As the release date gets closer, the official trailer for the JAF Alliance’s first effort – Something Wicked has been released and the upcoming movie promises action, drama and suspense.
Directed by Yemi Morafa, ‘Something Wicked’ is the story of a widow (Hauwa), whose recently orphaned nephew (Abel), moves into her Lagos home after the murder of his parents in a sectarian crisis in a Northern Nigerian city.
The family’s bond is tested when they are thrown in a life-threatening situation and we see how easily misunderstandings lead to misconceptions and premonitions are sometimes the only warning we get, in this game of life and death.
The film stars Iretiola Doyle, Adesua Etomi, Okey Uzoeshi, Gabriel Afolayan, Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Beverly Naya, Timini Egbuson, Omowunmi Dada, Keira Hewatch, Bisola Aiyeola and Emem Ufot.
There’s a brand new comedy drama hitting the screens soon that would have you laughing all through its entire viewing. “A Million Baby” features Odunlade Adekola, Ada Ameh, Ayo Binta Mogaji, Tony Akposhere, Moradeke Adegboyega, Seun Akindele, Omobola Akinde, Ibukun and Ire Salako also introducing Tayo Oluoti.
The film “A Million Baby” was shot by Jeleel Adegbite and directed by Sunshine Olawore under the stables of Just Distinguish Productions and produced by Moradeke Adegboyega and Olakunle Oni.
The movie shows us Janet (Moradeke Adegboyega), a comfortable family woman who loves to give and help the needy. A simple mechanical issue lands her in the company of Morufu (Odunlade), Mama Oyinye (Ada Ameh) and Johny (Tony Akposhere). However, Janet fails victim of her goodwill. Get ready for this hilarious movie.
Prepare to be entertained as it premieres in a cinema near you.
See Behind the Scenes pictures below
Follow on Instagram @amillionbabymovie for updates
With her turn playing the iconic ‘Oye Agunbiade’ on the Africa Magic’s telenovela ‘Hush’ finally winding up, Ade Laoye is set to make her big screen debut in celebrated film maker, Kunle Afolayan’s upcoming movie titled Tribunal.
Tribunal revolves around a once brilliant lawyer who hits rock bottom in his career but gets a chance at redemption when he is approached to take part in a new case by a young ambitious lawyer, Tanimowo played by Ade Laoye.
The upcoming movie also stars Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde, Funsho Adeolu, Nobert Young and Damilola Ogunsi.
Tribunal is sponsored by Multichoice in partnership with Kunle Afolayan and is set for cinematic release in April 2017.
Hilarious comedy flick, ‘Hire A Man’ from the stables of Chinneylove Eze will be hitting the cinema screen across the country from Friday, February 10, 2017.
The movie features stellar performances from some of Nollywood’s finest such as Enyinna Nwigwe, Ik Ogbonna, Zynell Zuh, Nancy Isime, Shaffy Bello, Desmond Elliot, Daniel Llyod, Keppy Epeyoung Bassey, Bayray Mcnwizu and so many others.
It is a gripping and engaging comic love story that gives an insight on the pressures that single, successful women face to get married in our immediate society.
The movie which won three out of its eight nominations from the recently concluded 2016 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards is directed by award-winning director, Desmond Elliot.
The drama unfolds when the character named Tishe, has a lingering rivalry with her younger sister Teni. She is therefore pressured into hiring a man to pose as her fiancé when Teni calls home to inform their parents that she would be returning home with her fiancé for their yearly family retreat. The quest to meet her family’s expectation leads to the various dramatic and comical scenes that follow the story.
Hire A Man, which will be in cinemas from February 10, is a movie that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and eventually make you want to find true love, if you haven’t already. It is a must-see for all especially this valentine season, said the producer.
The movie has a lot going for it—a promising comedy, a fun premise, and a heartfelt love story at its center—and the trailer is quite catchy.
The most anticipated movie of the year, 10 days in Sun City is finally upon us.
This time, AY takes us on a journey to the beautiful Sun City in South Africa with fellow cast members – Richard Mofe Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Gbenro Ajibade, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Falz, 2face Idibia, Alibaba, Alexx Ekubo, Yvonne Jegede, Annie Idibia, Uti Nwachukwu, Fathia Balogun and more.
