Atunda serenades with new dance troupe

A new dance troupe that would make notable names like Umoja, Sikulu and the rest of them go green with envy was recently unveiled on the Nigerian entertainment landscape with applause and accolades. Ajo, from the respected stable of Wanle Akinboboye’s led Atunda productions was presented to a select audience of arts aficionados and entertainment journalists recently. The dance drama, which traces the rich history of the African people, before, during and after colonialism, was equally written and directed by Akinboboye. Ajo, which many pundits and critics believe would make a good export, usually opens with a picturesque scene displaying the richness of African cultural and political lives pre colonialism. It further mirrors the lives of the royalty and that of the ordinary folks in cultures as diverse as Edo, Fulani and Zulu. Ajo, in the words of most of the guests, is a much-welcomed arrival on the Nigeria’s arts and entertainment scene, and can
compete favourably anywhere in the world.

Ejike Asiegbu battles Tony One Week

Pic-Ejike Asiegbu

Top thespian and the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, has threatened through his lawyers to slam a N50 million law suit against one of his colleagues in the entertainment industry, Tony One Week.

One Week’s sin, according to Ahamefula Njoku and Co., solicitors to Asiegbu, was the “libelous and defamatory statements” he made during a recent interview, he granted a national daily not (The Sun).

Asiegbu’s lawyers further argued that the said publication has brought their client into public odium, ridicule, hatred and lowered his esteem
among his friends, family, professional colleagues and further damaged his distinguished career, which spanned over a period of two decades.

And for peace to reign supreme between them, embittered Asiegbu through his lawyers is demanding a public apology in three national newspapers and a whopping N50 million, as compensation for the damages arising from the said publication. They have also threatened to sue, if One Week, fails to comply 14 days after receiving the letter tagged “Urgent and Important”.

While reacting, Abuja based One Week, who contested and lost the AGN presidency to Asiegbu, maintained he had not received any letter from Asiegbu or his solicitors. “I’m waiting for their letter; I have not seen any letter or summons from any quarters, besides I am very busy here in Abuja”.

Top Naija acts headline Globacom’s new kick

Pic-Mike Adenuga, Globacom honcho

Leading Naija music acts like: D’banj, P-Square, Ego, Sammie Okposo and others recently endorsed and lent their sonorous voices to the new and fast spreading signature tune from Globacom, tagged: We’ve Got People Talking.
Mr. Joachim Atunwa, Glo’s Director of Advertising, at the recent presentation of the second leg of the theme campaign, which held at the upscale Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos, explained vividly what the new celebratory expression was all about.
In his words, when Globacom hit the 20 million subscribers base, which also coincided with its fifth anniversary. “We felt we had an obligation to celebrate a dream realized – the dream of empowering Nigerians from all walks of life and across geographical zones to talk”, Atunwa pointed out.

We further gathered that “We’ve Got People Talking” is Glo’s way of acknowledging how its activities since August 2003, have had profound impact on the lives of Nigerians, be they workers, businessmen, students and children in their daily conducts.

It was also learnt that these music icons, some of whom are Glo’s ambassadors, and have wide acceptability across the country, were recently flown to South Africa, to put finishing touches to the song, which Globacom, would soon flood the air waves with, in order to celebrate its achievements and acceptance in the country, over the past five years.

Nollywood star actress, Clarion Chukwurah plans triple gig

Pic-Clarion Chukwurah


Quintessential artiste and crossover queen, Clarion Chukwurah, is already strategizing for her forthcoming triple celebrations early 2009. Tagged “Celebration of an icon”, the historic event is being packaged by Jade Productions Limited.

According to effervescent Chukwurah, who is also seeking for partnership of the event from willing media collaborators and corporate entities, the three in one event includes: the 10th anniversary of ADDE/Clarion Chukwurah Help line Initiative, the 30th anniversary of her acting/showbiz career and the world launch of the Clarion Chukwurah Foundation.
Speaking further, Chukwurah promised to unveil more details as the event draws nearer.

Hollywood takes centre stage in Venice

Pic-George Clooney, Top Hollywood Actor leads the pack of American stars


To further confirm that they are the greatest filmmaking nation on earth, Hollywood, the heart beat of films production in the US, clinched the overall best prize at the recently concluded 65th edition of the Venice International Film Festival, which held on the beautiful Island of Lido, Italy, from August 27 to September 6, 2008.

The Wrestler, by Darren Aronofsky, won the keenly contested Golden Lion trophy, for the best film screened to a global audience, at the revered festival chaired by Pablo Baratta.

