Nigerians Report Online: competition

Showing posts with label competition. Show all posts

Monday, October 23, 2023

Official Selection of the 12th Annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)

AFRIFF 2023 Official Selection

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.

Source

https://www.afriff.com/officialselection

Monday, April 3, 2023

Why Netflix is the First Choice of Filmmakers in Nigeria

Why Netflix is the First Choice of Filmmakers in Nigeria

At a meeting with one of the biggest film companies in Africa in February, they told me that Netflix is the first choice of Nigerian Filmmakers, because Netflix pays more for their content than Amazon Prime Video and other major competitors in the streaming industry.

To be on Netflix is the dream of every Nigerian filmmaker for more money, more prestige and more privilege in the global film industry.

I was told that the filmmakers are willing to wait for even a year to be acquired by Netflix instead of being acquired by other streaming platforms within six months.

Netflix has over 230 million subscribers worldwide, including 74.3 million in the United States and Canada; 76.7 million in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 41.7 million in Latin America and 38 million in the Asia-Pacific region.

Filmmakers in Nigeria have improved the quality of their film and TV productions to meet the international criteria for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other leading foreign streaming services.

Nigeria produces over 1, 000 movies annually, but only few of them are acquired by Netflix.

The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood has been a sociocultural and economic phenomenon in filmmaking in Africa and according to UNESCO, the "Nollywood Model' could help unlock 20 million African film jobs.

Saturday, September 17, 2022

When Will Paramount+ Launch in Nigeria?

When Will Paramount+ Launch in Nigeria?

An executive of Paramount came to Nigeria last year during the 2021 annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Will Paramount+ be able to compete with Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and Showmax for the increasing millions of subscribers to SVOD streaming channels in Africa?

I had a dream two days ago of the take off of Paramount+ in Nigeria like a plane taking off. I was given two tickets for the flight at the airport and I woke up.

#Nigeria #svod #netflix #streaming #subscribers #amazonprimevideo #paramount #channels #africa #annual #international #filmfestival #executive #launch #millions

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Sony Future Filmmakers Awards 2022

Sony Future Filmmakers Awards 2022

Supporting creative excellence within filmmaking

Win a visit to Sony Pictures Studio and gain exclusive insight into the industry.

Submit your best short films for free by December 13, 2022

Enter now
https://www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com/node/1

The winning and shortlisted filmmakers will be flown to Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood, for a three-day event.

Taking place in the historic Sony Pictures studio lot in Culver City, California, the inspiring program provides invaluable opportunities to support career progression. The 30 successful filmmakers will gain unparalleled insight into all aspects of the filmmaking process. From pitching to legal to working with talent agencies and using cutting-edge technologies, the outstanding workshops provide exclusive access into the inner workings of the industry. Winners are announced during a black-tie awards ceremony at the Cary Grant Theatre.

Filmmaker winners
The Filmmaker competition elevates original voices that bring a fresh perspective to storytelling. The three winners receive $5,000 (USD), an FX9 Cinema Line Camera (plus lens), and are flown, along with the shortlist, to Los Angeles for a two-day workshop program and a black-tie awards ceremony.

Student Filmmaker winners
The Student Filmmaker competition rewards the talent soon to shape the industry. The two winners and their institutions receive a range of Sony camera equipment ideal for filmmakers. Winners are flown, along with the shortlist, to Los Angeles for a two-day workshop program and a black-tie awards ceremony.

Future Format winners
The Future Format competition challenges filmmakers to respond to a technical brief. The winner receives $2,500 (USD), a range of Sony camera equipment ideal for filmmakers and is flown, along with the shortlist, to Los Angeles for a two-day workshop program and a black-tie awards ceremony.

Awards Timeline
July 26, 2022

Competitions open

December 13, 2022
Competitions close

February 22, 2023
Winners announced during ceremony.
February 23 to 24, 2023
Two-day workshop program
#filmmakers #filmmaking #career #opportunities #future #creative #event #legal #talent #storytelling #awards #competition #prizes #winners

Friday, May 6, 2022

Nollywood : Between The Palme d'Or and Netflix d'Or

Nollywood : Between The Palme d'Or and Netflix d'Or

Well, if #Nollywood movies cannot qualify for the Official Selection for the competition for the Palme d'Or at the annual Cannes Film Festival in France, they have qualified for the Originals Selection of the #Netflix on the world wide web.