The premiere took place on Saturday 17th June 2017 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos with the movie set to be released today, Friday June 23rd 2017.
Aside the A-list Nigerian cast, the hilarious star-studded comedy, shot in Sun City: Northern West Province of South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria also features Miguel Nunez Jr. a Hollywood actor and an equally hilarious South African cast consisting, the sensational Amanda Du Pont, comedian Thenjiwe Moseley, Celeste Ntuli and lots more.
Mohammed Tanko, Ayo Makun , Jennifer Awoh, Hloni Pitso (Regional Manager South African Tourism) at the 10 days in Sun City premiere
10 days in Sun City is directed by award-winning South African-based Nigerian Director Adze Ugah, written by award-winning writer-director Kehinde Ogunlola and produced by Ayo Makun, Darlington Abuda and Kirsty Galliard.
South African tourism, has an incredible passion for innovation, culture and community, and we’re happy to help bring alive this movie alongside The Sun International who hosted the cast and crew to a variety of treatments Sun City has to offer.
Didier Bayeye of Sun International, Jennifer Awoh and Hloni Pitso
One of Africa’s premier vacation destinations, Sun City in South Africa is internationally recognized for its superb resort, offering of hotels, attractions and world-class events. From adventure sports and safari options to a world-famous golf course and a wide variety of rides and games, Sun City provided the perfect background for the cast to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Perhaps one of the stand out scenes from the movie is the Elephant Sanctuary scene which features the stars having an interactive elephant experience. Some of the breath-taking scenes in the movie to look out for are: Hartebeespoort Dam, which is an hour away from Sun City. Locally known as Harties, Hartebeespoort Dam is as famous for its sunset cruises as it is for the Lesedi Cultural village, a world heritage site which showcases the fascinating cultures and tradition of the people of South Africa.
Hloni Pitso and AY Makun
The scenes in Johannesburg, which is only two hours away from Sun City, showcases the famous Sandton City and the world renowned Nelson Mandela Square. Soweto also made for a vibrant and colourful background to the movie, sitting thirty minutes south-west of Johannesburg, scenes were captured from Hector Peterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived.
South Africa continues to support increased economic cooperation between the Southern and Western African regions. This relationship is pivotal to maintaining an economically vibrant and resilient Africa that grows through partnerships between nations.
SA Consul General Darkey Africa
Mr Hloni Pitso regional manager for South African Tourism in West Africa, said of the partnership:
“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr AY Makun on what promises to be yet another blockbuster production. AY is a passionate, determined, dedicated and hardworking individual. This time last year on one of South African Tourism’s influencer hosting trips AY saw opportunities as he travelled through out South Africa. He did not hesitate to seize the opportunity when he decided that this had to be a location for his next movie. A year later, we are here in Lagos for the movie premiere to watch the much anticipated movie “10 Days in Sun City”.
We saw this partnership as an opportunity not only to showcase South Africa as a holiday and business destination but also as a platform to encourage inter-Africa travel. It is important for Africans to explore their own land and discover its people. It is through travel and tourism that we can learn about each other’s historical and cultural heritages.
Tourism, entertainment, arts and culture are the key sectors that have the potential to unify this continent through people to people relations for the better advancement of Africa. We are seeing this more and more lately through music collaborations, comedy and now movies. I trust we will see more of such partnerships and collaborations. Africa united, only greater things can come.
For more details on the variety of experiences visit southafrica.net.
A charming, new romantic comedy from EbonyLife Films, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, will be screened for the very first time at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2017.
The movie is the only Nigerian selection and one of just three African features in the Contemporary World Cinema category, which spotlights forty-eight of the best new films worldwide.
Set in Lagos and London, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel tells the story of a disillusioned London chef, ‘Ope’, who returns to Nigeria and discovers that going home can bring unexpected surprises. This is director Ishaya Bako’s second feature, following his debut, The Road to Yesterday. The cast includes Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Deyemi Okanlawon and O.C. Ukeje, with veteran actors Rachel Oniga, Jide Kosoko, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, many of whom are expected to join the director in Toronto for the screening.
The soundtrack features a score by award-winning musician, Cobhams Asuquo, and songs by leading Nigerian artistes including, Romeo and Juliet by Johnny Drille; Chemistry by Falz and Simi; Skintight by Mr. Eazi; and Tonight, Ocean and Radio by Nonso Amadi.
