Artistes graced premiere event for movie “Kiss and Tell”

The movie “Kiss and Tell” was recently premiered at the Silverbird Theater Lagos, Nigeria. Aside from Monalisa Chinda and Joseph Benjamin who were the prime attractions for the event, other artistes including Uche Jumbo, Stephanie Okereke, and Nse Ikpe Etim were also there to grace the occasion.

Check the images below:

Rita Dominic to host the next Hip Hop awards

The executive producer of HEADIES, Ayo Animashaun, has revealed that Rita Dominic and Nigerian rapper el Dee will host the next hugely anticipated Nigerian Hip Hop awards. “Eldee and Rita Dominic will be hosting this year’s awards and we are proud to be working with such exceptional talents” he said in a statement issued early this week. He also announced that this year’s awards will hold in September instead of its usual date in May due to the election process which was pivotal to the entire well being and sustenance of the Nigerian society.

Meanwhile, Rita Dominic and elDee have kicked off a series of meetings with the awards committee.
“I feel really excited about hosting this year’s awards. I love the music industry, and I appreciate the fact that The HEADIES is one of the initiatives that sees to appreciating deserving talents. The team is well organized, and I am already bonding with eLDee. Last week, we were at a photo shoot organized by the organizers and I had so much fun” Rita Dominic says.



Rita Dominic has an unrepentant love for the Entertainment industry. She has starred in more than 100 movies since she started her career in 1998. Her co-host also had this to say: “I have been to so many editions of The Headies, and I feel really honored hosting this year’s show. Rita Dominic is a good actress and I like the fact that the organizers scout for hosts from different sectors of the Entertainment Industry.”

A total of 22 plaques (called Headies) made up of 21 carat gold will be given out to deserving music industry professionals whose works have been screened by a team of select critics and practitioners commissioned by the organizers.

Props to Rita Dominic

Source: AfricanMoviesNews.com

Nollywood responds to Nigerian Suicide Blast

African Movies apart from serving as a mode of entertainment also contributes to the creation of jobs for the entire crew members of each movie production, the cast, the marketers, the distributors, as well as shops and individuals who are engaged in the movie industry at each level for regular sustenance. The perpetuation and continuity for this however requires security, as desired and important requisite tools that provide a stable environment for each movie to be produced. The security of the cast who are important personalities by way of the success they have achieved can’t be understated. So when there is any upheaval, irregularity, or sudden instability that threatens security, it behooves all stakeholders to be worried.

Nigeria has in years past been a victim of instability until the late 90’s when it reverted to democratic rule and ensured a level of continued peace thereafter. Renewed instability in recent times however is worrying. The emergence of a radicalist group that has been involved in suicidal attacks is very worrying and threatens to derail the peace and stability that existed, which has also caught the attention of some movie stars. Whereas some are natives of Nigeria like Omoni Oboli, and Rita Dominic, the likes of Van Vicker who has essentially accepted Nigeria as his second home and does most of his production there are worried.

Below are comments they made after the most recent attack that targeted the Nigerian Police Headquarters in the capital State of Abuja on June 16th.

Van Vicker: “Just got the pics, there has been a bomb blast in Nigeria…u know what to do.” Is Van probably referring to the fact of staying away from Nigeria for security reasons?. The he added further “Na waaaaaoooo. Abuja bombing.”

Omoni Oboli simply had this to say: “May God help my beloved Nigeria..?”
And Rita Dominic had this sober comment: “Just read about it! Sad!”
We think they have done well in restraining there despair to the issue which obviously is of a greater magnitude. What do you think?
AfricanMoviesNews.com





Source: AfricanMoviesNews.com

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall will be taking part in the 5KM Run/Walk for Women Empowerment on Saturday 18th June 2011

By Teju Ibukunoluwa


The First Naija 5KM Run/Walk for Women’s Empowerment will be coming up this Saturday 18th June 2011.
This has been put together by the Joy Runner Group, led by Esther Obiekwe  in order  to promote fitness among women and invite women to participate in running and walking to enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being. To end disunity among women and  to give life and support to the two female Iyanda Orphans (3YEARS AND 1.5YEARS) – Mother died during childbirth and father severe illness.
This is not just a competition. Its a celebration of Women. Therefore, Its a time to experience the thrill of a life time. Its taking place at  BANANA ISLAND IKOYI,OFF ONIKOYI ROAD, OFF GERARD ROAD, IKOYI,  NEXT RIGHT TURN AFTER ST SAVIOUR’S SCHOOL”