It would be great to have an annual Netflix Awards where Nigerian movies can make the Official Selection for competition for a Netflix d'Or.

If after more than 20 -30 years of making movies and your greatest achievement is having your movies on Netflix while your fellow filmmakers in other African countries are competing with the best filmmakers in the world in the Official Selection of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival coming up from May 17 - May 28, 2022, is still better, because you to have something to cheer about than have nothing to brag about.

Cheers!

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
The Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013.

Monday, March 21, 2022

INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL! #AFRIFF 2022 CALL FOR ENTRIES

INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL! #AFRIFF 2022 CALL FOR ENTRIES

LAGOS – Monday, 21st March 2022

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), today announced its Call for Entries for its 11th Edition in November 2022. Speaking at today’s briefing, founder and festival director Ms Chioma Ude said “I am delighted to open our Call for Entries for our 11th anniversary edition, following Amazon’s acquisition of films from AFRIFF’s film catalog last year, we are now strategically positioned to help filmmakers distribute their titles with our landmark partnership with Amazon Prime Video. We also had Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios pick up 2 movies from the festival. This year, we are already in talks with a multitude of streaming platforms interested in licensing and acquiring films from the festival We are proud to present this year’s programme themed INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL, dedicated to the incredible opportunities Amazon Prime video and others offer Nigerian filmmakers going forward, enabling us to dream and continue to innovate and create exciting and vibrant experiences for our Audience”.

Submissions for the 2022 edition of AFRIFF are now officially open and will run till July 30th 2022. General entries will be accepted until July 1st with a late entry deadline set for July 30th, 2022. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit entries early with the regular deadline as late entry submissions will be strictly accepted only via waiver code.

Festival selections include fiction and non-fiction films both domestic and international, features and shorts, impact-driven documentaries and Animation with an emphasis on films that have not been premiered on commercial screens.

ENTRY DETAILS

Early Deadline: July 1st | Final Deadline: July 30 |

Selection Notification Date: September 26th, 2022

Submission link: http://filmfreeway.com/AFRIFF

CATEGORY STATUS

Features: Film is 60 minutes or more

Shorts & Episodics: Film is less than 45 minutes.

Documentary: Documentaries can be short form or feature length, however short docs are accepted as Short films for AFRIFF’s programme.

Animation/Anime: Accepted as short form or feature length.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Only those films produced after January 1st of 2021 are eligible for competition.

Films produced before 2021 maybe accepted in the programme if their story speaks to the programme theme or AFRIFF programmers think it suits the programme.

Films of any nationality and language can participate. Non English must be subtitled.

Submissions will only be accepted through AFRIFF’s filmfreeway page.

There are no limits to the number of entries a filmmaker may enter, but these have to be submitted separately.

AFRIFF does not require premiere status; however it will prioritize premiere status for competition and screenings.

Submit Your Film on https://filmfreeway.com/AFRIFF

The 11th Africa International Film Festival will be a hybrid experience. Follow us on all social media platform @AFRIFF

Save the date November 6 –12, 2022.

ABOUT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF)

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) conceived by Ms Chioma Ude is a celebration of Cinema and filmmaking talent from Africa and the diaspora. It consistently delivers a rich programme to foster invaluable exchanges of ideas, production connections, and business relationships. It creates an energetic and exciting hub for entertainment industry professionals to make rewarding connections and has gradually gained a reputation for delivering incredible value.

The objectives are to develop the local film industry to a level where the products compete favorably with their contemporaries all over the world; providing a growth opportunity for these film industry professionals to eventually export their products and facilitate access to investors, equipment, and technical skill acquisition through several capacity development opportunities.

Africa International Film festival - AFRIFF
Ornife Legacy Place, 8 Professor Gabriel Olusanya Street, 105102, Lekki,

Lagos, Nigeria.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Top 20 Emerging Filmmakers Shortlisted For Netflix & UNESCO’s African Folktales, Reimagined Competition

PRESS RELEASE

Top 20 Emerging Filmmakers Shortlisted For Netflix & UNESCO’s African Folktales, Reimagined Competition

The shortlist contains a dynamic group of African creatives from across 13 countries in the region

Access Multimedia Content

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/media/top-20-emerging-filmmakers-shortlisted-for-netflix-and-unescos-african-folktales-reimagined-competition

LAGOS, Nigeria, February 2, 2022/ -- Shortlisted candidates from 13 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa; six winners will create short films that will premiere on Netflix (www.Netflix.com).