Another budding Hollywood actress, Jennifer Lawrence, also carted home the crest, in the best Young Actress category. She achieved the rare feat with her scintillating role in The Burning Plain, another Hollywood film, which made it to Venice, unarguably the world’s oldest festival.

Meanwhile, Burn After Reading, a star-studded Hollywood blockbuster with leading names like: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton and several others, had the rare honour of being screened, to declare the festival open in the evening of Wednesday, August 27, at the spacious cinema halls of Sala Grande, Pala Biennale and Pala Lido respectively. It was directed by Academy award winning brothers Joel and Ethan Coen.

Moreover, the arrival of other leading names in Nollywood to the festival’s venue, especially the red carpet section, really boosted the image of the festival and further added glamour and razzmatazz to it.

In all, a total of ten Hollywood feature films, made it to the festival and they were all premiered and screened to a global audience.

However, it is no longer news that no Nigerian Nollywood movie made it to the festival, which was attended by filmmakers from 72 countries.

Never the less, two African countries, Algeria and Ethiopia, screened one movie each at the festival.

Other winners at the official Venezia 65 awards were: France, which won three crowns in the Special Jury Prize, with Teza, by Haile Gerima, which he shared with Ethiopia and Germany. Gerima, originally from Ethiopia, also won and shared the prize for the Best Screenplay for Teza, with the above countries, while Dominique Blanc, won the Best Actress, for her role in L’autre.

The host nation, Italy, smiled home with the awards of the Best Actor and Debut Film, which went to the duo of Silvio Orlando and Pranzo Di Ferragosto respectively.

The jury of the festival awarded the Silver Lion for Best Director and Best Cinematography to the Russian filmmaker, Aleksey German Jr, for his superb work in Paper Soldier, while the Special Lion for the overall work went to Werner Schroeter. He got the plaque for his uncompromising and relentless innovative work spanning over a period of four decades.

Interestingly, statistics made available to us revealed that a total of 3,689 films were submitted for selection from 72 countries around the world, and 2,429 of them, were feature films.

Moreover, 21 of these feature films were eventually selected for the awards main competition, while seven of them were out of the competition.

Again, in the three main sections of the festival, 49 feature films were screened as world premieres, three short films were also screened as world premieres and five features films screened as international premieres.

The festival, which was directed by Marco Muller and dedicated to Youssef Chahine, also featured an international Critics’ Week section with panel discussions and workshops.

According to La Biennale di Venezia, the organizers of the annual festival, it aims to encourage the awareness and promotion of all the various aspects of international cinema as art, entertainment and industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance.

It is also important to note that through Marco Muller’s efforts, Venice is now a festival that is increasingly becoming present on the foreign stage, responsive to emerging film industries and new talents and at the same time, can exploit a solid and constant relationship with the best film productions in the world.

Above all, it would be recalled that globally acclaimed filmmaker, Wim Wenders, chaired the Jury of this year’s Venezia, while star actress Ksenia Rappoport hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the prestigious film festival.

Official Venezia 65 Award Winners

1. Best Film – Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler (USA)
2. Best Director - Aleksey German Jr, Paper Soldier (Russia)
3. Special Jury Prize - Haile Gerima, Teza, (Ethiopia, Germany, France)
4. Best Actor – Silvio Orlando (Italy)
5. Best Actress – Dominique Blanc, L’autre (France)
6. Best Young Actress – Jennifer Lawrence, The Burning Plain (USA)
7. Best Cinematography – Paper Soldier (Russia)
8. Best Screenplay – Haile Gerima, Teza, (Ethiopia, Germany & France)
9. Special Lion – Werner Schroeter
10. Award For A Debut Film – Pranzo Di Ferragosto (Italy)

Censors Board supports Zafaa awards

Pic-Sam Anwuzia, CEO Zafaa

To ensure a successful outing at this year’s edition of the annual Zafaa Film Festival and Academy Awards UK, the leadership of the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), ably led by Mr. Emeka Mba, has agreed to support the organizers.

In a release made available to us, by Mr. Sam Anwuzia, the London based Coordinator of the event; Anwuzia stated that he was delighted to make it public that Zafaa is now working in collaboration with the NFVCB, in promoting Nollywood and African movies beyond our shores.

And to this end, the NFVCB powered festival, which is already serenading London and its environs would hold from October 14 to 17, 2008 at the Odeon Cinema Surrey Quays and Troxy Hall, Lime House in both South East and East London respectively.

