Nolly Silver Screen ISSUE 01 FEB 2014 O.C. UKEJE 2013’s Biggest Winner

A PASSION FOR FASHION Actors turned Designers

ONLINE MOVIE HOW IT ALL STARTED STREAMING The History of Discover the best Nollywood 6 websites for Nollywood movies

Editor’s Note

the amount of work that needed to be done. A lot of writing, editing, design- ing, following people up and yes, also elcome to our first edition W psyching myself. In the end, I knew that of Nolly Silver Screen magazine. The we had no choice but to just go for it idea of starting this publication came and put in nothing but our very best. while discussing with Adeniyi Olu- tayo of Nultan Limited, own- To all the people who believed in this ers of tvNolly. He encouraged me to project and have lent their support go for it despite his fears of a lack of and time, I say a big THANK YOU. To audience; ‘who would read it?’ He had O.C. Ukeje, our cover star who I had the asked. This made me think and do pleasure of talking to quite a few times. some research. I found out that peo- He taught me something important: ple want content to entertain, inform when it is time, everything will just fall and help them connect with the stars. in place. And that is the Nolly Silver Nolly Silver Screen magazine aims to Screen story. Maybe it is time, maybe be that go-to guide for the industry. everything is falling into place, at least you have the magazine in front of you. Putting together this publication sev- eral months later is no mean feat. A lot Enjoy! of times, I would get ideas in the mid- Isabella Akinseye dle of the day and just jot them down. @iakinseye Many times, I was overwhelmed by YOU TOO CAN BE A CONTRIBUTOR... OUR CONTRIBUTORS Nolly Silver Screen is always on the lookout for new writers and artistes that have a passion for Nollywood. Send your work to info@nollysil- verscreen.com

Agina Eberechukwu Wilfred Okiche be- Innocent Ekejuiba is Agina is a graduate of lieves in God, medicine, an alumnus of Obafemi the Department of Mass music and movies. A Awolowo University. He Communication, from medical doctor, occasion- is also the Deputy Editor Ahmadu Bello University, al writer, columnist and of Nolly Silver Screen, the Zaria. She is a freelanc- profiler, he surrenders website and the maga- er and contributes en- to the power of words zine. He is also an avid tertainment stories for whenever it comes. He blogger and budding The Nigerian Telegraph. profiles 7 Nollywood graphics designer, he Check out her piece ‘The stars who have turned to compiles a list of the best History of Nollywood’ (p. fashion (p. 3). 6 Nollywood websites for 4). live streaming (p. 9). In one word...Nollywood In one word...Nollywood is EMERGING! In one word...Nollywood is TRENDING! is PUGNACIOUS!

1 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM CONTENTS Write ‘n’ February 2014 win Features 3 A PASSION FOR FASHION: ACTORS TURNED DE- Write to us about what you have SIGNERS enjoyed in this edition and stand a chance of winning fabulous prizes. This month, we will be giving out 2 4 HOW IT ALL STARTED: THE HISTORY OF NOLLY- copies of Tony Abulu’s Doctor Bello. WOOD Also, up for grabs are cinema tickets to see a Nollywood movie in Nige- 9 ONLINE STREAMING: TOP 6 NOLLYWOOD ria. WEBSITES Email: [email protected] Cover Interview Get in touch via social media 7 O.C. UKEJE: 2013’S BIGGEST WINNER www.facebook.com/nollysilverscreen www.google.com/+nollysilverscreen Regulars www.twitter.com/nsilverscreen 1 EDITOR’S NOTE

1 CONTRIBUTORS BIO

2 READERS’ CORNER READERS’ CORNER Well Done, Nollysilverscreen! 3 CELEBRATIONS THIS MONTH Well Done, Innnocent! With True! The numerous complex this piece, you sorta tried to be plots were bothersome. Seemed 6 ON SET the voice of the purportedly to be a rather long star studded voiceless. Issokay. Nice read. hotel commercial NOLLYWOOD MISTAKES 10 NEWS MAHATMA

12 REVIEWS

13 RED CARPET

14 DVD RELEASES Have you reviewed ‘The Meeting’ yet? I think I’ll love Competition that It’s wonderful ADAMS GBOLAHAN ADEBOLA 2 FREE GIVEAWAY ONOH OKWUDILI CHRISTOPHER

