Nolly Silver Screen

10

ISSUE 10
NOVEMBER 2014

MOST

influential
Nollywood
actresses

Interviews

- Chika Anadu
- Belinda Effah
- Mary Lazarus
- Laura Kutika
- Ijeoma Grace Agu
- Mariama Sylla Faye

THE

WOMAN
ISSUE

Mahen Bonneti:
Africa goes to
New York

MILDRED OKWO:

Nollywood is enterprising,
desperate and promising

Nolly Silver Screen

CONTENTS

ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2014

FEATURES

8 10 most influential
Nollywood actresses
20 Mahen Bonneti
30 Top 10 women in film

INTERVIEWS

14 Cover: Mildred Okwo

18 Filmmaker Interview:
Chika Anadu
19 Filmmaker Interview:
Mariama and Khady Sylla
Faye: In Single Words
22 Q & A with Ijeoma
Grace Agu
23 Up close and personal
with Belinda Effah
26 Talent on the rise:
Mary Lazarus
27 Masikini by Kutika

14

REGULARS
4 Editors Note
5 Readers Corner
6 Contributors Bios
10 Vox Pop
11 Celebrations
12 On Set
17 News
17 Story-Bored
21 Photo News
23 Nolly Pop Quiz
24 Reviews
28 Red Carpet
31 Festival News
34 Listings
35 Events
37 Award News

18

22

35

Editors Note

Deciding to do a woman
issue was easy. To get
more women in film, we
need to shine the spotlight
on those already there. We
need to tell their stories, so
that other women (and men)
can be inspired to follow
their dreams.

Well done with your website and magazine as

well. I read copy with Amaka Igwe on it sometime
back. Its nice to know that someone is documenting the Nollywood industry. :)
Ade Balogun

Women calling the shots behind the camera is a rarity in

Nollywood. Sadly, its a mans world when it comes to
directing films in Nigeria but thankfully, things are
gradually changing. We now have more women playing
major roles in the production process. Luckily for us at
Nolly Silver Screen, we have been able to showcase two
of Nigerias finest female directors in our past editions;
Tope Oshin-Ogun and Michelle Bello.

Deciding to do a woman issue was easy. To get more

women in film, we need to shine the spotlight on those
already there. We need to tell their stories, so that other
women (and men) can be inspired to follow their dreams.
So all our interviews and articles in this edition are
dedicated to women.
Would we ever do an all male edition? asked one of the
members of the Nolly Silver Screen team. Honestly, I
dont know. But lets see how this one goes and if our
readers want an all male edition, who are we to say No?
So write in and let us know what you think.

Mildred Okwo, our cover girl this edition makes it three.

Aunty Millie as she is fondly called is not your average
Nollywood director who is busy churning out multiple
titles every year. She takes her time because for her
quality not quantity is paramount. Interviewing her for
this edition was a breath of fresh air. She was funny, witty @iakinseye
and spoke intelligently with so much candour.

Isabella Akinseye

Readers Corner

5
Write
n
win

t you have
Write to us about wha
and stand a
enjoyed in this edition
lous prizes.
chance of winning fabu
giving out 2
This month, we will be
Home on DVD.
copies of A Mile from
ema tickets to
Also up for grabs are cin
in Nigeria and
see a Nollywood movie
a gift hamper.
rscreen.com
Email: info@nollysilve
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VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

Police officer before
independence is very very very
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point that out ;-)
Orah Egwu
Good work on the Nolly Silver
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Habeeb Lawal

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CONTRIBUTORS bios

NOLLY SILVER SCREEN

EDITOR
Isabella Akinseye
DEPUTY
EDITOR
Innocent Ekejiuba
ADVERTISING
Quill and Scroll Creatives

Mike Asukwo studied

Fine Art at the prestigious Yaba College of
Technology. He is an
award winning cartoonist and illustrator with
his work appearing in
numerous publications.
He currently works with
BusinessDay newspaper
as Senior Editorial Artist.

EDITORIAL
BOARD
Temitayo Amogunla

Check out his cartoon

strip Story-Bored (p.
17).

GRAPHICS
&
LAYOUT
Isabella Akinseye

Bola Atta
Bola Audu
Shaibu Husseini
Toni Kan

Sherif Awad has worked

as a programmer and
communications manager since 1993 in Cairo
International film festival, Alexandria film festival for Mediterranean
countries and Luxor African film festival in Egypt.

Eniola Ayobola is an
upcoming screenwriter,
director and movie
critic. He is studying
Geology at Obafemi
Awolowo University. He
is an avid collector of
classic movies and keeps
a regular blog on film.

Read Mahen Bonneti:

Africa goes to New York
(p. 20), Masikini by Kutika (p. 27) and Maryama
and Khady Sylla Faye: In
Single Words (p.19).

He reviews Kunle
Afolayans October 1
(p. 25).

STAFF
WRITERS
Ebunoluwa Mordi
Oluwayomi Olushola

CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Asukwo
Sherif Awad
Eniola Ayobola
Efeturi Doghudje
Wilfred Okiche
Oluwaponmile Orija

FACEBOOK
nollysilverscreen
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PLUS
+nollysilverscreen
TWITTER
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INSTAGRAM
nollysilverscreen
Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online
magazine of www.nollysilverscreen.com.
Reproduction in whole or in part without
permission is strictly prohibited.
Send email to [email protected]
for permission and other enquiries.

Efeturi Doghudje is a
PR practitioner eager to
see a sustainable change
in the Nigerian film, television and arts industry.
She enjoys watching
movies, reading, traveling and adventure. Visit
her blog for the latest
reviews on xplorenollywood.blogspot.com
She reviews Seyi
Babatopes When Love
Happens (p. 24).

Wilfred Okiche believes

in God, medicine, music
and movies. A medical
doctor, occasional writer,
columnist and profiler.
He runs a regular column in The Sun newspaper and contributes to
Y!Africa.

Oluwaponmile Orija is
studying Food Science
and Technology at the
Federal University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta.
She loves writing and
has published several
works in the newspapers.

He compiles a list of
the 10 most influential
Nollywood actresses
(p. 8) and top 10
women in film (p. 30).

She asks people which

woman in Nollywood
inspires them. (p. 10).

Want to contribute?

Nolly Silver Screen is always on the lookout for

writers and artists to contribute to the website,
magazine and social media pages.
We are currently open to receiving movie reviews, articles, interviews, infographics, cartoon
strips and caricatures focusing on Nollywood as
well as Africas film industry.
Send an email to [email protected]
requesting contributors guidelines.

10

most influential Nollywood actresses

BY WILFRED OKICHE

For our women issue, we will be taking a look at 10 of some of

the most influential women in Nollywood. Whether it is their ability

to draw in unprecedented crowds to cinemas, break box office records or lend their
marquee names to causes they care about, these women rock and we love them just
the way they are.
We present the fab 10 (in alphabetical order).

Funke Akindele
The queen of crossover will remain a Nollywood heavyweight for as
long as she continues to play Jenifa, the much beloved heroine from
the 2008 breakout comedy. Jenifa has spawned 2 sequels and a wide
array of imitators and Akindele has gone on to test her box office
appeal beyond the Jenifa character by headlining Tunde Kelanis
Maami, and the drama, Married but Living Single. Her lesser profile
comedies are also huge hits in the straight to DVD markets.

Rita Dominic
Dominic has steadily emerged a power player in todays Nollywood and it isnt hard to see why. No longer content with being
just the movie star, she took charge of her career and set up The
Audrey Silva Company (TASC), a production outfit with director
and business partner, Mildred Okwo. The first product of TASC
is the award winning romantic comedy, The Meeting and both
women are hard at work on their follow up, La Femme Anjola.