The event, which is expected to be graced by several Nollywood stars, stakeholders and entertainment journalists, would be officially declared open by soft spoken Mba, who is currently on a mission to reposition and restructure the Nigerian motion picture industry, globally known as Nollywood.

Monalisa Chinda’s anger

Monalisa Chinda

Authentic info reaching us has it that top actress and nursing mom, Monalisa Chinda is currently sad, angry and very pissed with some guys in the soft-sell genre, for writing unpalatable stuffs about her recently. In a chat with us, Chinda’s doting hubby, Dejo Richards, lamented that some of these mischievous fellas, went as far as “cooking up” imaginary stories about his heartthrob in the media, in order to pitch her against her colleagues and some producers that constantly hires her for jobs.

Richard however, warned that these people, whom he also referred to as “enemies of progress”, would soon be hearing from his lawyers. “My wife is an easy going woman and a professional actress, who read theatre arts, I don’t know why some people want to pull her down by all means. They should please, leave her alone to concentrate more on her thriving acting career”, he pleaded. Well, stardom also comes with its own headache.

Divas’ Dynasty ready for the airwaves

Adaora Ukoh

In the next couple of weeks, a new and tantalizing TV programme painstakingly designed and produced to showcase the accomplishments and successes of the true African woman, is expected to make a debut on national and cable TV stations.

Christened Divas’ Dynasty, and from the production house of Citi Vendors Integrated Services, the programme would also highlight the challenges failures, tough and rough roads most successful women embark upon to achieve greatness. It would further seek to juxtapose these female goal getters side by side with their male counterparts.

“We also want to use Divas’ Dynasty to communicate positively, strengthen, inspire and empower Nigerian and African Women. We also intend using it to identify and honour real female achievers in the society, and further project them as part of those who have contributed immensely to the growth and improvement of our economy and the nation,” posited Ngozi Kalu, its producer.

Also speaking, Nollywood actress and the presenter of the soon to debut programme, Adaora Ukoh, maintained that they would not only celebrate and showcase female achievers on Divas’ Dynasty, but also strive to empower the determined and struggling women with good initiatives, which would benefit the society at the end of the day. “This goal would be achieved through collaborations with corporate organizations, NGOs, individuals, vocational training institutes, seminars and workshops.”

Top actor Bimbo Manuel bereaved

Foremost actor and entertainer Bimbo Manuel and his entire household are currently bereaved and mourning.

The reason, we reliably gathered had to do with the recent demise of the loving mother of the “toughie” roles loving thespian. Manuel’s late mum, princess Joanna Abiola Odulaja, nee Francis, died recently after a brief illness and was aged 84. She would be given a befitting burial in Ibadan, Oyo State on October 23 and 24. “My family and I would greatly miss her, she was more than a mother to us,” lamented Manuel, in an emotion laden voice. Take heart.

Nollywood distribution company berths

Emeka Mba

In line with the recent framework distribution policy being championed by the Emeka Mba’s led National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), a new Nollywood outfit that is poised to completely change the way and manner films are marketed and distributed in the industry has berthed.
Known as Nollywood Distribution Company Limited, with its corporate head office in the heart of Surulere, Lagos, it is jointly owned by two leading female filmmakers-Emem Isong and Vivian Ejike.
Aside marketing and distributing films nationwide effectively, they are also into the production of quality movies and documentaries for both individuals and corporate entities.
Commenting on their bold move, which many industry watchers are already applauding, the duo maintained that the aim was to raise the bench mark for films distribution and marketing in Nollywood and even beyond. “We are also out to complement the efforts of the existing structures on ground with the sole aim of reaching all the nooks and crannies of this country with quality movies”.

O’Jez hosts Ayo Fayose

Ayo Fayose

For regularly hanging out with his pals and handbags at O’Jez, the celebrity hangout tucked inside the National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos, the management of the outfit, over the weekend hosted Ayo Fayose, the former Ekiti State governor, to a lavish reception.
The all night event that had several Nollywood stars and patrons in attendance was well attended.
Controversial Fayose, who sauntered in late to the groove, caused a big stir with his car’s plate number, which read “EKITI 1”. Though, upon arrival, many on lookers thought it was Segun Oni, the incumbent governor that visited the upscale joint, until Fayose, who equally drove himself, alighted from his glittering auto.
No doubt, the dandy politico had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed himself before zooming off with his entourage.
According to Joseph Odobeatu, the boss of O’Jez, Fayose, was hosted for being a loyal and dedicated patron of the hangout. “Despite his busy schedules, the former governor always finds time to relax at O’ Jez, so the hosting was our own way of telling him that we appreciate his presence always”.

