Chico Ejiro opens Nollywood Plantation Bar

Prolific filmmaker, Chico Ejiro is poised to rock tinsel town with another laudable initiative soon.

The Delta State born movie mogul has concluded plans to officially open his one-stop Nollywood Plantation Bar, to exclusively cater for stars, celebrities, patrons and selected friends of the industry.

According to elated Ejiro, aside choice drinks and specially prepared African cuisines, there will also be big screens to help lovers of football and quality movies relax and network whenever they saunter in.

“We are ready to serve stars and celebs the best of drinks and African cuisines in a very relaxed and nature-friendly environment. Segun Arinze and Shan George will be the Chief bar men on the day of the opening, which is next week Saturday. On a daily basis, we are going to be having different stars as the Chief bar man or women, whose job is to specially serve our high-end guests, while I will be coordinating as the overall officer in charge,” he disclosed.

Ejiro said his reason for setting up the bar was to help stars and celebrities relax in a place that they can call theirs, adding that Nollywood was long over due for a place like the new hang-out. The new joint is situated within the premises of Ejiro’s Grand Touch Pictures office, in the heart of Surulere, Lagos.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi distances self from affair with Naeto C

Beautiful Lagos State Environmental Ambassador and erstwhile Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, has condemned the rumour alleging an impending wedding between her and Kini Big Deal crooner, Naeto C. In a recent encounter, the delectable and sexy ex-beauty queen maintained that nothing could be further from the truth. Denying having anything intimate with Naeto C, who is the son of former Aviation Minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Wunmi, like her friends call her, wondered why some funny characters now take delight in weaving unpleasant stories around her and her love life. She was first linked with one Dele Fasan, which later turned out to be a ruse. And now, this weird one with Naeto C.
On how the rumour came to her knowledge, the Geography and Regional Planning graduate of the University of Lagos said: “It came to my attention on Twitter, because I don't read magazines that don't have credibility and that can't be sued. My friends and I laughed about it and my first reaction was to ignore it, but then other media houses, big and small, continued to carry the false rumour without confirming from me first”.
Admitting knowing the crooner like all those that listen to his music, she, however, insisted that she doesn't have any relationship whatsoever with Mrs. Chikwe whom the mischief makers alleged is in the know of the non-existent affair, and as a matter of fact hasn't even met her physically.
Visibly embittered Wunmi, urged the wicked tale bearers to get off her back as she's busy working on some special projects and focusing on her newest academic endeavours and ambassadorial work for Lagos State. “As anxious as they are to see me walk down the aisle, let them wait until there is indeed a suitor and I make that person's identity known to the public, not some jobless people imposing somebody on me”.

National Awards: AGN to host Aki, Mama G

For making the Nigerian motion picture industry proud, especially Nollywood, the famous duo of Chinedu Ikedieze (MFR), popularly known as Aki and Patience Ozokwo (MON), affectionately called Mama G, by fans will soon be hosted to a lavish reception by the leadership of (Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN). The reception, we reliably gathered is part of the activities lined up for them by AGN, for receiving this year’s edition of the National Honour Awards. “For the duo being singled out this year in the whole of Nigerian motion picture industry, for national awards by Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is a big plus for the entire Nollywood”, enthused AGN national president, Mr. Segun Arinze.

Continuing, the popular actor, who was full of praises for Mr. President, further disclosed that a special committee to be headed by star actress, Stella Damasus, had already been set up, in order to ensure a befitting reception for the duo soon.

“On behalf of AGN, let me also use this opportunity to heartily congratulate Chinedu and Patience on their well-deserved national awards honour by the federal government. In fact, the entire AGN members and Nollywood community are happy for the awards. Our national secretariat was agog with celebrations the day the awards were presented to them. We equally thanked the federal government for this kind gesture and urge them to honour more Nollywood practitioners, for we have really done great to launder the battered image of this great nation through our laudable productions. Thank you Mr. President”, Arinze concluded.

Also speaking, top actress and filmmaker, Stephanie Okereke said the news of the national awards gladdens her heart, adding that the recognition would definitely spur Nollywood practitioners to do more for fatherland. She equally thanked the federal government for further elevating Nollywood with the recent awards, maintaining that the awards were a step in the right direction for the industry. In her words: “Sincerely, I was so happy when the sweet news reached me. Nollywood has really done great for this country and recognizing us with such honours will ever make us go to the next level with our creativity. I’ve stood side by side with world leaders because of this great industry, which has really repositioned our battered image. It is an industry that has brought joy, happiness, employment, fame and fortune to most homes. It has also created great role models for this nation. We sincerely thank Mr. President for the honour and equally look forward to more recognition from his government,” she posited.

According to the spokesman of AGN, Mr. Abu Yakubu, the reception’s date and venue would be made public soon and equally communicated to all the expected special guests. Meanwhile, in a recent chat, the newly decorated star actor, maintained that the award was fulfilling, adding that it was also a thing of joy to be singled out in the whole of Nigeria for the honour.

