Film director, Frank Rajah Arase, has released the official trailer for his newly directed movie, Iyore: The Return; A Life After Life. The new movie is based on the history and culture of the people of Benin, Nigeria, where Frank Rajah comes from, co-produced by Kwame Boadu for Raj and Heroes films productions 2014.  It stars award winning actors, Rita Dominic, Joseph Benjamin, Okawa Shaznay, Paul Obazele, Yemi Blaq, Bukky Wright and a host of others.

Frank Rajah said last week that the movie was his best film so far.  It is a mythical tale set around the ancient Benin Kingdom and tells a story about life after life. The epic feature is a mixture of historical facts and fiction. It explores a tragic love story centred on the rich culture of pre-colonial Benin through to the present day of Benin whilst exploring the supernatural ideas of reincarnation.

The family drama, Akan (directed by Desmond Elliot),  will open at Silverbird Cinemas in Uyo on August 8. It stars Alexx Ekubo, Ime ‘Bishop’ Umoh, Venita Akpofure, Emma Etukudo, Grace Johnson and Archie Sam. The movie is a drama ( in Ibibio and English language) about a young man Akan (Alexx Ekubo) who comes back home from abroad with his fiancée Sophie (played by Venita Akpofure) to settle but he faces resistance from his family who want him to be with someone from their home town.

The film was produced by Archie Sam, who is also a fast-rising actor. He had his first taste of acting in 2005 in the movie Mfana Ibaga. He later went on to act in other star studded movies like Guilty Pleasures, Gold Diggin’, and Okon Goes To School. Akan is the first film he has produced and he acts the role of Ralph who is caught between trying to balance his relationship with his girlfriend and his sister. See the trailer below

The 2014 Del-York Creative Academy (DCA) hands-on intensive film making workshop tagged Film Made in Nigeria, has commenced, and will run for the next 4 weeks at the Digital Bridge Institute Lagos. Channeled at improving the skillset and creative capacity of film makers and broadcast journalists in Nigeria, the program will feature an array of highly Intensive hands-on courses which include; Producing, Directing, Acting, Digital Film Making, Broadcast Journalism, Set- designs, Screen Writing, Costume design and make-up, 3D animation, Cinematography, Editing, Graphics and special effects.

Select members from the Directors Guild of Nigeria, The Nigerian Society of Editors, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria, Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Cinematography, Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) will enjoy first class training from tutors of the Del-York Creative Academy.

“With a penchant for quality training, the academy engaged trainers from Los Angeles and New York who have since arrived Lagos and are excited and overly ready to impact the students and expose them to high-tech equipment and methods that will make them equal contenders with their international counterparts” says Dr. Linus IDAHOSA, CEO of Del-York International.

Del-York international in partnership with the New York Film Academy has so far trained over 650 aspiring and professional filmmakers, some of whom have either received or been nominated to win several local and International awards.

This year’s program is powered by the Project Act-Capacity Building Fund which is dedicated to supporting skills acquisition along the entire value chain of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.

There will be live coverage of the entire program through the hashtag #DCA2014 and on the Academy’s social media platforms:

Twitter : @Delyorkintl
Facebook : Del-York International

LAPD African Cops, is a movie written and directed by Hollywood-based Nigerian, Pascal Atuma. It was produced by Dr. Oscar Atuma and Pascal Atuma, and co-produced by Ime Etuk. The movie is a story of two Africans who came to America and joined the Los Angeles Police Department. They were commissioned and sent out to the streets of Los Angeles, instead of them using the LAPD rules and regulations to judge the American streets; they decided to judge the streets using African culture, norms and values.

There are several recognizable faces in the cast including: Vanessa Bell Calloway (Coming to America), Luenell Campbell (Borat), Dorien Wilson (The Parkers), Brian Hooks (Eve’s Show), Mari Morrow (One Life To Live), Jaszmin Lewis (Barbershop), Trina Mcgee (Friday After Next), Tonya Lee Williams ( Young & Restless), Caryn Ward-Ross (The Game), Bless Brown Vera (Sexy Boy In America).

Synopsis
This is a comedy about two Africans who came into America, became American citizens and joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) . They were sent out to the streets of Los Angeles, instead of judging the people with the rules and regulations of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), they decided to judge the people with the African culture, norms and values. The story of Officer Ghana and Officer Naija, the LAPD AFRICAN COPS!