Netflix and UNESCO are excited to announce the 20 shortlisted candidates who will go forward in the exciting short film competition ‘African Folktales, Reimagined’. What’s more - the quality of submissions received resulted in one extra candidate being added to the list, making it 21 filmmakers on the shortlist! The candidates were selected following a rigorous evaluation process by a wide-range of industry professionals from across the continent who assessed over 2080 applications from across the continent in multiple languages. The shortlist contains a dynamic group of African creatives from across 13 countries in the region.

The shortlisted filmmakers include (in no particular order): Nosa Igbinedion (Nigeria); Ebot Tanyi (Cameroon); Loukman Ali (Uganda); Tongryang Pantu (Nigeria); Walt Mzengi (Tanzania); Venance Soro (Côte d'Ivoire);Mark Wambui(Kenya); Volana Razafimanantsoa (Madagascar); Mohamed Echkouna (Mauritania); Nader Fakhry (Côte d'Ivoire); Anne Catherine Tchokonté (Cameroon); Mphonyana Mokokwe (Botswana); Anita Abada (Nigeria); Samuel Kanyama (Zambia); Machérie Ekwa-Bahango (Democratic Republic of Congo); Oprah Oyugi (Kenya); Ndiyathemba Modibedi (South Africa); Gcobisa Yako (South Africa); Akorede Azeez (Nigeria); Katya Aragão (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Voline Ogutu (Kenya).

The 21 emerging filmmakers will go on to the next phase of the competition where they will be required to pitch their stories to a judging panel comprising of the mentors; Nigeria’s Femi Odugbemi, South Africa’s Bongiwe Selane, Leila Afua Djansi from Ghana, David Tosh Gitonga from Kenya, and Jean Luc Herbulot from Congo as well as representatives from Netflix and UNESCO who will act as guides in the process. The panel will select the final six filmmakers who will receive a production grant of US$75,000 (through a local production company) to develop, shoot and post-produce their films under the guidance of Netflix and industry mentors to ensure everyone involved in the production is fairly compensated. Each of the 6 winners will also receive $25,000.

“Congratulations to those who have been shortlisted! They should all be proud of the quality of their work. This competition showcases the extraordinary cultural richness that Africa has to offer that we want to share with people all over the world, as Africa is a priority for UNESCO.” - Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.

Adding to UNESCO’s congratulatory message, Ben Amadasun, Netflix Director of Content in Africa siad, “We also want to thank our panel of independent industry professionals who undertook the mammoth task to read over 2080 applications until they found 21 strong submissions! The response from all the aspiring filmmakers who took time to submit their application also proves that there's a wealth of storytelling potential and talent in Africa and we at Netflix are excited to be part of this journey for more talented new voices to share their stories with the world.”

For more information about the competition, please visit www.netflix-growcreative.com/unesco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Netflix.

About UNESCO:

We are the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In 2021, UNESCO published The African Film Industry: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth the first complete mapping of Africa’s film and audiovisual industries. In 2022 UNESCO will convene the Global Mondiacult Conference on Cultural Policies and Development, in Mexico.

About Netflix:

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

SOURCE

Netflix

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Africa: Canon Gets Closer To Inspire Creative Communities Across Africa

Amine Djouahra, Sales and Marketing Director – Canon Central and North Africa (Source: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

PRESS RELEASE

Canon gets closer to inspire creative communities across Africa

Canon Central and North Africa is inviting film and photography communities to get closer and announce collaborations with creative communities in Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 16, 2021/ -- Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is inviting film and photography communities across Africa to connect and collaborate. They are excited to announce the first three: SYNC School in Cairo, Egypt; Peexoo, a Nigerian photography hub, and the Photographers’ Association of Kenya (PAK). More are welcome as the global imaging leaders would like to develop creative collaborations in every country in the region.

Canon has been a long-standing supporter of film and photography education groups. These relationships can now go deeper by sharing Canon expertise, knowledge and technology, with regular masterclasses, training opportunities, photo booths and competitions.

Canon is committed to build closer ties with its customers and the collaborations are a way to inspire and enrich the next generation of image-makers. “Our mission is to empower people to see the bigger picture, on a grand yet local level,” explains Amine Djouahra, sales and marketing director for Canon Central & North Africa. “In this rapidly changing, image-based culture, we want to explore new and innovative ideas with a wider audience.”