Black and White Ball rules Lagos

Lagos, the centre of excellence rocked and roared endlessly penultimate Sunday evening when Encomium, the magazine and awards company hosted its high-octane, all glitz and all glamour six-hour soiree. Stylishly christened The Black and White Ball, the series two of the grand gathering, which incorporated the Elegance and Style awards alongside a spectacular and scintillating fashion show, was well attended by stars, celebs and the glitterati.
Held elaborately at the upscale and enchanting Darlington Hall, situated in the heart of Ilupeju, the fun filled and memorable evening was sensationally anchored by A-list actor and man of style, Chidi Mokeme, whom many of his colleagues from Nollywood also attended.
With colours black and white visible in all corners of the well-decorated and lavishly-lit hall, the breath-taking bash officially began with a fashion show. Amazingly, some of the reigning and revered couturiers that showcased the best of Nigerian fashion with eclectic designs, mostly for soignées present at the graceful outing that afforded high-net-worth guests the opportunity and time to relax, chit-chat and network included chiseled models from JD7 and Zizi. Others that dazzled on the runway include: Vigold, Imol, Shakara, House of Nwocha, Nobel Afrik, Adu, Rouge and Design for Love. Unarguably, one of Nigeria’s most colourful and glamourous assemble of celebs, stars, glamozons, fashionistas and stylish professionals, The Black and White Ball, truly lived up to its pre event media hypes and hailing. Aside hosting and serenading all with good music and enchanting fashion parade in a conducive environment, the organizers equally made provisions for surplus victuals. The choice drinks and assorted cuisines kept pouring in for those with large appetites to keep devouring and savouring. Of course, the availability of small chops and canapés gave room for more jollifications and munching.
The rendezvous climaxed with the special presentations of the Elegance and Style Awards 2010, where well-deserving awards were presented to awardees in 18 different categories. This year’s affair, which is still a topic of discussion on the lips of many, especially those privileged to grace, was themed: Elegance is ennobling, and as expected, the few that refused to comply with the dress code of black and white, all black or all white plush ensembles were thoroughly bounced at the entrance gate. While the good, great, gorgeous and glamourous that conformed to the rules and regulations were specially ushered into the enthralling event that began with a photo-session, outside the main hall.
Commenting on the prom, the elated head honcho of Encomium Ventures, Mr. Olakunle Bakare, a meticulous and respected man of style, thanked all those that made the ball possible and successful, adding that another spell-binding edition is already being planned for 2011.

Emem Isong serenades with two-in-one premiere

Few months after the grand opening of her acting school, Royal Arts Academy, leading female film producer, Emem Isong is poised to dazzle Nollywood again with double world premieres under one roof. This Sunday evening, Isong and the duo of Uche Jombo and Desmond Elliot will be storming the posh Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, with Bursting Out and Holding Hope. While Isong, single handedly produced the former flick, she collaborated with Jombo and Elliot, on the latter. According to her, Bursting Out, is a romantic comedy that sensationally treats contemporary issues, on a lighter note, while Holding Hope, dwells on the dreaded disease, cancer. “The former is a romantic story that will make you laugh and laugh, while the latter is a very serious story that treated painfully, the issue of cancer. In fact, it’s a tragic story about the vicissitudes of life and a dying mother’s love for her only son. Both movies will make you laugh and cry, meaning there is a balance for our entire invited guests coming for the premieres,” she maintained.

Bursting Out, starred Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michael, Omoni Oboli, Susan Peters and Uti of the Big Brother fame. The quartet of Uche Jombo, Desmond Elliot, Nadia Buari and Ngozi Nwosu thrilled in Holding Hope, which was shot in both Lagos and New York, respectively. The anticipated evening of fun, relaxation and high-level networking, which is strictly by invitation, will begin with a Red Carpet at exactly 4.30pm. The premieres proper, will kick off at 7pm, with Bursting Out, jointly directed by Daniel Ademinokhai and Desmond Elliot. Shedding more light on the premieres being proudly powered by her Royal Arts Academy, Isong, with over 20 blockbusters to her credit, disclosed that they have concluded plans to embark on a seven-city tour with both movies immediately after the Sunday outing. “We have concluding arrangements with our foreign partners to storm London, Houston, New York, Toronto and Accra with these movies between now and early 2011. We also want to have follow up premieres in Abuja and Port-Harcourt soon. The aim of all these is to create the much needed awareness for these films before releasing them on DVD, courtesy of Royal Arts Academy. It is always good to promote good and exceptional productions and that is what we have decided to do with these two movies. Nollywood is now a global force and institution that the world looks up to and we must keep sustaining that tempo with great works and special premieres,” she hinted.

On why she and her partners are premiering two films same day, under one roof, the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Calabar, reminded us that this outing will not be the first time they would be embarking on such projects. “Remember that last year, Desmond, Uche and I, premiered two blockbusters, Guilty Pleasures and Nollywood Hustlers same day, under one roof and same venue. And it was a huge success, we decided to leverage on that success for another great outing this Sunday. It’s our style and we want to keep leveraging on it because it works effectively for us”, she disclosed.