3
Nse Ikpe-Etim
The current Africa Movie Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA)
champion for Best Actress (Drama) in a leading role (Journey to
Self) may have moved to London to settle into domestic bliss,
but she remains a force to be reckoned with here in Nollywood.
This year, she starred in Shirley Frimpong-Mansos Devil in the
Detail and the warm memories of her expressive performance
are enough to erase those of her, slumming it out in Elvis
Chucks turkey, I Come Lagos.

Ibinabo Fiberesima
Light skinned, pretty and tough, Fiberesima has parlayed her lack
of serious acting roles into a controversial but highly visible tenure
as the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Nollywoods
most powerful branch. She has weathered numerous storms including beefs with colleagues Clarion Chukwurah and John Okafor on
her way to securing a fresh mandate to lead the actors. Her closeness to Aso Rock has helped Nollywood receive huge presidential
attention.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Since her listing on the Time 100 most influential people in the word,
screen queen Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has not been on many movie
sets but she has kept her gold status, such that her name, attached to
any project immediately guarantees A-list respectability. A veteran of
over 50 film titles, Jalade-Ekeinde starred alongside Genevieve Nnaji
in Nollywoods highest grossing film, Ije: The Journey and has contemplated a career in music and reality television.

Mercy Johnson
This mother of two used to be a controversial character; what
with her colourful film roles, insistence of shoving her ample
assets past whatever role she is playing and her much publicised wedding to her Prince. But something else happened
along the way to infamy. Her blazing, raw talent did not go
unnoticed and producers found in her the perfect foil to take
over from the previous generation of stars. She has since
refused to look back and sells DVD units in thousands.

Genevieve Nnaji
Africas Julia Roberts (according to Oprah Winfrey) has not been seen
on the big screens in a headlining role for about 2 years now but
none can deny that she remains the queen of hearts. Nnaji appeared
in Amstel Maltas autobiographical promo The Journey and took a
minute role in this years much hyped Half of a Yellow Sun film adaptation. Nnaji also returned to fashion with the re-launch of her St.
Genevieve clothing line in October.

Omoni Oboli
Oboli may well be the most successful actress to end the year 2014.
Coming off her days starring in award winning fare like The Figurine and
Anchor Baby, Oboli opened the year starring in thrillers, Brothers
Keeper and Render to Caesar. She then went on to star in and direct for
the first time the fantasy rom-com, Being Mrs Elliott, and was
rewarded with a presidential screening at the seat of power in Abuja for
her efforts.

Patience Ozokwor
Mama G has cornered the market on those evil step mother roles and
frankly, no one does it better than her. Ozokwor remains a screen delight and one of those faces that sell out movies in a heartbeat. She has
also attempted to conquer the cinemas with roles in films like Turning
Point and Covert Operation and her performance in the film, After the
Proposal earned her the 2014 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for
Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Joke Silva
Veteran of stage, television and screen, national treasure and one half of
moviedoms most enduring couple has played everything from
loving mother, evil boss to scheming wife. Her practised diction, poise
and elegant carriage sets her a class apart from everyone else and her
career trajectory remains a shining example for endless generations of
actresses. And actors too.

10

10

VOX
pop

Which woman in Nollywood inspires you?

Oluwaponmile Orija finds out..

Chioma
Akpotha
I like her. She is sort of
scandal free.
- Temilola Onigbinde

Joke
Silva
She is a screen idol. At her
age, she is still graceful
and very captivating. She is
an asset Hollywood
definitely missed out on.
- Beatrice Ogbangwor

Omotola
JaladeEkeinde
She balances career life
and family.
- Eniola Oluwatoye

Mercy
Johnson
She is a perfect actress
and is good at what she
does.
- Taiwo Macregor

Taiwo
Ajai-Lycett
I just like her.
- Adeola Shonukan

Genevieve
Nnaji
She is decent and
beautiful.
- Victor Iyogun

NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONS
6 Kenneth Okonkwo
8 Chika Ike
12 Yvonne Nelson
15 Chelsea Eze
16 Oge Okoye

17 Empress Njamah
20 Charles Novia
21 Nadia Buhari
25 Yvonne Okoro

11

12

PICTURES FROM THE SET OF

ALEX MOUTHS

FOLLY

18
14
14

COVER INTERVIEW

Award winning director, screenwriter, producer and

film marketer MILDRED OKWO reflects on The Meeting,
Nigerias film industry and what she would do as
President in this interview with ISABELLA AKINSEYE
How did your career in filmmaking start?
I was looking to produce a screenplay that I had written in 2005. I
started searching for a good Nigerian director in the US who
would direct it for me but the ones I talked to were far too self
absorbed that I decided to do it myself. 30 Days was the first film I
directed.

Did you receive formal training or did you learn on the job?

the magic of films. The fringe benefit is that I get to open up my

own eyes in the process.

Setting up The Audrey Silva Company must have been a dream come true.
Achieving the dream has been painfully slow but the journey has
been worth it. I am glad I did not settle forever in a career that did
not totally fulfill me (Law). This is what I enjoy doing so I am quite
fulfilled doing it.

I dont have formal 4 year filmmaking training. It would have been

so wonderful to go to USC or NYU film school but I didnt have the Do you have any regrets about returning back to Nigeria?
time or money. So I took short courses here and there and the rest This is my natural habitat so I am quite at peace with any challengare self acquired skills and on the job training.
es that I have had to face. However, I thank God I came back when
I did because if I had stayed a few more years abroad, I would not
What inspires your craft?
have been able to make the transition. Those years in the United
The need to expose people to the things happening with and
States prepared me very well for living in Nigeria. I understand
around them. I feel that many of us experience life with our eyes
Nigeria and Nigerians so much more than I would have had I not
closed so I am constantly trying to open up a lot of eyes through
spent time living in the US. I love both countries dearly.

The Meeting was released on DVD this year and sold out in weeks. How
profitable has it been despite issues of piracy?