There has been an enthusiastic response: “SYNC is a community based school of 94,000 for creatives in Egypt with photographers, filmmakers and content creators. We are thrilled to build this relationship with Canon and learn, grow and create together,” said SYNC’s founder and creative director, Mustafa Sharara.

Peexoo, a photography hub powered by artificial intelligence, brings together 2,000+ photographers and videographers from across Nigeria. “We change perceptions through film and photography,” said Peexoo Co-Founder, tech-preneur Steven Kelechi Nwadike. “We are ecstatic that Canon is joining us on this journey.”

The Professional Photographers’ Association of Kenya (PAK) is the leading photographic society in the country, representing professionals, amateurs and hobbyists. “We are proud to partner with Canon at this time, a collaboration which will uplift, inspire and encourage our photographic community,” said Victor Otieno, PAK Treasurer.

Through the collaborations, community members gain exclusive access to masterclasses with Canon ambassadors including Emmanuel Oyeleke (https://bit.ly/3xpFaOD) and Yagazi Emezi (https://bit.ly/2SHkx1A) who will present a masterclass to Peexoo members and Menna Hossam (https://bit.ly/3vvefzE) who will present “Fine art and fashion photographer: Challenges of this genre & the future of creating enchanting images in the era of social media”, to SYNC School members.

Regular competitions will be used to challenge and inspire with exciting prizes such as Canon’s mini phone-to-printer Zoemini, the portable Selphy and the G-Series printers, as well as a compact Powershot SX720 and mirrorless M50 cameras.

Hands-on ‘touch and try’ sessions with cutting-edge Canon R system technology, EOS cameras and lenses are in the plan with special, members-only discounts available on Canon equipment.

Canon’s interest in developing and recognising excellence both in amateur and professional photographers goes beyond this. The Canon Future Focus programme for students is in its fifth year and the inaugural Redline Challenge for amateur photographers received great response in entries from African region.

“We believe in enriching local creatives and welcome the opportunity to connect and support the next generation of visual storytellers. By investing expertise, technology and opportunities in them, we hope to enhance their art, skills and future careers,” said Amine Djouahra.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:

Canon Central and North Africa

Mai Youssefe.

Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group - PR Agency

Rania ElRafie.

Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: Canon-CNA.com

SOURCE

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

Sunday, January 3, 2021

The Hatchet Job on "Lagos in Motion" Photo Book That Failed

The Hatchet Job That Failed

A fellow Nigerian went on Amazon Books to dismiss my photo book, "Lagos in Motion" that was selling for only US$3 and advised that Amazon should not sell such a complete waste of money. I am sure he must have celebrated his hatchet job and waited for the book to be dropped. But the book is still on Amazon and selling for US$20 and others are selling it for more than US$32 per copy. And guess what! A book trader is selling the same book for US$404.00 (+ $ 111.39 shipping) a copy!

https://www.amazon.com.mx/Lagos-Motion-Africas-Largest-Megacity/dp/1536934925

The intellectually ignorant Nigerian did not know why I published the photo book of selected photographs from my "Lagos in Motion" documentary film. It is to document the making of the documentary film and not to compete for the World Photography Awards or other competitions. The book is for the foreign tourists and visitors to see my positive images of Africa's largest megacity and not the usual horrible living conditions of Makoko and other slums in Lagos state.

I was born and bred in this dynamic city that is one of the most resilient cities in the world and the dynamic economy has made Lagos the 4th largest economy in Africa.

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Nigerians in UK inspire British Author’s new book for Children

Nigerians in UK inspire British Author’s new book for Children

A new book Tópé Arrives is about a Nigerian orphan who was forced against his will to continue his life in England. It is a Nigerian story written by a new British author Wendy Hue who told me why she wrote this emotionally compelling children’s book that has been endorsed by Richard Damilola, the father of Damilola Taylor, the 10-year-old Nigerian child murdered on his way from Peckham Library on November 27, 2000, in south London in 2000. The book was on the long list of the The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.

Tópé is suddenly orphaned and against his will he has to leave Nigeria. Worried about starting a new life in England, he feels he is an outsider in his new school. It is a time of tears and tussles. Will his nimble football skills and precious wooden boat somehow help him to carve out a new beginning? Will he ever again be able to believe in himself and drum in with the dundun drums his renewed sense of fun and pride.

