Nolly Silver Screen ISSUE 09 10 OCTOBER 2014 54TH NIGERIA BEST INDEPENDENCE Nollywood ISSUE films ever made Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015: +Interviews - Charles Novia Organisers call - Kunle Afolayan for entries - Daniel Etim Effiong - Demola Adedoyin IfooAfrica - Judith Audu - Walter Taylaur Launches - Sadiq Daba - Ugoma Adegoke in Nigeria KEHINDE BANKOLE Afolayan’s October 1 as her first ‘big’ fruit

3 Nolly Silver Screen CONTENTS ISSUE 09 OCTOBER 2014 FEATURES 8 The Classics: 10 best Nollywood films ever made

INTERVIEWS 14 Cover: Kehinde Bankole 18 Filmmaker Interview: Charles Novia 20 October 1: Interviews with the cast 22 Q & A with Daniel Etim Effiong 23 Up close and personal with Walter Taylaur 26 Talent on the rise: Judith Audu 27 A Day in the life of... 14 Amarachi Onoh 27 Ugoma Adegoke talks Lights, Camera, Africa film festival REGULARS 4 Editor’s Note 5 Readers’ Corner 6 Contributors’ Bios 10 Vox Pop 11 Celebrations 18 13 11 Story-Bored 12 On Set 17 News 21 Photo News 23 Nolly Pop Quiz 24 Reviews 28 Red Carpet 31 Festival News 34 Listings 35 Events 37 Award News 35 4

Editor’sNote October 1 means different “things to different people. It is Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s latest blockbuster. For us here at Nolly Silver Screen, it is the first anniverssary of our parent website www.nollysilverscreen.com

Well done with your website and magazine as well. I read copy with Amaka Igwe on it sometime back. It’s nice to know that someone is document- ing the Nollywood industry. :) Ade Balogun

October 1 means different things to different people. It is must-read for die-hard fans of Nollywood. Also in this Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s latest edition are interviews with some of Nigeria’s budding blockbuster. For us here at Nolly Silver Screen, it is the filmmakers: Daniel Etim Effiong (p. 22), Walter Taylaur first anniversary of our website www.nollysilverscreen. (p. 23) and Amarachi Onoh (p. 27). Writer, producer, di- com Wow! Funny how time flies. The journey has been rector, actor and filmmaker Charles Novia reflects on his an interesting but challenging one. We have learnt a lot, last work, Nigeria’s film industry and reveals his next big tried new things, discontinued old things, made mistakes project (p. 18). and achieved some of our goals. All this however, would not have been possible without you – our readers. And Nolly Silver Screen was at the Nollywood Film Festival for sticking with us through the ups and downs, we say a Germany (p. 33) and Nollywood E-Golden Awards (p. 37) big thank you. where our newest addition to the Editorial Board, Shaibu Husseini was honoured for his contribution to film Our Independence edition features interviews with journalism in Nigeria. Well done Sir! More power to your Kunle Afolayan, Sadiq Daba and Demola Adedoyin (p.20) elbow. and Kehinde Bankole (p. 14) who share their experience working on October 1. Wilfred Okiche’s article ‘The Clas- Isabella Akinseye sics: 10 best movies to come out of Nigeria’ (p. 8) is a @iakinseye 5 Readers’ Corner Write ‘n’ win

Write to us about what you have and stand a enjoyed in this edition chance of winning fabulous prizes. This month, we will be giving out 2 on DVD. Also copies of Mama Africa up for grabs are cinema tickets to see a Nollywood movie in Nigeria and a gift hamper.

Email: [email protected] Get in touch via social media www.facebook.com/nollysilverscreen www.google.com/+nollysilverscreen www.twitter.com/nsilverscreen www.instagram.com/nollysilverscreen

Would love to see the Achebe trilogy as well as The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives. Need to have good script writers, directors and artistes who interprete their roles well. ‘Bimbola

Nigerian books I would love to see as a movie are Oba Ovorawen Nogbaisi by Ola Rotimi and Aza- gidi by Don Pedro Obaseki. For Oba Ovorawen Read Nolly Silver Screen on Nogbaisi, interpreting the emotions of a proud people being conquered and turned into a vassal of another empire would make for a classic. www.nollysilverscren.com For Azagidi, the transition of a goddess into a human loved by a man and then discarded. The viciousness of her vengeance would make for an issuu.com/nollysilverscreen epic tragedy. Omofasa O. scribd.com/nollysilverscreen 6 CONTRIBUTORS’ bios NOLLY SILVER SCREEN EDITOR Isabella Akinseye DEPUTY EDITOR Innocent Ekejiuba Mike Asukwo studied Sherif Awad is an art/ Olumuyiwa Awojide Fine Art at the presti- film/video curator and is a computer scientist, gious Yaba College of has worked as a pro- digital marketer and Technology. He is an grammer and commu- movie lover. Drop him in GRAPHICS & LAYOUT award winning cartoon- nications manager since front of a 100 feet screen Isabella Akinseye ist and illustrator with 1993 in Cairo Interna- showing anything with his work appearing in tional film festival, Alex- Tom Hanks in it and his numerous publications. andria film festival for day is made. He runs the ADVERTISING He currently works with Mediterranean Coun- award winning movie Quill and Scroll Creatives BusinessDay newspaper tries and Luxor African blog, Sodas and Pop- as Senior Editorial Artist. film festival in Egypt. corn.

Check out his cartoon He reports on the 3rd He reviews Eric EDITORIAL BOARD strip ‘Story-Bored’ (p. Arusha film festival (p. Aghimien’s A Mile From Temitayo Amogunla 11). 32). Home (p. 25). Bola Atta Bola Audu Shaibu Husseini Toni Kan STAFF WRITERS Ebunoluwa Mordi Oluwayomi Olushola

CONTRIBUTORS Efeturi Doghudje is a Wilfred Okiche believes Oluwaponmile Orija is Mike Asukwo PR practitioner eager to in God, medicine, music studying Food Science Sherif Awad see a sustainable change and movies. A medical and Technology at the in the Nigerian film, tele- doctor, occasional writer, Federal University of Olumuyiwa Awojide vision and arts industry. columnist and profiler. Agriculture, Abeokuta. Efeturi Doghudje She enjoys watching He runs a regular col- She loves writing and movies, reading, travel- umn in The Sun news- has published several Wilfred Okiche ing and adventure. Visit paper and contributes to works in the newspa- Oluwaponmile Orija her blog for the latest Y!Africa. pers. reviews on xplorenolly- wood.blogspot.com He compiles a top 10 She asks people which list of the best Nolly- Nigerian leader would FACEBOOK She reviews Teco Ben- wood movies ever made they like to see on the nollysilverscreen son’s Accident (p. 24). (p. 8). big screen (p. 10). GOOGLE PLUS +nollysilverscreen Want to contribute? TWITTER Nolly Silver Screen is always on the lookout for nsilverscreen writers and artists to contribute to the website, INSTAGRAM magazine and social media pages. nollysilverscreen We are currently open to receiving movie re- views, articles, interviews, infographics, cartoon Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine of www.nollysilverscreen.com. strips and caricatures focusing on Nollywood as Reproduction in whole or in part without well as Africa’s film industry. permission is strictly prohibited. Send email to [email protected] Send an email to [email protected] for permission and other enquiries. requesting contributors’ guidelines.

8 The Classics:The 10 Best Nollywood Films ever Made BY WILFRED OKICHE Coming up with a list of the best Nollywood films ever made is a thankless task and no list, no matter the merits can be agreed upon generally as Nollywood’s definitive. And no one should, for what is a film if not art? And what is art, if not subjective? But daunting tasks such as this do not scare us here at Nolly Silver Screen and so we took the pains (we’ll take the gains too) of attempting such a list. This one attempts to rank the films based on quality of produc- tion, commercial acceptance, staying power and pop culture appeal. We present THE LIST.