10 NOLLY SILVER SCREEN POP QUIZ

Extras 4 VOX POP Feature: Nolly Silver Screen http://themoviepencil. 4 WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS com/?p=5404 @NSilverScreen Thank you #videoreviews #nollywood #en- tertainment #movies #naijafilms @NSilverScreen HARRY ANANI ITIE @HarryItie KENNETH GYANG @degyangs NOLLY SILVER SCREEN TEAM

PUBLISHER CONTRIBUTORS Quill and Scroll Creatives Olumuyiwa Awojide Agina Eberechukwu EDITOR Wilfred Okiche Isabella Akinseye EDITORIAL BOARD DEPUTY EDITOR Temitayo Amogunla Innocent Ekejuiba Bola Atta Bola Audu GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Toni Kan Isabella Akinseye Innocent Ekejiuba PROOFREADER Temitayo Amogunla

CONTACT US Email letters to [email protected]

Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine of ADVERTISE www.nollysilverscreen.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission HERE is strictly prohibited.

2 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM A PASSION FOR FASHION 7 Nollywood stars who have delved into fashion BY WILFRED OKICHE Fame is as fame does. One of the biggest advantages of celebrity is the oppor- tunity it affords actors to do virtually anything under the sun. In real life, these Nollywood sweetheart things are mostly limited to giving to charity, launching music careers, hosting a Genevieve Nnaji braved talk show or starting a fashion line. the odds as far back as We love our celebrities who have shown a passion for fashion and whether it is 2008 with the launch clothing lines, make up products or hair accessories, we present a list of celebs of her clothing line St. who have dared to branch into the high stakes of fashion. Genevieve. After the initial media storm, STAN NZE things went quiet for As far as the mainstream is some time but she re- concerned, Stan Nze is still an bounded early this year up and comer but folks who 1 with hot new pictures study Nollywood religiously will from the latest collec- note that the ruggedly hand- LIZ ANJORIN tion. While her clothes some charmer on series such aren’t exactly selling like Anjorin has always had a head as Tinsel and films likeMurder hot cakes, we wouldn’t for business as she combined at Prime Suites is almost always count Ms. Nnaji out just her acting career with managing decked out in material from his yet. If anyone can make some supermarkets in . own clothing line. Element 47 a vanity fashion line The most popular Alhaja this Couture. profitable, it’s probably 3 side of town is ready for anoth- her. er chapter in her business life as ERNEST ASUZU she is all but set to launch her as Ok so maybe Ernest yet untitled clothing line. Asuzu isn’t exactly a celebrity these days 2 (probably never was) but how can we forget Jesus Da Boss, his hilarious CHIKA IKE Her Fancy Nancy store attempt at a cloth- isn’t exactly a luxurious 4 ing line? privileged brand but OGE OKOYE Ms. Ike has managed to Oge Okoye’s African prin- JIM IYKE turn her love for fashion cess inspired photoshoot Nollywood’s bad boy may have into a business ven- from earlier in the year devolved into wearing suits and ture. Stocking clothes may have been a bust but shorts to award ceremonies but and accessories from she still wants to share time was when he was the most all around the world the secret of her glowing fashion forward male superstar and encouraging her looks with you. She has in the country. He had his own numerous fans to pa- announced that Crystal ready to wear collection, Un- tronize her stores, Chika Glam, her new make up tamed Closet complete with a has embraced her inner products brand will bring flagship store in Abuja. We don’t fashionista. know if all is well with this par- 6 out the flawless celebrity ticular endeavour though. in you. Who are we to argue? 5 7 BIRTHDAYS

3| VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS

“Keep looking onto God and trust in Him and work with his timing. Work - on your talent because the competi ” tion is high. Never be desperate! TOSIN GLORIA SIDO, Nollywood actress Nollywood: Past, Present and Future First of all, know what you want. Put The History of Nollywood God first, work hard, stay focused, The Nigerian film industry The primary distribution centres disciplined and committed. Make popThe Nigerian film industry are Idumota Market on Lagos sure money is never your motivation and love what you do. popularly known Nollywood—a Island, Iweka Road in Onitsha in - name reminiscent of Hollywood Anambra State, and Aba in Abia BLOSSOM CHUKS CHUKWUJE and Bollywood—started with cin- State. Currently, Nigerian films KWU, ema in the 1960s with pioneer outsell Hollywood films in Nigeria Nollywood actor filmmakers such as Ola Balogun, and many other African countries. Duro Ladipo, Eddie Ugboma and Some 300 producers turn out “Love your job and pray to Herbert Ogunde but their efforts movies at an astonishing rate— God always.” where frustrated by the high cost somewhere between 1,000 and SEUN AKINDELE, involved of film production. How- 2,000 a year. The films go straight ever with the coming of television to DVD and VCD discs. Thirty Nollywood actor broadcasting in Nigeria in the new titles are delivered to Nige- 1960s followed by subsequent rian shops and market stalls ev- governmental support, other ery week, where an average film states in the federation began to sells 50,000 copies. A hit may sell Write! Don’t let anyone put you off. own broadcasting station. several hundred thousand. Discs Remember one man’s meat is another sell for two dollars each making man’s poison. One person may hate The law operational at the time them affordable for most Nige- your work while one person loves limited foreign television con- rians and providing astounding it. Believe in your work and do what tent so producers in Lagos began returns for the producers. comes from your heart. televising popular local theatre Ola Laniyan productions. Many of these were Most of the films are produced Writer circulated on video as well, and a by independent companies and small scale informal video movie businessmen. However, the big trade developed. money for films in Nigeria is “The average film costs between US 17, 000 and US 23000, selling up to 150,000 - 200,000 units nationwide in one day” made in the direct-to-video mar- Though so many short plays ket. The aver- VOX POP and movies aired at the theatre What Nollywood movie are you and cinemas in the country, the age film costs between release of the movie Living in US$17,000 and US$23,000, sell- Bondage in 1992 by NEK Video ing up to 150,000–200,000 units looking forward to in 2014? Links owned by Kenneth Nnebue nationwide in one day. This keeps set the stage for Nollywood as it growing as more filmmakers are Dazzling Mirage by is known today. embracing the movie business Tunde Kelani and Kunle I’m working on because of competitive distri- Afolayan’s October 1st. Pastor Peter, a The movie which came in video bution system and because the TEMITAYO OLOFINLUA spin-off (not se- cassettes, the available technolo- Nigerian films seem to be better AMOGUNLA gy at that time, set the pace for received by the market because quel) of Alan Poza others to produce other films or they are considered to be more and it will be out in home videos. Home videos be- family-oriented when compared 2014. gan to reach people across the to foreign films. CHARLES country. NOVIA Nigerian movies in recent times Nollywood exploded into a are growing in popularity as they RAYO ADEBOLA booming industry with the use are seen all over the continent. of English rather than local lan- Nigerian films are currently re- Half of a Yellow guages; there was aggressive ceiving wider distribution as Ni- Dazzling Mirage by marketing with the use of post- gerian producers and directors Sun and ers, trailers and television adver- are attending more international- Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afo- Lions of ‘76 tising. Since 1992, to date tons ly acclaimed film festivals. layan’s October 1st and by Izu Ojukwu. of movies have been released Lions of ‘76 by Izu Ojuk- WILFRED and with the various innovations Viewers outside the shores of Ni- wu. OKICHE in technology. Nigeria’s film in- geria also watch Nollywood and OLUMUYIWA S. AWO- dustry has grown to be the third other West African movies on JIDE largest in the world in terms of Afrotainment, DSTV, iROKOtv and earnings and estimated the in- AllAFrican aswell as other online Kunle Afolayan’s October 1st dustry to bring in US$200 million streaming distribution systems. EKPENYONG B. EFFIONG per year. - AGINA EBERECHUKWU

4 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM

PICTURES FROM THE SET OF IZU OJUKWU’S ‘76

6| VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM O.C. UKEJE 2013’s Biggest Winner

BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE

7 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM 2013 – the year of OC the thing about everything, to be Hahahaha! I think I was just Great. the quintessential role model, to blessed that night to have the Remind us just how many always be right, to always have heavenly touch. All contenders awards have you won and how money…and these pressures are hard workers and deserving many award-winning films have always been there, but of it. But I was just the absolutely you have acted in? it comes to a brand new scale fortunate cookie. Lol! This is a very interesting when you’re on this new level. question! Uhm…I think that I Theatre vs TV vs Film? have been in thirteen films as Let us talk about your craft. Hmmm…I still don’t have the an- a whole but I have won seven How instrumental was your swer to that question. awards. training at the NYFA? Was it really worth the thousands of Nollywood is turning 20, what Wow! Well done, we know dollars? is your take on the industry’s you always had it in you. What It was worth every buck I spent. progress? would you say made 2013 so I think that exposure is a very I believe we deserve to celebrate special? important thing for an actor, so ourselves and where we are. I Honestly, I feel like one thing to begin with, being in a circle also think it’s a good time for us that opened up the floodgates with other actors and filmmak- to look back and see what we was winning the AMVCA (Africa ers from different parts of the did wrong that caused the dip in Magic Viewers’ Choice Award) world made the world a better our journey and what we need in March. It just seemed to be place. And the training process to do to correct that. We need to the beginning of many more in- opened my eyes to the intrica- harness all our strength to move teresting appearances here and cies of acting and filmmaking us notches higher, especially in there. I’m not saying it started and why I made the choices I the areas of distribution and in- making people consider me for made when I did do some act- ternational collaborations. awards but maybe they start- ing. Every cent was well spent! ed looking a bit more close- We know you have a special ly at my work. I also think that What is the one role you woman in your life, when do with the fact that I had a couple would still really love to play we come and eat our rice? films lined up and popping out and why? Aha! If you shall be patient for around the same time, 2013 cer- I’d like to play the role of a rad- three more years, you’ll be in tainly started a new phase. ical. An extremist. It appears it luck. will be a really exciting choice to No, surely, you must have make. Just to see how I do it. It’s As a lover of style, how would done something differently? the wiring of the characters that you love your woman’s hair I have to say that I have done interests me. and fashion? exactly the same things I have I have to say that I have a thing done all these years and just Nollywood meets Hollywood, for well-done, well-catered-to prayed that one day things will describe your on-set experi- natural hair. Not all natural hair open up more for me. I can’t tell ence working on Half of a Yel- appeals to me. I can’t really tell you that there are low Sun? the difference between the Bra- new strategies that I have em- My on-set experience was pretty zilians and the Peruvians, just as ployed but I’m just glad that I much as I expected it to be. For- long as the presentation is key. stayed consistent and finally, tunately, I had worked on some Fashion on the other hand, has a bit of recognition has come. standard projects before this to be high-end impressionable. And that’s part of what I’d like film so I had the same profes- It doesn’t have to be a name to say to folks who want to be sional experience. I didn’t meet brand. But you must know how here as well. Be absolutely and Anika because we didn’t work to ‘wear cloth’! how to mix and undoubtedly sure this is your together. Thandie was very bub- match and just be breath tak- space. And when you cross that bly and vivacious. Chinwetel was ing… that is crucial. bridge, then work hard and stay a hard worker, is a hard work- focused and determined. And er. Biyi Bandele was very liberal We’ve seen you model in Stlye after some time, you’ll come with his actors’ contributions. It Mania and sing in HoodRush, through. was a good experience in all. what other secret talents do you have up under your What have all these awards What did you take away from sleeves? done for your career? the experience? Ah! You have discovered all my Well, for one, people have paid My dear, I have more desire to trade secrets then. Lol! Serious- a bit more attention to my work. work on international projects. ly though, I won’t call myself a Because when a man gets a Period. model but I know that my face couple nominations from differ- and physique are good for ent circles all in the same year, It must be very hard for you brands. And yes, I’m a singer. you beg to ask what he’s doing to choose among your babies And I intend to explore both of that qualifies him for the nom- but what award meant the them real soon. inations. It’s also opened up an most to you and why? international audience to me as Every award so far has been What was the last Nollywood well. It has made me more criti- significant. They have all had DVD you bought? cal about my work process. And their validating feelings at the Lekki Wives. of course the market value is points that I won them especial- also at a sexy point. ly because I only felt very great In 2014, what should we ex- to have been nominated at all. pect from you? Has it increased the pressure AMAA and AMVCA have meant I believe there are a few amaz- on you? a lot more though because they ing films I have done that have Well, it has increased pressure were make-or-break points of 2014 as tentative release dates. on several fronts but you have my career. I don’t know if we shall release to decide on what you want them but I’m expectant about to pressure you and how you You got a new car through a more international work. handle the pressure that seems lucky dip at the 2013 NMAs, unavoidable. There’s pressure was it just luck or you got the Photos courtesy of O.C. Ukeje. to look good, to know every- Midas touch?