The book is specially for 7 - 9 year olds and already selected for Centre for Literacy and Primary Education book fair in London on the 24th June 2011.

Wendy Hue has a lot to say on her book, how Nigerians she has known for years in the UK inspired her literary genius in the writing and her unique multiethnic family among other important facts of her colourful life.

'Tópé Arrives' is just one of many, many stories that I have written.
The reason I decided to move with 'Tópé first was because he kept getting a lot of interest from mainstream publishers and also a literary agent I had about 5 years ago, however he never quite got published by them. Then the manuscript was long listed in The Times/Chicken House 2011 competition and I thought 'you know what - let me take this project in to my own hands' as from what I can see there is a real close net of who decides what books get published and end up on our shelves for all of our children. Children of different ethnicities are dispersed around the globe now and I believe we can no longer think insular, but must think wider because of this. We also have 4th, 5th etc generations of children now who are born and reared in different countries to that of their mother, father, grandparents, great grandparents and so on.

I also believe there is still a real under-representation of books for 'all of our children', where they can all be the main protagonist, the hero, or the fairy queen etc. I do not think we are quite there as yet in terms of having books that represent the complement of ethnicities in many countries, due party I suppose to the migration of peoples from one part of the earth to another today.

In terms of writing 'Tópé Arrives' about another culture, I felt confident enough because I have many, many amazing and wonderful Nigerian friends and worked in Peckham, South London for over 20 years (where there is an enormous and wonderful Nigerian community) so became very familiar with Nigerian culture. As the book, which was originally written, but not edited at that stage, is for young readers I did not want to force too much information about Nigeria in the book. I just wanted that information to trickle through with a light stroke of a paint brush. I hope I have done justice to this.

I can also let you know that I worked with two (not even one) excellent editors, one in particular who is an expert on diversity in children's publishing - Laura Atkins and she worked tirelessly with me to polish up the manuscript. I also commissioned a fabulous illustrator who has one some really wonderful line drawings inside and a beautiful front cover. Zara Slattery is the illustrator. All of this has and getting the book published has been at a total cost to me, but I am passionate about my writing and have persevered. I cannot wait for book number two to come out now, which is 'Ria - Sisterly Plaits' about a young black British Caribbean girl. I am of Caribbean ethnicity, but this story will not be autobiographical.

I have just left working in local government in London after almost 22 years and had been there for so long. I am a part-time university student in my final year, but finish next year as I have been also working fulltime. This year I have studied 'Global Politics and Postcolonial Worlds' and 'Cultures of Consumption'. As a family we also regularly have young children from all parts of the globe come and stay in our home on short stays when they are visiting England. I am a married mother of three children, my son Marlon is 23 and daughters, Hannah 19 and Emily 13. My father (who is part Chinese) came to this country (UK) when he was enlisted to fight in World War II for the British Royal Air Force when the Caribbean as were many other countries, part of the Commonwealth. He and my mother who came here in the 1950s remained thereafter. With my father's work we always moved around and lived for 3 years in Cyprus in the Mediterranean when I was growing up and also I was born in Germany because of this, amongst many, many places in the UK. As a family (I have 6 wonderful brothers and two lovely sisters) we have a multiplicity of ethnicities as we have African heritage in us as well as Scottish, Irish, Chinese and so on... - very global - one world!

On my literary ambitions, I have already paid with a publishing company for book number 2, but am now wondering if I should just try and set up my own publishing company to move with books thereafter. I am keen for far more representation and transparency in our world of children's books globally, and all of my books embrace inclusion and diversity...

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Click here to order "Tópé Arrives" from Amazon.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

South Africa and 64 other Countries in Competition for 2009 Foreign Language Film Oscar®

South Africa leads Africa to the 82nd Oscars with Jann Turner's romantic comedy White Wedding that made over R1.1-million at the world premiere in South Africa. The film stars Rapulana Seiphemo and Kenneth Nkosi of Academy Award winning Tsotsi and Jerusalema fame.
South Africa and Morocco are the only African countries on the list of 65 countries in competition for the Foreign Language Film category at the 82nd Academy Awards®.

The following is the complete news release.

