort of neighborly love that we don't understand. We have a way of coming to the rescue of complete strangers. We do have that bond and I think it has to do with our background and how we are raised....I would never live anywhere else to be honest, no.

CNN: Really?

GN: No, I grew up in Lagos, I was born and bred there and I don't see myself leaving that town any time soon. I can work anywhere else but in terms of living, I'm used to Lagos.

CNN: How does it make you feel when people are screaming your name constantly?

GN: You never get completely used to it, like the last time I was here for the other premiere -- "Bursting Out" -- it was pretty overwhelming. I just thought, is this my life, all these people actually loving and appreciating me for who I am?

It's very humbling to be honest, I must say I'm blessed.

CNN: When did you realize that maybe this could be your future, this could be your career?

GN: I don't think I ever realized that, for a long time I kept thinking, OK, this is just temporary, definitely I'm going to go back to school and read law, English or something that I wanted to do.

So I never fully accepted acting as my profession. I don't think I saw myself there but somehow...here we are, I am an actor.

CNN: Do you ever get the feeling when you wake up in the morning one day that you wish you weren't famous?

GN: Oh yes, I don't even need to wake up, just sitting down sometimes I'm like, God, sometimes I hate my life. But I can't complain.

CNN: You have been referred to as the African Julia Roberts. When you hear that, what do you feel?

GN: Thanks to Oprah (Winfrey), it's very, very flattering, I mean not just because I'm compared to (Roberts) but because of who compared me to her.

So it's an honor to be honest but I think it's probably the vein we have on the forehead, I think that's what we have in common.

CNN: What do you wish for your future, where do you see yourself?

GN: I want to be further challenged in my career, I don't think I have reached my peak necessarily so I hope for other opportunities, greater opportunities to express myself.

Mostly because there is still something inside of me that I just feel I haven't let out and it's really trying to come out and trying to burst loose so I'm hoping for that opportunity...I just want that story, that story that challenges me even further.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/29/nigeria.genevieve.nnaji/index.html?hpt=Mid

What is up with her accent...trying to sound british

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I think it sounds fine :dunno: some of my cousins have a similar accent...

Doesn't she reside in England.I think her British accent has a Nigerian twist to it.

Doesn't she reside in England.I think her British accent has a Nigerian twist to it.
No, she doesn't.
And I think her accent is normal.

Just accidently found about this Nollywood channel today...enjoy :)

http://www.youtube.com/user/NollywoodLove

^^ apollonia made me laugh blackburry ........but the blackberry fever na wa sha....these naija babes fit kill man pickin for blackberry oooooo......

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^^ this is a very good movie to watch...it has 3 parts...this is part 1. :cheers:

Forgive my ignorance, but has Nollywood made an animated movie or cartoon?

Forgive my ignorance, but has Nollywood made an animated movie or cartoon?

No, but independent Nigerians out of the 'Nollywood' scene have.

I saw the trailer for BB girls, so crazy :lol:

I just learnt today that Nollywood veteran Ashely Nwosu is dead.He died of liver complications after being in a long coma for about 1 month.may his soul rest in peace.

Aww thats sad :(

And welcome to the Nigerian forum :D

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Direc-Toh
Spoof on Nigerian film making
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http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Damageposter.jpg
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Kiss-and-Tell
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http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Ties-That-Bind-Poster-2.jpg
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http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Cupboard-600x323.jpg
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http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC0009.jpg
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BENT ARROWS Local Champion :horse:
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http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/The-Damage-Movies.jpg
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Memories of My Heat
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A Private Storm
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Return of Jenifa
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Tango With Me
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Holding Hope
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I WILL TAKE MY CHANCES
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^^
Ikenna :drool: boy is too fine...

Brides War
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Two Brides And A Baby
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ANCHOR BABY
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Genevieve Nnaji CNN interview
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Nollywood Love CNN Interview
Nollywood love provides a legal channel for Nigerian films to be viewed :yes:
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^^ this is a very good movie to watch...it has 3 parts...this is part 1. :cheers:

It's not Nigerian but Ghanaian. I agree it's a very good movie.