You will run with and learn fitness from star Actress Kate Henshaw-Nutall and the First Nigerian Woman Marathoner and Boston Qualifier, Uche Orizu – Mobil Oil Executive and CHIOMA AJUNWA Nigerian Olympics Gold Medalist.
This promises to be the first of its kind race and all in place to ensure a world class walk/run for women.  limited goodie bags with T-SHIRTS are reserved on first come basis. PAY ONLY ENTRY FEE N2000K TO GET A HEAVY GOODIE BAD WITH RACE SHIRT PLUS A FUN FILLED DAY WHERE YOU LISTEN TO EXPERTS TALK ON HEALTH, NUTRITION AND FITNESS.
Your participation will change the lives of two orphans – Make the Wolrd A Better Place Make The World A Worse Place Or Decide To Do Nothing.
Event Day, Race Starts 7:00am – 8:00am

• 8:00am -8:30am – Dancing with Gift
• 8:30am-9:00am – Wellness Speech by Princess Emiko
• 9:00am- 9:20am  – Take Charge Women – Inspirational Speech by Jim Lafferty
• Drinks/Snacks continue

9:40am  Awardees…First Second Third Female adult
First Second Third Female elite athletes/professionals
First Second and Third 50+
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY EVA WATER, RED BULL, DOVE COSMETICS, PROFLEX GYM, PARK ‘N’SHOP, CHICKEN REPUBLIC AND MR. JIM LAFFERTY .
More Information: Call 08033344481 or  Call 01-7407361 for your race pack pick up
Source: http://www.thejoyrunner.com

THE MIRROR BOY UK Release - From Fri/10/June '11 to Thu/16/June '11 - UK CINEMA LISTINGS

By Teju Ibukunoluwa

THE MIRROR BOY - UK RELEASE

DATES - From Fri/10/June to Thurs/16/June

THE MIRROR BOY UK RELEASE

SCREENS & TIMES

____________________

TICKET HOTLINE

0871 22 44 007

____________

ODEON - 'THE MIRROR BOY' Web Link 

(For Tickets & 'Win A Trip To Africa' Competition)http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_info/m13377/The_Mirror_Boy

___________________

UK CINEMA RELEASE OF THE AWARD WINNING MOVIE,THE MIRROR BOY From 10th to 16TH of JUNE

By Teju Ibukunoluwa

The much talk about Movie of the year and ofcourse the Award Winning movie THE MIRROR BOY Written, Produced and Directed  by Obi Emelonye will be released at 10 Cinemas!.

The release will be at various UK ODEON CINEMAS  at GREENWICH, STREATHAM, SURREY QUAYS, LEE VALLEY, WEST THURROCK : MILTON KEYNES, DUDLEY, MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL & BIRMINGHAM
It will also be premiered in GHANA on the 17th of June 2011 and in NIGERIA on the 20th of June.


Speaking with Mr Emelonye earlier today as he had just arrived from Gambia this morning where the movie  was premiered last Saturday 5th June 2011, he said the event was a success and was well received, even by the Gambian government 

Written, Directed and Produced by ...OBI EMELONYE nominated Best Diaspora Film - AMAA 2011 Producer PATRICK CAMPBELL Executive Producer AKIN SALAMI Starring GENEVIEVE NNAJI Africa's biggest movie star OSITA IHEME nominated Best Supporting Actor - AMAA 2011 EDWARD KAGUTUZI winner Best Young Actor - AMAA 2011 FATIMA JABBE - Gambia's biggest movie star with Victor Carvalho, John Charles Njie, Momodu Musa Cisse & Felix Cisse  SYNOPSIS: Tijan, a London born young teenage African boy (Edward Kagutuzi) is taken by his mother (Genevieve Nnaji) to visit Gambia for the first time in his life. Whilst visiting a crowded street market he suddenly becomes seperated from his mother and soon finds himself lost in the African wilderness. Bewildered and confused, to find his way back he must embark on a journey of self-discovery, where the lines between reality and fanstasy, physical and spiritual become forever blurred. He encounters an evil Queen (Fatima Jabbe) who wields her magical powers against his innocent presence as he is led on the journey by the mysterious Mirror Boy (Osita Iheme), who is only visible to him. A mystical and cathartic climax helps Tijan to unravel the mystery of The Mirror Boy and why only he can see him, which leads him towards his inter-twined fate with a father he has never met. Copyright 2011: The Nollywood Factory/OH Films 110 mins, UK/Gambia/Nigeria) _________________ RELEASED ACROSS 10 UK ODEON SCREEN - FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2011 LONDON ________________ GREENWICH STREATHAM SURREY QUAYS WEST THURROCK LEE VALLEY UK REGIONS ________________ BIRMINGHAM MILTON KEYNES DUDLEY MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL After a successfull celebrity Premiere in Leicester Square in Feb, you the fans finally get to see the film from FRIDAY 10TH JUNE at an Odeon cinema hopefully near you. ODEON TICKET HOTLINE 0871 22 44 007 WWW.ODEON.CO.UK TICKETS: Ticket prices from Adult: £8 - Child: £6 - Student: £7 - Family: £25 Tell ALL your friends, family and mates to book and see the film when it first comes out as we plan to have special events, giveaways and celebrity guest turning up at various sites over the first 3 days, so your UK cinema release experience is guaranteed to create an event. To show our gratitude for your continuing support we have lots of other fantastic giveaways and prizes for all the family to win. Look out for full details on our Fan page and our TV ads across OHTV, Hi TV, Nollywood TV and BEN TV . _________________ INFO info@thenollywoodfactory.com

PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE URGE NOLLYWOOD ACTORS TO SEEK FOR SUPERNATURAL HELP

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has advised film actors and actresses to seek supernatural support to enable them to excel.

Adeboye gave the advice in Lagos in his sermon titled "Success in Life Requires Something Supernatural" at a special thanksgiving service organized by the church for workers of the entertainment industry.

He said that although talent and hard work might help and open doors, the two attributes were not enough to make one to excel in life.
Adeboye stressed out that it was only through God's mercy that people could actualize their dreams. 


Source: NIGERIAFILMS.COM

HONOURABLE MULIKAT AKANDE-ADEOLA, BEST CANDIDATE FOR NIGERIA'S SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

 HONOURABLE MULIKAT AKANDE-ADEOLA

By Princess 'Deun Adedoyin-Solarin

She is Indeed The Right Woman for the Job!!!
Born 11th Nov 1960.A consummate Lawyer and astute politician, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola was born on the 11th of November 1960 in Ogbomosho town of Oyo State.

She was educated at Saint Anne’s primary School, Kaduna between 1966 and 1971, after which she attended 

Queen Amina College, Kaduna between 1972 and 1976. She did her advanced level certificate at the Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology between 1977 and 1979. Her university education was at Ahmadu Bello University between 1979 and 1982 where she obtained her LL.B degree in Law, thereafter she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983. In her quest for further academic development, she attended the University of Lagos between 1984 and 1985 during which she obtained her LL.M.

Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola’s working experience began with the National Youth Service Corp programme in Lagos, with the Nigerian-American Merchant Bank from 1983 to 1984 after which she started her real life of work with the Legal firm of Kusamotu, Olojo and Company, Lagos in 1984. She joined the legal firm of Odujirin and Adefulu in 1986 and in 1987; she became the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to Tuns Farms and Agro-Industry Ltd, Ikeja in 1987. Thereafter, in 1988 she started her own private legal practice, from where she was employed as an Assistant Manager in the Legal Department of Continental Merchant Bank Ltd where she served until 1991. By 1992 she became the Legal Adviser, Corporate Banking division of the Bank. She moved to CMB Homes Ltd, a subsidiary of the Bank, as the Head of Legal and Administration and by 1993, she became the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of CMB Homes Ltd. 

Having garnered professional and corporate experience spanning thirteen years, she resuscitated her private legal firm of M. L. Akande and Company in 1997 and managed it until 2007. She joined the political foray in the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999 through the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and by 2007, she was elected into the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Ogbomosho North, South and Orire Federal Constituency. A member of the ECOWAS Parliament from 2007 to 2011.

Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola has attended many Professional and Leadership courses in Nigeria and Abroad and she is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), International Bar Association.
Numerate and articulate, intuitive and persuasive, determined and dogged, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola, combines courage and optimism grounded in candour and humility. She exhibits kindness, magnanimity and gratitude in her dealings with people as well as loyalty to the team.

She is married with three Children.

Speakership: PDP Deploys Govs, Mulikat is Favourite

By Chuks Okocha and Onwuka Nzeshi in Abuja

Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, House Speakership Candidate

As part of last-minute efforts to break the ranks of members of the House of Representatives working against zoning of the office of the Speaker to the South-west, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has enlisted its governors to rein in supporters of Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and enforce zoning.