Meanwhile, VIP tickets for the two-in-one premiere that is currently serenading Tinsel town are also available on special requests. The dress code for the event is glamourous.

AY storms Abuja, opens comedy club, gets new website

Multi-talented entertainer Ayo Richard Makun and his team are poised to storm Abuja on Sunday, August 29, for the second edition of his popular comedy and music concert, AY LIVE. Tagged: Implication 2010, Makun, has boasted that residents of the Federal Capital Territory would definitely have the greatest fun of their lives as he invades Abuja on the D-Day with his entourage.
The concert which is expected to hold at the prestigious This Day Dome would be parading some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some of the stars on the bill include: Tuface, Wande Coal, MI, Dr. Sid and a host of other top rated musical acts. Stand up comics to perform are: Gordons, I Go Dye, Seyi Law, Mc Abbey, Buchi and more. Also co-hosting the show alongside Makun is Nollywood top actress, Genevieve Nnaji.
Shedding more light on the forthcoming show, Makun also the CEO of AY TV, called on all residents in Abuja to keep Sunday, August 29, in their hearts, as the show promises to be fun filled and memorable.
In a related development, AY as he’s affectionately called, has equally declared open his long awaited comedy club dubbed: AY’s Open Mic Comedy Club. Speaking on the rationale behind the new and laudable initiative, the Ondo State born comedian disclosed that his burning desire to promote comedy and the entertainment business in general necessitated the move. “It’s basically a monthly comedy and variety show intended to entertain a distinct audience of high class, polished taste, decision makers and socially responsible individuals. It is designed to hold every second Saturday of the month at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria”.
While unveiling the new project, the Theatre Arts graduate of the Delta State University, revealed that over the years he had observed a reduction in the attendance of decision makers and audience of high class partaking in comedy and entertainment events. “In view of this, AY in collaboration with Sun International, operators of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino teamed up to painstakingly put the monthly show.”
On the bill for the debut edition were a host of popular comedians and musicians including, Gordons, Klint D Drunk, Seyi Law, Banky W, Yemi Sax, Godbless and his Ebony band among others.
In line with his pledge to always discover new talents, all editions of the monthly show would begin with a comedy challenge featuring five contestants. The winner goes home with a prize and an automatic ticket to take part in all “AY LIVE” comedy concerts nationwide. Emerging names like: Seyi Law, Elenu, Emeka Smith, MC Shakara and a host of others were discovered through this same medium.
Meanwhile, to further connect with his teeming fans as well as maintain a global appeal, the presenter/producer of the famous AY Show, recently launched his new website.
“Here, you can find almost everything about AY’s profile, biography, photo galleries, and clips of his live shows, his awards and more. The site aims to provide his up to date news and views together with many links to sites with information on local and national interests. In addition, the website aims to provide an effective service between AY and his fans through other applications such as Face book, twitter, YouTube and more. It’s simply www.ayshow.tv,” added one of his aides.

More tears for Toun Oni in Nollywood

Ahead of her forthcoming burial , more Nollywood stars and stakeholders are still wailing and lamenting the irreparable loss of veteran actress, Toun Oni.

In an emotion-laden chat with us, top actress and producer, Stephanie Okereke said the sad news came to her as a rude shock, adding that she wept all day. “The sad news spoilt my whole day and completely devastated me. I’m not trying to question God for his actions, but why must it be her?” She queried. Miss Okereke, equally prayed God to give the Oni family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also speaking, the immediate past national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, who’s currently in Australia for a movie related engagement, told us he read the news online and became emotionally shattered through out that day. “Just like I got the bad news of the fire incident that ravaged The Sun online, I also read the sad news of Mama T’’s death online here in Australia. On behalf of myself and family, I sincerely commiserate with the entire family and pray they find solace in the bosom of our God, for He alone gives and takes. The deceased was a fantastic actress and would remain so even in death. The entire Nigerian motion picture industry will miss her immense talent. Adieu Mama T,” Asiegbu lamented.

With a painful voice, the head honcho of O’Jez Entertainment Centre, Mr. Anayo Odobeatu, said his monthly Entertainment Forum, had penciled down the deceased for hosting, before the sad news shattered the wonderful plan. He regretted the fact that Oni would no longer be hosted by the forum. “The news of Toun Oni’s death was a big loss to the nation’s entertainment industry, especially the motion picture sector. We had already concluded plans to host her before the end of this year, for her giant contributions to the industry. In fact, the letter was ready; we were about sending it to her when the sad news reached us. Maybe, we might decide to honour her post humously in a very special way. With tears in my eyes, I sincerely sympathize with her entire family and pray that her soul rests in peace, because she was a role model that inspired many with her career,” Odobeatu posited.

Meanwhile, reliable information reaching us has it that the AGN, under the current leadership of Segun Arinze, said they would join the family in giving the deceased a befitting burial. In the words of Arinze, Toun Oni, lived a good and exemplary life as an outstanding actress and deserved to be celebrated, even in death. “We’ll do our best in collaboration with her family to ensure that Mama T, gets a befitting burial.”