COVER INTERVIEW

15

want to know who

got the funding and
Sold out in weeks? Where did you get that miracle news? Hahaha! whether they impacted the industry
We have a lot of people in this our business who thrive on lying
positively. If it did, I
about what their films cost and their actual revenue and I think
that is daft. Selling out and marketers ordering your products are will leave a note for
two distinct things. Yes we had tons of offers in the first few weeks the next president to
continue to fund the
of release but I do not consider anything a sell out until I have
project if not, I would
the money in the bank. Thank God that The Meeting was in very
leave notes on how to
high demand forcing many who ordered to pay us pretty quickly.
solve the problem.
However, it took a couple of months not weeks for them pay. So I
can say we sold out our first batch of DVDs in a couple of months 2. I would repeal
any taxes whatsoever
which apparently is still a feat in Nollywood. DVD is a high end
on the industry for five
market in Nigeria so it is more difficult to sell but we have been
selling quite a lot so I am happy. Some guy in Alaba has pirated the years including but
not limited to the 5%
film but it is not a good copy so we have still been selling. Piracy
percent tax charged
has not been our main problem but getting the product to the
on income from
areas that they are needed is the biggest problem.
Nigerian films in
cinemas. I would
Do you feel pressure to shoot many films as is common with many
also repeal all custom
Nollywood directors?
charges for
I used to especially when you see some producers on set every
filmmaking or
month, you wonder if you should not be doing the same thing but exhibition equipment
I just cannot do it. I have come to the conclusion that the quality
imported into the
is diminished to a standard that my heart cannot stand so I refrain country. Can you
from doing it. See how long it took me to even do this interview
believe that we charge
not to talk of shooting a film.
very high custom fees
for equipment we do
You are a member of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC),
not make in the
country? That will
how would you rate this years submissions?
definitely not encourage small business owners or investors. These
Films must be submitted before August and must have been
businesses are the backbone of any economy. We should first
screened before September 29. We did not watch any films this
nurture before we start to slam them with taxes.
year because none of the films submitted even met the minimum
3.
I would look into all the government parastatals in charge of
guidelines required. I wish filmmakers would go and watch films
the industry and ensure that only progressive administrators with
that are Oscar contenders before submitting. The problem with
an understanding of the industry will hold those positions. They
us is that many who practise this profession in Nigeria are not
must each in that 24 hours submit their blueprint for moving the
even people who like films. It is purely a business for them, no
industry forward and what they have done so far to achieve their
art involved.
goals. If I am not satisfied, they will be fired. If I am satisfied I will
fund the projects they have outlined.
What kind of movies do you wish to see made in Nollywood?
4. I would give massive tax breaks to banks and investors who
I would love to see movies that speak to our people without
invest in the industry. Tax breaks to cinemas who maintain 20 30
blatantly insulting their intelligence. You have to be able to uplift
percent of their screens for showing Nollywood films and to all methe community through your work.
dia houses who dedicated a percentage of their advertising space
to push worthy Nollywood films.
Share with us your most memorable experience on set.
5. I would make a single phone call to the Police Officer in
I am a bit weird when it comes to things like that. I dont have a
charge of Ojo where Alaba market is situated. I know what to tell
favorite food, car or colour, so it is difficult to answer such
him and piracy of Nollywood films will disappear in that market in 6
questions. The first time I called action was in a scene with the
hours.
legendary Joke Silva in 2005. I remember my DP Cricket Peters
climbed up a tree to light this beautiful night scene. Jokes skin was
Which other areas of filmmaking would you like to get involved in?
glistening in the dark and it was indeed a sight to behold. I
As a producer, director, film marketer and writer, I experience every
remember the first time Rita Dominic entered the set of The
Meeting as Clara Ikemba. The laughter that echoed when she said aspect of filmmaking including distribution. There is nothing else I
her first lines, I knew for a fact I had made the right choice to cast want to do.
her in that role. I also remember when Femi Jacobs got into charWhat was the last Nollywood film you watched?
acter so much that he separated himself from others. He was so
angry that he could not get to see the minister that by the time we I am constantly watching Nollywood films on television so that is
he finally saw the minister, the rage was real but yet he was able to not even a real question. I am not one of the dummies who say
control it to deliver his lines. What to say? Its those little things that they dont watch Nollywood films yet they are in the industry. I
watched Secret Room on Sunday night on TV I am going to watch
trip me.
October 1 and When Love Happens in the cinemas in the next few
days.
What is your favourite line from one of your movies?
A man cannot even have a little organism in this country without
being killed for it. It was a line from the President in 30 Days. That
makes me laugh everytime.

Describe Nollywood in three words and why.

Enterprising because it is an industry that was borne out of nothing and many of the people in it are quite hardworking and
resourceful.
If you were made President for one day, what would you do?
Desperate because it preys on a lot of human beings that are so
I would pay particular attention to the industry simply because
desperate they will do anything to get ahead in Nollywood.
it has a massive potential for solving a very disgraceful problem
Promising because the future is bright and promising in spite of all
we have in this country which is the high rate of unemployment
among young people. Naturally, black folk are gifted in the areas of the challenges.
entertainment and sports and it boggles the mind that in Africa we
do not even have a very well structured industry in that regard. It is What advice do you have for women interested in directing?
like we want to wait for foreigners to point us in the right direction Its a lot of hard work and thankless for the most part so get tough
before we can figure it out. One day is very short but these are the and ready for the long haul.
things I would like to do in 24 hours if it were possible:
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MILDRED OKWO
1. Find out what Nexim Bank and Bank of Industry have done
with the 200 million dollars earmarked for the industry. I would

NEW
BOTTLES

N E W S

When Love Happens breaks box office records

17

When Love Happens the movie featuring Desmond Elliot, Weruche Opia, Gideon Okeke, O.C. Ukeje, Bukky Wright, Beverly Naya,
Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and Helen Paul has broken box office records in its first weekend in cinemas. The movie, which opened in
cinemas across the country on 24 October 2014, emerged the most viewed movie and became a crowd favourite in cinemas over the
weekend. It also made an impressive showing in its first weekend in cinemas, making it the number one movie in cinemas ahead of
other movies over the weekend. According to one of the producers of the movie Moses Babatope, Our outing in cinemas this weekend
was really impressive. It was like movie lovers had been waiting for us to come to the cinemas.
When Love Happens follows the story of Moduroti Bankole-Smith is a twenty eight year old events planner that has always been
unlucky in love. Events take a bizarre turn when she is hired to plan a long-time friends wedding. Distributed by FilmOne Distribution
Company, the movie is produced by Moses and Seyi Babatope and directed by Seyi Babatope.

Another one bites the dust: Nollywood actor Clems Onyeka killed
Nollywood actor Clems Onyeka was killed by a stray bullet around a robbery scene in Asaba, Delta State on 14 October 2014. The 37
year old actor was reportedly shot along Summit Express, Asaba, Delta State during a shoot out between the police and armed robbers
during a bank robbery operation. He reportedly died on the spot. The Nigerian Film Corporation has reacted to the death. In a statement in Jos, signed by Brian Etuk the Corporations Head of Public Affairs, the NFC described the death of Clems Onyekas as shocking,
untimely, and a great loss to the film Industry. According to Etuk, NFCs Managing Director Dr. Danjuma Dadu is deeply saddened by the
untimely death of Onyeka. The NFC boss commiserated with the family of Clems Onyeka, just as he also condoled with all film practitioners over this sudden loss, especially the leadership and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). He described the actors
death as pathetic and unfortunate. Dadu assured that the NFC will continue to positively engage all film practitioners and stakeholders
in the country to imbibe best global practices in the art and business of filmmaking, the statement added.

A Letter from Adam set for Sunyani premiere

Lydia Forson will premiere her production debut A Letter from Adam in Sunyani on 15 November 2014. The movie has already enjoyed
high patronage from fans and industry practitioners during its Accra and Kumasi premieres. Directed by Sam Kessie the movie features a
star studded cast comprising Wale Ojo, Akorfa Ejeani Asiedu, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku and Lydia Forson among others. Set in
Accra, the romantic drama is a contemporary story about love, loss and hope. A Letter from Adam seeks to give its audience an often
neglected truth about love; it doesnt always come in the form one expects it to.
STORIES: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA

18
14

FILMMAKER INTERVIEW

Writer and director, CHIKA ANADU speaks to

EBUNOLUWA MORDI about her award winning debut
feature B for Boy, her inspiration and her next plans
What inspired you to work as a filmmaker?
Ive always loved film, right from when I was
a child. But it wasnt till I fell in love with
foreign language arthouse cinema and saw
Cinema Paradiso (an Italian film), that I
realised that this is what I should be doing.

What lessons did you learn about life as well as

filmmaking working on the film.

I learned that filmmaking is not for the faint It will be out worldwide online (except in
of heart, and that its my home.
Africa) from 1 December 2014. Itll be
available in Nigeria and the rest of Africa
early next year.
What is your favourite line from the film?
That woman will outlive us all!

Prior to directing, had you ever acted or worked

in other aspects of filmmaking?
Any memeorable experiences on set?
No.

Being a female director, do you feel you have to

work twice as hard to prove yourself?
Not that Ive noticed. I think filmmaking is
tough, regardless of your gender.

Tell us about the B for Boy story, how did it all

start?