MEDIA CONTACT
Leslie Unger
lunger@oscars.org

October 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

65 Countries in Competition for 2009 Foreign Language Film Oscar®

Beverly Hills, CA — Sixty-five countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 82nd Academy Awards®, Academy President Tom Sherak announced today. The 2009 submissions are:

Albania, “Alive!,” Artan Minarolli, director;
Argentina, “El Secreto de Sus Ojos,” Juan Jose Campanella, director;
Armenia, “Autumn of the Magician,” Rouben Kevorkov and Vaheh Kevorkov, directors;
Australia, “Samson & Delilah,” Warwick Thornton, director;
Austria, “For a Moment Freedom,” Arash T. Riahi, director;
Bangladesh, “Beyond the Circle,” Golam Rabbany Biplob, director;
Belgium, “The Misfortunates,” Felix van Groeningen, director;
Bolivia, “Zona Sur,” Juan Carlos Valdivia, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Nightguards,” Namik Kabil, director;
Brazil, “Time of Fear,” Sergio Rezende, director;
Bulgaria, “The World Is Big and Salvation Lurks around the Corner,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Canada, “I Killed My Mother,” Xavier Dolan, director;
Chile, “Dawson, Isla 10,” Miguel Littin, director;
China, “Forever Enthralled,” Chen Kaige, director;
Colombia, “The Wind Journeys,” Ciro Guerra, director;
Croatia, “Donkey,” Antonio Nuic, director;
Cuba, “Fallen Gods,” Ernesto Daranas, director;
Czech Republic, “Protektor,” Marek Najbrt, director;
Denmark, “Terribly Happy,” Henrik Ruben Genz, director;
Estonia, “December Heat,” Asko Kase, director;
Finland, “Letters to Father Jacob,” Klaus Haro, director;
France, “Un Prophete,” Jacques Audiard, director;
Georgia, “The Other Bank,” George Ovashvili, director;
Germany, “The White Ribbon,” Michael Haneke, director;
Greece, “Slaves in Their Bonds,” Tony Lykouressis, director;
Hong Kong, “Prince of Tears,” Yonfan, director;
Hungary, “Chameleon,” Krisztina Goda, director;
Iceland, “Reykjavik-Rotterdam,” Oskar Jonasson, director;
India, “Harishchandrachi Factory,” Paresh Mokashi, director;
Indonesia, “Jamila and the President,” Ratna Sarumpaet;
Iran, “About Elly,” Asghar Farhadi, director;
Israel, “Ajami,” Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani, director;
Italy, “Baaria,” Giuseppe Tornatore, director;
Japan, “Nobody to Watch over Me,” Ryoichi Kimizuka, director;
Kazakhstan, “Kelin,” Ermek Tursunov, director;
Korea, “Mother,” Joon-ho Bong, director;
Lithuania, “Vortex,” Gytis Luksas, director;
Luxembourg, “Refractaire,” Nicolas Steil, director;
Macedonia, “Wingless,” Ivo Trajkov, director;
Mexico, “Backyard,” Carlos Carrera, director;
Morocco, “Casanegra,” Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, director;
The Netherlands, “Winter in Wartime,” Martin Koolhoven, director;
Norway, “Max Manus,” Espen Sandberg and Joachim Roenning, directors;
Peru, “The Milk of Sorrow,” Claudia Llosa, director;
Philippines, “Grandpa Is Dead,” Soxie H. Topacio, director;
Poland, “Reverse,” Borys Lankosz, director;
Portugal, “Doomed Love,” Mario Barroso, director;
Puerto Rico, “Kabo and Platon,” Edmundo H. Rodriguez, director;
Romania, “Police, Adjective,” Corneliu Porumboiu, director;
Russia, “Ward No. 6,” Karen Shakhnazarov, director;
Serbia, “St. George Shoots the Dragon,” Srdjan Dragojevic, director;
Slovakia, “Broken Promise,” Jiri Chlumsky, director;
Slovenia, “Landscape No. 2,” Vinko Moderndorfer, director;
South Africa, “White Wedding,” Jann Turner, director;
Spain, “The Dancer and the Thief,” Fernando Trueba, director;
Sri Lanka, “The Road from Elephant Pass,” Chandran Rutnam;
Sweden, “Involuntary,” Ruben Ostlund, director;
Switzerland, “Home,” Ursula Meier, director;
Taiwan, “No Puedo Vivir sin Ti,” Leon Dai, director;
Thailand, “Best of Times,” Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, director;
Turkey, “I Saw the Sun,” Mahsun Kirmizigul, director;
United Kingdom, “Afghan Star,” Havana Marking, director;
Uruguay, “Bad Day for Fishing,” Alvaro Brechner, director;
Venezuela, “Libertador Morales, El Justiciero,” Efterpi Charalambidis, director;
Vietnam, “Don’t Burn It,” Dang Nhat Minh.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Please, there is No Time to hate…Because I Love You

