The Cinematographer
Monday, December 4, 2023
The Cinematographer
Friday, December 1, 2023
All That Glitters is Not Gold in Nollywood
All is Not Well in Nollywood.and the Nigerian Film Industry.
All that glitters is not gold.
Majority of the producers. directors, actors. actresses and other practitioners in the Nigerian film industry are facing critical economic challenges ignored by the Nigerian government.
An official of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) invited me for a meeting on how to get distribution for thousands of new movies, because only about 100 -200 get acquired by the MultiChoice Group, Startimes, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Showmax. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) stations and local private TV stations don't have enough budgets to acquire the movies and series. The are grossly underfunded.
The loads of local content without acquisition and distribution are either on YouTube or put aside in drawers. The producers are heart broken and depressed, because their investments have failed to produce the returns on investment and have left them bankrupt.
The cinemas are having challenges due to high costs of recurrent expenditure in Nigeria.
If, you are in doubt, you must be from another planet.
We have humanitarian emergencies in Nollywood that most people are not bothered about.
I have always helped whenever I could in spite of my own critical economic challenges.
I have done my best for the overall benefit of all in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry and I am still doing my best locally and globally to increase the appreciation, acquisition and distribution of Nigerian movies and series.
Presently, I am targeting new Internatonal markets in the Americas, Asia and Eastern Europe where I have attracted potential partners for acquisition, distribution and co-production.
The federal government and responsible ministries must address these challenges if we want the best for Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series.
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013.
#nollywood
#economiccrunch
#bankruptcy
#producers
#directors
#filmmakers
#actors
#photographers
#cinematographers
#acquisition
#distribution
#production
#partnerships
#partners
#netflix
Memory of October 20, 2020 Has Been Released on Selar
"Memory of October 20, 2020" photo documentary on the aftermath of the tragic EndSARs protests in Lekki on October 20, 2020 in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria is of historical significance showing one of the survivors having sleepless nights of the nightmares. The photo documentary shows the 🌃 nightmares of his trauma.
View on Selar
#memoir
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
When the So Called Masterclass is not a Masterclass
When the So Called Masterclass is Not a Masterclass
"What makes a work of art a masterpiece is not the craft.
But the Imagination of the artist."
- Ekenyerengozi MichaeI Chima.
Some years ago, I was invited to participate in a Masterclass on Documentary Filmmaking by the Public Affairs Section of the Consulate of the United States of America in Lagos in the Documentary Showcase Program with American documentary filmmakers. Prominent Nigerian filmmakers in Nollywood were also invited. But the workshop was rushed by the American filmmaker teaching what was nothing new or different, but documentary filmmaking for beginners and what the Nigerian filmmakers already knew. He was teaching us what students in high school were taught in America.
Then the workshop ended abruptly without the completion of the most important sessions.
The American filmmaker started the presentation of Masterclass certificates to all the participants. But I refused to accept my own certificate with my name already written on it.
"We never had any masterclass on documentary filmmaking," I said.
The others were compelling me to accept it. I reluctantly collected it. But I dumped it later in the drawer of my desk in the office of Supple Communications Limited.
Finis.
#art
#artist
#masterpice
#craft
#masterclass
#workshop
#filmmaking
#filmmakers
#Nollywood
#America
#Nigeria
#documentary
#documentaryfilm
#showcase
#unitedstates
#consulate
#Lagos
#presentation
#certificate
#office
RECOMMENDED BOOKS BY EKENYERENGOZI MICHAEI CHIMA
Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.
Sunday, November 12, 2023
ZENITH 2024 Inaugural International Film Festival
ZENITH 2024
Zenith International Film Festival: Coming Soon!
Zenith International Film Festival is an annual independent film festival for the promotion of the best in motion picture, from script to screen; where the most ambitious filmmakers will meet the most ambitious film distributors from all over the world.
Participation is strictly by application and competition is only by official selection.
Only 20 films will be selected by the international jury.
The inaugural annual Zenith International Film Festival will be launched in Lagos before the end of 2024.
We may not be the first and we may not be the biggest, but our mission is to be among the best international film festivals in the world.
More details will be announced later.
#zenith
#filmfestivals
#officialselection
#nominees
#nominations
#awards
#prizes
#filmmaking
#movies
#actors
#nigeria
#filmmakers
#jury
#filmdistribution
#acquisition
#ZENITH2024
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Lighting Techniques That Film Schools Cannot Teach
Lighting Techniques That Film Schools Cannot Teach
There’s a certain subset of lighting techniques that film schools can’t teach. Cinematographer Owen McPolin ISC sheds some light on the creative thinking and resulting methods used when illuminating spaces.
https://
NEW ARTWORKS AND NFTS
Saturday, October 14, 2023
The Most Popular Film Stills From A Nigerian Film and TV Production
The most popular stills in circulation from a Nigerian film or TV production are from the second phase of the principal photography of my documentary film, "Lagos in Motion" in 2016.
NFTs last longer than photos, videos and films that are not on the blockchain.
The NFTs will be in the decentralized InterPlanetary File System.
Friday, October 6, 2023
AFRIFF and MTN Join Forces To Empower African Filmmakers and Promote Indigenous Content
AFRIFF and MTN Join Forces to Empower African Filmmakers and Promote Indigenous Content
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking partnership with MTN, the largest telecommunications company in Africa. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the African film industry, opening up new avenues for filmmakers and creating opportunities for the promotion and distribution of indigenous content.