This is coming as some unnamed Presidency officials and PDP are also banking on the support of new members under the aegis of the Seventh Assembly Group led by Dr. Jubrin Abdulmumin from Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State to toe the party’s line on the speakership.

Meanwhile, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, from (Oyo State), has emerged the front runner in the race, with Hon. Muraina Ajibola, the preferred candidate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, fast losing ground because of Obasanjo’s links. 

THISDAY gathered that the decision to enlist the assistance of the PDP governors is because of the insistence of the Tambuwal group to contest the election to the office on June 6 when the National Assembly is inaugurated.

PDP leadership had on Tuesday met with both the members-elect and the returning members to persuade them on the need to allow the party’s decision on zoning prevail, but the meeting was deadlocked as there were no tangible decisions reached.

It was as a result of this that the party decided to invite the governors, as the political leaders of the states, to intervene and ensure that the zoning, as agreed, is followed.

According to PDP sources, the governors will use the opportunity of the planned two-day retreat starting Friday to ensure that the zoning is allowed to prevail.

“It is part of the decision that the governors of the party will meet our members-elect tomorrow or Sunday after the retreat.

“The governors know both the members-elect and the returning members very well and therefore, we expect them to talk to the members to allow the party’s decision to hold,” the source explained.

He added: “We don’t think that the members will disobey their governors, who are their leaders in their respective states.”

Apart from this, it was further gathered that the party is enlisting the support of newly elected members under the aegis of the Seventh Assembly Group to break the insistence of the old members of the House in dumping the zoning arrangement.The PDP has 108 new members, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) 53; and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has 33. There are 233 new members across all the political parties.

According to the source, “the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bayero Nafada, is the link man working on the newly elected members under the aegis of the Seventh Assembly members to counter the old members led by Tambuwal and Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

An NWC member of PDP confided in THISDAY: “The party will do anything possible to ensure that its decisions on zoning are adhered to and that the party is not brought to ridicule.

“Zoning is a party decision and therefore must be obeyed. We know that there is a fifth columnist working against the zoning formula, but this is a test time for the party to ensure that there is party discipline.”

The plot by the returning members of the House of Representatives is to elect Hon. Tambuwal from Sokoto State as speaker, while Hon. Emeka Ihedioha will be elected the deputy. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu from Delta State is pencilled down as House Leader.

Also, the plan to change the newly adopted secret voting pattern of the House has been defeated as before the closure of legislative business on Thursday, the matter was not brought to the floor of the Green Chamber.

A source from the Tambuwal camp told THISDAY that should the party wield the big stick, they will comply but ensure that the anointed candidate for the office of the Speaker from the South-west is defeated.

Meanwhile, the anti-zoning elements Thursday restated their resolve not to allow any   interference in the election of the next Speaker of the House, insisting that the Presidency and the PDP must respect the independence of the legislature and adhere to the doctrine of separation of powers.

A number of lawmakers suspected to be in support of the candidature of Hon. Tambuwal renewed their opposition to the zoning formula. 

The trio of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Ihedioha  and Tambuwal spoke strongly on the need  for the legislature  to assert its independence and protect its activities from undue interference from external forces.

Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Abdurahaman Kawu, who addressed a news conference shortly after, alleged that the House had uncovered a plan by “some undemocratic elements” to induce some of the lawmakers, particularly members-elect with huge sums of money in order to sway their choice of who becomes the next speaker.

According to Kawu, the forces wanting to interfere in the election have been claiming to be working on the directives of the Presidency.

“To actualise their dream of imposing a speaker on members, they have reserved accommodation for some of the lawmakers in choice hotels in Abuja so as to have easy access to them between now and Monday morning, which is against the conventional practice where the National Assembly management makes provisions for incoming lawmakers.

“We want to state clearly that such moves are undemocratic, unacceptable and capable of undermining the independence of the legislature and to a very large extent, rubbish the tenets of democracy.

“We want to debunk speculations that we are going to have a speaker of our choice with a view to fight the President. We want to state clearly that we are ready to work with the President and give him necessary support he would need in order to move the country forward. We also want to appeal to the President to ensure that there is a level-playing field for members of the House of Representatives to elect their leaders in line with their ethics and not through intimidation and blackmail,” Kawu said.