30 Days in Atlanta is a comedy directed by Robert Peters. The movie, which was shot in Nigeria and the United States was produced by Ayo Makun. It stars Ayo Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Vivica Fox, Lynn Whitfield, Karlie Redd, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliot, and Majid Michel. Also in the movie are Ada Ameh, Rachel Oniga, Uti Nwachukwu, Kese Jabari, Juliet Ibrahim, and Mercy Johnson.

Synopsis
Sharp Warri boy,” aptly describes the Akpos character. He is our very own Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) and Chris Rock rolled into one. In Akpos In Atlanta, he wins a 30-day holiday for two to Atlanta, Georgia. He takes his cousin (Richard), an IT specialist on the all-expense paid trip.

Akpos In Atlanta is an adventurous love story – spiced with lots of action and hilarious moments. This a-laugh-a-minute story has been fully researched and well written. It paints, in beautiful colours, the hugely popular (and social media trending) Akpos character which was created from the AYShow’s Who Wants To Be A Billionaire hilarious skits.

Right from Warri until he landed in Atlanta, Akpos flung his unique personality, showing-off his smartness and foolishness in an exciting mix of rhetoric and witty humour. An impromptu social commentator and self-appointed psychologist, Akpos finds relevance in everything and everyone around them.

In Atlanta, Akpos met three very peculiar people: Uncle Wilfred, a friend and self-acclaimed oil Firm employee, and lots of ‘Fellow Nigerians’. Soon, he begins to enjoy his stay in Atlanta. His Warri accents and instincts almost turned him into a Hollywood Celebrity.

Akpos, like all of us, is human. He would have his high and low moments. He would fall in and out of love. He would break hearts and get heartbroken himself. He would make mistakes and learn from them. And at the end of the day, he would remain a Vintage Akpos – the boy from the World’s only WARRI.

When Love Happens is a romantic comedy directed by Seyi Babatope. It stars Gideon Okeke, Weruche Opia, OC Ukeje, and Oreka Godis. Also in the movie are Shaffy Bello, Beverly Naya, Desmond Elliot, Bukky Wright, Wale Ojo, and Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang. It was shot in Lagos, February this year. It was produced by Seyi Babatope and Moses Babatope. It is expected in Nigerian cinemas this year.

Synopsis
Moduroti Bankole-Smith is a twenty eight year old events planner that has always been unlucky in love. She is reminded at every turn about how wonderful love is with proof to substantiate the case. Her parents are madly in love and are always nudging her to find someone. She has 3 close friends Tseju whose profession is unclear and Tobe a banker.

Events take a bizarre turn when she is hired to plan a long time friends upcoming wedding. This ignites a change and a chain reaction in Moduroti, she is now determined to open her self to new ways to explore dating and finding romance. An old flame returns to town to further complicate her plans. Unbeknownst to her, her close friend Tobe secretly harbours affection for her and that starts to reverberate as an under current that will reach a tipping point. A tipping point that will either end badly or for the better, Moduroti will have to find the natural balance of love as she hopes it to be or as most people experience it.

Iceslide Films in conjunction with Wells Entertainment Limited presents the release of the epic historical film, Invasion 1897. The historic epic is based on the invasion of the great Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897, who then carted off Benin arts and artifacts which till date, still adorn museums around the world. For example the famous commemorative head and pendant of ivory mask representing Queen Idia (from court of Benin, 16th century) is at the British Museum, while the pendant is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA.

A scene from ‘Invasion 1897′

This is the most ambitious film in Nigeria since it’s independence as the film makers seek to give an accurate, historical account of the event and make a statement as regards the right of the West to continue to hold on to these artifacts using the platform (or guise?) of the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom.  It also opens up the hidden truths behind the invasion, long painted as a ‘massacre’ by the West. This year marks 100 years of the death of Oba Ovonramen N’ogbaisi (1888–1897), the then sitting Oba who died in exile in Calabar where he was banished by the British after the invasion, so it is fitting that the film is launched in his memory.

Mike Omeregbe as Oba Ovonramen N’ogbaisi

Invasion 1897 has been endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo Erediauwa 1, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken N’Uselu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Italy and of the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust, Sir. Chief (DR) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of the Benin Kingdom, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) and the Obong of Calabar, HRH Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, The Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Association of International Theatre Critics, Society for Nigerian Theatre ‎Artistes (SONTA), Association of International Theatre Critics (AITC), Nassarawa State University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Richard Landers Society and the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA. The movie was produced and directed by award winning director Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen who has been on a world wide campaign for support for the movie.