Top producer, Donald Okoli, while lamenting regretted that the talented actress, would no longer be part of a production, he had earlier drafted her into, adding that she would be greatly missed by all.

It would be recalled that the first wife of Chief Fuji, in the hit comedy series, Fuji House of Commotion, died last Wednesday, after complaining of severe headache. As an accomplished thespian, she traversed both the stage and screen, in a memorable career that spanned close to four decades.

Meanwhile, in a related development, several Nollywood practitioners are raising concerns over the state of health of actor, Prince James Uche. Confirmed information at our disposal has it that the thespian, who once contested the presidency of AGN, is lying critically ill at a hospital in Surulere, Lagos, and has been on admission there for over a week.

Nigerians in Indonesia, other parts of the world cry out over extra-judicial killings

Incessant reports of how Nigerian immigrants and businessmen are usually hounded and in most cases, killed or executed like common criminals in most parts of the world without regard to the rule of law, is increasing at an alarming rate.

And painfully, the silence or lukewarm attitude of the Nigerian government to the plight of these ‘unfortunate’ Nigerians, either dead or languishing in prisons abroad (most on death row), is quite disturbing, heartbreaking and urgently calls for national concern.
In fact, following the recent brutal killing of three Nigerian men who were on business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, by security operatives, a pressure group, Save Nigerians Living Abroad (SNLA), has called on the Jonathan government to immediately put an end to the rampant extra-judicial killings and illegal detentions of innocent Nigerians residing or doing businesses in Indonesia and other parts of the world.

Daily Sun exclusively gathered that the three Nigerians, Oliver Uchechukwu Osondu, Chinedu Joseph Chukwurah and Onyebuchi Richard Maduakor, were randomly picked on the streets of Jakarta, while going for business meetings and killed, for simply being blacks and proudly carrying the Nigerian passports with pride.

Regrettably, the gruesome killings of Osondu and Chukwurah in broad day light were very pathetic and smacks of wickedness and hate, for Nigerians residing in Indonesia. Narrating the dastard act to Daily Sun, Mr. Okechi Chukwudi, the national coordinator of (SNLA), in an emotion-laden voice disclosed that a fellow Nigerian, who was arrested while eating in a restaurant, sent an SOS to Osondu. “Upon Osondu’s arrival, he was immediately arrested, killed and buried in the presence of the fellow he came to rescue, by security operatives.”

While Maduakor from Imo State, we were told was brutally killed because the security operatives scrolled and saw his phone number, which was the last dialed, in the handset of a fellow Nigerian that had earlier been picked on the street, while going for a business meeting with his papers intact.

In the case of Chukwurah, he was arrested on the street and shot at close range like a common criminal, after being tortured like the two others.

The brutality and bestiality of the Indonesian Police and other security agencies are the fears of all Nigerians living or coming regularly to transact business in the Asia country.

Daily Sun reliably gathered that out of the 20 Nigerians currently on death rows awaiting the hangman’s noose, two had already been executed, without fair trials, despite pleas from several Nigerians and Rights Groups. They were: Samuel Iwuchukwu Okoye and Tony Hassan.

Daily Sun further gathered that all the condemned men were hurriedly tried and sentenced to death in Kangaroo courts where only Indonesian language was used in passing judgments, thereby denying them the right to fair trials.

According to Chukwudi, the Jonathan government should help put an end to the wicked and extra-judicial killings of Nigerians, especially vulnerable businessmen in Indonesia. It’s also a pity that in 2009, this issue was brought to the notice of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, but he could not do anything. “In fact, the Yar’Adua administration sent him to Indonesia over these incessant killings last year, but he achieved nothing. On behalf of SNLA, we are appealing with the new minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia to quickly revisit this matter and help save the lives of these 18 Nigerians already condemned to death in Indonesia. All these men condemned to death are bread winners of their respective families and the Nigerian government should not allow or watch them die like chickens or common criminals. Something must be done now to save these precious lives. We also have Indonesians living freely and doing businesses in Nigeria. Our security agencies have never illegally arrested or killed them for coming to Nigerian. So, why is our case different? It’s a shame that the world over Nigerians are being hounded and killed like common criminals, because they are always proud carrying the Nigerian passport. We have started the campaign that will help save the precious lives of Nigerians living or traveling abroad for works and businesses, and we are appealing to the government to support us in this campaign. An average Nigerian is hard-working, obedient, respectful and not a criminal?”

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Eruwa, demanded for justice on the murder of a Nigerian in Warsaw, Poland, by the Polish Police on May 23. Lamenting the death Eruwa said that as a nation, we must always demand fair and better treatment of our citizens abroad. “The death of another Nigerian in Poland indicates the pathetic treatment meted out to Nigerians abroad. We must take a holistic look at the incessant cases of deaths of Nigerians abroad and demand better treatment. The last time a Nigerian was killed by the Swiss Police, their ambassador in Nigeria only apologized and that was it”, she recalled bitterly.

Also speaking recently with journalists during the inauguration of a book entitled: Nigeria’s 50 Legislative Icons: The Story of a Transformative Legislature (1999 -2009) Hon. Eruwa raised another alarm on the fate of Nigerians residing abroad.