Living in Bondage (1992) Kenneth Nnebue’s classic probably does not age as well as we may have liked but it is near impossible to compile a list of Nollywood greats without throwing it in somewhere. Why? Living in Bondage started the whole contemporary film culture and birthed a fresh generation of film stars that would go on to do great things on stage, television and film. The story of the luckless Andy who uses his virtuous wife for money making rituals remains as unforgettable as it 10 has been defining. Igodo: The land of the living dead (1999) Everyone remembers where they were when they first sawIgodo , this all-star, menancing blockbuster that tested the horror thresh- old of Nigerian audiences. 7 brave men of different vocations are chosen to venture into a deadly forest to save a doomed commu- nity from the nefarious actions of their fore-bearers. In retrospect, Igodo’s cheap looking special effects are quite cringe inducing but none can deny that the film took the horror/thriller genre to 9 new heights. Oleku (1997) From the master cinematographer Tunde Kelani comes this adapta- tion of the literary tome of the same title by Professor Akinwunmi Ishola. Oleku is essentially a love quadrangle set in the seventies and revolves around Ajani, a young man who finds himself caught up in the lives of 3 women as he attempts to find a life partner. Released in 2 parts, Oleku not only became a cinematic success, it sparked a fash- ion revolution as reintroduced the female style of wearing 8 the Iro and Buba. Ijele (1999) Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi, Patience Ozokwor, Olu Jacobs and Genevieve Nnaji. Is this movie heaven or what? This film version which borrows but takes generous liberties from the legend of the masquerade Ijele is a compulsively watchable marvel of storytell- ing. In this account, Dede encompasses the role of the warrior who survives a gruesome birth and is placed on the path to greatness as he saves a community from extinction, finding love in the pro- cess. 7 9 Tango With Me (2011) A dashing couple with plenty to look forward to face the challenge of their lives when the virginal bride is raped at gunpoint on their wed- ding night by unknown bandits. Their long road to getting over the grief and finding meaning in life once again is captured smoothly by Mahmood Ali-Balogun. He keeps audiences invested as they follow this very adult take on relationships and the consequences of tragedy. Even though the ending is wrapped in a bow, Tango With Me is still an 6 effective drama. Keeping Faith (2002) Keeping faith set a new standard for romantic comedies in Nollywood and till this day, it is the film that members of its genre have to look up to. The red hot chemistry between its stars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Genevieve Nnaji propelled the movie to new heights in terms of audience appreciation. Produced by Ego Boyo and directed by Steve Gukas, Keeping Faith’s formidable cast of supporting players (Bimbo Akintola, Funlola Aofiyebi) helped make it a memorable outing for Nol- 5 lywood. Violated (1996) Back when Nollywood was still in its toddler stage, Amaka Igwe gath- ered a fine cast drawn largely from her classic television series Check- mate to tell a story of love and redemption as seen through the eyes of a couple who have to contend with the ghosts of secrets past. Ego Boyo and Richard Mofe-Damijo brought unforgettable, affecting life to their respective roles and Igwe’s confident direction was the icing on 4 the cake. Ije: The Journey (2010) Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have made movies together prior to this outing but none of them can touch this competently shot tapestry of feminism, blood secrets and the ties that bind. Directed by first timer Chineze Anyaene and sporting a globe-trotting cast, Ije is part courtroom drama, part suspense thriller and part meditation on the Nigerian psyche. The box office draw of its 2 leads was pivotal to its record breaking success but Ije would have done just fine without them. 3 Confusion Na Wa (2013) Not as widely seen as it should have been upon release in Nigeria, Kenneth Gyang’s African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner re- mains an indelible mastery of modern filmmaking. Taking an unusual style of telling disparate stories with different plot lines, Gyang finds a way to tie every end tightly such that the emergent film plays as a satisfying whole. Set in a Northen city and toying with the premise that sometimes, things just happen randomly, Confusion Na Wa stars 2 Ramsey Nouah, O.C. Ukeje and Ali Nuhu among others. The Figurine (Araromire) (2009) Kunle Afolayan’s Araromire (The Figurine) marked a turning point for the film industry. With a stellar script, high production values, potent acting and a screenplay that chilled as much as it thrilled, The Figurine became one of the most successful films to come out of Nollywood. Afolayan de- servedly scooped up every award – from Lagos to London that came his way for this psychological thriller that depicted a young man’s descent into madness, aided by a thriving culture of superstition. 1 10

Which Nigerian leader would you like to see on VOX the big screen? pop Oluwaponmile Orija finds out..

Ibrahim Donald Duke Babangida He is ofen called Maradon- Maybe because he is na, he knows how to drib- cute. ble and manipulate things. - Adebola Adegunle He can definitely fit into any role. He is cute. - Sanyaolu Jacob - Adeola Alamu

Olusegun Muhammadu Obasanjo Buhari He was able to bring the I appreciate his ability military cunnigness and to curb corruption, he the civilian diplomacy to- should be able to act in gether. He would definitely movies too. make a good actor. - Seun Oyebade - Mayowa Fadare

MKO Tunde ABIOLA Idiagbon

He can sing well and that A realist and a discipli- is usually needed in acting narian; he would fit into at times. such roles. - Taiwo Ogunyemi - Daniel Agbeboaye 11 OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS 2 Stephanie Linus 7 Laide Bakare 24 Florence Onuma 24 Lydia Forson 31 Taiwo Hassan 12

PICTURES FROM THE SET OF SAM KESSIE’S A LETTER FROM ADAM 13

PICTURES FROM THE SET OF STEVE GUKAS’ A PLACE IN THE STARS 14 COVER INTERVIEW K E H I N D E BANKOLE Afolayan’s October 1 as her first ‘big’ fruit COVER INTERVIEW 15 What was your favourite line in the movie? The Ifa priest says, ”Apa aja o apa aja, itele agbo o itele agbo.” Translated into English, it means “the arm of the dog, the arm of the dog, the hoof of the ram, the hoof of the ram.” I just found it very interesting.

What was your most memorable experience on set? Shooting in the forest had the most memorable times.

Why should people come and see October 1? They need an experience!

What other movies have you acted in this year? I was in Render to Caesar which was released earlier in the year. Another movie I acted in is Apostates and due for release soon.

Who would you like to work with in the future? Kenny Banks as she is fondly called is a fast rising Nollywood I have a few my eyes are set on but no names because my list actress, model and musician. The Mass Communications graduate keeps getting edited and adjusted. from Olabisi Onabanjo university made her acting debut in Wale Adenuga’s Papa Ajasco and Company. In 2009, she was awarded Beyond acting, what else do you do? the ‘Revelation Of The Year’ at the Best of Nollywood awards for I sing. I have done a number of soundtracks and mood music for her role in the Yoruba movie Elerin-Eye. Having featured in nu- soaps and movies. I also have a music group called Rave. I do merous movies including Two Brides and a Baby, The Awakening, voiceovers and also model. Facade and Render to Caesar, the former Lux ambassador who played Tawa in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 speaks to Ebunoluwa How do you balance everything? Mordi in this interview. It’s been challenging combining my beloved music efficiently as I’d Tell us about your journey into showbiz. love to. Modeling has been easily combined. It began in 2003 with Miss Commonwealth beauty pageant where I emerged in the top 10. I also participated in the Most Beautiful What are your hobbies? Girl in Nigeria in 2005 but I did not make it to the top 5. I entered I enjoy watching movies, writing and composing songs and beauty pageants not because I wanted to win but for exposure. sharing moments with family and friends.

