A breathtaking masterpiece of storytelling in motion picture.
Friday, December 15, 2023
"Breath of Life" is an Unforgettable Journey of Discovery of the Power of Faith, Love and Triumph of the Human Spirit
Thursday, October 26, 2023
ORAH is the Opening Film of the 12th Annual Africa International Film Festival in Nigeria
Announcing the Opening Film: ORAH Opens AFRIFF 2023🎥
AFRIFF to open 12th Edition with Lonzo Nzekwe’s Powerful Crime Thriller ORAH in keeping with the Festival’s Theme on “Indigenous 2.0 Global
October 26, 2023
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced its 12th edition, happening from the 5th to the 11th of 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria. In keeping with the festival's tradition, AFRIFF’s Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude, has announced the film ORAH as its opening night movie, a bold step to drive home its theme for the 2023 edition of Indigenous 2.0 Global before the participating Nigerian and international movie enthusiasts who will grace the festival’s annual opening gala night.
ORAH is written and directed by acclaimed Nigerian/Canadian filmmaker Lonzo Nzekwe (Anchor Baby). Produced by Nzekwe, Floyd Kane (Diggstown), and Amos Adetuyi (The Boathouse), the film was shot in Canada and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in late 2022. Speaking in anticipation of the Festival, Chioma Ude said,
“Filmmaking is evolving rapidly in Africa, with Nigeria at the forefront of the renaissance, and this year’s edition is designed to continue to reiterate the opportunities for African films and storytelling to reflect ‘global’ perspectives for the sustained success of more local films globally. We intend to continue to empower our storytellers to explore ideologies and techniques that connect with a larger global audience. ORAH is positioned as the open-night movie to drive this expectation.”
A character-driven crime thriller, Orah showcases the story of a female taxi driver in Toronto embarking on a revenge tour to avenge the death of her son, who is brutally murdered by a high-profile Nigerian criminal in a drug trafficking operation. Starring Oyin Oladejo as Orah Madukaku (Star Trek: Discovery), additional cast members include Lucky Onyekachi Ejim (Kim’s Convenience) as Bami Hazar; Agape Mngomezulu as Tariq Hazar (The Parker Andersons); Morgan Bedard (Hard Rock Medical) as Eli Pope; Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (Titans) as Lace; Oris Erhuero (We Were Once) as Agent Garuba; O.C. Ukeje (Brotherhood) as Agent Uche Odi; Femi Lawson (Because We Are) as Jimoh Sholola; and Christopher Seivright (Take Note) as Vincent Bailey.
Developed over the course of 11 years, director and screenwriter Lonzo Nzekwe was “very grateful to finally begin shooting with the talented cast and crew assembled and honoured to be able to shoot part of the film in Nigeria, which plays such a key role,” he shared during principal photography. In Nzekwe’s words, I set out to create a tragically gripping and gratifying crime thriller with a gritty look that gives the audience a visceral, authentic experience of the life of our hero and her journey to avenge the death of her son. The exceptional talent of the actors cast in each role truly brings the story to life.
Not only does the script offer a strong and smart female role model in the lead role, but the supporting characters are well-rounded with traits of real, everyday people drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. I hope that ORAH’s themes of justice versus revenge, redemption, freedom, corruption, and family separation will have a lasting impact on its viewers and inspire them in a positive way. As a Nigerian-born Canadian filmmaker, I felt I was uniquely qualified to tell this story of an illegal immigrant who was smuggled into Canada and sold into sex trafficking at age 15 by her uncle.
The film was shot in and around Sudbury, Ontario, in the fall of 2022, with additional principal photography taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2022. With cinematography for ORAH by Ricardo Diaz (Subjects of Desire), production design by Mark Kowalsky (Frat Pack), costume design by Chantel Bedward (Stupid For You), editing by Marc Roussel (Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities), and music by Felipe Téllez (Tomorrow).
ORAH is produced by Circle Blue Entertainment and Freddie Films in association with IronFlix Inc., with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and ONCreates Film Fund. Level Film is the Canadian distributor.