Images of azuhamatus.blogspot.com in Lido, Venice, Italy

Exclusive gists from Venice Film Festival+More Pix

Pix-Director Ethan Coen , Brad Pitt , Frances McDormand , Director Joel Coen , Tilda Swinton and George Clooney at the 65th Annual Venice Film Festival Premiere of Burn After Reading


Pic-Brad Pitt and sons

Nollywood missing at Venice Film Festival

Practitioners and stakeholders from our dear motion picture industry globally known as Nollywood were conspicuously missing at the just concluded 65th edition of the Venice International Film Festival, which held on the Island of Lido, Italy, for eleven days. In fact, yours sincerely, who was there live, did not sight any core entertainment reporter or a Nollywood newshound till the world’s oldest and highly revered festival ended over the weekend.


Pic-Yours Sincerely with Michela Lazzarim, Head, Foreign Press

However, the Whites dominated event, had few filmmakers from a couple of African nations attending. Meanwhile, we are still trying to unravel why no Nigerian filmmaker or actor made it to the globally acclaimed gathering that held the films and cinemas communities spellbound, while it lasted.


Pic-Hollywood star, George Clooney arriving

Italians go gaga for George Clooney
The grand arrival of Hollywood mega star George Clooney to the festival literally set the beautiful city of Venice and its environs on fire. The coming of Clooney, whose role in Burn After Reading, the big budget film that was screened to declare the festival open, was widely reported in the Italian media and even beyond. Several Italians that accosted Yours Sincerely, on the streets and neighbourhood eateries, kept asking about Clooney. Some daring ones further begged to see his images on the camera hanging on my neck.
Above all, Clooney and his star-studded team from Hollywood stole the show in Venice. The razzmatazz that accompanied them to the red carpet was out of this world. He came with good pal and newest dad in Hollywood, Brad Pitt, the hubby of top actress, Angelina Jolie. Others were: Charlize Theron, Tilda Swinton and the Coen brothers, directors of the historic movie.


Pic-The massive red carpet

The massive red carpet

Sincerely, many guests at the festival watched with mouths agape, the massive, intimidating and sparkling red carpet laid for super stars to walk on at the event. In fact, the raised red carpet covered the whole walk path to the main areas of the festival. And in order to guard and protect it from intruders, policemen (Polizei), were keeping guard 24 hours. An insider, later squealed to Yours Sincerely, that a team of experts from around Europe, designed and laid the eye popping carpet. It was also amazing watching quality films across the globe, in some of the best cinema screens you can think of. Tested and up to date filmmakers came to Lido, Venice, to screen their great works to an appreciative and equally critical audience.


Pic-Yours Sincerely with Some Members of Foreign Press Crew

Atlantic Overseas to the rescue

The timely intervention of Mr. Andrien Gbinigie, the amiable honcho of Atlantic Overseas, made Yours Sincerely’s trip to Venice, Italy, possible. The central London office of the life patron of the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), sponsored the historic trip. Gbinigie’s London office, which also financed his two 35mm films, Mission to Nowhere and Mirror of Beauty, wholeheartedly took care of my return ticket and hotel accommodation for eleven days. It would be recalled that the Nollywood enthusiast, who is also one of the patrons of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the Association of Movie producers (AMP), sponsored some Nollywood stakeholders to the last edition of the Cannes Film Festival, France.

Meet the jury of the Venezia 2008

The jury of this year’s festival, was made up of some of the biggest names in the film and cinema communities globally. Dusseldorf, German born international film director, Wim Wenders, was the president of the jury for the Venezia. Born in 1945, Wenders, is one of the most innovative directors of the new German Cinema for thematic and stylistic choices. Other members include: Juriy Arabov, a scriptwriter and author for contemporary Russian TV and cinema. He is also a poet and philosopher that is hated by the regime. Naples, Italian born Valeria Golino was another member of the revered jury. One of the most sought after European actresses in American and Italian films. Glasgow, UK born Gordon Douglas, was another member of the body, an accomplished visual artist and winner of the Turner Prize in 1996. Chicago, US born John Landis, also made this year’s jury list. An accomplished director, screen plays writer and producer. Lucrecia Martel, a force
to reckon with in the contemporary Argentine cinema and Johnnie To, a gifted director of the oriental cinema, from Hong Kong, also made the jury for Venezia 2008.



Pic-(L-R) Jury Members Douglas Gordon,Juriy Arabov,Lucrecia Martel,Marco Muller Director of the Venice Film Festival ,Wim Wenders,Valeria Golino,Johnnie To and John Landis during the 'Venezia 65' Jury Presentation Photocall part of the 65th Venice Film Festival at Palazzo del Casino on August 27, 2008 in Venice, Italy.