AFRIFF, widely recognized as the largest annual film festival in Africa, has been at the forefront of showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent for over a decade. With an impressive array of films submitted each year, the festival has become a beacon of creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange in the African film landscape.
MTN, with its extensive network and largest aggregation of subscribers, is committed to fostering the growth of the African entertainment industry following the indigenous 2.0 theme. This visionary approach seeks to empower African players in the film industry by providing them with unprecedented opportunities for Global exposure and distribution.
Through this partnership, AFRIFF and MTN aim to bridge the gap between talented African filmmakers and a wider audience. As the streaming landscape is dominated by global streamers. Many deserving films from Africa struggle to find a platform for their voices to be heard. This collaboration will address this critical challenge by offering a dedicated channel where African filmmakers can showcase their work to millions of viewers across the continent.
The benefits of this partnership extend beyond the filmmakers themselves. By amplifying African voices and promoting indigenous content, AFRIFF and MTN will contribute to the preservation and celebration of African culture and stories. This strategic endeavor will create economic opportunities for local talent, boost tourism, and enhance Africa's global reputation as a hub of artistic excellence.
Speaking about the partnership, the Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with MTN, a leader in the telecommunications industry. This collaboration will empower African filmmakers, providing them with the means to reach a broader audience and ensuring that their incredible stories are heard. Together, we will redefine the African film landscape and foster the growth of the industry."
Our indigenous 2.0 global aligns perfectly with MTN’s mission, and together, we will unlock the immense potential of African filmmakers. By leveraging our extensive network and resources, we will pave way for a more inclusive and vibrant African content. On her own part, the Chief Digital Officer of MTN, Aisha Umar-Mumuni said:
“Digital entertainment has become an integral part of our day to day lives, and the growth in the use of smartphones and digital services has compelled the need to provide digital solutions and partner with organizations like AFRIFF, to distribute indigenous African content, making them accessible regardless of geographical locations. And we are well-positioned to lead the charge as the biggest ICT operator in Africa, committed to using technology to promote the continent on the global stage.”
As AFRIFF and MTN embark on this groundbreaking partnership, they invite filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to join them in this exciting new chapter for African cinema. Together, they will champion the power of storytelling and elevate the voices of African filmmakers to new heights.
About AFRIFF:
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is the largest annual film festival in Africa, dedicated to showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent. With a diverse range of films from across the continent, AFRIFF provides a platform for cultural exchange and celebrates the rich heritage of African storytelling.
About MTN:
MTN is the largest telecommunications company in Africa, with a wide-reaching network and the largest aggregation of subscribers. Committed to empowering African players in the entertainment industry.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Letter To Nollywood
I received good replies from intelligent and wise people who read the firrst important and timely letter I wrote to NOLLYWOOD. The following is an updated version of it
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Women Are the New Game Changers in Nollywood
Yesterday I was at the Glover Memorial Hall on the Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday afternoon, JULY 19, 2023.
I met with some of the leading key members of the Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) in Nigeria who are major stakeholders in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry who have been committed in the overall capacity development of the film and TV industry since the 1980s to date.
We discussed the Big Picture of the future of the Nigerian film industry in view of the great prospects.
The female filmmakers in Nigeria have produced the most highest grossing movies in Nollywood since 2010 to date. The most recent movies include the following:
Battle on Buka Street (2022): (₦668,423,056) by Funke Akindele.
Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020): ₦636,129,120 by Funke Akindele.
The Wedding Party (2016): ₦452,288,605 by Kemi Adetiba.
Ijakumo (2022) ₦278,496,384 by Toyin Abraham
King of Boys (2018): be ₦244,775,758 by Kemi Adetiba
View the complete list of the highest-grossing Nigerian films on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_Nigerian_filmsTuesday, June 27, 2023
How Many NOLLYWOOD Movies Have Been Shot on Canon?
How Many NOLLYWOOD Movies Have Been Shot on Canon?
How many Nollywood movies have been shot on Canon?
This is a very important question both for Nollywood and Canon.
Knowing how many people are using your products is critical to the growth of your company in Research and Development (R&D); Marketing and Sales Analysis of the products and services.
Nollywood is the largest film industry in Africa in the productions of movies and should be the largest market for cameras for both cinematography and photography.
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) , Producers Guild of Nigeria (PGN) and Cinematographers Guild of Nigeria (CGN) or Association of Cinematographers in Nigeria (ACN) should know and have the data on the cameras and accessories used for film and TV productions in the Nigerian film industry.
These facts are included in the indices for the development and growth of the film industry.
What are models and specifications of the Canon cameras used for film and TV productions in the Nigerian film industry?
When did Canon cameras become the most popular cameras in the Nigerian film industry?
Does Canon know the film and TV productions shot with Canon cameras?
The most popular and the best Canon cameras used in Nollywood and Kannywood?
The best movies, documentaries and music videos shot on Canon?
The award winning film and TV productions shot with Canon cameras?
By the way, the third part of my on going documentary film, "Lagos in Motion" was shot on Canon.
Publisher/ Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
Executive Director, Screen Naija YouTube Channel.