Akande-Adeola, the top tip for the position, is 50 years old. She was born in Kaduna State. She attended St Annas Primary School and Queen Amina College in Kaduna. She attended the College of Arts and Science in Zaria for her A’Level.

She proceeded to ABU, Zaria, in 1979, and obtained her LLB in 1982 (second class upper). She attended the Nigeria Law School in Lagos where she obtained her BL. She obtained a Master’s at Law in 1985

She has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2007.

Source: http://nigerianwomenitsourtime.blogspot.com/

SPECIAL NOTICE! TONIGHT FRI/3/JUNE: LIVE CHAT WITH D HOST OF PRINCESS OF ARIZE! SHOW @10pm

By Femtej Kreations Media

Princess 'Deun Adedoyin-Solarin

 The Award Winning Media Specialist and Broadcaster, The Host & Producer of your favourite Talk - Show on BEN TV SKY 184, PRINCESS OF ARIZE!, Princess 'Deun Adedoyin-Solarin will  be having an Exclusive Live Chat with you all her friends and Fans tonight!

WHEN?: Tonight, FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2011 @ 10pm Prompt!

WHERE?: On the PRINCESS OF ARIZE! FANSITE | log on to http://www.princessofarizefansite.ning.com/chat

Hosted by: The Princess of Arize! Web Team

Simply click on the link to the chat room http://www.princessofarizefansite.ning.com/chat and login if you are already a member. If you are not a  member yet, Click on to the link and sign up as  you can not afford to miss out on this Live Interactive session. Its also an opportunity for you to Network and make Friends with other fans of Princess of Arize!

Invite your friends to join in this fun-filled online chat session with the Princess and the Fans....It Promises to be a wonderful experience.

See you in the Chat room @ 10PM SHARP!

With Best Regards

The Princess of Arize! Web Manager

SUN/5/JUNE: ASA & Yolanda Brown London concert @ indigoO2

ASA london Concert and her FULL Band!!!!!

Ft: 2 time Mobo Award winner Yolanda Brown!


indigO2 Sun 5th June 2011!

Tkts from £25 & more at the door: cokobar.com

Sponsors:

WWW.TOPUPNIGERIA.COM

Ultimalt Drink

Bellanaija.com

Notjustok.com

JAZZ-FM

METRO

NOLLYWOOD MOVIES SKY 329

OHTV SKY199

ASa's interview about the show

Yolanda's interview about the show:

Tickets: 


www.cokobar.com or 02089531219 or 07951536726


Cash Outlets Across London:
OR OUTLETS BELOW!


O2 ARENA TICKET OFFICE O2 GREENWICH
COKOBAR - Saturdays Monument Station
TASTY'S - Woolwich 0208 854 2171
OBALENDE SUYA - Peckham 0207 703 7033
D DEN - Cricklewood 0208 830 5000
PRESIDENTIAL - Old Kent Road 0207 708 4491
LE-JOINT FISH BAR - Old Kent Road 0207 207 6789
MAMA CASS - Burnt Oak 0208  952 4200
TOMI'S KITCHEN  - Deptford 0208 694 9352
TOMI'S KITCHEN  - Hackney 0208 694 9352
FLAVORS - Hackney 0207 275 8024


INFO:
SMADE - 07949806892
COKOBAR - 07956385647/07889988423
GASTO - 07956969824
SUGA - 07866503598
OPULENCE PR - 07888685554/07961159795
GABZINC - 07507458593/07507458592

Calling All Emerging African Filmmakers – Win $10,000 from the Focus Features Africa First Short Film Program

The Focus Features Africa First Short Film Program was conceived to be a unique initiative, with funds earmarked specifically for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence. Once again in 2011, Africa First will be offering participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa which taps into the resources of the film industry there.

In addition to on-site work in Africa, the winning filmmakers of Africa First also participate in a weekend of workshops in New York City with board members. The workshops entail one-on-one discussions with such Focus executives as CEO James Schamus and president of production John Lyons, covering such topics as international distribution and the economics of studio financing; members of the program’s international advisory board of experts in African cinema; producer and Program Director Kisha Cameron-Dingle and Focus Director of Production Matthew Plouffe.

All filmmakers selected for Africa First retain the copyrights and the distribution rights to their completed shorts, with the exception of North American rights; Focus retains those, as well as the right of first negotiation to productions derived from the shorts, such as a feature-length expansion.

The Awards
• Focus Features Africa First will give awards to up to five (5) filmmakers.
• Recipients will be notified in October 2011 of their status.
• Each award will be in the amount of USD $10,000.00.
• Awards are given to assist emerging African filmmakers with the production and post-production of their film.

