The Nwankwo family of Obinagu, Osikwu village, Awgbu, Orumba North local government area of Anambra state, had every reason to roll out the drums to celebrate their matriarch, Mrs Victoria Nwamkwo ( aka Omenwa) at 80.
For a woman who has seen it all-producing five children, 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild- attaining 80 is a milestone worthy of celebrating.
Among Mrs Nwankwo's children is Chief Celestine Nwankwo( Nnabuenyi), a business mogul.
The well attended birthday celebration attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including Chief Nwankwo's business associates and friends; Chief ( Sir) Pius Nwankwo, Chief Moses Nwankwo and son in law to the celebrant, Chief Ken Mbala.
The event started at 10 am with a Thanksgiving mass at the celebrant's residence.
20 Years Since The New York Times Named #Nollywood
Norimitsu Onishi was the Chief of The New York Times’s southern Africa bureau, based in Johannesburg when he discovered the phenomenon of the first indie film industry in Africa in 2002 in the hustle and bustle of Lagos city, the heart and soul of the guerilla filmmakers of Nigeria.
How The Times Named ‘Nollywood’ in 2002
"It’s like Hollywood or Bollywood but in Nigeria — Nollywood!I told my editor."
The name of Nollywood has become the identity of the Nigerian film industry even though the making of the genre started in the 1980s which I have chronicled in my widely read and shared article, The Nollywood Phenomenon: From Analog to Digital - SHADOW & ACT https://shadowandact.com/the-nollywood-phenomenon-from-analog-to-digital-2
The article shows the evolution of Nollywood over the years and how the digital cinema revolution has made a critical impact in the advancement of Nollywood since 2002.
It is now 30 years since the production of the first Nollywood blockbuster, "Living in Bondage" by Chris Obi Rapu in 1992 written and produced by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor. And as we say in Lagos, many waters have passed under the Eko Bridge from 1992 to 2022.
Traditional filmmakers of the old school of filmmaking on celluloid still say Nollywood is video and not cinema. But top people in the global film industry said: Every region has unique stories to tell. And we should encourage them to tell their stories first and not be hindered by the technical requirements for professional film production. That the first thing is to supply on demand, because it was the overwhelming quantity of Nollywood home videos in the 1990s that attracted the rest of the world before the improvements in the quality.
There have been significant improvements in the quality of the movies as Nollywood filmmakers have been adapting to current developments in filmmaking by using the same digital cinema cameras used by their counterparts in Bollywood and Hollywood following international standards in film and TV productions.
The improvement in the quality of the content has attracted the leading International acquisition and distribution companies, major studios and OTT video streaming services from America and Europe. Netflix, Disney and Amazon are now demanding for the best content in Nollywood and well produced movies have been acquired.
There have been international productions of Nigerian movies featuring top Hollywood actors such as "The Amazing Grace" of 2006 directed by Jeta Amata, written by Jeta Amata and Nick Moran and produced by Jeta Amata and Alicia Arce with top roles by Joke Silva, Nick Moran and Scott Cleverdon; "Black November" directed by Jeta Amata in 2012, starring Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Fred Amata, Sarah Wayne Callies, Nse Ikpe Etim, OC Ukeje, Vivica Fox, Anne Heche, Persia White, Akon, Wyclef Jean and Mbong Amata; "30 Days in Atlanta" directed by Robert O' Peters and produced by AY Makun in 2014 starring Starring AY Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD),Desmond Elliot, Vivica A. Fox, Lynn Whitfield, Karlie Redd, Majid Michel, Omoni Oboli, Racheal Oniga, Yemi Blaq and Juliet Ibrahim; "A Trip To Jamaica" directed by Robert O' Peters and produced by AY Makun in 2016 starring AY Makun,Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Dan Davies, Eric Roberts and others; "Esohe" directed by Charles Uwagbai and Robert O' Peters in 2018 starring Jimmy Jean Louis, Misty Lockheart, Desmond Elliot, Chris Attoh, Bimbo Manuel, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhu, Jemima Osunde and Monica Omorodion Swaida; "A Soldier's Story 2" of 2020 directed by Frankie Ogar and produced by Martin Gbados, starring Eric Roberts, John J Vogel Jr, Alex Usifo, Akin Lewis, Segun Arinze, Linda Ejiofor, Somkele Idhalama, Michelle Dede, Daniel K. Daniel, Tope Tedela, Baaj Adebule, Samabasa Nzeribe and others; "Christmas in Miami" of 2021 directed by Robert O'Peters and produced by AY Makun starring Ayo Makun, Osita Iheme, Richard Mofe-Damijo, IK Ogbonna, Kent Morita, Raquel Lamanna, Manoj Chandra, Malcolm Burtchett, Nadya Marie, Tanya Price, Barry Piacente and Catherine Olsen and Adah Obekpa's "The American King" of 2021 starring Enyinna Nwigwe, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Andrew Howard and Nick Moran who has been playing prominent roles in the international productions of Nollywood movies since the 2000s to date. "The American King" is currently showing in movie theaters in America and coming up next month in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia from February 25, 2022.