Mo Abudu, Executive Producer, is thrilled about the upcoming premiere.
“The Royal Hibiscus Hotel has been a passion project for me – the chance to tell an intimate story that has heart and soul, and explores romantic love in the older and younger generations. The film addresses some of the challenges around communication in relationships, while managing to be funny, warm and entertaining. Many of us have forgotten what it feels like to fall in love – I hope The Royal Hibiscus Hotel re-ignites this feeling in us all,”
Receiving such a significant accolade is important because it identifies the movie as a quality title. It is the second time an EbonyLife film has been chosen for TIFF, the world’s most important publicly attended film festival. The first was for the blockbuster, The Wedding Party, which went on to become the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time.
The TIFF premiere of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is good news for filmmakers in Nigeria and the continent – and provides further confirmation that positive African stories are attaining global recognition, which is indicative of improved scripting and higher production values.
Major Nigerian bank, Fidelity and Guinness Nigeria Plc are keen supporters of the film.
According to Adenike Adebola, Guinness Nigeria Plc’s Marketing Director – Guinness, Spirits and Reserve,
“Johnnie Walker celebrates the journeys of the Nigerian Film Industry. For us, the selection of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel to screen at TIFF represents even more of the inspiration that abounds within the next generation of storytellers in Nollywood. We are fully vested in our belief that our films have a rightful place on the global stage.”
Charles Aigbe, Divisional Head, Brands & Communications, Fidelity Bank was equally pleased of the association. “We are proud to be partnering with EbonyLife Films on changing the Nigerian and African narrative,” he said.
Check out the trailer below
The 2017 edition of The Toronto International Film Festival will take place from September 7-17. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is scheduled for release in February 2018.
Organisers of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) have announced the return of the festival for 2017. Scheduled to run from October 29 to November 4, 2017, the annual event marks AFRIFF’s 7th season of celebrating African cinema in Nigeria.
At a glitzy media launch which took place at British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos, Tuesday night, the atmosphere tells of how eager industry players are, for another week of cinematic experience, business networking, movie premieres, film screenings, industry sessions, master classes, workshops, the Globe Awards, and other events that have become the hallmark of the AFRIFF journey since it made debut in 2010.
It is a season of international collaborations for AFRIFF with the French government coming in to strengthen its commercial and artistic exchanges with Nigeria. “The importance of AFRIFF, that is growing year after year, is a wonderful showcase for us,” says French Consul General, Lagos, Mr. Laurent Polonceaux, who described the annual event as “one of the most important film festivals in Africa.”
Interestingly, AFRIFF 2017 is dedicating two days – November 2-3, 2017 to French films. This is just as British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities is bringing the London BFI (British Film Institute) into a new partnership with AFRIFF. Tagged ‘Film Connections’, the British Council’s partnership also aims to share knowledge and give pep to co-production opportunities between filmmakers from Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
AFRIFF Founder/Executive Director Ms. Chioma Ude announced ‘Waiting for Hassana’, a short film by Ifunanya ‘funa’ Maduka (Nigeria/US) and a feature, ‘I Am Not a Witch’ by Rungano Nyoni (Zambia) as the opening night films while ‘Felicite’, an Oscar contender by Alain Gomis (France/Senegal) is the closing night film.
Ude said AFRIFF is well prepared to host filmmakers and actors from around the world this year, noting that the festival continues to attract interests with a record of 3,232 film entries received this year alone. She announced the films in competition which include 24 shorts, 11 documentaries and 14 feature length films, while all the films in official selection will be uploaded to the festival website on October 9.
According to British Council Head of Arts, West Africa, Ojoma Ochai, “As part of the Film Connections project, the 2017 AFRIFF will open with the screening of the Rungano Nyoni film ‘I Am Not a Witchaq’, on the 29th of October. There will also be screening of several acclaimed British feature and short films during the festival – showing for the first time in Nigeria, including ‘Whitney ‘Can I Be Me’ by multi-award winning British Documentarian, Nick Broomfield; ‘Under the Shadow’ by Babak Anvari, winner of the 2017 BAFTA award for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer; and ‘A Moving Image’ by Shola Amoo.”