B for Boy is a contemporary drama set in

Nigeria about one womans desperate need
for a male child. It explores the
discrimination of women in the names of
culture and religion. I wanted to make a
feature, and out of all the themes I had
wanted to explore at the time, this one
appeared to be the most willing to be told.

When will it be released on DVD and how can

people watch the film now?

There were many but the one that stands

out is when one of the hard drives refused
to mount, and the DIT guy had not backed
up the footage. Three days of footage! It
took three months for the data retrieval
people to retrieve it. And only 70 percent
of it. But we were lucky. It didnt affect the
finished film.

What has the response been like to the film?

The response has been very good to
excellent across board; adiences and critics
alike, all around the world.

Congrats on your AMAA win, were you

expecting it?

What are your views on Nollywood?

Its big.

What was the last Nigerian film you watched?

Confusion Na Wa.

What are you currently working on?

Im currently working on writing a TV series.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

No one in particular. I like working with
actors that have little to no experience.
They tend to be more open to direction,
and eager to please, so that makes my work
easier.

In five words, you are?

An international filmmaker from Nigeria.

Not at all. I wasnt even there.

How long did it take you from start to finish?

How has the AMAA win impacted on your career?

It took three and a half long years.

It hasnt.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHIKA ANADU

FILMMAKER INTERVIEW

19

Mariama
and Khady
Sylla Faye:
In single
words
BY SHERIF AWAD
Mariama Sylla Faye is a typical product of the Senegalese cinema. Since the age
of seventeen, she has been attending the cinema circle thanks to her mother who
worked at the national film office and her sister, Khady who was a filmmaker.
Mariama also discovered cinema of the 1970s through films projected onto a white
sheet by her mother at the family house.

After finishing her studies, she worked as a director and producer creating films through her production company GuissGuissCom andmade several films including Dakar Deuk Raw (2008), Skirmisher Marc Gueye: My Pen, My Fight (2010) and her newest documentary A
Single Word (2014), co-directed with the late Khady Sylla, her elder sister.

A Single Word premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last September. It is a documentary that draws a picture of their
traditional oral culture where their grandmother griot (storyteller) Penda Diogo Sarr who is one of the last repositories of their cultures
oral tradition that remains one of the last guarantors of genealogical memory.
Khady Sylla, who died in October 2013, left with us a tribute to the ancestors and those who have gone. It is the seventh collaboration
with her younger sister, who considers this the most accomplished of their work. I started working with my sister at the age of
seventeen, remembered Mariama. She was the one who trained me and introduced me to cinema and scriptwriting. The person I am
today is the result of this long journey with Khady, the first-born of our family. I am the youngest and she and I often laughed about
being at these two ends. Despite the difference in age and education, we were able to come together.
But how was this film conceived? The idea for the film came one
day when, while sitting on a mat next to our great grandmother,
her voice broke the silence of the evening sunset and the purple
twilight, said Mariama. She sang of her ancestors. Her slightly
husky voice and the emotion that it carried moved us deeply.
Though we were not able to record these words that came from
the depths of time, we were satisfied with listening to the voice of
this centenarian with whom we had woven so many ties. It is from
this moment that we had a desire to make a film about the oral
tradition but seen from the perspective of our family, because we
had realised that being of a generation of the written word, that
this manner of relaying the word had escaped us.
The duo went to film several takes as Penda Diogo Sarr taught
them the words. They asked her to teach them the foundations of oral culture. She was very happy to do so, patiently
repeating the words of a verse about three of their ancestors.
The grandmother lived simultaneous
disappearances, that of her own imminent person because of
her advanced age, and that of the world that witnessed her
birth into the world of the Wolof peasantry. And that is why
every time she meets her grandchildren, it is always highly
emotional. All of the imperceptible emotion that is shown in
the film comes from this sense of loss. A Single Word is not
an ethnographic film about speaking but it is rather a portrait
questioning the whole world.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARIAMA SYLLA FAYE

20

FEATURE

Mahen Bonetti: Africa goes to New York

M

ahen Bonetti is the founder and executive director of the

New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) that celebrated its 20th
edition last year. NYAFF takes place at the Lincoln Centre and
Brooklyn Academy of Music. Offering year-round programming,
NYAFF showcases new and classic African films to thousands
through such programs as the African Film Festival National
Travelling Series, which visits up to 13 cities across the United
States.
Furthermore, NYAFF also runs a series of community-based
screenings in which it partners with local cultural organisations
to present films in a community setting, such as in New York City
Parks. In addition to the aforementioned programming, the
festival also has several ongoing projects under the umbrella of
educational programming, which includes in-school film
presentations and discussions with Global Kids, Inc., the French
Heritage Language Program, the Cornerstone Mentoring Program,
and the East Harlem School at Exodus House.
Mahen Bonetti is a Sierra Leonean who has lived in the United
States for the past twenty-five years. Her parents had been active
in Sierra Leones post-independence government, and when that
government was overthrown, they were jailed for a period of time.
Shortly thereafter, Mahen left Sierra Leone and travelled to Liberia
where she lived for about a year as a ward of an uncle, who was
also active in the Liberian government. Eventually she came to the
States and, after completing her studies, she worked in advertising
and later for Weekly News. She developed more of an interest in
the arts when she met her Swiss husband Luca, an art conservator.
As a result of this bond, she wanted to support Africas influence
and contribution to universal arts and culture.
In 1980, she was able to return home only to be aware of the
misunderstanding which existed between Africa and the United
States, where basically the images of Africa that were most seen
or known to Americans were those of starving children, despots
and natural calamities. It seemed like Africa was just one disaster
zone. I started to have this dream of bringing all these African
filmmakers to screen their films in gigantic marquis opening
across New York and in places like Times Square. This is how the
idea of NYAFF was born. In the 1990s, I started to work on
realising it When I look back to the tasks I went through, I
discover that was totally green and nave. It was a time before the
start of the internet revolution that facilitated the communication
between the five continents. However, it was also the perfect time
to give Africa a voice during the geopolitical situations that
created activists out the new rising African artists and filmmakers
who were also advocating for humanity. I started to travel and to
know more about the whole world through watching more films
and meeting more filmmakers in European and African festivals.
When I used to attend big European festivals like Locarno in
Switzerland, the homeland of my husband, I was hoping that one
day we can have big screens like theirs in Africa, she explained.
Through NYAFF, Bonetti was keen to heighten the knowledge
about Africa and its heritage by eliminating the mediocre and
stereotypical conception about African magic, cannibalism and
warfare. The first who gave me some helping hands was the
French cultural centre so I remember taking the train from
Switzerland to Paris to meet them while I was pregnant with my
only child. On the road, I got this long distance phone call from
my husband in New York who informed me that my mother had
passed away in Sierra Leone. So it was a very emotional experience trying to create something after I lost someone very close,
remembers Bonetti who, after returning to the Big Apple, received
the support of MOMA Museum, Lincoln Centre and Ford
Foundation.
STORY: SHERIF AWAD
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MAHEN BONNETI

photo N E W S

Stars light up the red carpet of Seyi Babatopes When Love Happens

Gideon Okeke

Kemi Lala Akindoju

Ruth Kadiri

Victor Olaotan

21

Wale Ojo

Tope Oshin-Ogun

Beverley Naya

O.C. Ukeje

22

What does family mean to you?

INTERVIEW

Family is everything. No amount of success, fame and career can

trump that.

How do you balance your work with your personal life?

When on set, its all about the work. When at home, all focus shifts
there.

Who are your role models?

More like people I respect their work ethics: Daniel Oriahi, my
mum, Joke Silva, Genevieve Nnaji and in my generation, Ivie
Okujaiye, Judith Audu and Lala Akindoju.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

Oh! I have lofty dreams! Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Genevieve
Nnaji.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change?