Please, there is No Time to hate…Because I Love You

Life is the romance of human existence on planet earth and the kind of romance you have can affect your existence positively or negatively.
I have noticed that most of the ills plaguing humans are caused by hatred and the causes of the hatred are the erroneous and ambiguous notions we have about life and the wrong notions have made majority of us to have bad ways of life or evil lifestyles.

I have heard and read of horrible and terrible things humans do to attack and harm themselves in their desperate competition for the lusts of the flesh.
A guy pours acid on the elder brother of a girl who refused to marry him. Why?
He alleged that the elder brother advised his sister to reject him.
A jealous girlfriend shot and killed her boyfriend whilst he was still sleeping and then shot and killed herself lying beside him in bed. Why? She suspected him of dating another woman.

I have seen men engaged in do or die competition over a woman in Lagos.
They did evil things to acquire and possess the cash, posh cars and palatial mansions to impress her.

A stinking rich Internet scammer told a poor young man to give up his fine girlfriend and even offered him lump sums of cash for her. The angry young man rejected the indecent proposal and swore to kill the big man if he snatched his girlfriend.

A guy actually stabbed one of my cousins with scissors and killed her for refusing to go out with him.

The list is endless and most of these horrible and terrible acts of hatred leave me depressed.

If someone does not want to go out with you, please move on and let the person be.
Love is not by force.
Hatred has bred monsters of destruction in Nigeria. Hatred caused by envy and jealousy as greedy Nigerians compete for the status symbols of the Joneses in the Nigerian society.
Hatred is the cause of the things presently wrong with life in Nigeria as poverty has left the majority in adversity and this is a great pity. The state of romance is not what you would have loved it to be as depression is common and many people are actually shadowed by the spirit of melancholy. But the love that would have rescued and saved many people is not being truly practiced as majority of Nigerians are caught in the matrix of the rat race. Avarice, caprice, malice, prejudice and injustice plague millions of Nigerians and have made the country worse as observed in the foreign media and it is as if Nigerians have lost all sense of human dignity and integrity.

If only we could obey the simple commandment of Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, but most of us are desperately competing with ourselves and ironically the most guilty are the so called Christians who should be the best example of what God commanded and Jesus Christ emphasized as the pillar of true Christianity which is Charity.
The last time I checked, what God said has not changed from Love Your Neighbor as Yourself and not compete with your neighbor as yourself.
What is killing most people in Nigeria are competitive opportunism, selfish individualism, antagonism and egoistic impressionism of the rat race, because Nigerians cheat, lie, steal and kill in their desperation for the selfish acquisition and avaricious possession of the so called status symbols of the society for their bragging rights.

Matriculation is a competition.
Admission is a competition.
Graduation is a competition.
Getting a plum job is a competition.
Getting a fancy girlfriend or trophy wife is a competition.
Building a mansion is a competition.
Becoming rich-quick is a completion.

I wonder why getting an education should be a competition?
Hello! Getting an education is not a competition.
If you need any sort of education for a profession, please have it and use it for your own benefit and the benefit of others and it is not an ego-trip or selfish yardstick to prove a point to your peers or anyone at all. Hello! Grow up!
Who do you think is your competition?
Stop boasting and fooling yourself.

A guy recently bought a new house and some of peers are hissing about how he made his millions of naira to buy the mansion.
Getting a lovely girlfriend also causes envy too.

You wonder why most Nigerians want dream jobs?
To love their neighbors as themselves?
No! To compete with the Joneses..

Wo! If I do this, dem go see me and bow!
Yo! If I get that babe, dem go dey trip.
These childish and foolish bragging are common among most people in Nigeria in different forms and dialects.

The manners and ways Nigerians go about competing among themselves are the causes of the horrible and terrible evils plaguing Nigeria and have left millions of Nigerians suffering and dying in misery. Many Nigerians have become devils in their desperation for the perishable fancies and trophies of the rat race.
Devils do evils and evils cause the ills of the society, because evil makes you ill.

Love. Love. Love.Stop hating and hurting today and start loving every day by day.

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