It is importan we document the new developments in Nollywood since 2002 to date for film history and film studies. That is why I working on a documentary film on "Nollywood Rising: The New Generation".
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series, The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry published since 2013.
Vision Films Strikes Deal with Silverbird Cinemas to Release Akon Starrer 'The American King' in Nigeria
Vision Films, Inc
Jan 28, 2022, 08:44 ET
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Films, Inc. ("Vision") announces a new deal with Silverbird Film Distribution to release Adah Obekpa's The American King in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia beginning February 25, 2022. Silverbird Cinemas provides world class quality entertainment as a leading media and entertainment company in Africa. The Nigerian community is especially supportive of popular and top Nigerian actresses Eyninna Nwigwe and Nse Ikpe-Etim who are featured in the film along with Senegalese born star Akon.
The American King Starring Akon Movei Poster
The American King Trailer: https://youtu.be/QXwAL-OrRhM
The U.S. limited theatrical, and day and date VOD run, begins January 28 to celebrate Black History Month. DVD release follows on March 1.
Shot on location in Los Angeles and Nigeria, the latter using local actors, The American King is a fish-out-of-water comedy that features mega talent, rap artist, and producer Akon as a troublemaking American anointed by a mysterious High Priestess to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy to become the new King of Africa. While he and his foolishly sophomoric buddies find themselves trying to adapt to the realities of being royalty and charged with the task of "making Africa great again," the US Government, including its "former President," takes a keen interest in exploiting the situation for their own benefit. Amidst the hijinks and lessons learned about the responsibilities that comes with being a leader, the story reveals its roots from the history and lessons of the 1619 Project. Racial and gender stereotypes, American politics, and more are addressed, lampooned, and satirized with no holds barred, and with the beauty and diversity of Africa as a backdrop.
The story is loosely based on the firsthand experience of writer and director Obekpa, a prince and former heir to his father's throne as King of the Idoma nation, Benue State, Nigeria.
The film also stars Andrew Howard (Limitless), Nick Moran (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Massi Furlan (Jumanji: The Next Level), Nathin Butler (Westworld), Miguel Nuñez Jr. (Juwanna Mann, Tour of Duty). Producers are Joan McCarthy and Adah Obekpa.
Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films says, "We are thrilled to partner with Silverbird and expand the reach of The American King. The international cast and poignant subject matter are so relevant and as a cross between "Coming to America" and "Black Panther", this comedy has a powerful message about the divisiveness in today's world that will resonate globally."
Silverbird Film Distribution executives share, "Silverbird Film Distribution WA is glad to be bringing this exciting movie to cinemas in the Nigerian market on February 25. As part of our goals in 2022, we are going all out to meet the increasing demand for more entertaining content that cuts across Pan Africa. Akon is respected at home and abroad and this collaboration is a step in the right direction as it contributes to harnessing all that Africa has to offer the world."
Executive Producer Joan McCarthy adds, "We are beyond excited to bring The American King home to Nigeria where it all began. The movie tells a story of the connection between the US and African cultures. Knowing that film fans there will be able to watch it in their theaters means so much to us at Ihotu Films."
About Vision Films
Vision Films is a leading independent sales and VOD aggregator specializing in the licensing, marketing, and distribution of over 800 feature films, documentaries, and series from some of the most prolific independent film producers in the world. Led by Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/CEO Worldwide Distribution, Vision Films releases 2-4 films a month across Theatrical, VOD, DVD, and television platforms. visionfilms.net
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Films announces the limited theatrical and VOD release of the Adah Obekpa's The American King on January 28, 2022. A day and date limited theatrical run begins at The Sun Valley 14 in Charlotte, NC, The Laemmle in Glendale, CA, Studio Movie Grill in Philadelphia, and Emagine Theaters Chatham and Riviera 12 in Chicago and Detroit, respectively. The DVD release follows on March 1.