Id start early. As early as five years old.

Q and A with

Ijeoma Grace Agu

BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI

What is your favourite line from a movie?

Heres looking at you kid from Casablanca.

What are your hopes for Nollywood?

Structure, structure and proper structure. I dream of the day when
every competent and talented creative would occupy their own
niche; the writers write, producers produce, casting agents cast,
directors direct, cinematographers shoot, actors act, editors edit,
composers do the movie score and PR agents do publicity.

What advice do you have for other actresses?

Ijeoma Grace Agu is a versatile stage and screen actress. She won
the Most Promising Star (female) at the 2014 Best of
Nollywood Awards.

How long have you been acting for?

Professionally, this is my seventh year.

Be sure this is what you want to do with your life. Act. Secondly,
keep working on your craft.

What next can we expect from you?

More quality work.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF IJEOMA GRACE AGU

High points will be the awards (30 Nigeria House Grant and BON) then
headlining my one woman show, The Chronicle of Heroines and being the lead
for Misfit which has gone on to bring so many other blessings. Low point?
Honestly none. I have been highly favoured and blessed in my career.
What are you doing to improve your craft?
I do read books on acting and watch videos online of acting
master classes. I also practise by recording monologues and
uploading them on my Youtube page.

What have been the high and low points of your career?
High points will be the awards (30 Nigeria House Grant and BON)
then headlining my one woman show, The Chronicle of Heroines
and being the lead for Misfit which has gone on to bring so many
other blessings. Low point? Honestly none. I have been highly
favoured and blessed in my career.

Share with us your year in film for 2014.

2014 started on a very good note. I played the lead in the TV movie
Out of Fire for Mnet. Then my movie, Misfit was released in select
cinemas in April. In June, I travelled to Paris for the Nollywood
week film festival where Misfit was selected for screening. Then I
took time out to have my daughter. A couple of weeks after putting
to birth, I started filming for a TV romcom for EbonyLife TV. Then
came the BON awards in October where I won the Most
Promising Star (female). I am currently in preproduction for a short
film titled The Habit which follows the story of a nun. Its been a
year of countless blessings I must say.

NOLLY POP

QUIZ

BY OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA

1. Name four actors in

Folly?
2. Name one
Nigerian movie directed
by a woman.
3. Flower Girl won in how
many categories at the
2014 Nollywood Movies
Awards ?
4. What film did Omoni
Oboli direct?
5. Name the Hollywood
actresses in Turning
Point?
6. Where was A Letter
from Adam shot?
7. A Place in the Stars is
about the work of which
woman?
8. Which year was
White Waters shot?
9. Who acted the lead
role in Invasion 1897?
10. Who produced A Mile
From Home?

Up Close and
Personal
with

23

Belinda
Effah
Belinda Effah is an award winning Nigerian actress and presenter.
ACTING JOURNEY

I have always had the passion to be an actress. When I was in primary school, I
was always looking for ways to participate in any acting activity. My father has
always been of the opinion for all his children to be well educated. As soon as I
completed my tertiary education, I started acting and he gave me his blessings.
Education broadens ones scope and eliminates a lot of limitation one comes
across in life. Because I am educated, acting comes to me in a new light and
I am able to understand and interprete different roles I come across in a way
that is easier.

CHALLENGING ROLES

Every role I play is challenging for me because as an actor, I seek new ways of
interpreting roles differently and in a way that the audience can relate with
easily. I try to make every role I play very believable and convincing.

WISH LIST

I wish I had acted in 12 Years A Slave. I will like to work with Meryl Streeps,
Angelina Jolie, Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Mercy Johnson.

ACTING NUDE

No I wouldnt. My body is the temple of God.

ON WINNING AWARDS

I feel very honored and grateful to God Almighty. Its not of my own doing. I
feel blessed to be associated with renowned producers and directors that they
deem me fit to star in their movies. The awards I have won so far have helped
sky rocket my career to the next level. Today, I am a very active actress. I have
gained recognition in the industry as an actress and I am very grateful.

ROLE MODELS

For work my mentors are Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streeps and Genevieve Nnaji. In
church, Pastor Paul Adefaransin, Pastor Joe Ulaeto and Pastor Ayo Otuyalo.

ON FASHION

My style is Belinda; whatever makes Belinda rock. I dont particularly care about
trends, I go with my moods and it could range from edgy to sexy to
controversial. I am very adventurous with fashion. Beyonc Knowles is a huge
inspiration and she is also my number 1 fashion icon. Whatever you see on
Beyonc is Beyonc. She sets the trend for others to follow. Her sense of
fashion is sexy, sultry and savvy and that defines me.

HIDDEN TALENTS

I am very handy in the beauty field.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER

I am sure business. I am already into the food packaging business and that is
going very well. You can find Favor-Right foods in local supermarkets in town.
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BELINDA EFFAH

24

REVIEWS
Title: 10:10
Genre: Short film
Director: Gbenga Salu
Year: 2013

Title: When Love Happens

Genre: Feature film
Director: Seyi Babatope
Year: 2014

When Love Happens is the story of Moduroti

Bankole-Smith, a twenty eight year old events
planner that has been unlucky in love. She is
reminded at every turn about how wonderful love is
and when shes hired to plan her long-time friends
upcoming wedding, she goes on a relationship
expedition to find her true love.
The cast was pretty young, with some relatively
unknown faces. Mo, the main character was played
by newbie Weruche Opia who was at home with her
character, handled it well and was overly anxious for
a 28 year old. While I loved the monologue scenes, I
didnt really feel her chemistry with her male
characters.

10:10 engages you and keeps

you watching till the end. It is
filled with intrigues and every
scene raises questions. Some
these questions however continues after the whole 14:53 minutes of the short film. The exceptionally poor
acting would be the presage of queries of soundness of script and the competence of a director who couldnt bring out the best in the actors, even though
the actors might have been just as bad as they appeared. This doesnt mean
that effort was not put into making this good. On the contrary, only that
attention was paid to the wrong details.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
Title: Journey to Self
Genre: Feature film
Director: Tope Oshin Ogun
Year: 2013

Journey to Self is a film about

female empowerment. The
movie revolves around five childhood friends: Regina (Ashionye
Michelle Raccah), Alex (Dakore
Akande), Uche (Tosin Sido), Rume (Katherine Obiang) and Nse (Nse Ikpe-Etim).
The story is told through a series of letters left behind by Uche, employs
flashbacks and is heavy on dialogue. Raccah shines the light on suicide,
domestic abuse, cross dressing, infertility and single parenthood among
others. The soundtrack and scenic views of Lagos and Abuja helped to spice
things up. The male characters would have done with more development to
give the film more balance. Serious stuff.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: Tunnel
Genre: Feature film
Director: Stanlee Ohikhuare
Year: 2014

For her friends Tobe and Tseju played by Gideon

Okeke and Oreka Godis. I loved Godis sarcastic
humour, her attitude towards life and not taking it
too seriously. She was brilliant and definitely needs
more roles in the industry. Okeke felt too obvious
and oblivious at the same time. Long time-friend
played by Beverly was spot on for me. She was
obnoxious (much more than usual) and a total
bridezilla. I felt the accent, which was in full swing
was way too much for the role, but I guess thats the
easiest way to deliver cocky, cynical and sarcastic
into one. Ukeje plays a confident lover/player but the
chemistry between Dare and Mo felt
non-existent at some point. Mos mum played by
Shaffy Bello was sweet and a breath of fresh air. And
while I loved Desmond, I believe that his lone scene
with Mo could have been edited making the movie
1:30:00 as against 1:40:00.
Make-up was too heavy especially for Godis
character. The script was simple and basic and was
pulled off okay. Some of the long scenes and
dialogues got me bored and some close-up shots
made some scenes look uneasy. Production quality
was top notch. Sound and picture quality were
excellent as well as the sound track.