Rules
Please read the Official Rules carefully before applying. The Africa First Short Film Program is not a grant. Recipients will retain full ownership of the copyright to their projects as well as all distribution rights throughout the world except for North America; however, for and in consideration of the Award, Award Recipients shall grant to Sponsor (i) the exclusive right in perpetuity to distribute and otherwise exploit the Project in North America in any and all media whether now known or hereafter discovered; (ii) the non-exclusive worldwide right in perpetuity to the exploit the Project on the Internet, including, without limitation, the right to upload the Project to the Website, and to permit visitors to view and download the Project; and (iii) the right of first negotiation for derivative production rights in and to the Project such as sequels, prequels, remakes, and other adaptations.

Applicant Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, of African nationality, and must have resided in Africa for a minimum of two (2) years at any time before applying.
• Applicants must be independent producers. This means that the individual applicants:
  • own the copyright of their production;
  • have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control of their project;
  • are not regularly employed by a public or commercial broadcast entity.
• Applicant/co-applicant must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (producer, co-producer, director, or co-director) as demonstrated by a sample DVD or videotape of completed work submitted with application.

Requirements 
All projects entered into the Focus Features Africa First Short Film Program must meet the requirements below:

• Produced in continental Africa;
• 5-25 minutes in length with narratives taking place exclusively in Africa. Feature and/or documentary submissions will not be accepted;
• In preproduction, production, or postproduction;
• Project must be filmed in continental Africa and contribute to the development of the local film industry by using local key production staff and using local facilities;
• All Program documents must be written in the English language; however, if the original language of the screenplay was not in the English language, an English-language translation of the screenplay is acceptable;
• Project must be either (i) in the English language or (ii) if not, be delivered with English-language subtitles in 16mm, Super 16mm, 35mm, HDTV, DigiBeta, or Beta format.

Deadlines
Applications must be fully completed and postmarked by August 22nd, 2011 and received by the September 6th, 2011 deadline in order for your application to be accepted. Individuals can only submit one film per cycle. Submissions that are made with an incomplete application or applications that are submitted without the supporting materials will be disqualified. Submissions that are obscene, pornographic, libelous, or otherwise objectionable will also be disqualified. Recipients will be notified by October 3rd, 2011 of their status and must be available to travel to New York City for the Summit Weekend of November 3rd to 7th, 2011.

Award Selection
The final selection of up to five (5) award recipients will be made by Completion Films and the Focus production team, with the final decision being made by Focus. Projects will be judged by taking into consideration such factors as originality, creativity, quality, and artistic contribution to African filmmaking.

To Download the Application Package and read more about the Africa First Short Film Program, visit the website – http://www.focusfeatures.com/africafirst/apply.php

Source: http://www.bellanaija.com

FIGHTING PIRACY WITH LAMENTATIONS

Written By Ayo Solarin, an intellectual Property/Music &; Film Business Lawyer 

LAGOS STATE Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is wise. His antidote for piracy in Nigeria – a strategic constructive engagement with the “pirates” - is probably the most intelligent thing as yet from anyone on piracy in Nigeria.

The record companies which ruled the Nigerian music industry between 1980s and 1990s distributed their products through local distribution networks which controlled the retail markets. Most of these record companies collapsed because they did not adopt new business strategies to meet technological changes of the time; from vinyl to cassettes and CDs. The skeletal music labels thereafter continued on the same risky path. Same applies to the home video industry (Nollywood) which started life as a result of business ingenuity of local distribution networks.

 Piracy is fuelled by sheer technological opportunism with easy access to readily available electronic devices that can mass produce copies within minutes. We have “home taping pirates” who ‘dub’ music/videos to save themselves the cost of buying original copies, and “commercial pirates” whose business is illicitly mass producing copies of original products for distribution into retail outlets.

The Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) recently reeled out a new distribution scheme based on registration of distributors. This is not pessimism: it took years of commitment and resources to create the existing local networks which extend to West Africa and other parts of Africa; so it iswishful thinking to expect the newly-licensed distributors to immediately establish national networks to dislodge them. The necessity of economic survival as rightly pointed out by Governor Fashola is the primary reason why those who earn their livelihood through the local networks will not go away in a hurry. Even so, what is NFVCB’s guarantee that they too, sooner or later, will not get caught up in commercial piracy?