Nollywood Meets Hollywood for “Turning Point” – Starring Patience Ozokwor, Lauren London & Jackie Appiah

Posted on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at 1:14 PM

By BellaNaija.com

http://cdn.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Turning-Point.jpg

HekCentrik Productions, the makers of Africa’s first digital 35mm picture “TWisTED”, today formally announced their next feature, a Hollywood feature titled “Turning Point”.

The movie is Executive Produced/Directed by Niyi Towolawi (CEO of HekCentrik Productions) and Co-produced by Egor Efiok (CEO of E4 PR).

According to Niyi Towolawi, CEO of HekCentrik Productions and writer/director of “Turning Point”, “we start principal photography in less than a month and the excitement couldn’t be greater.”

Set in New York, the plot explores ethnic prejudice amongst the various black communities in America and centres around a Nigerian investment banker who bows to family pressure to abandon his American sweetheart for an arranged wife from back home. His life is turned upside-down when the marriage turns out not too rosy, setting off a chain of events that forces him to confront his reckless past.

The movie features Nollywood stars Jackie Appiah, Igoni Archibong, Patience Ozokwor (Mama Gee), Enyinna Nwigwe, Ebbe Bassey and Chelsea Eze, alongside Hollywood actors Lauren London (“ATL”, “I Love You, Beth Cooper”, “Good Hair”), Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”, “Law and Order”, “Desperate Housewives”), Todd Bridges (“Diff’rent Strokes”, “Everybody Hates Chris”), Cynda Williams (“Mo’ Better Blues”, “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”) and Joe Estevez (“Apocalypse Now”, “Spanish Fly”).

The Hollywood production crew who have worked on numerous Hollywood blockbusters are very keen to bring to life this innovative approach of Africa-centric storytelling. “They are nothing but a dream team and it’s amazing how they have caught the vision and passion that we convey”. The crew includes award-winning FX makeup artist and E4 PR Star, Lola Maja-Okojevoh.

The Producers, Niyi Towolawi & Egor Efiok

There will be daily blogging from the set courtesy of Co-producer/E4 PR’s CEO, Egor Efiok via E4 PR’s blog and website and video diaries will feed the EPK television shows, a “behind the scenes” and a “making of the movie” respectively.

Filming begins middle of October in America, followed by a trip to Nigeria for additional scenes. “Our crew is very excited to visit Nigeria and a film workshop with Nollywood professionals is being lined up for their time there”, says Towolawi.
Egor Efiok adds, “Writing this movie with Niyi has been a marvelous and bonding experience. My ideas are usually unique and unusual and I found it difficult to collaborate with like-minded people until I met Niyi. We are the perfect tag team and you will definitely be hearing more from HekCentrik Productions and E4 PR in the near future”.

todd bridges? LMAO!

This isn't Nollywood but I found it really sweet :)

DORA’S Birthday Fiesta With Access Bank Delights Kids
Culture, Nigeria — By Jaguda on October 5, 2011 8:35 am

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Dora and Boots thrilling the kids at the event

Much-loved Nickelodeon animated character and pre-school heroine Dora the Explorer recently gave Nigerian kids an exclusive opportunity to share an adventure with her and her best friend, Boots at the Birthday Fiesta sponsored by Access Bank Plc in partnership with Nickelodeon at the Federal Palace Hotel for eight shows over the 23rd and 24th September 2011.

Thousands of children and parents thoroughly enjoyed Dora’s first ever sing-along appearance in Nigeria, which saw Dora and Boots taking over The Marquee at the Federal Palace Hotel. The two-day fiesta was well attended by pupils from Lagos schools and high profile figures and celebrities from Nigerian society and the local entertainment industry. Amongst the well-known faces present at the event with their families were Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Deputy Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Alex Okosi (Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa), Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Mrs. Doreen Wigwe, Toni Payne, IK Osakioduwa, Ayo Animashaun, Foluke Daramola amongst many others.

Kids and parents danced and sang along with gusto as Dora and Boots sang popular nursery rhymes in English and Spanish. Each child also received a special gift pack from Dora for attending her Birthday Fiesta. Global family entertainment network Nickelodeon is partnering with Access Bank toenlighten kids between the ages of 0 and 9 about financial literacy with their favourite character, Dora the Explorer.

The Birthday Fiesta is part of initiatives by Access Bank and Nickelodeon to engage and involve young savers and their parents. Access Bank’s bold partnership with Nickelodeon, an entertainment company that manages a number of global brands targeted at edutainment of children, is backed by significant resources from both institutions to ensure that Nigerian children will enjoy a world-class banking product.