- EFETURI DOGHUDJE

Tunnels selling point is its

interesting themes; personal
faith, marital infidelity, corruption,
sickness and domestic abuse.
Add cinematography, special
effects, solid acting and a great soundtrack to the list. For a change, we see
Nigerian celebrities in a movie (Waje Iruobe and Lepacious Bose) totally
commit to their characters without relying on their talent. While we do hear
Wajes voice (church scene and soundtrack) it is her character Sade that sticks.
Stanlee Ohikhuare pushes the envelope with creative lighting and shots.
However, a final edit in the sound, lighting, subtitles and pace is required take
this movie a notch higher.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: A Short Documentary
Genre: Documentary
Director: Soji Oyinsan and
Stephen Oruwari (Co-director)
Year: 2013
I know A Short Documentary is
meant to chronicle the thoughts
of a short person, but what I
see is basically the sequence of
events and circumstances that leads a girl (who is quite short) to meet a
tall guy. For a concept that has a lot of potential, the storyline appears to
be awfully shallow and lifeless just like the mute characters used, especially
Moby when playing a mute part. Unbelievably, the liveliest mute actor in the
production is the little child. In total, the production was spot on. Perfect for
the concept, but too good for the story.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA

REVIEWS

25

Title: October 1
Genre: Feature film
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Year: 2014
There is no doubt that Kunle Afolayan is a Joseph;
he dreams big, thinks wide and always aspires to do
better than his previous projects. That is why I wasnt
surprised when I heard he had embarked on a new
project which would cost him $2 million to achieve. It
was a project I was definitely looking forward to see.
The film is a psychological thriller that tells the story
of an inspector, Danladi Waziri, who was brought
into the town of Akute by the white colonial
superiors, to investigate and solve a series of
murders of some women before Independence day,
October 1, 1960.
It is a brilliant period drama, set in the 1960s and
delivered by an outstanding array of cast, led by Sadiq
Daba and Demola Adedoyin who played Inspector
Waziri and Prince Aderopo respectively with
supporting performances from the likes of Kayode
Aderupoko, Kehinde Bankole, Femi Adebayo and
Ibrahim Chettah, just to mention a few.
Beyond the acting, the story was quite compelling; a
finely written plot with neatly woven subplots and intensely driven twists. From the first act through to the
final, the ride was fun. The screenwriter, Tunde
Babalola is sure one to look out for.
The direction was superb. Afolayan has proven his
ingenuity with this flick; telling a story beyond a story
and delivering the message with enough thrills and
wit.

The film had a unique blend of beautiful art

dazzling costumes, artistic shots
design,
(commendable work by cinematographer,
Yinka Edwards) and riveting music score.
These were all excellently woven together to
make this film a classic and put it on par with
likes of Saworo Ide (by the legendary Tunde
Kelani, which coincidentally had Kunle feature
The film had a unique blend of beautiful art design, dazzling
in it). This is the best production of 2014 so
costumes, artistic shots (commendable work by cinematographer,
Yinka Edwards) and riveting music score. These were all excellently far.
woven together to make this film a classic and put it on par with
likes of Saworo Ide (by the legendary Tunde Kelani, which
coincidentally had Kunle feature in it). This is the best production of
2014 so far.
Even though some scenes and plot lines were shoddy and still
typical Nollywood-like (the opening scene and the Funmilayo
Ransome-Kuti sub-plot), the impeccable work put into this film
overshadows all flaws. Once again, Afolayan has used this film to
raise the bar in Nollywood and given us hope that our industry can
one day stand equally with the foreign giant Hollywood. I would
recommend this movie for everyone; it is worth seeing, it is worth
the time and it is worth the money. Get to the nearest cinema near
you for this movie.
- ENIOLA AYOBOLA

26

INTERVIEW
What is your favourite line from a movie?
Abeg wetin be Oma mata? Oma mata, Ama mata
na dsame tin mata dey inside! Desperate Housegirls
produced by Uduak Isong.

If you could change Nollywood, what would you do?

I would stop the division in the industry. Nollywood
should be Nollywood and not Hause wood, Igbo
wood, Yoruba wood, thats what brings hatred in the
industry. Hollywood is Hollywood, theres no LA wood
or Chicago wood.

Which Nigerian leader inspires you?

Wole Soyinka because he is one Nigerian icon. I believe that he has the interest of the country at heart.

What is your favourite genre of movies?

Action and romantic comedy.

TALENT ON THE RISE: MARY LAZARUS

Up and coming actress, Mary Lazarus started her career as a model in 2002. The Geography graduate who
started acting in 2009 has starred in several TV soaps
and movies. The Abia State native speaks to Oluwayomi
Olushola about her journey so far.
Your acting journey: talent or training?

How do you achieve a healthy work life balance?

I always try to balance both work and personal life to
ensure none is lacking. I also seperate both. Once Im
done with work I leave everything about work behind
me.

What is your greatest possession?

My hair.

Do you have plans to settle down or will you be focusing on

your career for now?
Sure I have plans to settle and start up a family soon.

Talent. I have been training on the job since the day I started acting.

Describe your ideal man.

What is your typical daily routine like?

My ideal man? A Terrence Jenkins. Hahahaha! Short,

tall, fat, slim, medium sized all join, na the heart matter.

I wake up in the morning, say my prayers and get myself ready. I go straight
to set. When Im not working, I wake up, say my prayers, jot down some
ideas, read a little, watch movies and attend church events. I also hangout
with friends.

What are you currently working on?

I am on location working on Seperate Lives, an Mnet production.

How do you deal with rejection at auditions?

At that particular moment, it hurts and after that, I get over it assuming
that Im not fit for that character.

How do you overcome challenges on the job?

Every job comes with its challenge, like character challenge, production
challenge. How I overcome challenges depends on the challenge in
question but I must say overcoming each challenge makes me stronger.

What are some sacrifices you have had to make on the job?

I cur my hair for Loosing Control, a movie produced by Emem Isong. It was
a tough decision for me deciding whether to cut my hair or not.

How financially rewarding is it being an actress in Nollywood?

So far acting has been profitable and I also combine it with modelling.

How do you handle the fame?

I dont let it get into me and as far as Im concerned I have not got to the
peak of my career.

Which woman in Nollywood inspires you?

Joke Silva. I want to still be as relevant as she is at her age.

Are there any other areas of filmmaking you would like to get involved in?
Yes I plan to go into directing.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

Tyler Perry.

If you were not acting, what would you be doing?

If I was not acting maybe, I will be selling pepper and tomatoes. Hahahaha!

Mary Lazarus in five words?

A simple fun loving personality.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MARY LAZARUS

Masikini by Kutika
BY SHERIF AWAD

Up-and-coming African women

working as filmmakers are always
distinguished by their works on the
documentary and narrative scenes.