8 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM ONLINE STREAMING Top 6 Nollywood Websites 1. Do Box Tv BY INNOCENT EKEJUIBA www.dobox.tv The full package

If a phrase would do Dobox justice, it would be “The Real Deal.” Yes I know that is not a word, It is difficult to describe Dobox in one word. Dobox is more than a Nollywood movie streaming site. It has practically metamorphosed into an entertain- ment company. The full package. Apart from having an app for EVERY device you can think of, they also won the MTN Mobile App contest. Do Box brings the cinema to you. It doesn’t just let you watch movies, but redefines the way you do it. With a great video streaming outlet (no, not YouTube), Do box allows you to stream movies faster. Well, arguable, the other sites also have most of this attributes. But here is why Do Box tops the chart. Do box is an entertainment hub, a cinema on the go and a video club. It really offers the full pack- age. Now I dare others to beat that. Even viewers gets the opportunity to post videos of events in the livebox section of the site. On the not-so-good side, no viewing is free. You either pay to stream, rent or buy the movie. And to enable this all-must-pay policy, Do Box also offers internet banking options. Well, I guess all things good come with a heavy cost. Why first? Well aside the ‘you-must-pay’ attribute, the guys who own this site did their home work and they did it well. In fact you would be delighted to pay when you get to the site and see what they made in just a year. A well-deserved first place.

2. Iroko TV www.irokotv.com 3. Ibaka TV Started abroad in Manchester but serving millions at home. www.ibakatv.com Started as a mere blog and now the talk of town. Probably the first of the gang in terms of age, what one would find most amazing about the founders is that they—Jason Njoku and Bastian Whenever you log on to www.ibakatv.com, you are Gotter—were not in Nigeria when the start-up was conceived. The in- welcomed by what is arguable the neatest and best movie genuity has of coursed earned it a place not only in the hearts of movie streaming site in Nigeria yet. But if you knew that it all start- streamers, but also on our list. Iroko TV cements its place at the top of ed as a free blog hosted by Google’s blogger, you would this list with the novel idea of not only dedicating weeks to actors, but wonder how the transition happened. The down part of Iba- also making it possible for viewers to filter through and select movies ka TV is that it models a lot after Iroko TV, but it is difficult based on the actors/stars featured in the movie. The viewers will also be to overshadow an illustrious predecessor who happens to able to know a bit about the actor thanks to the short biography featured also be a competitor. Ibaka has earned its stripes by actual- on the page. However, you would expect them to pay more attention to ly matching up and maybe in some categories better than suspense creation by including Trailers in their collections. They seem to Iroko TV through the introduction of movie trailers and be- have made up for this by having additional sections such as TV shows ing more up-to-date. In this business, frequency in updates and extras which includes red carpets, concerts, news, behind the scene is a huge plus. And all these started on a blog. and interviews. With a video streaming client only second to that of Do A decent third place, could have been better if some more Box, you are free to choose between Iroko’s freemium (free viewing) and ingenuity were to be injected. premium services. The choice is yours. A painful second for the first. First to be, yet beaten to the game. Well the consolation is that Iroko TV is the only one profiled on Wikipedia.

6. Okin [Okin World and OkinTV] 4. TV Nolly 5. Ogamadam TV www.okintv.com www.tvnolly.com www.ogamadamtv.com Versatility counts. One word. DECENT. For the love of Naija. This is the only Nollywood movie streaming TV Nolly might not have gone out The first thing you would notice ‘site’ that makes the list without actually having a of its way to venture into fallow grounds, on this site is the generous use of the site. If you log on to www.okintv.com, you would but it does its best to present what it has Nigerian national colours—green and be greeted by a ‘Coming Soon’ page. Now that is decently. The lack of cluster is the sec- white. What sets it apart however, is the bad and maybe the worst thing about this ‘site’. ond (and maybe far lesser) reason this simplicity of the site. The movie catego- But of all the Nollywood streaming accounts on site falls into this elite group. The real ries are carefully listed in a menu bar that YouTube that lack functional sites, Okin is by far reason is the presence of a ‘Classics’ does not have any dropdown menu, while the best. What earns them the most respect is the section. Unlike Ibaka, this section is not the home page basically has an array of fact that Okin started with OkinTv dedicated sole- named ‘Epic’ (as there is a difference in movies displayed. While they lag behind ly to Yoruba movies, but after a year, four months the semantics), but Classical. The failure in terms of updating their database, they and fourteen days, Okin launched Okin World to of TV Nolly to have more content is no- seek to still capture and retain viewers’ at- be its ‘English Channel’. With their website still un- ticeable and the fact that the filters on tention with the promise of meeting their der construction, I can only speculate that atten- the site are not functional. But, there al- favourite Nollywood stars via the Ogama- tion would be paid to detail as they have done on ways is room for improvement. dam plus. YouTube. In addition to the versatility and ability This site is pretty much like Ogamadam Gives you a sence of déjà vu if you had to pay attention to detail shown by Okin World, TV as they have similar aspirations, qual- just been to TV Nolly. They look like twins. every two days, there is a new update from them, ity and troubles. this allows Okin to supersede the other sites. Sixth place because of the lack of a website.