Lancelot Imasuen addressing the Obong of Calabar, HRH Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V and Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa

The movie which has taken over four years to shoot and edit was shot in Benin city, Edo state as well as London, England, using a well trained cast of over three hundred people, all in period costume of the 1900s with the props of that era. The film stars veteran Nigerian actors Segun Arinze, Charles Inojie, Nosa Ehimwen, Paul Obazele, Leo Mezie, Mike Omoriegbe as Oba Ovonrawmen, Idiata Otiagbe and the late Justus Esiri in a cameo role. Famous British actors involved in the production include Rudolph Walker, Charles “Chucky” Venn, Annika Álofti, Garett Mort, Hannah Raehse-Felstead, Tim Robinson, Rob Spackman, Patrick Thompson and Keith Davinson.

Bronze figures and cast iron pieces being specially made for the film

The film post-production was done at Film Look studios in Burbank, Hollywood, USA. There will be an unveiling of the film’s new post & trailer by City People magazine in the coming weeks. This will spearhead the World premiere tour of the movie, starting with the Toronto African & Music Festival on the 27th of August 2014. ‘Invasion’ will be the opening film of the festival. There will then be a London VIP premiere alongside major Benin bronze works exhibition on the 13^th of September 2014. A main premiere will be held in London at the Odeon Cinema also that month. This will be followed by a special premiere of the movie at the famous Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C on September 17^th 2014. Back home in Nigeria, the film will screen at the Abuja Film Festival, then there will be there will be special Nollywood premiere on the 23^rd, 25^th and 26^th of September 2014. Main sponsors of the movie include South Atlantic Petroleum, HP, Task systems and FEVA Tv, Canada.

The Wives, a play written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, will be showing at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos in October. It will show on 9, 1o and 11 October, 2014. The play is presented by The Make it Happen Productions, the same company that produces Open Mic Theatre every other month and V-Monologues in May, 2013.

The play focuses on the intriguing character called Chief Theophilus Gbadegeshin Olowookere, his sister and his three wives, Angela, Cecilia and Tobi. The cast of the play parades Nigeria brightest acting icons including Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Jide Kosoko, Iretiola Doyle, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and others.

“We are excited about this play,” says Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, who is producer of the play and Creative Director of Make it Happen. “These are immensely talented members of cast and the audience is going to leave the play thoroughly entertained.”

In The Wives, the question ‘can a man keep his most cherished secrets forever?’ is the central theme of the play. There lies a sordid little secret and no one wants to talk about it. It is a dark comedy rich in sensuality and scathing humour.”

The author, Ahmed Yerima was General Manager of the National Theatre of Nigeria and Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria.

The romantic comedy,  Single, Married and Complicated, will open in cinemas across Nigeria on Friday, August 15, 2014. The movie is the sequel to the successful Single and Married, which was released in 2012. A red carpet premiere for the movie will take place at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The star-studded movie features Yvonne Nelson supported by an all star cast from Nigeria and Ghana including Chris Attoh, Eddie Watson, Anita Erskine, and Tana Adelana who were part of the original movie. John Dumelo, John Gardiner, Alexx Ekubo and Eazzy join the team to make for an even more interesting sequel.

The steamy romantic comedy which was produced by Yvonne Nelson Productions is written and directed by award winning director, Pascal Amanfo has been described by Yvonne Nelson as a natural follow up to give a sweet finish to a great tale. She said the movie could be likened to its original because it is no holds barred movie loaded with excitement and that movie enthusiast should brace up for a thrilling experience in the cinemas.

Single, Married, and Complicated is told in a narrative form, with Anita Erskine as the narrator. The movie centres on the characters Jay, Kimora, Andy, and Vida who return to a re-plotted tale of love, life and living it as they seek to find an answer to the question… What do men really want? Though the answers may be many but at the end of it all we realise that many will be single, some married and quite a few… simply complicated.

The premiere of Chigozie Atuanya’s Igbo language production, Chetanna, took place on July 25, 2014, at the inaugural World Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture, which was held at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia. The film was screened to a packed audience, which included many dignitaries of Igbo extraction from Nigeria and the diaspora.

The premiere was a resounding success, and the movie held the audience spellbound for its duration. The audience enjoyed the movie so much that they burst into a spontaneous round of applause, which lasted for several minutes, after the movie ended.