One of the established figures in African

cinema is the thirty-something Laura Kutika
who is a mother of two children, a green belt
champion of taekwondo, a screenwriter, a
director and novelist from Kinshasa, the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kutika, who goes sometimes by the name of
Laura Guliamo Luyeye, was the author of the
novels Alone Facing Our Fates and To Our
Missteps and now she is about to publish her
third novel Before Its Too Late. In her writings
and blogging, Kutika denounces the domestic
violence against women and supports womens
rights to live on equal basis with men in our
African societies. The ever-active Kutika also
directed the stage play The Diary of a
Chambermaid that was written by Octave
Mirbeau who was also denouncing the modern
forms of slavery in treating workers in bad ways.
Kutika started to build her film and TV career by
co-writing the television series Hotel Kinshasa
for Antenne A in 2001, becoming an assistant
director on the feature film Ndouleman by
Nolda di Massamba and directing short films
like Go For It in 2011 and Moumoune and Me in
2013. Laura Kutika, who is based in France, has
just finished shooting her one-hour
documentary dedicated to the Congolese Diva
Abeti Masikini. The film has the title of The
Struggle of a Woman.
The idea of this film about the singer came to
me after reading a book that was written about
her by her former publicist Berthrand Nguyen
Matoko, said Kutika. The book was entitled
Abeti Masikini: The Golden Voice of Zaire and it
depicted the rise to stardom of Abeti Masikini,
whose real name was Elizabeth Finant. Masikini
became one of the first African singers to
perform at the Olympia of Paris in 1973.
Abeti Masikini was also inspiring in the
emancipation of women to combine work and
family life,explained Kutika. When I chose to
direct this film, I wanted to show Masikini as a
role model. So I started to write the script until
my producer and co-director Ne Kunda Nlaba,
who resides in London, came on board. Apart
from the advice of Berthrand Nguyen Matoko,
Kutika received support and collaboration from
producer Gerard Akueson, the husband of Abeti
Masikini, and her eldest daughter, Yolanda
Masikini who appear as interviewees in the film.

The Struggle of a Woman premiered last

September in Kinshasa during the
commemoration of the 20th anniversary of
Abeti Masikini. The documentary is starting its
tour across the world through film festivals.
Abeti Masikini was a great lady of African music
that started a huge career in 1971 with her band
Les Rdoutables and she made unforgettable
performances of the songs I Love You, Jalousie, Je Suis Fche and Cheri Bad which
have risen her to the status of James Brown and
Miriam Makeba.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAURA KUTIKA

INTERVIEW

27

28

RED CARPET
Celebrities, cinephiles grace private screening of A Place in the Stars
Native Filmworks Limited, pioneer film producers and makers of the feature movie, A Place in the Stars, hosted a private screening of
the movie at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on 12 October 2014. The event attracted celebrities, cinephiles and the crme de la crme
of the Lagos business community. Directed and produced by the celebrated filmmaker, Steve Gukas, A Place in the Stars is a riveting
voyage into the dark under-world of fake drugs trafficking and of the harrowing consequences to the most vulnerable members of
society. Set in 2006 Nigeria, the film tells the story of Kim Dakim (Gideon Okeke), a young lawyer with a case and a client that leave
him professionally conflicted. Kim is in possession of information that could save scores if he would only pass it on. Faced with the
deathly consequences of crossing industry kingpins, including the toughest of them all, Diokpa Okonkwo (Segun Arinze) and with
millions to earn if he would only turn a blind eye, Kim battles his conscience and professional responsibility as he determines which
way to turn.
STORY AND PHOTOS: COURTESY OF A PLACE IN THE STARS

Gideon Okeke

Charles Agbe

Segun Arinze

Will Ross

Dejumo Lewis

Ayana

Ali Baba

Debola Williams

Enitan Denloye and Audu Maikori

30

Top 10 women in film

BY WILFRED OKICHE

Filmmaking business is a mans world it seems, but there exists a subtle but no less
powerful bloc of female filmmakers who are bucking the trends and making movies
that audiences are responding to. Then there are those who provide momentum for
more to be achieved and have succeded in building capacity.
Influenced by the pioneering efforts of the late Amaka Igwe, these women whether beloved actresses or former lawyers, home grown or returnees have refused to
accept the status quo and are putting out an enviable body of work.
We present the 10 women in film in alphabetical order

1
Chineze Anyaene
Fresh off her studies at the prestigious New York Film
Academy, Anyaene brought the duo of Genevieve Nnaji and
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde together to star in Ije: The Journey,
Nigerias biggest movie, by box-office returns. She was
recently announced the chairperson of the Nigerian Oscars
Selection Committee and her role involves the important task of
choosing what movies will fly Nigerias flag for the Best Foreign
Language during Oscar season.

Michelle Bello
Nigerian-British Bello runs Blu Star entertainment, her own
production outfit and has produced and directed two feature
films; Small Boy (2007) and Flower Girl (2013). She has done
behind the scenes work for Mo Abudu on Moments with Mo
and TY Bello for her Greenland video. A Masters degree holder
in Communications, Bellos Blu Star in 2007, published The Film
Directory, a comprehensive listing of industry practitioners.

Ugoma Adegoke
Adegoke is the producer/director of the four year old Lights Camera Africa film festival which recently wrapped up five days of film
screenings, discussions and exhibitions at the Federal Palace Hotel,
Lagos. Films screened at the festival this year include Half of a Yellow
Sun and Kunle Afolayans October 1. An alumnus of the Manchester
Business School, Adegoke remains committed to the development
of the film industry and attracts filmmakers across the country with
LCA.

2
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
After guiding the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) from an
uncertain beginning to an impressive ten year installment,
Anyiam-Osigwe has announced plans to step down from the day to
day running of Africas biggest film institution. But her
contributions to the development of the film industry and
commitment in celebrating film talent can never be erased from
history. Apart from reward, AMAA through the Africa Film Academy
organises capacity building workshops for filmmakers.

Ego Boyo

Ego Boyo found fame in the nineties, playing privileged Ann Haastrup
on Amaka Igwes primetime soap opera, Checkmate but it is her work
behind the screens where she functions as a producer that places her
square on this list. Boyo began producing in 1996 with the classic,
Violated and has done documentaries, adverts and short films via her
Temple productions. Of recent, she produced the rom-coms Keeping
Faith and Mildred Okwos The Meeting.

Shirley Frimpong-Manso
Frimpong-Manso may be Ghanaian in origin but her
crossover movies tend to attract top Nollywood stars in
significant roles. Joseph Benjamin was a forgettable support
in The Contract but Nse Ikpe-Etim shone brightly in her latest,
this years Devil in the Detail. The current Best Director in
Africa (AMVCA), Frimpong-Manso is quite prolific and her
Sparrow Productions almost never puts a wrong foot forward.

Stephanie Linus
This screen queen took a filmmaking course at the New York Film
Academy and hasnt looked back since. Her first feature, Through the
Glass (2008) was a huge hit and even though she has not
released any other film since then, Linus has been heavily invested in
the industry, especially through the Del-York International, a media
managing and capacity building platform she runs with her husband,
Linus Idahosa. Her next film Dry, is still in post-production stages.

Mildred Okwo
Known in Nollywood circles as the other half of Rita Dominics The Audrey Silva Company, Okwo keeps a low profile intentionally, letting her work do all the
talking. She left a Law career in the United States and returned home to make
30 Days (2006), an action-thriller starring Genevieve Nnaji and
directed The Meeting (2012). Okwo is a member of the Nigerian Oscars
Selection Committee, the body burdened with ensuring Nollywoods
representation at forthcoming Oscar ceremonies.

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Tope Oshin-Ogun

A graduate of the Lagos State University, Oshin-Ogun remained for

five seasons the only female director on Mnets hit soap Tinsel. She
runs Sunbrow Productions and SunBow-Cast, a casting agency and
provides content for a wide array of clients. She directed Ebony Life
TVs reality series Screen Divas and has the award winning feature
film, Journey to Self to her credit. Oshin-Ogun is also an actress and
dialogue coach.

Chioma Ude
The executive director and founder of the Africa International Film
Festival (AFRIFF) has been working assiduously for the past three years to
make AFRIFF the continents most important film festival. Aside the glitz
and glam, AFRIFF provides film training and talent development
opportunities for budding filmmakers and creates an environment for
stakeholders to engage in robust discussions on ways of moving the
industry forward.