9 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM NEWS AFRINOLLY WINNERS

Short Film:

First Prize ($25,000) Everything Happens for a Reason by Florian Schott

Second Prize ($10,000) Crimson – Your Cup of Tea by Daniel Etim Effiong

Third Prize ($5,000) 10:10 by Gbenga Salu Stephanie Linus’ Extended Hands Documentary: Foundation Reaches Out First Prize ($25,000) It all started out as a passion port of some dedicated doctors Creative Minds by Victor Okoye to spread the word to as many and nurses at the General Hos- people as possible on the dan- pital, Ogoja, Cross River state. Second Prize ($10,000) gers of Vesico Vaginal Fistula. The team of doctors carried out Awele’s Diary by Ronke Ogunmakin Many years ago, as a student of repair surgeries on the 22 wom- the , Nol- en and catered for them for 2 Third Prize ($5,000) lywood star actress Stephanie weeks, nursing them back to Yellow Fever by Ng’endo Mukii Linus heard about some young health. girls who had been forced into Aside from the surgeries, the early marriage and were suffer- foundation also donated sur- ing the negative and embar- gical equipment and electrical rassing effects of VVF. The en- supplies which was presented counter lingered in her memory to the hospital at an event at- until she began to seek ways to tended by the Cross River State raise awareness on the condi- Commissioner for Social Wel- tion. She embarked on a journey fare & Community Develop- NOLLY of research and visits to several ment, Cross River State Barrister By Innocent Ekejiuba hospitals and VVF centers both Patricia Endeley and the Direc- within and outside Nigeria to tor Health, Population and Nu- Send in your answers to [email protected] interact with girls and women trition Office USAID Dr Nancy and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes. suffering from the condition Lowenthal. Other people who and doctors who took care of were present include Dr Jo- 1. Which year was the first edition of AMAA held? them. She also partnered with seph Monehine , Dr Adamu of NGOs in other African countries Engender Health and the Chief (Hint: OBJ was the president then) like Liberia and Sierra Leone. Surgeon Dr Sa’ad Idris. For two weeks, Stephanie and For Stephanie and the Extended 2. Who won the first award forBest Actor in a Lead- her team from the Extended Hands Foundation, it’s not the ing Role at the first everAMAA ? Hands Foundation (a chari- end but the journey and aware- ty organization founded by ness still continues. “In our own 3. “I am a guy. Yes. And I have the phone. Yes. her) were in Ogoja, Cross River little way, let’s help spread the state, attending to the needs word against child marriage and Which should logically mean that I am the guy with of 22 women living with VVF. VVF and ensure we live healthy the phone. Oga make we talk baa.” Who said this and The project was sponsored by lives,” she advises. in which movie was it said? SNEPCo/NNPC with the sup- 4. “Satan I bind you! Me? Pastor?” Who said it and Denziot Productions acquires Nigerian in which movie? DVD rights for When One Door Closes 5. “It is what we tell ogbon that ogbon will hear.” Nigerian production house and distribution company, Denziot Who said it and in which movie? Productions has acquired distribution rights for When One Door Closes. Nominated for Best Film and Best Director at the Golden 6. Name the first movie that was featured on the ICONS Awards (GIAMA), awarded a screening at the San Diego Trailer category of www.nollysilverscreen.com and quote Black Film Festival, and nominated for Best Film, Best Drama, Best the last line of the trailer. Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, this critically acclaimed film is set for release in April of 2014. It was directed by Robert Peters and produced by Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, Van Vicker, and Robert 7. Where was Onye Ozi (The Messenger) first pre- Peters. The movie stars Van Vicker, Hollywood actor Carl Payne miered? (Cosby Show, Martin), and Chet Anekwe (On Bended Knees, Baby Oku in America, Unwanted Guest). 8. Blossom Chuks Chukwujekwu is a fan of which football club and since when? Noted for its excellent cinematography and story line, When One Door Closes tells the story of love, struggle, and triumph. The movie deals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and issues 9. Who is O.C Ukeje’s role model? (Hint: Last name Africans deal with living in the diaspora. The movie was acquired rhymes with a biblical figure) as part of a new initiative by Desmond and Victoria Elliot through Denziot Productions to distribute quality and exclusive Nolly- 10. What other name is Uduak Isong known by? (Hint; wood Diaspora films in Nigeria. As part of this initiative, Denziot it starts from the letter ‘O’) Productions will also distribute Faces of Love, a film by Robert Peters and Monica Omorodion Swaida.