Anyway, why would music/video producers wait and hope that the Nigeria Copyright Commission and NFVCB will wield magic wands that will eradicate piracy? This kind of lackadaisical attitude and unprogressive expectation was the undoing of the record companies and the primary cause of Nollywood’s plunge into recession in recent times. It is suicidal for producers to abandon their business caps and allow non-business-oriented government bodies to make crucial business decisions that would shape the future of the entertainment industry and the pockets of its practitioners.

Commercial piracy is fuelled by financial deficiencies in the market place rather than by anti-social behaviour. The most pronounced deficiency is producers not controlling or getting involved in the reproduction and release processes. And in situations where they do carry out the reproduction themselves, they hardly press enough products to meet market demands. Nigeria is a nation of 150 million people; therefore the release of fewer than 1.5 million cds or vcds, cannot meet market demand. The unmet demand is what commercial pirates meet with illegal copies that run into millions. This opportunism is definitely not unique to Nigeria; what is, is that producers are doing little or nothing strategic to redress the threatening situation. The time has come when music labels and home video producers must work collectively in seeking practical business solutions that will remove or at least reduce this market deficiency to the barest minimum. The good news is that encryption technologies that can restrict both home taping and commercial piracy are now available. When this is combined with carefully planned marketing strategies and value-added promotional incentives, it will spur on more consumers to buy original copies and errant local distributors/retailers would have to rethink their trade.. These are necessary fundamental business steps that have to be taken to woo interest and encourage the corporate banking and finance sector to invest in the entertainment industry.

The foregoing must be supported by other key strategies that will re-orientate and assimilate the local networks/retailers bringing them in as stakeholders and partners forming an important economic base of the entertainment industry. Similar strategies are known to be working successfully in Jamaica, a developing nation like ours, and the largest exporter of internationally acclaimed reggae music, where pirate distributors were offered a new deal and assimilated into the business. Interestingly, they are now the foot soldiers giving protection to music products within given territories. New legislations, tweaking the copyright laws to give more powers to NCC or NFVCB, or legal actions that unfortunately linger in court for years and resolve practically nothing in the market place at the end of the day are clearly not the business way forward for an ailing entertainment industry.

Music/video producers establish private infrastructure that will act as 24/7 vigilante/inspection bodies to protect their products and watch over them in the markets. Section 21 of the Copyright Act allows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, it shall be permissible for both criminal and civil actions to be taken simultaneously in respect of the same infringement under this Act.” Thus, while NCC handles criminal proceedings, affected producers can bring collective civil actions for financial restitution in addition to organising strategic marketing through private infrastructure. After all, producers earn nothing from criminal actions. The proposed infrastructure would act as a one-stop shop for all producers to bring civil actions, rather than piecemeal, and use that power to sanitise the markets.

Ayo Solarin is an intellectual Property/Music & Film Business Lawyer and Member of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers

(c) Ayo Solarin, Zedakah Entertainment Consultants UK, 2010

 Source: http://ayo-ipmattersandbusinesssolutions.blogspot.com

Nigerian actress to star in Ukranian movie

Omoni Oboli

Sultry Nigerian actress Omoni Oboli isn’t probably as popular as her other colleagues including the likes of Omotola, Genevieve, Ini Edo etc. Her luck has been spontaneous packages but albeit big packages. Months ago, Omoni struck her luck again with a multinational company as their new iconic figure in all advertorials, a contract worth thousands of dollars.

And no sooner had she struck the deal in the months past that another deal has come knocking, a movie project in Ukraine set to worth triples of the current amount she receives for the roles she features in making a Nigerian movie. The details of the deal is still quite sketchy,, but whatever the case, it’s a good opportunity for one of Nollywood’s own to export the talent and African brand into eastern Europe.

Would you care to have walked the same line as Omoni?

Africanmoviesnews.com

Ini Edo and Yemi Blaq to host Best of Nollywood Awards Event

Ini Edo

Fellow actress Ini Edo and actor Yemi Blaq have been chosen to host this year’s Best Of Nolloywood (BON) awards scheduled for Friday Novenr 11 2011. The organizers of the awards wanted to raise the standards for this year and therefore decided on the pair to replace last year’s hosts Chioma Chukwuka and Deji Falope.
In preparation for the event, organizers have been accepting entries and screening the works submitted to meet the basic standards. They have also been gradually releasing the categories that would be up for grabs includes:
1. Fresh and Scandal Free movie category: $2,500 award money and an all-expense paid trip to Doha.
NOMINEES: Nse Etim Ikpe, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Queen Nwokoye, Chika Ike, Bhaira Mc’Wizu and Mbong Amata;
(Yoruba): Sola Asadeko, Mistura Asunramu, Eniola Badmus, Taiwo Aromokun, Biodun Okeowo and Sola Kosoko.