“During the two days devoted to French cinema,” says Polonceaux, “we will welcome here in Lagos, high level professionals working in the production and distribution, and last but not the least, because it is a fundamental element in the funding of the cinema industry, I particularly would like to mention the participation of David Kessler, the Managing Director of Studio Orange and the Director of Orange Content. He’s a leading figure in the French cinema industry. He was among other important positions, the former director of the CNC.”
He noted that, for the first time in France, “two Nollywood movies (The Dinner and 10 Days in Sun City) have been commercially released two weeks ago. That’s a first step, but I am sure it will intensify in the coming years.”
The five French movies that will be screened during AFRIFF include ‘Step by Step’, an emotional movie about the physical reconstruction of a man after a serious accident; ‘Wulu’, a Franco-Malian film, ‘Boarders’, a road-trip between Bamako and Lagos; French Blockbuster ‘Valerian’ by Luc Besson, and ‘He Even Has Your Eyes’, the story of Paul and Sali, a married couple who have been struggling to adopt a child for a long time.
Following a series of successful screenings in some of the biggest festival across the globe, West African romantic comedy ‘Potato Potahto’ will kick off its cinematic releases across the continent from November 2017.
Potato Potahto opens in Nigerian and South African cinemas on the 24th of November and makes its way to Ghanaian screens on the 30th of November.
Directed by award winning Ghanaian film maker Shirley Frimpong-Manso; the film stars OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chris Attoh, Lala Akindoju, Adjetey Anang, Victoria Michaels and Nikki Samonas. The movie tells the story of a divorced couple whose plans to share their matrimonial home results in chaos after the husband, Tony, brings in an attractive female house help. When his ex-wife, Lulu, then hires an attractive young man to help her out, a roller coaster ride of laughter, jealousy and tears ensues.
Producer Inya Lawal is ecstatic about the movie’s upcoming cinematic release; “We have taken Potato Potahto round the world to an incredibly warm reception, we cannot wait to bring it to cinemas home in Africa, this is just the beginning! “ she explained
For South African filmmaker Bonginhlanhla‘Mr. B’Ncube, more African film makers should adopt Potato Potahto’s unique form of pan-African collaborations. “This collaboration is a true representation of Africans coming together and saying, ‘we own this space, our continent, our people,’ let’s serve them and tell those African stories-to our people”. Mr. B attended the Cannes Film Festival premiere of the film and immediately invited the Producers to release the film in South Africa, his production company Sukuma Media which released the action comedy flick, Safe Bet (2016), is actively involved in the South African release.
Director Shirley Frimpong-Manso reflects on the film’s journey; “It has been a whirlwind taking our labour of love across the world. I have truly been overwhelmed by the universal acceptance of the movie, the unusual storyline and our incredible cast; I look forward to when Potato Potahtofinally hits the cinemas.”
Potato Potahto has been screened to rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival, the Durban International Film Festival, the British Urban Film Festival, and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival. It was the first Nollywood film to screen at the Chelsea Film Festival and it heads to the American Film Market, the African International Film Festival and the Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival in November.
Potato Potahto is a co-production of Ascend Studios, 19 April Entertainment Virgo Sun Ltd, Lufodo Productions and WB Entertainment.
IK Ogbonna and Nikky Ufondu produced “Excess Luggage” is set to be out in Cinemas nationwide from Friday October 20, 2017.
The movie which had its press screening at the Filmhouse Imax Cinemas, Lekki was attended by top Nollywood actors and movie lovers.
Excess Luggage tells the story of an illiterate village man with his family headed to a church summit but their car breaks down, they have no choice but to stay with an unlikely and unfriendly but wealthy and sophisticated family member.
Directed by Damiljo Efe Young, Excess Luggage stars IK Ogbonna, Queen Nwokoyem Mike Ezurounye, Denrele Edun, Fred Amata and Shaffy Bello.
Check out some pictures from the screening below
Adunni AdeAlexx EkuboBryan OkwaraDenrele and Beverly Osu
Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Potato Potahto, the first Nollywood film to ever premiere at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York, premiered on 21st October and had in attendance Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Ken Attoh, Joselyn Dumas and Nikki Samonas.
72 short films from 19 countries were screened at the 5th edition of the festival which was founded by Ingrid Jean-Baptiste. A day before this premiere, the movie bagged four awards at the inaugural edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. Awards received include Best Feature Film (Nollywood), Best Costume, Special jury awards for best actor (OC Ukeje) and Best Actress (Joselyn Dumas).