Following the successful premiere of the movie in Virginia, Chigozie Atuanya, will be taking the movie on a tour of several US cities starting in September. It has already been confirmed that the movie will premiere in Houston on October 11,2014 at the Igbo Catholic Community Center, 8250 Creekbend Drive. Following the US tour, the movie will be premiered in the following Nigerian cities – Lagos, Awka, Aba, Enugu, and Umuahia.

Chetanna was directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka, and it stars Chigozie Atuanya, Queen Nwokoye, Ebube Nwagbo, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, and Chinwe Owoh. It is the gripping tale of an American returnee whose unbridled past in America has come to haunt his present in Africa. A marriage gone sour; greed gives way to unprovoked vendetta and deep-rooted deceit until nemesis comes knocking while true love is caught in the web of mindless scheming.

Eze Obidiegwu Obidiegwe Onyeso and Chigozie Atuanya

Prof. Paul Okechukwu Oranika and Chigozie Atuanya

Chigozie Atuanya, Mr. Ezeani Igirigi, Eze Obidiegwu Obidiegwe Onyeso, Chief Okorie, Mbah, Eze Uzu Awka

Chigozie Atuanya and Eze Obidiegwu Obidiegwe

Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze

Chief Hyacinth Nwachukwu

Attorney Emeka Akudinobi

Chigozie Atuanya and Attorney Emeka Akudinobi

Ichie Larry Udoji

Gary Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey

Chigozie Atuanya and Chief Okorie, Mbah

Chigozie Atuanya and Dr. Kenneth Akwuole

Chudi Asidianya (right) and a South African guest

Nwaamaka Arinze and a guest

Chigozie Atuanya and some guests

Chigozie Atuanya and some guests

Chigozie Atuanya and some guests

Chigozie Atuanya and some guests

Some guests at the screening

A cross-section of guests at the screening

A cross-section of guests at the screening

Mummy Dearest is a humorous family drama written and directed by Willis Ikedum. It was shot in Port Harcourt in 2014. It stars stars Liz Benson-Ameye, Daniel K. Daniel, Wendy Elenwo, and Gina Castel. It was produced by Chioma Willis Ikedum (nee Ibeawuchi). There are plans for a theatrical release of the movie in 2014. 

Synopsis
Mummy Dearest conveys the story of a dedicated and committed mother who tries to stay in touch with her five (adult) children living in various cities. Her last child and only son, Chijioke is unresponsive to her efforts of staying in touch because he’s preoccupied with work, friends, and fun. He is compelled to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation after his friend and colleague losses his mother to a drastic illness.

Adjetey Anng and Marie Humbert

Film director, Leila Djansi has finally announced the main cast for the new web series, Poisoned Bait, which she is directing for Iroko TV, and young Ghanaian actress, Marie Humbert leads some of the continent’s big name actors on the project. The 2014 African Movie Academy Awards supporting actress nominee is playing lead actress

in a cast, which includes celebrated names such as Adjetey Anang, Mary Remmy Njoku, Gideon Okeke, John Dumelo, Ama K Abebrese, Naa Ashorkor Mensah, Grace Omoboe, and Edward Agyekum Kufuor.

Adjetey Anang and Grace Omoboe

Marie Humbert who plays Ariel, a literary agent and her client, Betty, (Marry Remmy Njoku) who’s book on marriage creates a juxtaposition between her own marriage and Ariel’s marriage to Henry (Adjetey Anang) which is threatened by the presence of her ex, Bernard (Gideon Okeke).

Gideon Okeke and Mary Remmy Njoku

Leila Djansi is once again working with Aaron Wong on this Project. Aaron Wong worked with her as cinematographer on I Sing of a Well and A Northern Affair. He also worked with her as Director of Photography on And Then There Was You.

Aaron Wong and Leila Djansi

Leila interacting with some of her crew

Marie Humbert getting her hair done

Edward Agyekum Kufuor and Mary Remmy Njoku

The official posters for the adventure thriller, The Antique, have been released. The movie was shot in the first quarter of 2014 in Kajola, Oke Ore, and Idi Iroko. It was written and produced by Darasen Richards. It was directed by Darasen Richards and Adetokunbo Odubawo (aka DJ Tee). It stars Oge Indiana, Olu Jacobs, Rykardo Agbor, and Bimbo Akintola. Also in the movie are Gabriel Afolayan, Kiki Omeili, Funsho Adeolu, Seun Akindele, Omowunmi Dada, and Bowoto Jephtah (aka Akpororo). It is tentatively scheduled to be released in October 2014.