The former broadcaster turned lawmaker posited that except stringent steps were taken, many more Nigerians stand the risks of being executed abroad.

At the event, the lawmaker also faulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its worrisome silence over the tragic matter, claiming that she receives text messages every-two hours from Nigerians languishing in foreign prisons.

She also kicked against the lukewarm attitude of the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, to the plight of Nigerians in prisons abroad.

Hon. Eruwa also joined the Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), in condemning the recent execution of Nigerians in Libya, by the Ghaddafi government. Hear her again: “We raised an alarm that Nigerians were about to be executed in Liberia, the Foreign Affairs Minister then said it was not true ,but we persisted and got them back…So, this is another batch that has been executed and another batch would be executed. It’s like a quarterly thing if we do not do something. We need to bring back our Charge d’ Affairs in Libya, we need to go there and make strong presentations, because if we keep quiet more Nigerians will be executed.”
Still condemning the executions, SERAP also called on President Jonathan to put in place measures to help investigate the reported executions of Nigerians living abroad, especially those residents in Indonesia and Libya.

SERAP particularly urged Jonathan to call for an extraordinary session of the African Union Assembly to deliberate on the executions of Nigerians and nationals of other African countries in Libya, as a strategic way of addressing the recurring and very ugly incident.
“How can you hurriedly condemn to death, a man who do not have access to lawyers and do not understand the trials proceedings because they are not translated in the language he understands?” asked embittered Chukwudi.

Human rights campaign group, Amnesty International has also strongly condemned the reported execution of 18 foreigners, including some Nigerians in Libya recently. “Libya executes a disproportional large number of foreigners every year,” said Amnesty International.

Shockingly, the recent revelation by Mr. Fola Rahman, a UK based Legal Practitioner and immigration consultant that 20,000 Nigerians are currently languishing in various UK prisons, is another embarrassment and ugly tale that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should try and tackle urgently.

Fans lambast Mercy Johnson

Movie buffs, especially mothers and wives are currently pissed and thoroughly disappointed with Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson. And the reason for their seething anger, we reliably gathered has to do with Miss Johnson’s new-found passion of garbing in skimpy attires and deliberate flaunting of her boobs in movies and social engagements.

In fact, one of these women that attended a recent Nollywood wedding with her husband and two children, told us she hurriedly left the venue with her family, the moment Johnson ‘invaded’ with her near-nude attire. “We thought her cleavages will pop out of her skimpy attire that revealed so much from her upper region. When my family and I could no longer bear the ugly sight, we hurriedly and angrily left the very colourful wedding. My kids that used to see her as their role model immediately discarded her. How can she come to a social event garbed like that, knowing very well that she’s also a role model to several youths in the society, who equally look up to her. In fact, in my household, we’ve also stopped watching her movies, because of the skimpy things she’s fond of donning.”

Also speaking, another angry female fan of the Kogi State-born actress accused Johnson of deliberately donning skimpy attires on/off locations without regard for the womenfolk. “Are Genevieve, Omotola, Monalisa, Oge, Funke and the rest of them not top actresses, did we ever see them donning skimpy attires or overtly flaunting and exposing their boobs, why is Mercy Johnson’s case very different”, asked this bitter lady. Fuming further, she raged: “We are tired of Johnson’s ways of dressing. She’s not representing us well as a role model. Enough of this her boobs flaunting and skimpy attires, it’s now very disgusting and debasing us.”

Meanwhile, a recent sms from another pissed fan, pleaded with the controversial and still single thespian to desist from disgracing the womenfolk with her new-found passion for skimpy wears. “We are tired of Mercy Johnson’s new dress sense. If you watch her in movies, meet her at events or even buy papers to read, you keep seeing her flaunting her boobs and deliberately revealing parts of her body. We are tired of her insulting our sensibilities. Is she the only Nigerian actress? Well, my family and I have started boycotting any film that features her, in our home. My kids are even complaining and that makes it more disturbing. Please, help us beg her to stop now. If she wants to go nude, let her do that within the confines of her bedroom, and not in movies, social events or the pages of magazines. Some of us have husbands and we do not want them to begin to think otherwise because of Mercy Johnson. Enough of this her madness,” lambasted this mother, who incidentally reached us from Johnson’s State, Kogi.

A mischievous guy, who called from London, pointed out that Johnson might end up baring -it-all in movies with the way she is currently going. “I will be happy to see Mercy bare-it-all in movies, since that is what she enjoys doing these days in movies and real life.”

Painfully too, a top filmmaker that spoke with us on the condition of anonymity pooh-poohed Johnson, for disgracing them with her near-nude wears and constant exposure of her cleavages in movies and events, within and outside Nollywood. “Mercy’s case is giving us a big concern in Nollywood. We still cannot fathom what she wants to achieve with this constant and irresponsible exposures. When she joined Nollywood a few years ago, she was not like this... Very shy and humble, stardom has completely changed her. But is she the first or only female star in Nollywood? She should watch it before it backfires on her...”