10 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM

REVIEWS

Title: October 1

Genre: Trailer (feature film)

Director: Kunle Afolayan Year: 2013 GUEST REVIEW Happy 2014 my dear readers; may this As expected, we are treated with beautiful year be full of joy, peace and progress and scenery shots of village life throughout. I Title: Confusion Na Wa a whole lot of great Nollywood films. Al- particularly liked one shot where we have ready, there are so many movies that will birds flying around a tree top. The - back Genre: Feature film be coming out in the following months – ground music is just right and further com- one of them is the highly anticipated Kun- plements the mood of the trailer. Also, the Director: Kunle Afolayan le Afolayan film – October 1. What better lighting technique (blue/black lights) em- way to start the New Year and also our ployed in some of the scenes also further Year: 2013 centenary year with a trailer review that adds a layer of eeriness to the mystery. The celebrates our unity? Enjoy reading! graphic shots really get to you and you get a sense of foreboding and danger. And One thing I have come to realise in the what true Nigerian movie would be com- work of Kunle Afolayan is his pride in his plete without religion? We have scenes Set in a Nigerian city, have no idea of their national heritage. So when I heard about featuring a priest as well as a babalawo Confusion Na Wa is connections in a beau- October 1, I was excited. If there is anyone (witch doctor) who are part and parcel of a dark comedy about tiful yet complex way. to put Nigeria’s history on the big screen, community life. a group of strangers With its title inspired by it is Afolayan. He blends a mystery/thriller whose fates become a line from Fela’s classic with elements of Nigeria’s independence; Beyond the beautiful cinematography, we intertwined over the track ‘Confusion’ which he teaches but in an entertaining manner. have solid performances from all the ac- course of 24 hours. At speaks of Nigeria’s bro- Movies like this, I believe will help to pre- tors on board (both local international). the centre of the sto- ken system, the movie serve our heritage and educate genera- It is refreshing to see Kanayo O. Kanayo ry are two hustlers, tells the story of how tions yet unborn. back on the screen after a long while. Charles and Chichi who the various characters He is joined by a cast comprising Bimbo find a missing phone; are confused in their At the heart of the trailer is an investiga- Manuel, Kehinde Bankole, Kunle Afolayan, read through its con- own ways; in my own tion of a young girl who was murdered. A Demola Adedoyin and Fabian Adeoye Lo- tents and decide to opinion, it is a sub- northern Nigerian Police Detective, Dan jede among others. We also see very im- Waziri (Sadiq Daba), is urgently dispatched pressive performances from the foreign blackmail the owner. tle jab at the confused by the colonial government to the trading acts which include the likes of David Bai- Little do they know that state of the Nigerian post town of Akote in the Western Region lie, Nick Rhys, Colin David Reese and Law- their misdemeanors society today. of Nigeria to solve the mystery. Afolayan rence Stubbings. would set in motion Read the full review at gives us a sneak peek of the murder scene a chain of events that www.sodasandpop- where we see a young girl running through The trailer ends with a big bang. This time, will lead to a shattering corn.com the forest before she is brutally murdered. it is a forest scene with Afolayan, machete end. (c) Cinema Kpat- So from the beginning, you have an emo- in hand, jumping at someone and Dan aKpata. Confusion Na Reviewed by Olumuy- tional attachment to the character and Waziri coming to the conclusion that he Wa is a nonlinear story iwa S. Awojide want to know whodunit? knows who killed the young girl. And just which tells the story of to remind us of the whole essence of the random strangers who You can’t watch this trailer and not remi- film, we hear a voice over of one of the nisce with nostalgia of how Nigeria used British officers sarcastically wishing Danny to be some fifty something years ago. You boy a happy independence! have to give it to the team for creating a realistic 1960s Nigeria from the costume to Verdict –Watch October 1 if you want an the props. It becomes very obvious, that a authentic Nigeria story with the trappings Title: In Iredu lot of money was spent to put this togeth- of pre-independence politics, historical er. We are also treated to snippets of Yoru- underpinnings, beautiful cinematography Genre: Short film ba music and dialogue (with translations) and a good murder story that would keep so you further get that sense of ‘Nigeria’. you hooked till the very end. Director: Abiola Sobo Then we have a cameo appearance of Fun- mi Ransome Kuti (Deola Sagoe) to further Reviewed by Isabella Akinseye Year: 2013 authenticate the times.