Synopsis/ Treatment
The Antique is a fictional story, inspired by events of the Southern Nigeria people in the 19th Century. With a technique that combines theatrical aesthetics and culturally derived meanings, cultivated for utilitarian purposes, this film highlights on the characters that fought to defend its rich culture and help build it’s kingdom.

The picture starts with a scene of a happy and successful community as they share their lot with one another, but there is a sudden turn of event as three strange beings invade the kingdom in search of an antique; which has the power to protect it’s people and sustain it’s royalty.

The kingdom’s warriors are overpowered and the invaders take away the sacred emblem, whereby bringing a curse on the land.

In the second act; several decades later, the current Oba’s only son is ill and at the point of death. As revealed by the witch doctor, the sickness is as a result of the missing antique. Therefore, to bring the circles of deaths and famine in the land to end, an innocent girl named Uki (Oge Indiana) is chosen to risk her life by journeying to the land where mortals are forbidden, on a quest to find and return the antique.

Three special warriors, who will stop at nothing until they achieve their purpose, accompany Uki. The journey proves to be a mission almost impossible as they encounter sinister immortal forces, which try to stop them from reaching their goal.

In every twelve there is a Judas; the witch doctor with a seductress named Isoken has a hidden agenda as anxiety back in the village unveils series of dynamics in the running of the kingdom. Meanwhile, the return of Uki and the warriors is uncertain.

Will they return?

Variant poster

Character poster for Oge Indiana

Character poster for Olu Jacobs

Character poster for Rykardo Agbor

Character poster for Bimbo Akintola

Character poster for Gabriel Afolayan

Character poster for Kiki Omeili

Character poster for Funsho Adeolu

Character poster for Seun Akindele

Character poster for Dada Omowunmi

Character poster for Bowoto Jephtah (aka Akpororo)

Ojuju is a horror thriller written and directed by young Nigerian filmmaker, C.J Obasi. His debut feature was the surrealistic, Jim & Joan, which had had its world premiere at the Eko International Film Festival in 2012. Ojuju was produced by Oge Ugwu, and it stars Gabriel Afolayan and Dada Omowunmi. Also starring in the movie are Kelechi Udegbe, Chidozie Nzeribe, Brutus Richard, Meg Otanwa, Yvonne Enakhena, Jumoke Ayadi, Paul Utomi, Tommy Oyewole, and Kelechi Joseph. Release plans for the movie are yet to be announced.

Synopsis
Romero’s (Gabriel Afolayan) neighbourhood is in trouble. People are suddenly manifesting symptoms of rabid river blindness . With his friends, Emmy (Kelechi Udegbe) and Peju (Omowunmi Dada) he struggles to understand how the neighbourhood’s sole source of water supply could have been infected. However, there’s no time to ponder because they all must survive and fight their way through to escape the infested neighbourhood.

Watch the trailer of the movie below.

Nominees for the third edition of the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) have been released.  The award ceremony will take place on October 25, 2014 at the Stafford Centre in Houston. The full list of nominees can be seen below: 