Potato Potahto tells the story of a divorced couple whose plans to share their matrimonial home results in chaos after the husband, Tony (OC Ukeje), brings in an attractive female house help. When his ex-wife, Lulu (Joselyn Dumas), then hires an attractive young man to help her out, a roller coaster ride of laughter, jealousy and tears ensues.
Already screened at five other international festivals, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and the Durban Urban Film Festival, Potato Potahto is a collaboration between Ascend Studios, 19 April Entertainment, Virgo Sun Ltd, Lufodo Productions and WB Entertainment.
The movie is set for release in Nigeria and South Africa on the 24th of November and Ghana on the 30th of November
After an exciting opening at the last Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), New York-based filmmakers, Melissa Adeyemo and Abbesi Akhamie, are proud to announce that their latest short film, ‘Still Water Runs Deep’, will be having its African premiere at this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The film tells the intimate story of a stern father, whose concealed emotions begin to stir when faced with the portent of a missing son. Veteran theater and film actor, Toyin Oshinaike, leads an all-star cast that includes Rita Edward and Yemi Adebiyi.
The film’ World Premiere a TIFF received a warm reception, where it opened to two full-house screenings.
‘Still Water Runs Deep’ was written and directed by recent New York University MFA graduate, Abbesi Akhamie and produced by Melissa Adeyemo. The duo are truly excited about presenting the film to Nigerian audiences.
As AFRIFF opens on Sunday, Melissa will be in attendance along with the cast for the film’s first screening on Monday, October 30 at 2:30 PM at the Genesis Cinema, Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos. An additional screening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30 PM at the same venue.
The film is in competition at the festival for Best Student Short.
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF,) the biggest film gathering this side of the Atlantic, kick-started its 7th Season in spectacular style, at a ceremony heavy on star wattage, Sunday night, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos.
This year, there was a double dose of films, as the opening night selection consisted of one short film, ‘Waiting for Hassana’, an ode to the missing Chibok girls, abducted from their secondary school in 2014, directed by Ifunanya Maduka, and the Zambian entry, ‘I am not a Witch’, helmed by Rungano Nyoni.
Both films were selected on the strength of their merits, as they highlight important topical social issues relating to African children.
Kemi Lala Akindoju, Wale Ojo, Uche Jombo, Linda Ejiofor, Hilda Dokubo and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi were some of the A-list stars who made their appearance on the red carpet.
Others dignitaries include filmmakers and film entrepreneurs such as Biola Alabi, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Fred Amata, Zick Zulu Okafor, Kunle Afolayan, CJ Obasi, Belinda Yanga, Kenneth Uphopho, as well as media personalities like Shaibu Husseini and Ameyaw Debrah from Ghana.
Delegates from around the world were welcomed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who expressed his administration’s willingness to support the creative industry through grants, tax breaks and funding opportunities.
Mr. Herbert Wigwe, patron of the festival and Managing Director of Access Bank, which returns as lead sponsor pledged his- and his bank’s- support for filmmakers, especially through the AFRIFF/Accelerate Filmmakers Project, an initiative set up to help aspiring youthful filmmakers fast track their ideas and nurture them to reality. Wigwe also stressed the importance of film as a powerful tool for Africans to tell their own stories, separate from the usual story of poverty that has been championed by the Western media.
Representing the Governor of Lagos state, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, welcomed delegates to the centre of excellence and positioned AFRIFF as “one of the leading creative platforms in Africa that has been consistent, truly awe inspiring and which has found the Lagos arty landscape compatible with its own vision.”
Introducing the opening night films, former governor of Akwa Ibom state and current Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio gave a lengthy account of his efforts to bring the exaggerated problem of witchcraft, associated to children in the state to an end. According to Akpabio, his administration had succeeded through education, convictions and rehabilitation in halting the dangerous trend.
Also speaking at the event, French Consul General, Lagos, Mr. Laurent Polonceaux said; “This is a great opportunity for us because this is the first time that the French government is involved with Africa. We will be having two days at the festival for French films, with possibility of co-production with Nigeria and Africa.” He noted that it was good that the festival will be closing with the French film, ‘Felicite’, and disclosed that arrangement has been made to have about 70 film students for further training in France as an exchange programme with AFRIFF.