Shot on location in Los Angeles and Nigeria, The American King is a fish-out-of-water comedy that features Senegalese-American mega talent, rap artist, and producer Akon as a troublemaking American anointed by a mysterious High Priestess to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy to become the new King of Africa. While he and his foolishly sophomoric buddies find themselves trying to adapt to the realities of being royalty, the US Government, including the President, takes a keen interest in exploiting the situation for their own benefit. Amidst the hijinks and lessons learned about the responsibilities that comes with being a leader, the story reveals its roots from the history and lessons of the 1619 Project. Racial and gender stereotypes, American politics, and more are addressed, lampooned, and satirized with no holds barred, and with the beauty and diversity of Africa as a backdrop. The story is loosely based on the firsthand experience of writer and director Obekpa, a prince and former heir to his father's throne when King of the Idoma nation, Benue State, Nigeria.
Read more on
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vision-films-to-release-akon-starrer-the-american-king-in-theaters-and-vod-timed-to-black-history-month-301462670.html
Rita Dominic: The Best Actress of the Year in 2021 in Nollywood
Rita Dominic as Anjola in "La Femme Anjola" by Mildred Okwo.
"La Femme Anjola" revolves around a stockbroker who fell in love with a mysterious woman. Anjola is married to a gangster who owns a nightclub where she does live performances.
Rita Dominic is one of the best actors not only in NIgeria, but the rest of Africa and the world. She is one of the few actors I know who can turn a bad screenplay into a masterpiece.
The cinematic experience of "La Femme Anjola" will be more romantic when dubbed in the French language and Spanish language. Mildred Okwo should have the theatrical release of the French language copy in French speaking countries and the Spanish language copy in Spanish speaking countries.
The subtleties in the storytelling and intricate cinematography made this unique romantic drama the most accomplished of all the movies produced by NIgerian filmmakers in 2021. The intellectual abilities of the director were shown in the artistry, imagery and poetry of "La Femme Anjola". It is going to become one of the classics of African cinema.
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013,, printed in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Art and book design by Juvelin Aripal in the Philippines. Published by International Digital Post Network Limited.
Sunday Eke who was a Nigerian soldier of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF). with the battalions of the Nigeria Regiment that served in Burma during the second World War (1939-1945).
I saw my father as a war hero and I was proud of him until his last days on Earth on November 19, 1983.
The most daring warriors are soldiers without uniform and I am one of them.
NIgerian filmmakers produced over twenty outstanding movies both on film and video, even though none fulfilled the criteria to qualify for the NIgerian entry for the Best International Feature category of the 94th annual Academy Awards coming up on March 27, 2022.
The following are my selection of the top ten best NIgerian movies in 2021 based on peer reviews, film criticisms, awards and nominations and thematic importance, relevance and significance on contemporary issues of current affairs and history of NIgeria in the screenwriting, directing and cinematography.
1 Eyimofe by Chuko and Arie Esiri
2. Eagle Wings by Paul Apel Papel.
3. Ayinla by Tunde Kelani.
4. Juju Stories by C.J. Obasi, Abba Makama and Michael Omonua.
5. La Femme Anjola by Mildred Okwo.
6. Swallow by Kunle Afolayan.
7. Amina by Izu Ojukwu.
8. Black Mail by Obi Emelonye.
9. Gone by Daniel Ademinokan.
10. Collision Course by Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters.
Notable Mentions
Prophetess by Niyi Akinmolayan.
Blackout by Abbey Abimbola, aka Crackydon.
A Soldier's Story 2 by Frankie Ogar.
Best Actor OC Ukeje as "Chinda" in Blackmail Best Actress Rita Dominic as Anjola in La Femme Anjola.
Rita Dominic is one of the best actors not only in NIgeria, but the rest of Africa and the world. She is one of the few actors I know who can turn a bad screenplay into a masterpiece.
The cinematic experience of "La Femme Anjola" will be more romantic when dubbed in the French language and Spanish language. Mildred Okwo should have the theatrical release of the French language copy in French speaking countries and the Spanish language copy in Spanish speaking countries.
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Serie,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013,, printed in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Art and book design by Juvelin Aripal in the Philippines.
Published by International Digital Post Network Limited.
The Okonkwo family of Umuezeabu village, Ichi in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra state has announced the transition of their daughter, Ms Cecilia Nnenna Okonkwo. She was aged 60.
An obituary signed on behalf of the family by the deceased's brother, Emma Bishop Okonkwo( Ikenga Ichi), Chairman, Ekulo Group of Companies, indicates that her rites of passage commence on Friday 14th January 2022 with Service of songs at her residence, Ochendo Villa, Ichi.
This will be followed on Saturday 15th January 2022 at 10 am by funeral service at St. James Anglican Church, Ichi.
The funeral service will be preceded immediately by interment at her family Compound.
Outing service in her honour will hold on Sunday 16th Jan 2022 St James Anglican Church, Ichi.
According to the family, all guests and sympathisers attending the late Nnenna's burial are expected to comply fully with COVID-19 protocols.