Signed
Latasha Ngwube
Director PR & Media
for AFRIFF 2023
ABOUT AFRIFF
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an international film showcase in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos. It presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from all over Africa and the Diaspora. Founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an ardent film lover and entrepreneur, the festival is positioned to be the biggest annual appointment for African filmmakers in the region, celebrating the best African films and stories.
Our programming is themed around African films, filmmakers and African cinematic impulses making the rounds in the international film circuit in categories such as feature, shorts, student shorts, documentary and animation.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Shaka Ilembe is the Best, Biggest and Greatest African Epic Historical Drama Series
Shaka Ilembe is the Best, Biggest and Greatest African Epic Historical Drama Series
"Shaka Ilembe"is the best, biggest and greatest African epic historical drama series so far in the history of filmmaking and TV productions in Africa and one of the best epic drama series in the world.
https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024
I published the news release from the MultiChoice Group since 2022 on my Nigerians Report on https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2022/05/africa-epic-historical-drama-series.html.
Set in the 1700s, "Shaka iLembe" tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.
https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2020/09/shaka-great-rise-and-fall-of-greatest.html
"Shaka Ilembe" should be a must watch for every filmmaker, storyteller and other creatives in Africa, especially in Nollywood and Kannywood of the Nigerian film industry.
What makes a film industry is more than the mass production of movies in thousands annually, but includes having film and TV markets, film commissions and movie merchandise as shown in the awesome production of "Shaka Ilembe" that is worth more than US$2 billion in the market valuations of the film tourism boosting the hospitality industry of South Africa and the movie merchandise of the fashion designs and accessories of the rich culture and lifestyles of Zulu people. A celebration of the culture of the haute couture and architecture Zulu Kingdom.
"Shaka Ilembe' is a case study for sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical studies and anthropology of South Africa in African Studies and the history of filmmaking in Africa.
Producer: Multichoice Studios of the MultiChoice Group.
See more details on https://www.dstv.com/mzansimagic/en-ng/show/shaka-ilembe/season/1
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series
Sunday, May 28, 2023
MOVIE OF THE MONTH: Without Remorse
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Queens of Kannywood, Rahama Sadau and Maryam Booth Entangled in "The Two Aishas" Movie
Queens of Kannywood, Rahama Sadau and Maryam Booth Entangled in "The Two Aishas" Movie
Last Sunday, I was at the cinemas to watch "The Two Aishas" starring the two leading ladies and beauty queens of #Kannywood, Rahama Sadau and Maryam Booth .
This is my first time of seeing them together in a movie.
This is the directorial debut of Hajia Shareefah Abiola Andu of Arabel Productions and Aleef TV of Arabel Nigeria Limited.
After a bitter fallout with her best friend when her husband was handed the gubernatorial ticket which was taken from her best friend’s husband, Aisha Yusuf must reconcile with her best friend and unite their husbands who are now at loggerheads.
According to director, the movie is filled with intrigues that will keep fans glued to the box office screen till the end.
‘The Two Aishas’ are women of the same Islamic faith and status who are married to two best friends. But their loyalty and friendship got tested and no matter how they looked at it, one party felt robbed and betrayed by the other, threatening to tear apart an enduring friendship from childhood and test their faith as devout Muslims.
“It addresses relatable themes such as forgiveness, betrayal, love, rivalry and piousness,” she said.
"The Two Aishas" is showing daily at all the FilmHouse Cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Genesis Cinemas, Ozone Cinemas, Blue Pictures Cinemas, Kada Cinemas, Platinum Cinemas, Exodus Cinemas, Magnificent Cinemas and other cinemas in every state in Nigeria.
#rahamasadau
#maryambooth
#aisha
#thetwoaishas
#kannywood
#Nollywood
#romance
#drama
#movie
#Nigeria
Monday, March 27, 2023
‘The Witness’, A Musical Stage Play on The Passion of JESUS Christ
"The Witness"
A Musical Stage Play that is sure to captivate audiences with its unique perspective on the passion of JESUS Christ.