MAIN CATEGORY

1. Best Motion Picture
   • A Mile From Home
   • Iyore
   • Being Mrs Elliot
   • Apaye
   • Accident
   • Dining With a Long Spoon
2. Best Drama
   • Murder at Prime Suites
   • Sisters at War
   • Black Silhouette
   • Knocking on Heaven’s Door
   • Accident
   • Darkside
   • A Mile From Home
3. Best Film (Indigenous)
   • Akan
   • Sekunola
   • Chetanna
   • 30 Days in Atlanta
   • Sundiata
4. Best Film (Comedy)
   • Hustlers
   • 30 Days in Atlanta
   • Visa Lottery
   • A Wish
   • Nkasi the Village Fighter
   • Airline Babes
5. Best On-Screen Duo
   • Rita Dominic & Joseph Benjamin – Iyore
   • Ayo Makun & Ramsey Nouah – 30 Days in Atlanta
   • Belinda Effah & Kanayo O Kanayo – Apaye
   • Clarion Chukwurah & Mercy Johnson – Hustlers
   • Nadia Buari & Jim Iyke – The Diary of Imogen Brown
   • Uche Jombo & Patience Ozokwo – After the Proposal
   • Tope Tedela & Chiedozie Nzeribe – A Mile from Home
6. Best Actor
   • Nonso Diobi – Last Three Digits
   • Joseph Benjamin – Iyore
   • Bob Manuel – Dining With a Long Spoon
   • Ramsey Nouah – 30 Days in Atlanta
   • Kalu Ikeagwu – Accident
   • Majid Michel – Being Mrs Elliot
7. Best Actress
   • Nse Ikpe Etim – Purple Rose
   • Rita Dominic – Iyore
   • Chioma Akpotha – Accident
   • Omoni Oboli – Being Mrs Elliot
   • Jackie Appiah – Sisters at War
   • Ini Edo – Nkasi the Village Fighter
   • Clarion Chukwurah – Apaye
8. Most Promising Actor
   • Daniel Lloyd – Stripped
   • Prince Mingle – Diary of Imogen Brown
   • McCarthy Nonwani – Chetanna
   • Shawn Faqua – Lagos Cougars
   • Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home
   • Blossom Chukwujekwu – Knocking on Heaven’s Door
   • Emor Ekpenyong – Make A Move
9. Most Promising Actress
   • Sylvia Udeogu – Darkside
   • Sonia Ibrahim – Number One Fan
   • Ivie Okujaye – Black Silhouette
   • Grace Johnson – All that Glitters
   • Adesua Etomi – Knocking on Heaven’s Door
   • Diana Yekini – Lagos Cougars
   • Kafui Danku – Devil in a Dress
10. Best Supporting Actor
    • Femi Jacobs – Dreamwalker
    • Uti Nwachukwu – Don’t Cry for Me
    • Wale Adebayo – Make a Move
    • Frederick Leonard – Accident
    • Ayo Makun – Being Mrs. Elliot
    • Eddie Watson – Sisters at War
    • Anthony Monjaro – After the Proposal
11. Best Supporting Actress
    • Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke – Chetanna
    • Belinda Effah – Apaye
    • Susan Peters – Don’t Cry for Me
    • Roselyn Ngissah – Purple Rose
    • Okawa Shaznay – Sisters at War
    • Uru Eke – Dining with a Long Spoon
    • Tana Adelana – Dreamwalker
12. Best Comedic Act
    • Patience Ozokwo – After the Proposal
    • Lepacious Bose – Being Mrs Elliot
    • Ini Edo – Nkasi the Village Fighter
    • Mercy Johnson – Hustlers
    • Eniola Badmus – Airline Babes
    • Ime ‘Bishop’ Umoh – Visa Lottery
    • Ayo Makun – 30 Days in Atlanta
13. Best Screenplay
    • 30 Days in Atlanta
    • Last Three Digits
    • Accident
    • Black Silhouette
    • Dinning With a Long spoon
    • Make a Move
14. Best Director
    • Eneaji Chris Eneng – Murder at Prime Suites
    • Teco Benson – Accident
    • Frank Rajah – Iyore
    • Omoni Oboli – Being Mrs Elliot
    • Desmond Elliot – Apaye
    • Robert Peters – 30 Days in Atlanta
    • Eric Aghimien – A Mile from Home
15. Producer of the Year
    • Eric Aghimien – A Mile from Home
    • Juliet Ibrahim – Number One Fan
    • Frank Rajah & Kwame Boadu – Iyore
    • Abdul Salam – Sisters at War
    • Emem Isong – Apaye
    • Omoni & Nnamdi Oboli – Being Mrs. Elliot
    • Ayo Makun & Dr. Kulah – 30 Days in Atlanta
16. Best Edited Film
    • Being Mrs Elliot
    • Accident
    • Apaye
    • One Last Word
    • Murder at Prime Suites
    • A Mile From Home
17. Best Cinematography
    • Murder at Prime Suites
    • Iyore
    • 30 Days in Atlanta
    • Dining With a Long Spoon
    • A Mile From Home
    • My African Wedding
    • Black Silhouette
18. Best Sound
    • Make a Move
    • Knocking on Heaven’s Door
    • Iyore
    • Accident
    • A Mile From Home
    • Number One Fan
    • Being Mrs Elliot
19. Best Costume
    • Murder at Prime Suites
    • Stripped
    • Iyore
    • Apaye
    • Make a Move
    • Destiny Child
    • Lagos Cougars
20. Best Makeup
    • A Mile from Home
    • Number One Fan
    • Iyore
    • Last Three Digits
    • Apaye
    • Murder at Prime Suites
    • One Last Word