EKOIFF unveiled at Cannes, gets KODAK support

Hope Obioma Opara, the president and co founder of the forthcoming Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), just returned from the recently held 63rd edition of the annual Cannes International Film Festival, France. He shared his experience with us and further spoke on his plans and preparations for EKOIFF, which he also unwrapped at the global film gathering. “I attended this year’s Cannes in my capacities as the president of EKOIFF and also as the publisher of Supple magazine. But unlike last year’s, Nigeria did not have a pavilion and
only a few Nigerian journalists were there.

The Lagos state government sent the Permanent Secretary for
Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Censors Board. Also Mr.
and Mrs. Fashola, the amiable parents of Governor Babatunde Raji
Fashola of Lagos State were there. The Lagos state delegation came to Cannes to promote the Lagos Film
City project, which is to be located in Badagry. The Lagos Film City will be the
Hollywood of Nigeria when completed. And we met with top executives of KODAK at an
exclusive party on a luxury yacht, where the Lagos state delegation
publicized the Lagos Film City project and I also informed the international
guests about the EKOIFF, coming up in Lagos this
July. I had a very important meeting with KODAK executives on how we can improve the quality of Nollywood cinematography.

We also talked about them supporting EKOIFF.”
Speaking on the major attractions at Cannes, Opara said Senegal and
South Africa competed for the top prizes and one of the most moving and
touching films was “Life, Above All", a movie on the stigma and trauma of
AIDS in South Africa. “Many of the viewers left the theatre in tears after
seeing it. But the big question at the festival was where is Nollywood? We need to work harder to compete with the best in the film world. I am very confident that we have all it takes in terms of ambitious directors, daring producers, outstanding actors and actresses to pitch in every film festival in the world. And that is why we want to use EKOIFF to bring the film world to Lagos every
July and attract thousands of tourists to Nigeria.”

On the number of films that had been submitted so far for EKOIFF, Opara further disclosed thus: “We have received over 33 films so far and 21 of them are by
filmmakers from Europe and other parts of the world, including a Spanish
film that has won over 100 awards, and one film called “Made in Japan”. We
are excited that many foreign filmmakers are willing to come to Nigeria
for EKOIFF.

We are doing our best with able members of the Organizing Committee
and our European media partners who have publicized EKOIFF to over 4,000 filmmakers and over 77, 000 film festival media
agencies in the world.

We need the cooperation and support of the Lagos state government since
this is the host state, the federal government, the local and
multinational companies and everyone to do their best to join us to make
the inaugural outing a success. Nigerian filmmakers and others should go to our website for accreditation details.”

EKOIFF unveiled at Cannes, gets KODAK support

Hope Obioma Opara, the president and co founder of the forthcoming Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), just returned from the recently held 63rd edition of the annual Cannes International Film Festival, France. He shared his experience with us and further spoke on his plans and preparations for EKOIFF, which he also unwrapped at the global film gathering. “I attended this year’s Cannes in my capacities as the president of EKOIFF and also as the publisher of Supple magazine. But unlike last year’s, Nigeria did not have a pavilion and
only a few Nigerian journalists were there.
The Lagos state government sent the Permanent Secretary for
Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Censors Board. Also Mr.
and Mrs. Fashola, the amiable parents of Governor Babatunde Raji
Fashola of Lagos State were there. The Lagos state delegation came to Cannes to promote the Lagos Film
City project, which is to be located in Badagry. The Lagos Film City will be the
Hollywood of Nigeria when completed. And we met with top executives of KODAK at an
exclusive party on a luxury yacht, where the Lagos state delegation
publicized the Lagos Film City project and I also informed the international
guests about the EKOIFF, coming up in Lagos this
July. I had a very
important meeting with KODAK executives on how we can improve the quality
of Nollywood cinematography. We also talked about them supporting EKOIFF.”
Speaking on the major attractions at Cannes, Opara said Senegal and
South Africa competed for the top prizes and one of the most moving and
touching films was “Life, Above All", a movie on the stigma and trauma of
AIDS in South Africa. “Many of the viewers left the theatre in tears after
seeing it. But the big question at the festival was where is Nollywood? We need to work harder to compete with the best in the
film world. I am very confident that we have all it takes in terms of
ambitious directors, daring producers, outstanding actors and actresses to
pitch in every film festival in the world. And that is why we want to use
EKOIFF to bring the film world to Lagos every
July and attract thousands of tourists to Nigeria.”
On the number of films that had been submitted so far for EKOIFF, Opara further disclosed thus:
“We have received over 33 films so far and 21 of them are by
filmmakers from Europe and other parts of the world, including a Spanish
film that has won over 100 awards, and one film called “Made in Japan”. We
are excited that many foreign filmmakers are willing to come to Nigeria
for EKOIFF.
We are doing our best with able members of the Organizing Committee
and our European media partners who have publicized EKOIFF to over 4,000 filmmakers and over 77, 000 film festival media
agencies in the world.
We need the cooperation and support of the Lagos state government since
this is the host state, the federal government, the local and
multinational companies and everyone to do their best to join us to make
the inaugural outing a success. Nigerian filmmakers and others should go to our website for accreditation details.”