This play is told from the point of view of Claudia, the only woman who spoke up for Jesus Christ. Through her eyes, we gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for the events that transpired. The Witness is not only a powerful story but also a musical play that promises to delight audiences with its moving performances and catchy tunes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been the opportunity to work with less privileged children who have a passion for theater. We have partnered with professionals who are training them and giving them exposure to the creative world. By supporting this production, you will not only be helping us to share this beautiful story with the world, but also helping to provide opportunities for these talented children.
In order to bring this production to life, we need financial support. We would be incredibly grateful for any contribution you can make to help us reach our fundraising goals. Additionally, we would be honored if you, your family members, and friends could attend one of our performances at Terra Kulture on either;
Friday, March 31, 2023 and Saturday, April 1, 2023. SHOW TIME: 3:00pm and 7:00pm each day.
Your presence would be greatly appreciated and would help to make this project a success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We believe that The Witness has the power to make a real impact, and we hope that you will join us in bringing this important story to life.
Call Rosemary on Tel: 0802 312 4308 or Francis on Tel: 0816 979 5827 for seat reservation.
Regular Seat - N10,000.
VIP Seat - N20,000.
VVIP Seat - N40,000.
Payment should be made to:
ORNAMENTS PRODUCTION LIMITED (FIDELITY BANK PLC)
ACCOUNT NO - 5610079924
Or on https://paystack.shop/the-witness-a-musical-stage-play
Uche Cynthia Nwuka.
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Too Much Noise in Many Hollywood Movies; Nollywood Should Not Copy Hollywood
Too Much Noise in Many Hollywood Movies; Nollywood Should Not Copy Hollywood
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Role Playing in Rehearsal for a Crime Drama
Here I am role playing in rehearsal for a dare devil character for a crime drama.
I used my cellphone to record it yesterday, Wednesday February 2, 2023.
I am still looking years younger than my age mates after celebrating my Diamond birthday on Monday, January 30. Psalm 103:5 is my testimony. Almighty God truly renews my youth like the eagle's to fly to higher grounds of greater heights of triumph.
Cheers!
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Top 20 Movies for the Valentine
Top 20 Movies for the Valentine
#love #writer #parenting #valentine #couple #movies #lovers #romanticcomedy #comedy #drama #february14 #valentinesday
Thursday, December 29, 2022
"CATFISH Christmas" Starring The Young and the Restless Star Leigh Ann Rose in Cinemas in Nigeria
"CATFISH Christmas" starring The Young and the Restless star, Leigh-Ann Rose 🌹is pulling crowds of moviegoers to the cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana.
Release Date: Friday December 16, 2022.
Actors: Angelo Kern, Anthony Riggins, Charlotte Evelyn Williams, Ciarah Amaani, Devin Laster, Ella Joyce, Grover McCants, Leigh-Ann Rose, Tony Todd
Director: Victoria Rowell
Producer: Dara Harper
Genre: Comedy, Coming Soon, Drama, Romance
Release: December 16, 2022
Language: English
SYNOPSIS
A heart-broken young woman returns home for the holidays and feels the family pressure of being single. Her loving and nosy sister hatches a plan to set her up on an online date with a handsome professional athlete. But things take an unexpected turn when he turns out not to be her “prince in shining armor”, and her childhood best friend shows her that true love may be much closer to home.
Sunday, November 27, 2022
News in Pictures: Naked Beauty
News in Pictures: Naked Beauty
News in Pictures
New Nigeriais the most popular Nigerian news in pictures blog on Pinterest with an audience of 280, 000 viewers monthly.
www.pinterest.com/ nigeriansreport
Saturday, June 18, 2022
The American King now Streaming on Roku
The American King, the first Hollywood and Nollywood comedy to have theatrical release in the United States of America is now streaming on Roku
A mysterious priestess arrives in the USA to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy: to choose an American King who will rebuild an ancient African Kingdom. Streaming on Roku.
#hollywood #nollywood #comedy #streaming #drama #nigeria #africa #africans #theamericamking #blacklivesmatter #leadership #america #movies
https://www.roku.com/whats-on/movies/the-american-king?id=4b8e8d4b97da5e9b8da961635b393d56
Saturday, May 28, 2022
"Triangle of Sadness" Wins the Palme d'Or of 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival
The 75th annual Cannes Film Festival of France ended Saturday night with all the glitz and razzmatazz of the most prestigious international film festival in the world.
Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund won the coveted Palme d'Or at the 75th annual Cannes Film for his satirical drama, "Triangle of Sadness".
Östlund won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2017 with "The Square".
List of All the Winners
Palme d’Or: “Triangle of Sadness” by Ruben Östlund
Grand Prix: “Close” by Lukas Dhont and “Stars at Noon” by Claire Denis
Special Prize for Cannes’ 75th anniversary: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardennes, “Tori and Lokita”
Jury Prize: “Eo” and “Le Otto Montagne”
Best Actress: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, “Holy Spider”
Best Actor: Song Kang Ho, “Broker”
Best Director: Park Chan-wook, “Decision to Leave”
Best Screenplay: “Boy from Heaven”
Camera d’Or: “War Pony,” directed by Gina Gammell and Riley Keough
Short Film Palme d’Or: “The Water Murmurs”
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
RED, A Thriller from India
RED, A Thriller from India
Avanti Arts P Ltd and Prajakta Films ‘ RED starring KRUSHNA ABHISHEK, PAYAL GHOSH, ABHIJIT SHWETCHANDRA, KANCHAN BHOR and above all SHAKTI KAPOOR is directed by ASHOK TYAGI and produced by RAJEEV CHAUDHARI and REKHA SURENDRA JAGTAP and is co – produced by JAGANNATH WAGHMARE and CHANDRAKANT PAWAR.
RED is a very sensational and emotional thriller. The film with music by HRIJU ROY, thrills by PAPPU VERMA and cinematography by AKRAM KHAN.
The story revolves around a college girl, played by Ghosh, who then transcends into a housewife and then an escort. The character has a remarkable dramatic arc one that has challenged Ghosh’s range as an actor. A source revealed, “Payal has left no stone unturned during her preparation for the character and she has worked very hard on making each part starkly different than the other.”
Contact:
Secretary General - ICMEI
FC 14/15 Film City , Sector 16 A , Noida. UP India
Phone Office : +91- 120-4831143/90 Mob : +91-9560454915
www.icmei.in
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Sayōnara: Coming Soon on Amazon Prime Video Direct
Sayōnara: Coming Soon on Amazon Prime Video Direct
Cheers!
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
247 Nigeria (@247nigeria) / Twitter
https://mobile.twitter.com/247 nigeria
https://www.amazon.com/author/ ekenyerengozimichaelchima
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Nollywood Has Nothing Original To Show Us On Netflix
Nollywood Has Nothing Original To Show Us On Netflix
From all I have seen of NIgerian movies on #Netflix so far, including the Netflix's Nigerian Originals in movies and series, I don't see any that can compare and compete with the best from America, Asia, Europe and Australia on Netflix in screenwriting, casting, directing, production design, music and cinematography.
There is nothing new that is different from the normal melodramas of #Nollywood on DStv, IROKOtv and public TV channels.
Too much makeup, inappropriate costumes without knowledge of appropriate costumes for storytelling with the cinematography and the music is out of sync with the different scenarios showing apparent ignorance of using soundtracks for characterisations and the acting is plastic in many scenes like they want to copy scenes from the telenovelas of #Telemundo.
A total lack of originality.
The best NIgerian series is not on Netflix, it is "Oasis" currently showing on TVC.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
Monday, April 4, 2022
Video: Tolulope Dolapo Rocks The American King T-shirt
Popular OAP, #Nollywood actress and model, Tolulope Dolapo, looking so beautiful in The American King T-shirt.
Oshikokhai Tolulope Dolapo: official_tdbalsam on Instagram is a fast rising star in the entertainment sphere in NIgeria.
If you haven't heard her voice on radio, you should have seen her gracing the red carpets at celebrity events.
Shhe got nominated for the OAP of the Year of the annual Elite Awards in 2019.
She loves talking; quality conversation and traveling.
She is a graduate of the University of ilorin where she studied Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
She is from Yoruba speaking part of Akoko Edo in Edo State.
The American King T-Shirts Are Free @ Magnificent Cinemas in Lagos
The American King T-shirts are available now free at the Magnificent Cinemas, Moyosore House, 182 Ikorodu Road, Onipsnu Bus Stop, Lagos. Magnificent Cinemas will give The American King T-shirts to those who buy more than one ticket.