How did your educational background prepare you for your What next should we expect from you? chosen career? Shocking and surprising projects. You need to see my work in yet I read mass communications, which is also a field of entertain- another light. ment, and some of the courses you do in communication are related to acting. Entertainment is communication; you pass a What advice do you have for those wanting to join the industry? message good, bad, or questionable but it is still a message. Be ready and open to learning. Be ready to work and have your standard from day one. How did you get into acting? PHOTO: COURTESY OF OCTOBER 1 AND KEHINDE BANKOLE My twin sister told me about Wale Adenuga’s audition for Super Story. At that time, I met the person that used to play Miss Pepeye and she encouraged me. I attended the audition and was success- ful.

Describe your first acting experience. I started with Papa Ajasco and Company. I remember that I was a bit tense and anxious to learn as well. I was under the directorship of Antar Laniyan who is a good teacher and very disciplined.

What made you commit to the script of October 1? The uniqueness and controversial nature of the story coupled with the fact that that it’s a combination of two power houses being the writer and the producer.

What was it like playing Tawa? Tawa is who I guess I would have been if I was born in the 60s. She is a teacher and the pretty rose among the wild plants, it’s simply so special. I am an old soul. Some kinds of songs I listen to and some parts of my lifestyle is old. October 1 gave me the chance to live what would otherwise have remained an imagination, of what it was like living in the old times, because yes, I often times have wondered. It’s not about the volume of work, it was and still re- mains an experience.

You had to speak Yoruba, are you a fluent speaker or did you have to take lessons? I am a lover of Yoruba language. I am a fluent speaker and a Yoruba girl.

What parts of Tawa’s character reminded you of yourself? I am a strong man’s woman; I am only for that strong one and Tawa is. I can dress plain and simple sometimes just like Tawa does.

N E W S AFRIFF to sponsor 10 students to American 17 university for film training As part of its developmental agenda for the film sector, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is planning to take 10 students to the United States for practical training in various aspects of filmmaking. Founder/CEO of the festival, Ms. Chioma Ude, revealed that the top 10 students who show the most aptitude during the AFRIFF organised training workshops which will hold during this year’s festival will be eligible for the sponsorship. This disclosure was made at her Victoria Island office recently, where she said that the training in America is planned as a reward scheme for these meritorious film students. According to her, the scholarship will be to attend a short film course at a prestigious American university, and is a collaborative effort with a key AFRIFF partner. The aspects of filmmaking to be taught at the workshops this year will be acting, scriptwriting, directing and cinematography.

This year’s edition of the festival will hold from November 9 to November 16, 2014 at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. Organisers say interested candidates for this year’s work- shops should register at the new AFRIFF website, www.afriff.com, as only registered candidates will be el- igible for shortlisting for the workshops. Registration for participation in all aspects at the festival begins from Monday, September 14, 2014. According to Ude, this skill acquisition and youth development initiative was conceived using film- making as a veritable vehicle for youth empowerment. Tagged AFRIFF Talent Development Workshops, the initiative provides beginners and intermediate courses for young people. AFRIFF also organizes master classes for more established filmmakers and professionals in the industry. Ude noted that the planned US training is in line with the vision of providing growth opportunities for graduates of the festival’s training program. She said, “We believe we can use this model for a social revolution that will change the economic horizon of the African film industry, by providing technical knowledge and skill sets to the abundant talents in our film community. AFRIFF 2014 team is currently resourcing for this year’s talent development training workshops in association with top industry partners who will also be announced later.” IfooAfrica Launches in Nigeria IfooAfrica is a brand new audio based online platform bringing back the African art form of storytelling. It allows users registered on the site to share their originally created audio story with the IfooAfrica community

Stories could be anything the storyteller wants to share like dramas, folk- tales, comedy, fiction, spoken word, poetry, narratives etc. IfooAfrica is proudly birthed in Nigeria and made for Africa in African voices. If you can voice it, we want to hear it.

IfooAfrica aims to create an online community of African storytellers told in their own individual and unique voices. We believe that even though our histories and journeys might be different, our stories are very similar. The platform intends to be both educative and entertaining while fostering stronger African unity via voice.

IfooAfrica will launch first in Nigeria on October 1, 2014 and will gradually make inroads into other countries on the continent. As part of its launch in Nigeria, IfooAfrica will run a monthly Upload, Share and Cash Out competition that will run for 12 months.

This competition allows storytellers to upload their originally created short audio story (10 minutes or less), share with the IfooAfrica community who will listen and vote. Any story that has the highest number of votes at the end of the month will be awarded N25, 000. The listeners are not left behind, as they will have an opportunity to win fabulous prizes on an adhoc basis in the Listen, Comment and Win competition.

Popular celebrities, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Kate Henshaw and Uti Nwachukwu have kindly loaned their voices to the first story up- loaded onto the platform titled Sexual Harassment written by Joy Bewaji and produced by David Jones David. Listeners are now invited to log on to www.ifooafrica.com listen to the story, answer the question asked at the end and leave a comment. If your comment is liked as the best at the end of October, you win a brand new Swatch wristwatch. For more information, visit www.ifooafrica.com. 1814 FILMMAKER INTERVIEW