In conceptualizing and designing the Early Savers account, Access Bank seeks to reach the unbanked segment of the nation’s economy, including children. The Access Early Savers Account is unique as it makes the banking process simple and fun; educates children about banking in an engaging fashion; makes children’s banking a family affair and encourages good financial behaviour from an early age. This is the first time in the Nigerian banking sector that a child-focused banking product has adopted this holistic approach to engaging young savers.

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Toni Payne and son, Zion

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Sam

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Mr Dejo Popoola and his Kids

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Mr Ayo Animashaun and Kids

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IK Osakioduwa and kids

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Herbert Wigwe Group DMD Access Bank and His Kids

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Funke Alogba and kids

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Dora and Boots

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Dora and Boots thrilling the kids at the event

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Corona Sch Ikoyi

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Children of Meadow Hall School showing Appriciation to Dora with The Story Book of Dora

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Chief Molade Okoya Thomas

What is Genevieve Nnaji's interview doing in a thread on Nollywood, talking about her daughter, Igbo people and their pride. Also, some films are not Nollywood, get it right or leave this thread :angry:

^^ :nuts::nuts::nuts:, this guy, please retire from your trolling............

:doh:

The Classic: Living In Bondage
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Lights, camera, action! How Nollywood is boosting travel in Africa

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Nollywood, Nigeria’s enormous and growing film industry, is boosting intra-regional tourism and travel in Africa, according to Euromonitor’s 2012 World Travel Market Global Trends Report.

Nollywood produces about 2,000 films every year.
After India’s Bollywood, Nollywood is the second largest film industry globally in terms of the number of films released. With over 2,000 releases annually, Nollywood beats Hollywood in volume terms.
“Nollywood films are popular in many African countries including Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gambia,” said Euromonitor’s report. “In these African countries, Nollywood films are distributed through TV channels and DVDs and are more popular than Hollywood films.”
The report also pointed out that Nollywood films have a large foreign market found in the African diaspora, with significant numbers living in the UK, US and South Africa.
“Arrivals to Nigeria are expected to record a 3% compound annual growth rate over 2012-2016, mainly due to intra-regional tourism fuelled by expanding African economies,” stated the report. “The popularity of Nollywood will be a major growth driver with the leisure sector, attracting film fans and business travel boosted by the growing economic importance of the film industry.”
Lagos is the heart of Nollywood, with many films being shot in the city’s Festac area. This year saw a boom in hotel openings in Lagos as well as hotel expansion plans in the country, which Euromonitor attributes to increasing tourism flows. With major international hotel groups – such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide and Radisson Hotels – expanding their hotel base in Nigeria, the country is paving the way for increased tourism and travel.
“The region is poised for continued strong growth in arrivals, incoming tourist receipts, air and hotel value sales in 2013,” said Euromonitor. “Intra-regional travel is crucial for the African tourism industry, due to strong business, linguistic and cultural links between many countries.”
In addition, there are a number of film villages that are currently being developed across the country. “Abuja Film Village, Plateau Film City and Lagos Film City aim to boost the film industry by providing modern film, TV and audio production facilities, and also encourage tourists to visit,” highlighted Euromonitor’s report.
As Nigeria’s movie industry develops and produces films of improving quality, movie stars will become another attraction for tourism in the region.
Euromonitor believes Nollywood will also benefit airlines operating intra-regional routes, such as Arik Air.
Nigeria’s greatest ambassadors
According to Euromonitor, over the years Nollywood has helped to change some of the negative stereotypes about Nigeria by highlighting its colourful culture, social norms, creativity and hospitality. This has led to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan referring to Nollywood’s stars as Nigeria’s greatest ambassadors.
“For now, Nollywood is the greatest ambassador we have,” said Jonathan to a group of Nollywood practitioners who paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother last month. “You are those who market this country positively in other African countries and even outside Africa, and even in the Caribbean, they appreciate Nigeria because of Nollywood.”
“For now, we don’t have any other group that is as important as Nollywood because you have been able to bring some reputation, some hope to this country,” added Jonathan.
http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/lights-camera-action-how-nollywood-is-boosting-travel-in-africa/22607/

Nollywood industry confirms as leading promoter of Nigeria tourism

About 48,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international journalists from all over the world gathered last week in Custom House, ExCel, and London for the biggest travel and tourism event, the World Travel Market (WTM).
The WTM, now in its 33rd year last year generated £1,653 million of travel industry contracts and provided tourism professionals’ opportunities to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion.
Countries, airlines, international hospitality chains, IT solution providers in the tourism industry, resorts, top travel agencies, tour operators all come together under one roof to do business. That is why it is catastrophic for any country interested in its tourism growth to miss this annual event.