Showtimes of 5 pm and 7.30pm daily.
Don't miss the giveaway T-shirts.
#TheAmericanKing
#magnificent
#cinema
#Tshirts
#Hollywood
#Nollywood
#Lagos
#Nigeria
The American King is the most exciting Hollywood and Nollywood comedy in cinemas in Nigeria starring famous singer Akon with Hollywood stars Andrew Howard, Nick Moran, Dani Renee and Nollywood stars, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe.
The film tells the story in 2020, a mysterious Priestess arrives in the USA to fulfill a 400 year old Prophecy: to choose an American King (Akon) who will rebuild an ancient African Kingdom . The CIA scrambles to find information for the President, leading to the unraveling of the most guarded Secret about the founding of the USA. The President running for re-election, has to decide if he can Make Africa Great Again.
Sunday, March 27, 2022
The American King Movie T-shirt is Free!
The American King T-shirt is up for grabs for every one who is going to watch the most exciting #Hollywood and #Nollywood #comedy on the Top 20 highest grossing movies at the box office in #NIgeria.
Watch and win The American King T-shirt with your ticket. 200 T-shirts to be won!
#TheAmericanKing
#boxoffice
#movie
#tshirts
#drama
Monday, March 21, 2022
CHATROOM Set for Release on April 15 on Afro Cinema
International award winning music star, Omawumi Megbele, ace broadcaster and publisher, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Nollywood lover boy, Ibrahim Suleiman, comedian Akpororo, award winning actor, Tony Umez, Canada trained actress, Nengi Adoki and multiple award winning actor Odunlade Adekola are set to headline a new movie titled ‘CHATROOM’ to be released on Good Friday, April 15, 2022 on international digital platform, afrocinema.tv.
The film, premiered to the press and the diplomatic community at the Deputy British High Commissioners residence in March 2020 and is inspired by true life events. A suspense-filled drama, the movie tells an authentic, fun, socially relevant and inspiring story, a must-watch for everyone.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, it tells the gritty, yet inspiring story of Ebiere (Nengi Adoki), an almost down and out young lady in her mid-20‘s who finds an opportunity to be in a popular, dance reality TV show as an opening for her to get away from the haunting ghost of her past. The fun filled TV reality show takes an unexpected turn when she is triggered to face her past trauma causing a nationwide turmoil. Laced with comedy, romance and power tussles, it's a story of overcoming and finding one's voice and inspired by true life events.
Written and Directed by award winning film director, Chike Ibekwe, CHATROOM is a contemporary 98mins drama that will take audiences on a roller coaster of emotions and have audiences at the edges of their seats. It is a beautiful mix of comedic thrills with core themes around love, betrayal, stigma, sexual abuse, violence, power and more.
Other casts include multiple award winning actor, Sambasa Nzeribe, international singer, dancer and actress, Ronya Man, award winning actor, Rykardo Agbor, award winning actress and broadcaster, Vivian Anani, Ghanaian actor, Kobby Acheampong, Camerounian actor and dancer, Lea Dibebe, actress and author, Damilare Kuku among many others.
This will be the first time, ace broadcaster and publisher, Adesuwa Onyenokwe will be venturing into the movie industry as she is also the Associate Producer of the movie apart from having an appearance in it.
The movie is produced by Peju Fadirepo Ibekwe, and shot on locations and in studios in Lagos and Onitsha. It can be seen from its global release date of April 15 on www.afrocinema.tv.
It will also have its exclusive official premiere on April 17 at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Top 10 Countries Producing Content for Netflix
Top 10 Countries Supplying Netflix's Biggest Hits
1. United States of America
2. South Korea
3. United Kingdom
4. Spain
5. Colombia
6. Poland
7. France
8. Mexico
9. Hungary
10. Germany
#Netflix
#SquidGame
Sources: @netflix, IMDb
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-03-13/these-are-netflix-s-most-popular-shows-according-to-netflix
The American King is the #1 Comedy in NIgeria with showtimes in over 50 cinemas.