Writer, producer, director, actor and filmmaker CHARLES NOVIA reflects on his last work, Nigeria’s film industry and reveals his next big project in this interview with ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Your last filmAlan Poza premiered in the cinema were astounding for me. We had a good run out of six in which he was nominated. Not and has long been released on DVD, how profit- in the cinemas and made good sales from bad for a film which set out to prove what I able was it? DVDs and the movie is still making very always advocate: the new stars out there can good returns from online platforms such sell a movie anyday without having to break Alan Poza was really an average-budget as Dobox. Profitable sales to satellite chan- the bank. movie by conceptualisation and became a nels worldwide also raked in good revenue. high-yield flick after its release. Knowing All-in-all, I’m smiling to the bank and to the that the support structures for distribution Do you feel that the negative criticism by some shelves because the movie has received a of movies in Nollywood are skewed unfa- writers affected the film in anyway? record 17 nominations in different catego- vourably for the producer at present, one I just told you the movie did quite well by ries in 7 different awards ceremonies since had to test the market after five years off my expectations so I don’t know what nega- the last quarter of 2013 and won me ‘Best the movie production circuit. Alan Poza was tive criticism did to it. As a critic myself, I un- Director’ at NAFCA in America in 2013 and designed to cautiously test the evolving derstand that people would definitely have won O.C. Ukeje two ‘Best Actor’ awards structures and I must admit that the returns conflicting opinions about the movie. FILMMAKER INTERVIEW Moreso that I am usually hard when I do my What keeps you going despite the challenges in 19 critiques and so the reviewers might have the industry? been inclined to measure my work with I am motivated by such challenges. I see the same style I use in my critiques. But in those challenges as endurance tests. I am a movies, the truth is this; critics are a minori- peculiar being made by the Most High. I was ty opinion group. The real determination not made by Him to fail or give up. Rather, I of a movie’s success lies with the audience. am made to excel and succeed. It’s a baptis- And Alan Poza being a youth movie (a new mal anointing and it pervades all aspects of genre I experimented with and introduced my life. in Nollywood) reached out to its audience. One of the numerous mails I received over Any new Charles Novia Think on the way? the movie said it was a movie far ahead of it I have decided to satisfy my fans with 3 time. I agree. We set out to shoot something new movies from me in 2015. I think fans different and we did it. Of course, no movie of the Charles Novia Think franchise should is perfect but given that the movie was one not have to wait for too long to watch new of the rave movies of 2013 in the awards out-of-the-box movies from my stable. So, circuits, I think one was quite vindicated. I watch out for The Shag in Sagamu (a come- mean, look at it: 2 AMAA nominations, 8 dy), Quiet Rush (a thriller) and The Groupie NAFCA nominations, 2 NEA nominations, (a pop culture dramedy) in 2015. I am also 2 GIAMA nominations and 2 BON nomina- producing a couple of top-notch television tions and recently just in 2014, 1 more Nol- As Nigeria celebrates her independence, what series which hits the screens in 2015. lywood Movies Awards nomination for Lala would you dream film about Nigeria be like? Akindoju. That is awesome by any standards, My dream film would be about Nigeria not many would agree. Beyond film, what other projects are you gaining her independence till 1985. We got currently working on? it too early and messed up the republic. That Half of a Yellow Sun has been heavily pirated I am working on opening my own televi- would be the synopsis for my dream inde- abroad and in Nigeria, did Alan Poza suffer the sion channel in the last quarter of 2015. It’s pendence movie. same fate? going to beam to over 40 African countries and will be very, very different. More on this Half of a Yellow Sun was touted as a big What advice do you have for new entrants into later. budget Hollywood movie which had its Nollywood? business plan perhaps far removed from Persevere. It’s not easy to get in. Be patient. Nollywood. But with its immense publicity, What about your film on Majek Fashek, how is Make sure you are talented. And most of all, it actually called for piracy. I don’t support that coming up? you have got to pay your dues. piracy in any way and I condemn it but what It’s in the pipeline. However, given the fluc- I am trying to say here is that for years, tuations of the movie distribution market Who would you like to work with? Nollywood movies have been pirated. That in Nollywood presently, I have decided that Osas Ighodaro fascinates me and I think I Half of a Yellow Sun suffered the same fate such a huge project will be better served as might be working with her in the nearest should not single it out for something really a television mini-series. And that is what it future. Then, I have been harassing Dare special. We all must come together to fight will eventually be. A 13-part international Art Alade to feature in my movie. I think he the scourge of piracy. Alan Poza has been mini-series shot in Nigeria and America. would make a fantastic actor; he’s got the pirated too. Massively. We are all in the voice, looks and most importantly, the train- same boat here, up creek without paddles. Beyond Project ACT and the loan facility, what ing for it. But he is playing hard to convince. more can government do to support the indus- Lol. What are your views on solving distribution in try? Nollywood and reducing piracy? More money. More political will to fight Who is your favourite Nigerian designer? I believe concerted efforts are being made piracy. I don’t really have any. But I like the designs by various bodies to solve the distribution of Mudi, Mai Atafo and a dude in Abuja issues. We need more cinema outlets for Who are the next ‘fresh’ talents we should watch called Modoc. those interested in high-end movie pro- out for in Nollywood? ductions. If we had about 200 cinemas as a Talents abound in the industry. I am always What is your favourite line from a Nigerian film? starting number compared to the present on the look out for such and my radar has “When money wakes up, the conscience 17 in Nigeria, producers would have more fallen on a couple of acts whom I think goes to sleep.” It is from my movie Atlanta returns to declare. The cinema chain is key. would blow in a couple of years if they get (2004). Then, the country needs better bandwidth the right scripts. There’s a young man called and once we have that, internet streaming Shawn Faqua who is in my sights. I will be What does family mean to you? will be another major source of revenue. We working with him soon. He’s very promis- Everything. The bedrock of my life is my must invest in the technology for the media ing. Omoye Uzamere is also a good actress, family. as done in developed climes. waiting for an explosive Nollywood career. If you could do it all over again, would you change How have you managed to continue to remain Give us your top 5 list of films to come out of anything? relevant in the industry over the years? Nigeria? No. Life is great. Thank you for the compliment of being rel- 1. Missing Angel evant. I think it has to do with the ability to 2. Igodo In one word, you are? take stock at every point in time and know 3. Keeping Faith Myself. where to move to when one reaches cross- 4. Thunderbolt roads in the industry. I have been recognised 5. Osuofia in London PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CHARLES NOVIA by many stakeholders and organisations as one of the most important resource persons in Nollywood and I am known internation- When you have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished away. I think more ally as a filmmaker and author. When you “of leaving lasting legacies through my works and thoughts than the com- have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished away. I think more of leaving lasting legacies mercial aspects of film business. When you put the passion first, you -be through my works and thoughts than the commercial aspects of film business. When come part of the relevant system. And I think relevance cannot be achieved you put the passion first, you become part of the relevant system. And I think relevance without respect. At the risk of sounding immodest, I have both in the indus- cannot be achieved without respect. At the try and I worked hard for them.” risk of sounding immodest, I have both in the industry and I worked hard for them. 20 FEATURE October 1: Interviews with the cast COMMITTING TO OCTOBER 1 PLAYING AGBEKOYA The story line and the direc- I saw myself in the char- tor. acter. I have done some of those things before. I PLAYING INSPECTOR WAZIRI have been on the farm. I loved the depiction of a As an actor, you have to northern police officer serv- be versatile. ing diligently. I wish I did not have to shoot the prince. FAVOURITE LINE I would have preferred he “Kin ni wi?” went on trial. ACTING AND DIRECTING FAVOURITE SCENE God gave me the grace. Second encounter with Koya when he sprang on me. SHOOTING OCTOBER 1 It is a dream come true. FAVOURITE LINE Once I am on set, my “Do not call me Danny boy. focus is always to achieve My name is Danladi Waziri.” and bring a dream to life and that spirit keeps me going. Everyday, we work, bond, quar- rel and settle. Although, I had to sometimes scream when peo- ON NOLLYWOOD ple didn’t do their jobs well. There are good but more stupid ones. What I hate most is part 1 to 4 and then it ends with, “To God be the glory”. NEXT PLANS I pray that I make my money. I already have 2 great scripts. WORDS OF WISDOM As an actor, you must know your onions. Give it your best and be IN THREE WORDS... yourself always. Kunle Afolayan Ayodeji.

INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA

ACTING JOURNEY I started around 2008, an agent who was helping me get modelling jobs while I was doing my masters course in the UK suggested me to someone who was shooting a short film about racism. It was something I didn’t expect and had to wait in line for a while to get in. But as soon as I was done, they asked me if I’d be available on cer- tain dates. It started from there.

LANDING OCTOBER 1 ROLE I had been talking to industry leaders I had access to about film production, and had been sending Kunle my short videos over the years for his critique. One day he called me and asked me to come to his office for a reading of the script. I was basi- cally shocked by the high quality of the writing. Here I was reading a Nigerian script with themes that had global importance and hopeful as well as tragic tones. I was laughing and frowning all the way through it, and I knew from the way it affected me that I was going to get involved head first.

PLAYING A PRINCE It was interesting. Very educational in the sense that I didn’t know African royalty were that well protected in their kingdoms. The same protectiveness that ensures physical safety but eliminates privacy is there.

SPEAKING YORUBA I speak Yoruba fluently. I’ve a pretty good aptitude for languages OCTOBER 1 VIEWING in general. Apart from the fact that the story, acting, production and directing are of such high quality, people should see it to experience what PRINCE ADEROPO is possible as a Nigerian milestone in filmmaking. So far I’ve per- He is quite complex. It involved exerting a wide range of ceived a better response than I ever imagined. Being part of a emotions to communicate the depth of one person. Including project can colour your perception of it but seeing its effects on the times when the character himself is supposed to be hiding people with no bias can really give perspective on the effect our what he’s feeling even from the audience. work is having. People overwhelmingly approve of the film.

FAVOURITE LINE FUTURE PROJECTS “Mark my words, in less than 7 years this country will be I’m still in negotiation for my next two projects. But there will be 1 at war!” more film project and a music project before the end of this year.