Special Recognition
Lynn Whitfield – 30 Days in Atlanta

DIASPORA FILM CATEGORY

1. Best Film – Diaspora
   • Fall Guy
   • Captive
   • Faces of Love
   • Ekei
   • Brides War
2. Best Film Director – Diaspora
   • Ekei – Akim Macauley
   • Captive – John Uche
   • Fall Guy – Obed Joe
   • Faces of Love – Robert Peters
   • A Message to Brian – A.B Sallu
   • Punch Rolla – Matt Lillard
3. Most Promising Actor – Diaspora
   • Mohammed Bah – Fall Guy
   • Eno Williams – A Message to Brian
   • Raz Adoti – Faces of Love
   • Moses Efret – Brides War
   • Kayode Akinbayo – Punch Rolla
   • Ken Monnette – The Storm
4. Most Promising Actress – Diaspora
   • Edith Pikwa Boma – A Message to Brian
   • Laurene Noire – Captive
   • Syr Law – Faces of Love
   • Stephanie Maa – Ekei
   • Melissa Determined – Brides War
   • Bessy Ikem – American Mama

VIEWER’S CHOICE CATEGORY
Voting begins on AUG 15 and ends on AUG 31; to vote, log onto giamaawards.com

1. Male Viewer’s Choice
   • Uti Nwachukwu
   • Majid Michel
   • Chris Attoh
   • Joseph Benjamin
   • John Dumelo
   • Alex Ekubo
   • Yemi Blaq
   • Eddie Watson
2. Female Viewer’s Choice
   • Yvonne Nelson
   • Ini Edo
   • Jackie Appiah
   • Mercy Johnson
   • Uche Jombo
   • Nse Ikpe-Etim
   • Tonto Dikeh
   • Yvonne Okoro

Episodes 6, 7, and 8 of the second season of Ndani TV series, Gidi Up, are here. The series was directed by Jadesola Osiberu, and it stars Deyemi Okanlawon (Tokunbo), OC Ukeje (Obi), Somkele Iyamah (Yvonne), Titilope Sonuga (Eki), and Daniel Effiong (Folarin).

EP6: These Babes Ain’t Loyal is episode 8 of season 2 of Gidi Up. In this episode, Eki and Tokunbo confront the consequences of their actions as she reveals her secret to him. Obi is blackmailed into taking a listener of Gidi Fm on a date; and things continue to heat up between Yvonne and Meka, while the situation between her and Sharon becomes worse.

EP7: What’s Best for Business is episode 7 of season 2 of Gidi Up. In this episode, Tokunbo has to come to terms with the revelation of Eki’s secret, and how this affects his new relationship with Ify. Things continue to heat up between Meka and Yvonne when they find themselves under the same roof. Obi finds out the perks of having a sugar mummy and Jola and Monye find out the consequences of having the right feelings for the wrong people.

EP8: The End of the Road is episode 8 of season 2 of Gidi Up. In this episode, Eki and Tokunbo make a heart wrenching decision. Monye confides in Yvonne about Sam’s party. Obi discovers that he might be in over his head and Sharon gets a sneaking suspicion.

Lancelot Imasuen

It was a momentous occasion as the practitioners in the film community in Nigeria, representatives from corporate organizations and gentlemen of the Press, converged at Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island on August 14th 2014 for the official unveiling of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s historical movie, Invasion 1897.

Lancelot Imasuen and Mrs. Aanena Jemitola (Commissioner for Arts & Culture, Edo State)

The event was well attended with the hall packed full of people, eager to see the offering from the maverick director. After nearly 4 years in production, anticipation was high for the film’s outcome. The movie did not disappoint; as clips of it rolled unto the screen, it received a hearty round of applause from all in the house. The new trailer and poster were also veiled to the delight of many.

Zik Zulu Okafor, Emem Isong, Fred Amata, Mike Nliam, and Joy Chinasa

The event was compered by Uti Nwachukwu who introduced all in the house and gave those present, an opportunity to make their observations and express their thoughts on the film. Some of those present include Mrs Aanena Jemitola, Commissioner for Arts & Culture in Edo state, Zik Zulu Okafor, President of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Fred Amata Acting Festival Director of the Abuja International Film Festival, Emem Isong, Osita ‘Paw Paw’ Iheme, Emma Isikaku, to name a few.