The Africa International Film Festival is an annual week-long, all-encompassing world class showcase running from October 29 to November 4, 2017.
About 200 carefully curated feature length, short, documentary and student films will be screened this year. The festival also encompasses talent development classes, industry workshops and inspiring creative discussions.
See pictures below
AFRIFF Founder, Chioma Ude and Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai MohammedAFRIFF Patron & MD Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe and AFRIFF Founder, Chioma UdeBiola AlabiInformation and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Chioma Ude, AFRIFF Founder & Executive DirectorL-R. Funa Maduka, Chioma Ude, Kunle Afolayan, Hilda Dokubo and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve AyorindeL-R. Kunle Afolayan, Jay Franklin and Don OmopeMahmood Ali-Balogun, Chioma Ude, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Fidelis Anosike2nd from left – Mr. Herbert Wigwe (AFRIFF Patron & MD, Access Bank Plc) and Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed
The ELFIKE Film Collective, a partnership between EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios, released an official trailer and new poster for The Wedding Party 2 on November 1st.
While it is no secret that the cast is returning for another wedding – this time in Dubai – this continuation of the original Nollywood smash hit promises to be doubly funny and colourful, with spectacular views of one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Films, is excited about the official trailer and new poster release. “We are thrilled to be able to give eager fans a bigger taste of what they can expect from the movie in December. Without question, the wait will be worth it,” she said.
According to Chinaza Onuzo, Co-founder, Inkblot Productions, “The trailer is a fun way to reveal some of The Wedding Party 2 story. Audiences will enjoy its narrative, possibly even more than the original film. It was a pleasure developing the plot and bringing it to life.”
Moses Babatope, COO, FilmOne Distribution, is excited about what these new media assets mean for the international release of the film. “The exotic locations, hilarious storyline and diverse cast will connect with movie fans across Africa, Europe and North America. We think everyone will fall in love with the big, crazy and colourful Nigerian wedding.”
The newly revealed visuals leave no doubt that likeThe Wedding Party, the sequel remains a quality feature with high-production values that concurrently entertains and flies the flag for Nollywood.
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai will have its Lagos premiere on December 10, with cinema release on December 15 in Nigeria.
After several months of sold out, award winning screenings in some of the biggest film festivals across the globe, West African romantic comedy ‘Potato Potahto’ on the 16th of November held a star studded premiere at the IMAX cinema in Lekki.
In attendance were industry icons and a roll call of stars including Olu Jacobs, Mo Abudu, Biola Alabi, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Betty Irabor and others. They joined the film’s A list cast and crew including Shirley Frimpong Manso, Joselyn Dumas, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lala Akindoju, Nikki Samonas and Inya Lawal. Other stars in attendance included Ufuoma Mc Dermott, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kunle Remi, Tope Tedela, Omoye Uzamere, Lilian Esoro, Ndidi Nwuneli and others.
The premiere was hosted by rising star actress Ade Laoye who opened the screening with a fun rendition of the Potato Potahto chorus off of ‘Louis Armstrong’s ‘Let’s Call it off.’ There were a lot of laughs at the end of the gripping romantic comedy.
Joke Silva who doubled as costar and producer also expressed her gratitude; “Nigeria finally gets to see our labour of love, I am incredibly grateful for the turnout and the strong support from our colleagues, friends and family, we hit the cinemas next!”
“I am thankful for the support of our amazing cast and crew and all our partners who have believed in the vision and supported us in bringing our ideas to life,” explained producer Inya Lawal. Thank you, thank you all! She added.
Directed by award winning Ghanaian film maker Shirley Frimpong- Manso; the film stars OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chris Attoh, Lala Akindoju, Adjetey Anang, Victoria Michaels and Nikki Samonas. The movie tells the story of a divorced couple whose plans to share their matrimonial home results in chaos after the husband, Tony, brings in an attractive female house help. When his ex-wife, Lulu, then hires an attractive young man to help her out, a roller coaster ride of laughter, jealousy and tears ensues.
Potato Potahto is a co-production of Ascend Studios, 19 April Entertainment Virgo Sun Ltd and Lufodo Productions . It hits Nigerian and South African cinemas on the 24th of November and makes its way to Ghanaian screens on the 30th of November.