A peep into Venice Film Festival

Though, already in its 65th edition, the Venice Film Festival, known as (Mostra Internazionale d’ Arte Cinematografica di Venezia), is unarguably the oldest film festival in the world. Founded by Count Guiseppe Volpi di Misurata in 1932. The festival has since taken place every year in late August or early September on the beautiful island of Lido. Screenings usually take place in the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi. The festival’s principal awards are the Leone d’Oro (Golden Lion), which went to ace filmmaker, Ermanno Olmi, this year, as a Life Time Achievement Award, and the Coppa Volvi (Volpi Cup).


Pic-Aerial View of Lido, Venice

The former is awarded to the best film screened at the festival, while the latter is awarded to the best actor and actress. The opening and closing ceremonies of this year’s festival were hosted by actress Ksenia Rappoport and was broadcast live by RaiSat Extra. It was directed by Marco Muller, organized by the La Biennale di
Venezia and ably chaired by Paolo Baratta. Over fifty movies screened at the glitz and grandeur filled festival.

Editors Note-Sorry for the lull, we are back home to naija powerfully! Missed 'swallow' meals!

Red Carpet Pix from Venice Film Festival 2008

Anne Hathaway's big premiere required a big dress. And, boy, did Anne go big. She proved she could work the red carpet with the best of them in a romantic ruffled dove-grey dress by Atelier Versace that screamed high-drama


Natalie Portman stepped out in a nod to autumn/winter's 'soft goth' trend. She wore a lace and silk tulle dress to the premiere of Italian film, Birdwatchers - La Terra Degli Uomini Rossi. Earlier in the day, Portman made her directorial debut in Eve.


Joshua Jacksoncouldn't take his eyes off his gorgeous girlfriend Diane Kruger. And we can see why! She looked fantastic in a belted Dior Couture gown with a sheer full-bodied skirt. (1 September 2008)


The boys are back: frequent co-stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney teamed up yet again for their latest movie, Burn After Reading.


Two's company: Eva Herzigova and Valentino were in Venice for the premiere of Valentino: The Last Emperor in Venice - a behind-the-scenes look at Valentino's final years as a designer.

Pix-Courtsey Marie Claire and Vogue

World cinema hails Venice Film Festival

Pic-
Mexican film director Guillermo Arriaga (C) with South African actor Charlize Theron (L) and US actress Jennifer Lawrence (R) pose for a photo after the press coference of the film 'The burning plain' for the 65th Venice International Film Festival, organised by the Venice Biennale, in Venice, Italy, 29 August 2008. The festival is scheduled from 27 August to 06 September 2008. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI

The global film and cinema communities currently converging in Italy, have unanimously hailed the on - going Venice Film Festival taking place on the Island of Lido. Speaking at a crowded world press conference yesterday, on the third floor of the Palazzo del Casino, Mr. Amir Naderi, the Iranian born American filmmaker, commended the organizers of the festival, for using the annual festival to raise awareness on cimema culture globally.
Naderi, who is also screening Vegas, his latest movie at the festival, further called on the global film and cinema communities to promote world peace and family values through their productions.
Also speaking, top Hollywood actor, Mark Greenfield, who played the lead role in Vegas, maintained that cinema was an important and integral part of the development of the film and motion picture industry globally, adding that the cinema culture is the foundation for a solid film indusrty in any part of the world.

New-dad Brad Pitt swapped his usual red carpet partner, Angelina Jolie, for long-term friend George Clooney at the Venice film festival. Jolie has remained in France with newborn twins, Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon.

Meanwhile, this year's festival, which is the 65th edition was declared open with the screening of Burn After Reading, a Hollywood comedy thriller directed by Ethan and Joel Coen. Leading actors such as; George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Tilda Swinton and several others graced the red carpet event of the opening ceremony.
Ace filmmaker, Ermanno Olmi, will receive this year's Golden Lion Life Time Achievement Award, for his contributions to the growth of global cinema and film industry, while Marco Muller, is the festival's director.
Organized by the La Biennale di Venezia and chaired by Paolo Baratta, star actress, Ksenia Rappoport, is the presenter.
According to the organizers, over 50 films from around the world would be screening at the festival, which has German filmmaker, Wim Wenders, as the president of its jury. It ends this Saturday, September, 6, 2008, with the presentation of awards to deserving filmss and filmmakers.

Editor-more pics n gist later. with luv frm Lido, Venice