FAVOURITE SCENE IN THREE WORDS... My favourite scene was the final one which answers questions from Loving the process. the plot but creates new questions about life and our country Nigeria for you to take home with you. INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA photo N E W S 21 It’s a full house at Best of Nollywood Talents Meet Class

Zik Zulu Okafor, Fidelis Duker and Desmond Elliot, Shaibu Husseini and Tope Oshin-Ogun Ibinabo Fiberisima

Tee-Mac Norbert Young

Gbenga Adeyinka Group picture 22 INTERVIEW When did you get involved in filmmaking? Well I don’t really have favorites, I make a film and I’m done. Quite I made my first film in secondary contrary to popular opinion after I make a film I become detached school. It was actually a recording of from it and I’m quickly looking forward to the next project. a stage drama but it was shot with emphasis on the dramatic elements How instrumental has your Afrinolly win been? in the narrative. The camera man Afrinolly was my first major competition I put in for and winning shot close up shots for the second prize and the Kumla Dumor award for storytelling was emotional relevance my announcement into the Nigerian film industry. and wide shots to cover events. After the record- Do you feel under more pressure to deliver now? ing, I exhibited the film No I don’t. I have used my winnings from the Afrinolly competition clip to family members to do a directing course abroad. If I felt any pressure to deliver, I who found it quite fasci- wouldn’t have made that choice. nating giving the re- sources we had. How do you deal with criticism of your works? I’d like to think I take constructive criticism very well but you never What inspired this know. I’ve heard otherwise (laughs). Q and A with Daniel decision? I had a natural knack for What projects are you currently working on? storytelling. In primary I’m working on short film calledDis Kind Love, based on the ripple Etim Effiong school, I was the guy effects of clearing out the Kuramo Beach for the Eko Atlantic city. who gathered friends BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI together to narrate films What advice do you have for upcoming filmmakers? I had watched over the Spend time investing in your craft, it will always payoff. weekend. I narrated everything including dramatic pauses and commercials. I also spent Nigeria will be celebrating her independence in October, which Nigerian hours alone playing with imaginary friends and creating epic bat- tles between sticks and stones. It was only natural than I gravitated personalities would you love to see on screen? towards drawing, acting and writing. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Major Kaduna Nzeogwu. Did you receive opposition from friends and family or was it smooth sailing Who would you like to work with in the future? all through? Lindiwe Matshikiza. As a child my parents supported me, by buying drawing pads and crayons for me to sketch on but at some point in my undergrad days when I decided to quit engineering to study film, it was war. I If you were not into film, what would you be doing? wasn’t able to convince my family who saw my talents as a hubby Lecturing. rather then a career. I was discouraged from pursuing filmmaking as a career and encouraged to finish my Chemical Engineering How do you relax? course which I did, under duress. Read and swim. “Raw talent without development is grossly overestimated and just like an underdeveloped muscle will fail the test of heavy lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under pressure of time and magnitude of demand.” Which is more important: talent or training? Training both informal and formal. I say this because development Who is your favourite Nigerian designer? of talent is considered training. Raw talent without development is Mai Atafo. grossly overestimated and just like an underdeveloped muscle will fail the test of heavy lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under What is your most memorable lines from a Nigerian film? pressure of time and magnitude of demand. “Don’t play with my Tutu” from Out of Bounds.

Describe a typical day in your shoes. If you could change anything about Nigeria, what would it be and why? Well this depends on if I’m working or not. When I’m in between The Biafran war because millions of people mostly women and jobs, I spend a lot of time reading and writing for pleasure. I also children died needlessly. Also because Nigeria hasn’t really moved spend a lot of time doing research, watching movies and surfing on from the events of 1966. the internet. When I’m working, it’s crazy. Before a shoot I’m wor- rying about getting things right and after the shoot, I’m worrying Where do you see the industry in the next ten years? about things I didn’t get right. In the next 10 years, I see a formidable, better structured Nigerian movie industry. I see Nigerian films in the Academy Awards. What are some challenges you face on the job? Departmental specialisation. When shooting in Nigeria, it is quite Any plans to explore other aspects of film making? challenging to find people who are specialised in a chosen field. I’ve been exploring acting. Producing is another aspect I’d like to What you often find are people who are able to do several things dabble into. but aren’t professionally competent in any. Another challenge is ac- cess to locations. Finding the right location in Lagos is quite tricky What was the last Nigerian movie you saw at the cinema? with no clear cut process involved with attaining permits in certain Hoodrush starring Gabriel Afolayan, OC Ukeje and Bimbo Akintola. areas. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIEL ETIM EFFIONG Which of your works is your favourite ‘baby’ and why? Up Close and 23 NOLLY POP QUIZ Personal BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA with 1. Where was Half of a Yellow Sun first pre- Walter miered?

2. Name one Nigerian Taylaur musical movie.

BANGER SOUP FILMS 3. Amazing Grace got It’s a play on words from the cocktail drink Harvey Wallbanger. Let’s just say…a then work colleague gave me the name after I threw a party where things got a how many AMAA nomi- little excessive. nations? FILMMAKING JOURNEY I started off as a writer and got fed up with producers and directors butchering my scripts. So, I decided to be the one to tell my own stories instead. 4. Mention one actor who ON NOLLYWOOD features in Half of a Yel- It has huge potential. The die hard approach of Nollywood filmmakers. I don’t think we really realise how far we can go. As individual filmmakers yes, but as low Sun, Last Flight to an industry as a whole, we are just scratching the surface. Unfortunately, the current business models available tend to be restrictive – at the moment only Abuja and Inale. films of a certain scale and/or genre can realistically be attempted and be financially successfully.

CURRENT WORK 5. Who is the Nigerian Currently in production on Season 2 and 3 of our TV drama/thriller series Mar- ried To The Game. We also have two feature films in the pipeline with working actor that acted along- titles Young African Pioneers and Gbomo Gbomo Express. side Harrison Ford? NIGERIAN DREAM I don’t really dream about the future of Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed. I prefer to dream more about the future of the Nigerian and hope that we follow our own 6. Where was The Figure paths and look more within. And when we seek to be influenced by other cultures, let it be less of the superficial elements and more of the good and (Araromire) shot? valued aspects – the areas of substance. All the elements that will build greater character within every one of us.

TOP 3 NIGERIAN FLICKS 7. Name the first Nigeri- 1. Confusion Na Wa 2. The Figurine an/Ukrainian film. 3. Half Empty Half Full

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT 8. Which year was Igodo Having a film script I wrote optioned and made into a filmGet Lucky and distributed by Universal. Not many writers based in Hollywood are fortunate shot? enough to have a script option talk less of having it funded, turned into a film and then put out on general release, internationally. The whole process took about five years from start to finish, with over 100 rewrites. I learned so much on how and why certain things are done in a specific way. How certain scenes 9. Who acted the lead or locations did not make financial sense being in a script. Every time a new director or producer was attached to the project, they would have new notes role in Things Fall Apart? on changes to improve the script. You quickly learn not to be a slave to your art and focus on the big picture. I was also an associate producer on the project.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE BALANCE 10. Who directed the I don’t. Work usually comes first. Sad I know (laughs). State of Emergency? LAST NOLLYWOOD CINEMA VIEWING Half Of A Yellow Sun.

INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTO: COURTESY OF WALTER TAYLAUR 24 R E V I E W S

Title: 1j316 Genre: Short Film Director: Akpoufuoma Edafe Year: 2014

Kudos is appropriate for the effort put into making this short film look as realistic as possible even though they charred it with some not so pleasant props. Furthermore, it is apparent that the filmmaker has a deep message to convey but chose a very shallow medium of communi- Title: Accident cating. This left us with a shallow story line, a deep message and some bla- Genre: Feature film tantly disturbing images. While the characters did their best to look the part, Director: Teco Benson the camera angling had them totally undone. The post production could have Year: 2013 been slightly better too, but all hope is not lost for the filmmaker. - INNOCENT EKEJIUBA Accident revolves around Chy, a top Nigerian female lawyer played by Chioma Akpotha who instead of Title: Torn carrying out the wishes of her client played by Fred- Genre: Feature film rick Leonard to file for a divorce finds herself entan- Director: Moses ‘Sneeze’ Inwang gled and having to defend her honor and marriage. Year: 2013

The opening scene kind of got me in stitches as Torn is a psychological thriller Chioma is as stiff as it gets when it relates to love- which follows the lives of child- making scenes. However, she did come off strong as hood best friends Ovu (Ireti a no-nonsense lawyer who would do what it takes Doyle) and Nana (Monalisa Chin- to defend her client. Her costumes depicted her role da). Their relationship is threat- as a professional and as wife and the make-up was ened and in the middle is Olumide (Jospeh Benjamin). To solve the mystery is perfect as she looked spent when she was expected a psycotherapist played by Bimbo Manuel. Who is married to Olumide? The and she looked beautiful when needed to. film shines in its unpredictability. The acting is top class. A bit more research would have meant Davido’s song was not played in a scene that took place in Frederick Leonard carried his role quite alright. As 2010. Deserving of praise is the theme song ‘I Am Not Crazy’. Moses ‘Sneeze’ an adamant client set on his goal, that was a plus; a Inwang marries creativity with didactism beautifully. Great job! desperate convict fighting to survive,he was great - ISABELLA AKINSEYE and as a lover boy, he needs a little bit of work. Kalu Ikeagwu, another character who I believe can play certain roles like being a husband in his sleep had a Title: Flower Girl no brainier task. Nothing outstanding about his role. Genre: Feature film Director: Michelle Bello My joy from this movie came from the legal pro- Year: 2013 ceedings. While it didn’t have the Suits or Boston Legal type proceedings, it was a breath of fresh air. Flower Girl starts off with a young There was good use of the legal language and terms, lady’s fantasy of a full blown court like setting with court clerk, the right costumes Naija wedding. Kemi (Damilola ad spot on questions from Wale Macauley who Adegbite) readies herself for the played the defendant’s lawyer and Larri Williams who ultimate proposal from her boy- played the case judge. Their portrayal of their roles friend Umar (Chris Attoh) but instead she gets a shocker – a public break up. brought back nostalgic memories and further drove Her recovery plan involves a handsome Nollywood actor played by Blossom my innate need for veterans in the industry to show Chuks Chukwujekwu. Director Michelle Bello blends romance and comedy the new kids how it’s done. very well. Kemi’s best friend Stella (Bikiya Graham Douglas) injects fun into every performance. The film’s success is marred by the poor optimisation of sound and a narrow musical selection. The product placement too could have been better. Good flick. - ISABELLA AKINSEYE

Title: Nigeria – State of Indepen- dence (Part 1 and 2) Genre: Documentary Director: AlJazeera English Year: 2010

The two part documentary leaves As far as directing is concerned, Teco Benson did a lot to be desired as it fails to a good job making the script come alive. This pro- fully deliver on the state of the duction had good picture quality plus scenes and independence of Nigeria as at conversations were short, sharp and straight to the when shot. The documentary however does a good backtracking on some point. Not only was Mr. Benson the director, he was historical events that shaped Nigeria to what it is today, but it ultimately also the producer and editor and I must commend failed to conduct an extensive research on the other factors that have affect- him for this top-notch production. Mr. Obasi as script ed Nigeria and the state of independence in writer delivered in his role and is also heartily com- Nigeria. Aside these and lacking a conclusion, the documentary was well mendable. Overall, it was a well put together shot and the production quality was top notch. Sadly, I cannot say the same production. of the adopted script. - EFETURI DOGHUDJE - INNOCENT EKEJIUBA 25 R E V I E W S Title: A Mile From Home Genre: Feature film Director: Eric Aghimien Year: 2013

A Mile From Home opens to a scene of a guy being tortured. We don’t know why, but the beating and sound effects looked legit. Then, gun shots were fired and the sounds came out right. Before that point, the movie had my curiosity, but afterwards, it had my attention (Django Unchained pun intended).

The movie is a crime thriller written by Eric Aghimien who is a new comer in Nollywood. With his first work being this impressive, he is someone I will definitely be looking out for in the future.

The movie raised several themes that I thought would become subjects of concern when it was time to have them resolved. There was the love triangle between the central characters and Ivie (Tolu Akin- bileje), the naïve friend Lala was trying to protect, the lady who was spying on Lala in the beginning, the interest of a rival gang member in Ivie and the gang war that this resulted in. Like that wasn’t enough, they had to deal with an ex-con from South Africa trying to get some very important package from them at all cost. But surprisingly, the film managed to resolve them all intelligently.

However, it didn’t do a great job with its character development as many were half developed. For example, Lala’s backstory wasn’t so clear. We know he can’t go home because of his involvement with the gang. We know he has a sister in the same school and we know there is some conflict between him and his father for some reason, definitely his involvement with the gang. But a few lines of dialogue with his sister would have given us more light on what really ruined his relationship with his father to make Lala come to the conclusion that he doesn’t have a father anymore. That’s too deep to be left hanging. My biggest issue with the story was the defection of a certain character to another gang towards the end of the movie. It was rushed, lazy and not properly executed. “A Mile From Home is enter- taining, thrilling, action packed and definitely sets a standard for Nollywood action movies.”

The stunts, effects and fights were believable and the sound design was very impressive. I can’t overstate how impressed I was with this movie but a lot of the techni- calities could have been better. Soundtracks and editing most especially. The acting wasn’t always impressive. Sometimes they disappointed but never the less, some scenes stood out. The scene with Lala and his sister was one of the well acted scenes. It was touching and emotional. Tope Tedela’s as the lead gave a good per- formance but sometimes was stiff and artificial. Even though Suku (Cheidozie Nzeribe) was very terrifying and my personal favourite character in the movie, he was a bit stagy many times. Don Kobo (Alex Ayalogu) was my least favourite. His voice felt to me like he was trying too hard to sound like Batman. Deba (Eric Nwanso) as the naïve ‘Ju Boy’ was played well.

A Mile From Home is entertaining, thrilling, action packed and definitely sets a standard for Nollywood action movies. I am definitely looking forward to more works from this team. While I did enjoy the movie I feel the movie could have done a better job with its origi- nality. - OLUMUYIWA AWOJIDE INTERVIEW 26 What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? It was well planned, so we were able to manage time and everything well. The only challenge I had was during post-production but we found a way around it and it came out nice.

So far, what has the response been like? The response has been very impressive. It was first screened at the Goethe Institut Lagos and Lagos Film Society film festival where it got very good reviews. It was also nominated in the Best Short Film category for both the 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards and the 2014 Abuja Interna- tional film festival. So it’s been a good experi- ence.

Are there more productions in the offing? Yes, by God’s grace, very soon. We are working on something at the moment and hope to hit location soon.

Where do you see the industry in the next ten years? More advanced, more structured, more profes- sionalism and proper distribution channels.

How do you manage the fame and attention as a married woman? I am very disciplined and principled. I respect people a lot and I try not to be rude. So far I have been able to manage well.