Yemi Blaq

2. TV Presenter of the Year
NOMINEES: Efe Tommy Adabamu, Adams Ibrahim Adebola, Teju Babyface and Tee A
3. Radio Presenter of the year
NOMINEES: Matse, Tootlz, Gbemi and Freeze
4. Most promising actor and actress (Male & Female)
NOMINEES: Yomi Gold, Gbenga Animasahun, Seun Akindele, Trybson and Zubby Michael on the list with Bola Pius, Bidemi Kosoko, Moyo Lawal, Ivie Okujaye, Ejiro Okurame and Uru Eke.
The Best Of Nollywood organizers surely have made a good pick of host for this years event and we’ll keep you posted with any new development.


Africanmoviesnews.com

Nigerian President, Goodluck E. Jonathan Inuaguration on SUN/29/MAY 2011

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was on Sunday inaugurated at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the capital city.

At a colourful ceremony attended by 38 heads of governments, the Bayelsa State born politician who first became President after the death of the former President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua last year, promised to transform the country.

Photo: President Goodluck Jonathan(left) taking oath of office on Sunday. With him, Registrar of Supreme Court Mr Oladahunsi and Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Aloysious Kastina Alu at during the inauguration of the President at Eagle Square Abuja on 29/05/2011.

The President’s ceremonial oath taking and appending of signature preceded by that of his vice, Namadi Sambo were conducted between 12.45pm and ended 1pm.

The Nigeria President and the First Lady.

With corruption seen as the major obstacle to the growth of Nigeria, Jonathan pledged to fight corruption for the nation’s limited resources to be deployed for common growth and that he would actively promote the development of the Niger Delta region.

In his inaguration speech, he made case for technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organizations. He said his administration portended a new era for Africa while Nigeria will lead the process for democracy and development in the continent.

“The moment is right. The signs are heart-warming. We are ready to take off on the path of sustained growth and economic development. In our economic strategy, there will be appropriate policy support to the real sector of the economy, so that Small and Medium Enterprises may thrive. Nigeria is blessed

with enormous natural wealth, and my Administration will continue to encourage locally owned enterprises to take advantage of our resources in growing the domestic economy. A robust private sector is vital to providing jobs for our rapidly expanding population. But this must be a collaborative effort,” he said.

“We must form technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organizations. We live in an age where no country can survive on its own; countries depend on each other for economic well-being. Nigeria is no different. Returns on investment in Nigeria remain among the highest in the world. We will continue to welcome sustainable investment in our economy.

“We will push programs and policies that will benefit both local and foreign businesses, but we must emphasize mutual benefits and win-win relationships. The overall ongoing reforms in the banking and financial sectors are therefore designed to support the real sector of the economy.

All hail Nigeria's first family

Among the heads of governments who graced the occasion include the President of Uganda, Zimbabwe, Sao-Tome and Principe, Liberia, Senegal, South Africa, Republic of Niger, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Cote de’ Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo -Brazzaville Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea -Bissau, Gabon, Guinea -Conakry, Mauritania, Namibia, Rwanda, Saharawi Republic, Mali, Togo, Ghana, Gambia, Zambia, Benin and Chad.

The visiting vice Presidents include, the Federal Republic of Korea, Burundi, Gambia, Kenya and Tanzania and former Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda.

Also present were the Prime Ministers of Swaziland, Georgia and Ethiopia The Mayor of Dallas in the United States of America was also present. Ghana former President, Jerry Rawlings and his wife were also present.

Former Nigerian presidents and Head of States, present were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu

Shagari, General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Abdulsalami Abubakar as well as former Vice President Alex Ekuweme.

State governors across Nigeria also took their oath of office today. The governors of Imo and Ogun States, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim and Mr. Olugbenga Justin Daniel, did not attend the swearing-in ceremonies in their states having fled days before. ??In Oyo State, the outgoing governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, did not attend the swearing in ceremony of his successor in Ibadan, but reportedly made a surprise appearance in Ogbomosho, his home town, for a thanksgiving church service

Story by Victor Iluyemi (info@worldstagegroup.com)