Vivian Ejike’s Private Storm shocks Nollywood

Following the huge success recorded with her last movie, Silent Scandal, which equally snatched a joint plaque at this year’s AMAA, sexy, stylish and meticulous female film producer, Vivian Ejike, is poised to drop another bombshell for Nollywood, movie buffs and her teeming fans and followers very soon.
The former top banker who cherishes rare and exotic titles for her numerous works, calls this one- A Private Storm. Can you beat that? Written, passionately produced and funded by Miss Ejike, a French graduate from the University of Port-Harcourt, the star-studded flick has an admixture of leading thespians drawn from both Nollywood and the emerging Ghana film industry also known as Gollywood. Leading the galaxy of stars that dazzled in the movie, which thematically centres on domestic violence and abuse are the duo of Ramsey Noah and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Also on board the big budget movie are popular names such as: Ngozi Ezeonu, Ufuoma Ejenabor , Ghanaian import, John Dumelo and a host of others. Shot and directed on several choice locations within and outside the Lagos metropolis by the duo of Lancelot Imasuen and Ikechukwu Onyeka, A Private Storm, promises to be a generational change for Nollywood when eventually released.
“In fact, A Private Storm is a movie that is bound to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, sad, mad, happy, love, hate, and then.... you’ll want to love all over again,” said Ejike.

The movie which was shot with the best technical equipments, courtesy of Ejike’s Purple Pine Production studios, is an expose on domestic abuse and violence, an unspoken evil, which ravages our society today and the silent acceptance by victims.

Speaking further, widely-traveled Ejike, from Nri, Anambra State disclosed that A Private Storm will be premiered in major cities around the world before finally being released on DVD. “I can assure you that fans and movie lovers are in for a thrill with A Private Storm,” she added.

A quick glance at the synopsis of the coming blockbuster further reveals this exciting scenario. “Handsome, young, suave and successful, Alex is a total package.... with a massive grudge!! On the other hand, pretty, young and sassy Gina is living every girl’s dream. Engaged to the most eligible bachelor, she does seem to have it all.....However, beyond the picture-perfect lives of Alex and Gina, lie a huge ego, a massive insecurity, a monstrous rage, a fierce passion, an unconditional love and a determination beyond reasonable limits, all of which set in motion, the rapid wheels of an impending storm, whose rage could destroy all in its path.”
Also gathered that Miss Ejike and her crew intend to storm some major international film festivals with this great make –believe work of art this year. All these are aimed towards giving the film the international appeal and attention that it truly deserves, before releasing it on shelves.

Nigerian filmmaker shines with Hollywood-bound movie, Legacy

Nigerian-born-London-based writer and director Thomas Ikimi recently made history and attracted global attention, especially from Hollywood and other serious filmmaking nations, when he held the world premiere of his new movie, Legacy. The well-publicized event took place at the closing gala of the Glasgow international film festival, Scotland. The highly commendable feat, alongside the film, are still enjoying rave reviews among some leading Western media organizations, especially those based in Hollywood. Legacy, a psychological thriller produced by Scotland-based Black Camel Pictures in collaborations with Deal Real, Nigeria, stars international actor and one of Britain’s brightest acting talents, Idris Elba.
Legacy, which revolves around a traumatized US black soldier that went AWOL after an assignment in Eastern Europe, is the second feature film from Ikimi, which he equally co-produced. According to elated Ikimi, all the funding for Legacy, came from Nigerian corporations and individuals. Speaking further, he said: “Without a doubt, this film couldn’t have been made without the support I got when I came to Nigeria to raise capital. None of the investors had been involved with financing films before, but they wanted to support me because they believed in the idea of a young Nigerian making a mark on the international motion picture scene as a creator, not as an actor.”
Elba, who’s fondly remembered for his role in The Wire, portrays the character of Malcolm Gray in Legacy. Other international thespians that supported Elba in the film are: Clark Peters, Eamonn Walker, Richard Brake, Monique Curnen and Julian Wadham. Commenting on the movie, Elba had this to say: “The script was phenomenal and halfway through reading it; I was convinced I wanted to do the film…” Also, with an executive producer role in the movie, Elba was very involved with the project. “There are many themes in the film, but you are allowed to walk away at the end with your own idea of what you have seen… It was a very complex film for me to make as an actor,” he added.
Interestingly, Ikimi’s first feature film, Limbo, was made in 2005, while he was still a student at the Columbia University, New York. It was financed on his student’s credit card. According to Amrit Walia of Deal Real Entertainment who partnered with Ikimi on Legacy, they were delighted working with Ikimi on the first ever movie of its kind, written, produced and directed from Africa for Hollywood and the global film audience. Legacy was made on a budget of fewer than one million Dollars, and Ikimi believes that was a proof that developing a more robust media production studio representing Nigeria, West Africa and Africa as a whole, is possible. Ikimi hinted that he intends to develop films and media linked more directly to Nigeria and African stories and themes. He also believes that it won’t be long before Nigeria can produce films that regularly compete for top honours and acclaim at the international box offices, awards and festivals.
In a telephone chat with us, Mr. Paris Harcourt, the media consultant to the producers of Legacy, disclosed that a world premiere of the movie would hold in Nigeria, towards the last quarter of 2010, adding that it vividly tells the psychological story of two brothers in conflict.