Was your husband a fan of yours? When we started dating, I wasn’t seriously act- ing but was nursing the dream to return back to it. He is the reason I returned to the industry as he supports me a 100% and encourages me not TALENT ON THE RISE: JUDITH AUDU to quit. Judith Audu is a fast rising Nollywood actress and budding producer. The French graduate has featured in several Nollywood movies and recently produced her Are there roles that you will not take due to your own short filmNot Right. The tall, slim and unaassuming actress says she is in the world of make believe not just for the fame but to leave an indelible mark. status? Your acting journey: talent or training? Yes, there are some roles I wouldn’t take up even if I were single. Talent, I have been training on the job since the day I started acting. Whenever I am on set, I learn a lot. And that is not just from the directors but from my fellow actors too. I read a lot of acting books, watch videos and train myself with every If you could change anything in your journey, what opportunity I get. However, I plan on getting more in-depth training. would it be and why? I would have studied Theatre Arts or I would How did your education background and professional experience prepare you for the have started training myself earlier because I world of make believe? believe I would be a more grounded actor and would have a more in-depth knowledge about My first degree is in French and my first stage experience was actually performing my craft. one of our literature books and we did quite a number of that before I joined a theatre group while still at the University. In two words, you are? What inspires you in your craft? Absolutely awesome. A lot of things inspire me. I draw inspiration from several sources, happenings, people, life and things I see on the road sometimes. INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUDITH AUDU AMOGUNLA Stage or screen? Stage anytime because it makes you feel alive. When you get positive response from the audience, you just get this priceless fulfillment and joy. I have been away from the stage for too long actually and need to retrace my steps and get back on stage. Everyone can be on screen but not everyone can be on stage.

What led you to produce your own film? I had always wanted to produce something but just never got around to do it either the funds will not be available or I will not have the time. I see it as growth for me personally to be able to contribute more in my industry and am glad I did.

Describe the experience. It felt so unreal! I was very happy everything worked out as planned. The first day I watched it on my TV, I couldn’t believe it was mine! I was really proud of myself. I must admit, I shed some joyful tears and hoped to do something bigger after it.

How long did it take? It was planned for months but we shot it in two days. INTERVIEW 27 A day in the life of… Amarachi Onoh

Ok, my typical day is pretty simple. I wake up, say my prayers and refresh for the day. Then I set out for the day. It could be an audition, filming or brainstorming session for some projects. If I’m not doing any of these, I would read. I eat a very heavy lunch and light din- ner (fruits). I unwind with good music, movies, hang out with friends or my latest addiction Zombie Highway. #ilovemylife#COLLECT#

STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMARACHI ONOH

Ugoma Adegoke talks Lights, Camera, Africa film festival BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI Ugoma Adegoke is the founder of Lights, Camera, Africa film festival. What inspired you to start LCA? The Life House had a successful film club that presented films of various genres to audiences for free every week. We wanted to widen this reach and to add value by connecting audiences to film- makers in an engaging and entertaining way.

What were some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Funding and awareness initially but 4 years later, things are get- ting better. We are especially encouraged by the enthusiasm of the public for alternative entertainment.

Tell us some memorable moments from past editions. Last year a film that we made a festival centerpiece,Confusion Na Wa was invited to show in the African film festival in New York earlier this year. It was also screened at other festivals in Brazil. We like to think that LCA has supported this excellent piece of work by a Nigerian filmmaker, Kenneth Gyang. Another memorable moment was when we found out at the first edition of the festival that there What legacy do you want LCA to leave behind? were enthusiasts of Chadian director, Mahamet Saleh Haroun who We hope that LCA will contribute to a growing and eventually had been looking forward to seeing his comedy, Sex, Okra and strong tradition of making the arts accessible to everyone in our Salted Butter. That really confirmed for us the need to hold events communities. like these. What plans do you have for expansion of LCA? What informed the choice of this year’s theme Legacy? A goal of ours has always been to screen in multiple venues across It is connected to the ongoing celebrations of the centenary of Ni- the city to ensure no one is left out. geria’s creation. Our goal is to interrogate that a bit more rigorous- ly and to consider what the legacy of that act means for us in terms What are some of your achievements so far? of culture, art and film. We shared works of Nigerian film masters Reaching at least 3,000 people and counting. Each year is signifi- like the late Ade Love and Ola Balogun right through to the more cant. Creating learning opportunities is another milestone which we contemporary work of the late Amaka Igwe. We also explored our are pleased to be able to do. strong tradition of storytelling through television. Our thesis was to show that there is a clear canon of filmmaking in Nigeria and that Beyond LCA, what other initiatives are you involved in? frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connecting our film past to our Woman Rising, an annual platform celebrating women in music, film present, we were able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian film. literature and art. I also support our wellness arm which is led by my husband, DaYoga Studio which is Nigeria’s premier yoga and Our thesis was to show that there is a clear wellness studio. In addition, I promote and support visual artists “ through exhibition, education and international exchange. Finally, I canon of filmmaking in Nigeria and that manage my fashion brand, Zebra Living, a favourite among Nige- frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connect- ria’s women as well as women across the globe. In one word, you are? ing our film past to our film present, we were Restless. able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian film” PHOTO: COURTESY OF UGOMA ADEGOKE 28 RED CARPET Faces at the Africa Magic private screening of October 1 Leading pay cable station Africa Magic held a private screening of Kunle Afolayan’s thriller October 1 at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on September 20, 2014. The screening attracted a host of celebrities as well as members of the cast and crew. Tinsel cast as well as Africa Magic staff had the opportunity to view the film before its official October 1st release date. Kehinde Bankole, Sadiq Daba, Kunle Afolayan and Demola Ad- edoyin were some of the cast and crew members who stepped out after the screening to take a bow. They received a warm applause at the end of the film and also stayed back after the screening to speak to fans. STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI PHOTOS: Courtesy of Multichoice Nigeria.

Wangi Mba-Uzokwu Linda Ejiofor Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi Members of the cast of October 1

Beverley Naya IK Osakioduwa Gideon Okeke Guests

FESTIVAL NEWS 31 Chinese Zodiac wins big at 11th Abuja International film festival

Fred Amata and Monalisa Chinda Fidelis Duker, Chico Ejiro and Andy Boyo

Over 60 cutting edge films from around the world with a special focus on films from Nollywood screened during the 11th Abuja International film festival. Opening the festival on 23 September 2014 was Lancelot Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 while Chinese Zodiac donated by the Chinese embassy in Nigeria closed the four day event. The colourful affair brought together industry practitioners, governement representatives and key players from the private sector. In competition this year were over 145 entries from around the world with Nigeria making up over 60%. Chinese Zodiac directed by Jackie Chan won the Golden Jury Film and Best Feature Film (Foreign) while Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 picked up the award for the Best Feature Film (Nigeria).

Full list of winners BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897 BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Yawa (Nemesis) BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt) BEST DOCUMENTARY: Paradox of Life EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafia THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: I Come Lagos OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Mike Omoriegbe in Invasion 1897 OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Abimbola Ademoye in Where Talent Lies BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos) OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897 GOLDEN JURY FILM: Chinese Zodiac (China) Mr. Yong

CAMIRA announces winners at Abuja Film Fest The Abuja International film festival welcomed an independent jury for the first time in its 11-year history. Constituted by the Nigerian chapter of Cinema And Moving Image Research Assembly (CAMIRA), the jury comprised Shaibu Husseini, Michaela Moye and Osang Abang, who announced a slew of winners in the festival’s various categories. Be- cause the categories were few, the jury decided to name winners in all of them rather than restrict themselves to three main categories of Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short. At the closing ceremony, the festival organisers also gave a representative of the jury an opportunity to shed light on CAMIRA’s activities to a larger film-loving audience.

Full list of winners BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897 BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Frost Bite BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt) EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafia THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: Yawa (Nemesis) OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Jackie Chan in Chinese Zodiac (China) OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Ivie Okujaye in Black Silhouette BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China) BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos) OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897 BEST DOCUMENTARY: No winner was selected based on the quality of entries in this category. They were mainly news features rather than documentaries.

STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI Saint Obi PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 32 FESTIVAL NEWS It’s a Wrap for Arusha African film festival

The 3rd edition of Arusha African Film Festival (AAFF) that took place 20-27 September, 2014 wrapped up after showcasing more than three dozens of African films coming from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, Angola, Guinea- Bissau, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and South Sudan. With the presence of seventy artists, seminars on the prospects of filmmaking in Africa, youth engagement, socio-cultural integration and how these elements influence socioeconomic advancement in the society have been held during the festival’s week at L’Alliance Française and the Arusha Natural History Museum.

LA based, Nigerian-born actor and film professor Akpor Otebele, the festival’s director, supervised an act- ing workshop for more than twenty professional young actors and ac- tresses from the East African region. The workshop was also taught by Port Harcourt Professor Emmanuel Emasealu who, along with Otebele, helped to polish the acting talents of the attendees to higher levels of impersonation and character under- standing.

Burundi’s Léonce Nagabo, chairman of the recently launched East African Film Festival Network (EAFN), signed an agreement with Sayed Fouad, the president of Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) in Egypt, to create collaboration between the two enti- ties. The agreement will make LAFF to provide Egyptian visiting film professors to teach cinema techniques for the five state countries of EAFN while EAFN will nominate East African films for LAFF. EAFN is set to enhance the value and make known different professionals and talented filmmakers from the East African Community and to create a synergy gathering different associations and festivals so that we may have an advocacy regional platform. Also it will aim to harmonize the laws and regulations in the five partner states, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.

In the closing ceremony, AAFF also gave an award to I Mashoka by Jean Mari Ndihokubwayo and Pascal Capitolin, a new feature from Burundi. Its story is reminiscent from the two 1986 French filmsJean de Florette and Manon des Sources by Claude Berri, as it revolves around two envying families who are competing to control water sources. But in the midst of this struggle, a love story is born is be- tween a young man and a young women from the two opposing communities.

STORY AND PHOTO: SHERIF AWAD FESTIVAL NEWS 33 Nollywood film festival Germany debuts in Frankfurt am Main

Festival representatives at the airport Cinema goers buying tickets for one of promoting the event the daily film screenings

Some guests discussing during the Isaac Izoya addressing the cinema opening night of the festival audience just before the screening

Hessen’s Filmforun Höchst VHS, Frankfurt am Main played host to the four-day Nollywood film festival Germany organised by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment. The festival which featured daily screenings of two Nollywood films was headlined by award winning Nolly- wood actress Patience Ozokwor. Fortune’s Card starring Mercy Johnson, Benedict Johnson, Charles Inojie and Isaac Izoya and shot on location in Berlin, Frankfurt, Athens, Bremen and Lagos made its worldwide premiere during the festival. Isaac Izoya who is regarded as ‘Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment ambassador’ to Europe, explained that the decision to showcase the best of the Nigerian film is based on the interest shown by Germans and Europeans to watch classic Nollywood films on the big screen for the first time. He noted that the festival also aims at fostering international trading and exchange opportunities in what he described as the ‘largely untapped market’. The festival wrapped up with an interactive Q & A session with Ozokwor and was moderated by film critic Shaibu Husseini. STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO 34 LISTINGS IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS OCTOBER October 1 When Love Happens Synopsis: October 1 is a psychological thriller Synopsis: Moduroti Bankole-Smith is a directed by Kunle Afolayan. The film follows twenty eight year old events planner that the story of Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba), a has always been unlucky in love. She is police officer from the North who is posted reminded at every turn about how won- to the remote town of Akote, to investigate a derful love is with proof to substantiate series of female murder cases in the commu- the case. Her parents are madly in love nity and have the mystery solved before the and are always nudging her to find some- Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s one. Events take a bizarre turn when she Independence Day. is hired to plan a long time friend’s up- coming wedding. Release Date: 1-10-2014 Release Date: 26-10-2014 OUT ON DVD

Mama Africa, an inspiring new movie directed by Ubaka Joseph Ugochukwu has now been released on DVD after premiering in the cinemas earlier this year. Produced by Norbert Ajaegbu, Chairman of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), the film features Zach Orji, Tonto Dikeh, Jibola Dabo, Peachman Akpota, Nkiru Umeh, Chioma Igwe, Livinus Nnochiri, Belinda Effah and Remi Ohajianya. Mama Africa is an exposé on the goings-on in the corridors of power; how the ruling minority controls the lives of the masses, trampling even on their human rights at will. The movie tells the story of how 500 children die from the use of a fake vaccine, while the poor and needy are locked up in a military detention camp without any hope of food or freedom when they were to be kept in a rehabilitation home.

MONTHLY SCREENING Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next Stop Freedom to screen this October The October edition of the Monthly Documentary Film Screening Series (MDFSS) will fea- ture Sebastian Dehnhardt and Matthias Schmidt’s Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next Stop Freedom (with English subtitles). MDFSS is an initiative of Goethe-Institut Lagos and the IREP International Documentary Film Forum in collaboration with Freedom Park Lagos. This month’s screening is in commemoration of the German Unity Day, which is marked annually on October 3. MDFSS holds on the 3rd Saturday of every month at Freedom Park Lagos at 7pm. Entry is free. EVENTS 35 Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda celebrates 40th birthday

Mai Atafo, Monalisa Chinda and AY

Friends of the celebrant Monalisa Chinda

Celebrant with friends Celebrant with family

AWARD NEWS 37 Ozokwor, Osuagwu honoured at 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards

Donald Peterson, Patience Ozokwor and Victor Osuagwu Shaibu Husseini

Patience Ozokwor and guests Charles Nwagbara

All roads led to Saalbau Event Centre in Frankfurt am Main on 13 September 2014 where the 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards held. Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama Gee bagged the Nollywood Living Legend Award while comic Nol- lywood actor and Chair of the Lagos State chapter of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Victor Osuagwu received the Outstanding Nollywood Actor Award. The Guardian’s Shaibu Husseini and High Society Magazine’s Charles Nwagbara were also honoured for their contributions to Nollywood. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Richfield Technologies Limited, Dr. Donald Peterson received the Pillar of Nollywood and the Entertainment Industry. The event featured various musical and dance performances by African artistes. STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO 38 AWARD NEWS Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015: Organisers call for entries

Having recently wrapped up the activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy Awards with a Praise Jam and Media Recognition Awards, the organisers of the continental awards have called for entries for the 2015 edition of the fiesta.

Entries for the 2015 edition opened on Monday Septem- ber 1, 2014 and will be open to December 1, 2014 according to the Director of Administration, Mr. Tony Anih who enjoined film- makers and their representatives across Africa to submit their works for the 2015 awards.

“We have given four months window to enable entries to come from all parts of Africa and from the Diaspora filmmakers to give room for logistics of sending to our regional offices in Ghana, Nairobi and Johannesburg and our Lagos office,’’ he said.

Filmmakers are expected to send in their works produced and or released between December 1, 2013 and December 30, 2014 for consideration for the awards and such works in case of full length feature films should not exceed 120 minutes and must not carry any commercial of any product or service.

In case of works produced in any language other than English, most especially where language of dialogue is African indigenous lan- guage, such work must be subtitled in English.

Speaking further on the awards, Mr. Anih noted that the acceptance of the awards that celebrate professionals in the motion picture industry has been huge across all regions of Africa with entries coming from North Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa.

“We are proud of the work we have done with filmmakers across Africa in the last 10 years and moving into another 10 years starting from the 11th edition next year, we are sure the future of AMAA and business of filmmaking on the continent is very bright. For full details on the entry rules and format of submission, filmmakers should visit our website: www.ama-awards.com,” Mr. Anih enthused.