Title: Awele’s Diary In Iredu is a beautiful- ‘English’. Maybe the ly crafted historic short writer was carried away Genre: Documentary film. It looks like a Mac- by the ‘Macbethness’ beth remake, but it sys- of the story and got Director: Ronke Ogunmakin temically explores sim- sloppy with the diction. ilarities in folklore and It is understandable for Year: 2013 literature thereby cre- the narrator to have an ating a sync between impeccable diction, but Awele’s Diary is a documentary of a sickle cell. However, the opening cut of Shakespeare’s Macbeth that is not expected young lady living with Sickle Cell Anae- the documentary is very childishness. and African myths and of three witches and a mia. The documentary shares a differ- Texts splattered across the screen child- legends. On the down warrior of old from Af- ent perception of sickle cell survivors/ ishly. A little bit of coordination there side, aside from the rica. warriors. One of life and liveliness and would have conveyed the seriousness clumsy makeup of the not the usual gloom and doom always of the situation being discussed in the witches, I can’t fathom Reviewed by: Innocent associated with it. Awele’s Diary is de- cut. All the same, Awele is full of life. why the diction is too Ekejiuba tailed and very informative while it de- picts ‘living-with’ and not ‘dying-of’ Reviewed by Innocent Ekejiuba

12 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM MONALISA CHINDA WITHSEGUN ARINZE 13 |VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM LANCELOT IMASUEN,DESMONDELLIOT AND BOBBY MICHAELS ANDEMEMISONG SEAN FAQUASEAN ANDGUEST LAGOS COUGARS SUSAN PETERS ZIK ZULU OKAFOR

RED CARPET VENITA AKPOFURE& YOLANDA OKEREKE CAST ANDDIRECTOR WITHSPONSOR UTI NWACHUKWU WITHSOMEGUESTS BOLA ADUNWO,BOLA BLOSSOM CHUKS AND EMEM ISONG ANDDESMOND ELLIOT FINDING MERCY YOLANDA OKEREKE DVD RELEASES

ROYAL ARTS ACADEMY RELEASES AFTER THE PROPOSAL & BEFORE GOD & MAN ON DVD Royal Arts Academy has announced the release of two of their productions in DVD. The two movies in question are After the Proposal and Before God & Man. The former featuers Uche Jombo, Patience Ozorkwor, Belinda Effah, The- resa Edem, Anthony Monjaro, Keira Hewatch and Sean Faqua, and is about a mother on a mission to get her three daughter of marriageable age, into husbands houses! One gets proposed to and the family faces another round of wahala to get the items necessary for her Bride price. The movie is hilarious and is written by Uduak Isong Ogua- manam (who also co-produced it). The latter is produced by Emem Isong, and tells a grass to grace story about a young lady Uduakobong who was a cleaner in an office that was maltreated because of her social standing. By dint of hard work and availing herself of the Free Education opportunity given by her State Government, she went to school and became a woman to be reckoned with. Actors starred here include (but not limited to) Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Patience Ozokwor, Desmond Elliot, Moses Armstrong and Ime Bishop Umoh. The two movies were directed by Desmond Elliot and are available at video stores all over the country.

14 | VISIT NOLLYSILVERSCREEN.COM