Chris Orioha, a guest, Charles Inojie, and Mike Omoregbe

The World premiere tour of the movie will start with the Toronto African & Music Festival on the 27th of August 2014 where ‘Invasion’ will be the opening film of the festival. There will then be a London VIP premiere alongside major Benin bronze works exhibition on the 13th of September 2014. A main premiere will be held in London at the Odeon Cinema also that month. This will be followed by a special premiere of the movie at the famous Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C on September 17th 2014.

Mike Nliam, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Bola Aduwo

Back home in Nigeria, the film will screen at the Abuja Film Festival, then there will be there will be special Nollywood premiere on the 23rd, 25th and 26th of September 2014. The movie will premoere on the September 30th in Lagos and start screening in cinemas nationwide as from October 1st 2014. Proudly supported by South Atlantic Petroleum, HP, Task systems and FEVA Tv, Canada.

Zik Zulu Okafor and Lancelot Imasuen unveiling the movie poster

Amen Imasuen, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Chris Orioha

A cross section of the guests

A cross section of the guests

Emem Isong giving remarks, while her cousin, Nkese looks on

Fred Amata

Lancelot Imasuen and Uti Nwachukwu

Lancelot Imasuen making remarks

Blossom Chukwujekwu amd Makida Moka star in a new TV series named A Taste of Love, which is being touted as Nigeria’s first Telenovela. Blossom Chukwujekwu came to limelight with his starring role as Tunde Kulani in the 2013 romantic comedy, Flower Girl.  Makida Moka is better known as a model, and she won the Face of Sleek beauty competition in 2009. She features in the second season of the Ndani TV web series, Gidi Up.

A Taste of Love has 150 episodes. It was shot on location in Ilorin, Ibadan, and Lagos. It chronicles the love affair between Hadiza (Makida Moka) and Kelechi (Blossom Chukwujekwu), who are children of two rival families, which both own sugarcane plantations. Also appearing in the series are Ayo Lijadu, Yomi Obileye, Kunle Coker, Paul Adams, Wale Macaulay, Femi Brainard, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Makida Moka, Mofe Duncan, Gabriel Afolayan, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Omowunmi Dada.

The series was produced by content acquisition and production company, Micromedia Marketing Limited. It will begin airing on terrestrial and cable TV in October 2014.

The cast of ‘A Taste of Love’

Blossom Chukwujekwu and Makida Moka

The first posters for Emem Isong’s directorial debut, Champagne, have been released. Emem Isong is one of the most successful producers in Nollywood and she has been involved in a number of major Nollywood movies, some of which are Reloaded, Guilty Pleasures, and Weekend Getaway.

In addition to producing, she took on the additional responsibility of directing Champagne, which was shot this year in South Africa. The movie stars Majid Michel, Alexx Ekubo, and Rosemary Zimu. It is about a young couple, Tare and Champagne, who have fallen on hard times and decide to engage in an open marriage to make ends meet. At first, things seem to be going well, until they meet the enigmatic Douglas who takes them in a direction they never thought they would go.

The movie was shot with a largely female crew. The assistant director and associate producer on the set was Uduak Oguamanam, and the Director of Photography was Beanca Heerden. Tom Robson, who has directed several Nollywood movies, also worked with Emem Isong on Champagne, as a cinematographer.

Out of the stables of Titan Productions comes the indigenous movie of the year, A Silent Cry (Ekun Asunsinu). The movie which has been slated for theatrical release on September 5th, 2014 is being distributed across selected cinemas by FilmOne distribution. A unique, intricately crafted story, delivered with dexterity by the finest of thespians in the Yoruba movie industry. A Silent Cry, will capture the visual attention of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, as top notch professionalism was deployed in ensuring subtitling meets the set standard. The movie was directed by Desmond Elliot and parades A-list Yoruba stars; Adebayo Salami, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson, Dayo Amusa, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, and Ayo Adesanya.

The story revolves around Tomiwa (Toyin Aimakhu), a young lady from a comfortable home, who falls into the deceptive net of her lover. Having committed an act termed as unforgivable by her father, she is thrown into the sea of loneliness and battles with the waves of indecision, betrayal and dark secrets that threatens her very existence and the unity of her family!.

According to the MD of FilmOne, Mr Kene Mkparu, “we believe in good organic content whether told in the official or indigenous language, that can boast of good production values. We want to support diligent producers with fresh ideas whose works speak for themselves”.
This is the debut movie from Titan productions, and with good production values spun around an interesting story, A Silent Cry, is indeed poised to top the Indigenous movie charts in 2014.

Editor’s Note: This is a press release from FilmOne Distribution