A2Z shoots Igbo action movie… sets new car ablaze

Ndi-nto (Kidnappers), a new action packed Igbo language movie is poised to thrill and serenade movie buffs within and outside Nollywood soon. From the award winning stable of Arinze Ezeanyaeche-led A2Z Production, the forthcoming flick would definitely revolutionize Nollywood in terms of storyline, costumes and high-end props. Shedding more light on the big budget movie currently being shot on locations in Delta, Anambra, Edo and Lagos States respectively, youthful Ezeanyaeche further revealed that his brand new Peugeot 406 car, was equally set ablaze and burnt beyond recognition, while shooting a dangerous scene in Asaba. On why he’s returning to movie making, after a five-year hiatus from Nollywood, Ezeanyaeche, whose stable churned out acclaimed movies such as: End of Money, Jadon, Desperate Billionaire, Awilo, Goodbye New York and several others, disclosed that he decided to stage a big come back, because of his love and undying passion for Nollywood and movie buffs. “My love for Nollywood is unrivalled. Having watched Nollywood drifting apart for so long and moving without direction, I decided to help balance and stable the industry with this new movie. At least, it’s an action packed and well scripted Igbo language movie, which I’m optimistic will help revive Nollywood as well as the already dead Igbo language movies in Nollywood. It took me five years to research on this project, which I’m very sure would take Nollywood to the next level. Our dream at A2Z Production is to always give Nollywood the best. And I can assure you that Ndi-nto, which mirrors the current insecurity in Nigeria, is a blockbuster with a global appeal and message…”
Directed by Arinze Ezeanyaeche with hi-tech production equipment; the fast paced non-stop thriller equally parade names like: Ernest Asuzu, Gentle Jack, David Nwajei and a host of others in tough-talking roles and well-directed stunts.
“Although, it was not easy, but I burnt my glittering Peugeot 406, to bring out the best in this movie. In a nutshell, it’s the story of a crooked Governor who abandoned the thugs that helped him get into office… The consequences are better imagined than experienced… Expect full action when the movie comes out later this year”, said Ezeanyaeche whose outfit discovered the singing duo of J-Matins and Duncan Mighty.

International endorsements for Eko film festival

With experiences and ideas gathered over the years while attending film festivals around the globe, Hope Opara is poised to host the first ever Eko international film festival between July 7 and 12, 2010. His passion and journey into the world of film festivals began in November 2008, when he attended the 30th edition of the Nantes film festival in France.

He later raised the stakes when he attended the 62nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival, and had a memorable encounter with super star actress, Angelina Jolie. He happily documented the life changing meeting in Supple magazine, which he started publishing and editing since August 2008, after six years experience as a successful printer.

Hope returned home with the motivation to launch a new film festival buoyed by the much publicized report of Nigeria as having the largest movie-making industry in Africa and the second largest in the world.

“A close associate of mine came up with the name: Eko International Film Festival. He posted it online in August 2009. By the following month, it was duly registered by me. Both of us had never undertaken any film festival project before now and knew definitely that we would be needing help.”

He eventually found a mentor in the person of Bruno Chatelin, co-founder of filmfestivals.com, a web portal launched in 1995. Bruno was in charge of the launch of over 250 films during his tenure as Marketing Director and Managing Director for Columbia TriStar Films and Twentieth Century Fox.

After meeting Bruno in Paris, they sealed a deal that makes filmfestivals.com a media partner to Eko international film festival, a feat Opara described as an unprecedented morale booster that would help realize his dream of turning his festival into a world-class gathering of movie people.

To network and gather more experience for his forthcoming festival, Opara returned again to Europe for the Rotterdam International Film Festival in the Netherlands, as well as the 60th edition of the Berlinale, in Germany. “I now feel convinced that I could put together a successful world-class film festival.”

Hardworking Opara had this to say on funding: “We are making sacrifice towards raising the needed funds for Eko International film festival, and what we need most is money to host the filmmakers and accredited journalists and enough to rent the halls we would need to screen selected films.
We need over a million dollars to make this dream of a mega film festival a reality.
We have started the fund-raising drive. We are seeking the cooperation and support of local and international sponsors. We have attracted the interest of some Nigerian banks and we expect to close deals with some prospective sponsors shortly,” he explained.
Interestingly, news of the forthcoming festival is currently spreading within and outside Nollywood, especially on the internet and Hope Opara is upbeat. “Eko international film festival will provide exciting new business and tourism opportunities. It’s going to be great fun for filmmakers and lovers of films in Nigeria and many thousands of film aficionados coming from outside our shores. The festival will definitely be a plus for Nollywood and Nigeria… For more info, kindly visit our site, www.ekoiff.com"