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FESTIVAL NEWS

AFRIFF 2014: Organisers announce festivals top films

The organisers of the annual Africa International Film
Festival (AFRIFF) have announced The Square, an
Oscar-nominated documentary by Egyptian filmmaker, Jehan Noujaim, as the opening night film
and Hard To Get, from first-time feature director, Zee
Ntuli, as the closing night movie.
The festivals Artistic Director, Keith Shiri said that AFRIFF 2014 would once again celebrate the amazing
artistry that African filmmakers are known for.
He said, Our opening night film is The Square, an
Oscar-nominated documentary by the Egyptian
filmmaker, Jehan Noujaim. This is a stunning film that
charts the course of three years of Egyptian political
upheaval that began in 2011. Our closing night film,
Hard To Get, is a compact, highly enjoyable, kinetic
and action thriller. The young South African director,
Zee Ntuli, displays a mastery of the action genre with
breezy performances from its main cast.
Shiri noted that this years selection is an array of
feature films, some hard-hitting documentaries and
a generous selection of shorts representing over 30
countries from all the regions of Africa.
According to him, other films that have made it into
the festivals official selection include Gone Too Far,
an adaption from Bola Agbajes Olivier award-winning play set in London. Directed by Destiny Ekaragha, the outrageously enjoyable comedy focuses on
two
estranged Nigerian brothers as they meet for the
first time.

He further stated: Difret is another affecting feature debut from Ethiopia, detailing the traumatic experience of an Ethiopian girl
accused of killing a man who had sexually abused her. Nigeria is strongly represented again this year with Tunde Kelanis Dazzling
Mirage, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuens Invasion 1897 and Kunle Afolayans October 1. There is equally a feast of compelling stories in the
short films category, among which is the African Metropolis six short films that examine the complexity of urban life from Abidjan, Cairo, Dakar, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi.

Invasion 1897, an epic on the historical Benin Empire, will enjoy a special screening at the festival. The film features top Nigerian stars
such as Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, Charles Inojie, the late Justus Esiri and Mike Omoregbe who played the lead role as Omo n Oba
Ovanrawmen Nogbaisi.
In addition to the wide range of films, the festival also offers industry platforms for skill acquisition, financing, pitching and symposia on
digital distribution and piracy.
AFRIFF 2014 is scheduled to take place at the popular Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State, from November 9
to 16.

Ake Arts and Book Festival Documentary Making Masterclass

There is an opportunity for six people who already have experience with filmmaking, to attend a masterclass that will better equip them
to tackle and capture serious and personal issues that pertain to our society. In an environment where film has become a powerful
medium through which important lessons about mental, physical and sexual health can be transmitted to large number of people, it is
important that potential film-makers get the right training so they can do this effectively. This masterclass will be facilitated by awardwinning French film/documentary maker Emmanuelle Mougne.
Requirements
A portable camera
No less than 2 GB memory card.
Total Hours: 24 Hours
Sessions 1: 17 November 2014 (09:00- 13:00 and 14:00 -18:00)
Sessions 2: 18 November 2014 (09:00- 13:00 and 14:00 -18:00)
Sessions 3: 19 November 2014 (09:00- 13:00 and 14:00 -18:00)
Participants will be expected to attend all sessions.
To register, visit www.akefestival.org

34

LISTINGS

IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS NOVEMBER

A Place in the Stars
Synopsis: Kim Dakim (Gideon Okeke), a young lawyer gets a client with a case that leaves him conflicted. He
has information that can save many lives if he passes it on, but he also stands to make millions if he doesnt.
In a very corrupt country where everyone loves money and no one cares how you make it, Kim sees this as
his chance to make it big. Problem is Diokpa Okonkwo (Segun Arinze) the kingpin of the counterfeit medical
drugs trade who his case is against, doesnt play nice. He kills at will to protect his multi-million dollar trade
and is not pulling punches against Kim and his client. He has Kims client in jail and assassins out to silence
Kim. Suddenly Kim is at war on two fronts; one to stay alive and the other against his conscience and
everything he has been raised to believe is right.
Release Date: 14 November 2014

OUT ON DVD
A Mile From Home has been released on DVD. The multiple award winning movie features Tope Tedela, Chiedozie
Sambasa Nzeribe, Alex Ayalogu, Eric Nwanso and Tolu Akinbileje. Directed by Eric Aghimien, the movie chronicles
the life of a university student, Jude Odaro who joined a gang in his quest to avenge an injustice meted out to him
by Stone, a notorious gangster who forcefully dispossesses him of a precious possession. Suku, the leader of the
gang loves him and makes him the number two man in the gang. Together, they set out on a path of crime and
vioence.

EVENTS

A Letter from Adam premieres in Accra, Ghana

35

Lydia Forson with members of the cast of A Letter from Adam and guests

Sandra Ankobiah and Yvonne Okoro

Lydia Forson, Jimmy Jean Louis and Akorfa Ejeani Asiedu

Award winning actress turned producer, Lydia Forson premiered her latest feature, A Letter From Adam on 19 September 2014 at the
Silverbird Cinema in Accra. Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro, Reggie Rockstone, Van Vicker, Elikem Kumordzie, Manifest, Pascal Amanfo,
Irene Opare and Jimmy Jean Louis were among those who graced the occasion. Written and produced by Forson, the movie is a romantic drama set in Accra. Directed by Sam Kessie, the movie features a star studded cast from Nigeria and Ghana.
STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF LYDIA FORSON

2014 Nollywood Movies

Awards holds in style
The third edition of the Nollywood Movies Awards (NMA 2014)
was held on 18 October 2014, at the Grand African Ballroom of
the Intercontinental Lagos, Victoria Island. Hosted by the trio
Dakore Akande, Gideon Okeke, Denrele Edun and Uru Eke, the
event brought together actors, filmmakers, celebrities and
industry practitioners for a night of glitz, glamour and entertainmeny. Mike Ezuruonye, Iretiola Doyle, Dayo Amusa, Tope Tedela
and Kenneth Gyang were among the winners of the night.
Best Lead Male Mike Ezuruonye (Unforgivable)
Best Lead Female Ireti Doyle (Torn)
Best Actor (Supporting Role) Lucky Ejim (Render to Caesar)
Best Actress (Supporting Role) Emem Udonquak (Itoro)
Best Actor Indigenous Afeez Eniola (Alakada)
Best Actress Indigenous Dayo Amusa (Unforgivable)
Best Movie A Mile from Home
Best Director Confusion Na Wa (Kenneth Gyang)
Best Editing Flower Girl (Kunle Laguda)
Best Diaspora Onye Ozi
Best Short Movie Brave
Best Rising Star Male Tope Tedela (A Mile from Home)
Best Rising Star Ivie Okujaye (Make A Move)

Best Child Actor Oyindamola Lapejo Finding Mercy

Best Indigenous Movie Onye Ozi
Best Sound Design Flower Girl (Kayode Nero Ilelabayo)
Best Cinematography Confusion Na Wa
Best Original Screenplay Render To Caesar (Michael
Odogwu)
Best Costume Design The Village Boy I Love (Ogoo Okechi
and Doris Kalu)
Best Makeup Honeymoon Hotel (Madeline Viijeon /Geordi
Binstend / Kristy Williams)
Best Set Design Flower Girl (Derick Nwa-Jesus)
Best Soundtrack Flower Girl (Efya; Best in Me)
NMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 Tunde Kelani
Popular Choice Actor Ojulade Adekula
Popular Choice Actress Mercy Johnson
Best TV/Web Series Tinsel
Top Box Office Weekend Gateaway
Nollywood Humanitarian Award Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh
STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NOLLYWOOD MOVIES AWARDS

AWARD NEWS

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