See pictures from the premiere below
Joke Silva and Betty IraborJoselyn DumasJoke Silva
Mo AbuduLala Akindoju
Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs
Shirley Fimpong Manso, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Joselyn Dumas
Joselyn DumasShirley Frimpong Manso
Guests settling in for the movie
Kate Henshaw
Photo Credit – Ayamolowo Photography For Ascend Studios
African film Potato Potahto which has been screened to critical acclaim globally is finally set for the cinemas. Potato Potahto will start showing in Nigerian cinemas today Friday, 24th November 2017.
The film packs a stellar cast including: OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chris Attoh, Lala Akindoju, Adjetey Anang, Victoria Michaels and Nikki Samonas. Directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the movie tells the story of a divorced couple whose plans to share their matrimonial home results in chaos after the husband, Tony, brings in an attractive female house help. When his ex-wife Lulu, then hires an attractive young man to help her out, a roller coaster ride of laughter, jealousy and tears ensues.
It will be released in Nigerian and South African cinemas tomorrow 24th November, and 30th November in Ghana.
It’s the start of a new year and that can only mean one thing – its time for a new edition of NollywoodWeek film festival, the premiere festival that brings the top Nigerian films to the big screen. Ok, maybe that isn’t the ONLY thing the New Year means but it should definitely be on your radar for 2018.
The organizers are currently in the process of selecting the films for the upcoming 6th edition of the festival, which is scheduled to take place from May 3-6th2018 in Paris, France, the birthplace of cinema.
Previous editions featured top Nigerian films such as The Wedding Party, Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and the World Premiere of the thriller, Catcher, just to name a few and the festival has hosted many Nigerian directors and stars such as Adesua Atomi, OC Ukeje, Rita Dominique, Ramsey Noah, Chris Attoh and Omoni Oboli. Winners of the festivals have received international exposure and recognition leading to distribution deals and an Angenieux lenses to use towards developing their next projects.
Filmmakers interested in submitting their feature films, short films, music videos or animations for consideration should hurry as the deadline is February 16th.
Inkblot Productions and Filmone Distribution have gathered the industry’s biggest and fastest rising actors in their new film titled New Money.
The star-studded movie was directed by one of Nigeria’s celebrated female directors, Tope Oshin and boasts of a stellar cast ranging from Veterans Kate Henshaw, Femi Branch, Kalu Ikeagwu and Dakore Akande to Nollywood newbies Jemima Osunde and Adeolu Adefarasin
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, New Money was written by Chinaza Onuzo and follows the life of Toun Odumosu (played by Jemima Osunde), a young aspiring designer whose life changes following the death of an absentee tycoon father (Kalu Ikeagwu) who left her to fill his shoes. The comedy drama follows her coming to terms with her newfound riches and takes the audience through her journey as she tries to successfully merge her newfound wealth with her old life.
The film also features musician Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana and break out Instagram Comedian Wofai Fada who play major roles as Quam (Toun’s Boyfriend) and Binta (Toun’s best friend) respectively. Wale Ojo, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Osas Ajibade, Daniel Etim Effiong and Bikiya Graham- Douglas also bring their A- game.
New Money opens in cinemas from March 23, 2018 and judging by the released trailer, the two-hour movie will be jam-packed with drama, comedy and suspense.
Tokunbor Idowu aka TBoss has landed a role beside Banky W in the Anakle and Inkblot produced film “Up North”.
Tope Oshin is directing the movie from a script by Naz Onuzo and Bunmi Ajakaiye. The original story was by Editi Effiong
No plot details have been released, but we know that Up North will be shot in Lagos and Bauchi.
Since leaving the Big Brother Naija house last year, Tboss has amassed a list of film and TV credits, the last of which was MNET’s newest telenovela Ajoche.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, Banky W, Michelle Dede, T Boss and Rahama Sadau have been revealed as some of the faces that will star in the forthcoming Anakle Films and Inkblot productions Up North .
Up North is the coming of age story of a young rebellious heir whose NYSC year doesn’t go quite as planned. Shot in Lagos and Bauchi, Up North explores Love, friendship and family politics all of which collide, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Tope Oshin is directing the film from a script by Naz Onuzo and Bunmi Ajakaiye. The original story was by Editi Effiong. Up North also features Hilda Dokubo, Akin Lewis and Ibrahim Onimisi-Suleiman.