For a country like Nigeria seeking to create an identity for itself and build its profile as an emerging destination, the need to put up a very strong presence and also articulate and market its products was imperative.
Slowly over the last few years, due to Nigeria’s strong presence and visibility in WTM and some other key travel fairs, the travel world is now conscious of the country as an emerging destination in Africa and is also taking a look at some of the things that are making Nigeria tick. The African Section of the fair came to a standstill as people trooped to listen to Nigerian music, watch dancers and have a thirst of the nation’s cuisines. They had it so good that most refused to go and had to when the music stopped.
The high point of this year’s event was the Nigeria Day.

The Nigerian tourism drive was given a boost by the 2012 Industry Report of the WTM which in addition to steady progress the country is making stated that: “The Nigerian film industry dubbed Nollywood has made the country the highlight of the African tourist industry with Africans making use of the increase no-frills airline routes to visit the country made famous in the movies.”
Commenting on the WTM Global Trends report, Runswe said: “The report we are getting from the WTM is the sixth in the world in the recent past. That means Nigeria is making major impact in terms of tourism development. I want to be very grateful to the organizers for bringing out the real fact that Nigeria has made concerted efforts and still making until tourism becomes a major income earner for the country.”

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) boss, Otunba Segun Runsewe, assessed the impact of Nigeria at the this year WTM: “Nigeria had its bold and imposing stand at the African section of the market, showing remarkable improvement in not articulating its presence in the market, but being able to create a platform for states and private sector operators to showcase what Nigeria has to offer in tourism.
While the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) co-coordinated the Nigeria’s participation, key private sector operators in the tourism industry had the opportunity to market and network with their counterparts from all over the world. It was an encouraging participation by the Nigerian private sector practitioners.

States like Cross River State, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had a strong presence. The umbrella tourism body for Nigeria, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by its President, Chief Samuel Alabi, led the private sector operators, including the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), and Arik Airline, Remlord Group, Eko Hotel and Suites, Tarzan Balogun Marine Services Limited and many others.
Runsewe said “In the 2012 World Travel market, we have seen that more countries are coming to the WTM and with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) also opening their windows and bringing in their members, we have seen that it is an opportunity to bring very strong inbound tourists traffic to Nigeria.

Travel trends forecast: Shopping hotels, 'Nollywood' and digital detoxing

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pping tourism from the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) will experience the sharpest growth in Europe between 2012-2016, according to the study.
Hotels in the Middle East are moving into shopping malls.

Nigeria is becoming a new travel hot spot.

Geeks need a detox.

Just three of the interesting findings from a new study, World Travel Market's Global Trends Report 2012.

Produced by research firm Euromonitor International, the 53-slide travel trends analysis was released at the World Travel Market, an annual travel event held this year in London earlier this month.

In the report, Euromonitor forecast nine major global travel trends for the next four years (till 2016).

Some are familiar, others unexpected. Here are the most thought-provoking discoveries.


Buy travel products and book your trips via TV.
1. Smart TVs will take off. These sophisticated TV sets incorporate Internet, social media and sponsored applications, which allow viewers to learn more details about a certain destination, such as hotel prices, by interacting with a travel program.

2.....
3.....

4. Nigeria will be a film tourism hot spot due to its robust movie industry, colloquially known as "Nollywood." Euromonitor projects growth of the country's tourist arrivals to increase from 2 percent in 2012 to nearly 3.5 percent in 2015.

5. Digital detox holidays. A growing number of world's population is addicted to portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

Euromonitor expects a trend of hotels and resorts launching theme packages and suites aimed at relaxing modern travelers in a technology- and connection-free environment.
http://travel.cnn.com/travel-trend-watch-shopping-hotels-nollywood-and-digital-detox-875516