Nolly Silver Screen Issue 09

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The 8th Edition of Nolly Silver Screen a monthly online magazine of www.nollysilverscreen.com. Enjoy.

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Content


KEHINDE BANKOLE
Afolayan’s October 1 as her
first ‘big’ fruit
10
BEST
Nollywood
flms ever
made
Interviews
- Charles Novia
- Kunle Afolayan
- Daniel Etim Effong
- Demola Adedoyin
- Judith Audu
- Walter Taylaur
- Sadiq Daba
- Ugoma Adegoke
+
Nolly Silver Screen
ISSUE 09
OCTOBER 2014
54TH
NIGERIA
INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE
Africa Movie
Academy
Awards 2015:
Organisers call
for entries
IfooAfrica
Launches
in Nigeria
Nolly Silver Screen
CONTENTS
FEATURES
8 The Classics: 10 best
Nollywood flms ever
made
INTERVIEWS
14 Cover: Kehinde
Bankole
18 Filmmaker Interview:
Charles Novia
20 October 1: Interviews
with the cast
22 Q & A with Daniel
Etim Effong
23 Up close and personal
with Walter Taylaur
26 Talent on the rise:
Judith Audu
27 A Day in the life of...
Amarachi Onoh
27 Ugoma Adegoke talks
Lights, Camera, Africa
flm festival
REGULARS
4 Editor’s Note
5 Readers’ Corner
6 Contributors’ Bios
10 Vox Pop
11 Celebrations
11 Story-Bored
12 On Set
17 News
21 Photo News
23 Nolly Pop Quiz
24 Reviews
28 Red Carpet
31 Festival News
34 Listings
35 Events
37 Award News
ISSUE 09 OCTOBER 2014
3
18 13
35
14
Well done with your website and magazine as
well. I read copy with Amaka Igwe on it sometime
back. It’s nice to know that someone is document-
ing the Nollywood industry. :)
Ade Balogun
Editor’s Note
4
October 1 means different
things to different people. It
is Nigeria’s Independence
Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s
latest blockbuster. For us
here at Nolly Silver Screen,
it is the frst anniverssary
of our parent website
www.nollysilverscreen.com
October 1 means different things to different people. It is
Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is Kunle Afolayan’s latest
blockbuster. For us here at Nolly Silver Screen, it is the
frst anniversary of our website www.nollysilverscreen.
com Wow! Funny how time fies. The journey has been
an interesting but challenging one. We have learnt a lot,
tried new things, discontinued old things, made mistakes
and achieved some of our goals. All this however, would
not have been possible without you – our readers. And
for sticking with us through the ups and downs, we say a
big thank you.
Our Independence edition features interviews with
Kunle Afolayan, Sadiq Daba and Demola Adedoyin (p.20)
and Kehinde Bankole (p. 14) who share their experience
working on October 1. Wilfred Okiche’s article ‘The Clas-
sics: 10 best movies to come out of Nigeria’ (p. 8) is a
must-read for die-hard fans of Nollywood. Also in this
edition are interviews with some of Nigeria’s budding
flmmakers: Daniel Etim Effong (p. 22), Walter Taylaur
(p. 23) and Amarachi Onoh (p. 27). Writer, producer, di-
rector, actor and flmmaker Charles Novia refects on his
last work, Nigeria’s flm industry and reveals his next big
project (p. 18).
Nolly Silver Screen was at the Nollywood Film Festival
Germany (p. 33) and Nollywood E-Golden Awards (p. 37)
where our newest addition to the Editorial Board,
Shaibu Husseini was honoured for his contribution to flm
journalism in Nigeria. Well done Sir! More power to your
elbow.
Isabella Akinseye
@iakinseye

Write to us about what you have
enjoyed in this edition and stand a
chance of winning fabulous prizes.
This month, we will be giving out 2
copies of Mama Africa on DVD. Also
up for grabs are cinema tickets to see
a Nollywood movie in Nigeria and a
gift hamper.
Email: [email protected]
Get in touch via social media
www.facebook.com/nollysilverscreen
www.google.com/+nollysilverscreen
www.twitter.com/nsilverscreen
www.instagram.com/nollysilverscreen
W
r
ite
‘n

w
in
Readers’ Corner
5
Read Nolly Silver Screen on
www.nollysilverscren.com
issuu.com/nollysilverscreen
scribd.com/nollysilverscreen
Nigerian books I would love to see as a movie are
Oba Ovorawen Nogbaisi by Ola Rotimi and Aza-
gidi by Don Pedro Obaseki. For Oba Ovorawen
Nogbaisi, interpreting the emotions of a proud
people being conquered and turned into a vassal
of another empire would make for a classic.
For Azagidi, the transition of a goddess into a
human loved by a man and then discarded. The
viciousness of her vengeance would make for an
epic tragedy.
Omofasa O.
Would love to see the Achebe trilogy as well as
The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives. Need to
have good script writers, directors and artistes
who interprete their roles well.
‘Bimbola
Olumuyiwa Awojide
is a computer scientist,
digital marketer and
movie lover. Drop him in
front of a 100 feet screen
showing anything with
Tom Hanks in it and his
day is made. He runs the
award winning movie
blog, Sodas and Pop-
corn.
He reviews Eric
Aghimien’s A Mile From
Home (p. 25).
Mike Asukwo studied
Fine Art at the presti-
gious Yaba College of
Technology. He is an
award winning cartoon-
ist and illustrator with
his work appearing in
numerous publications.
He currently works with
BusinessDay newspaper
as Senior Editorial Artist.
Check out his cartoon
strip ‘Story-Bored’ (p.
11).
Sherif Awad is an art/
flm/video curator and
has worked as a pro-
grammer and commu-
nications manager since
1993 in Cairo Interna-
tional flm festival, Alex-
andria flm festival for
Mediterranean Coun-
tries and Luxor African
flm festival in Egypt.
He reports on the 3rd
Arusha flm festival (p.
32).
CONTRIBUTORS’ bios
Wilfred Okiche believes
in God, medicine, music
and movies. A medical
doctor, occasional writer,
columnist and profler.
He runs a regular col-
umn in The Sun news-
paper and contributes to
Y!Africa.
He compiles a top 10
list of the best Nolly-
wood movies ever made
(p. 8).
Efeturi Doghudje is a
PR practitioner eager to
see a sustainable change
in the Nigerian flm, tele-
vision and arts industry.
She enjoys watching
movies, reading, travel-
ing and adventure. Visit
her blog for the latest
reviews on xplorenolly-
wood.blogspot.com
She reviews Teco Ben-
son’s Accident (p. 24).
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 newspa-
pers.
She asks people which
Nigerian leader would
they like to see on the
big screen (p. 10).
NOLLY SILVER SCREEN
EDITOR
Isabella Akinseye
DEPUTY EDITOR
Innocent Ekejiuba
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT
Isabella Akinseye
ADVERTISING
Quill and Scroll Creatives
EDITORIAL BOARD
Temitayo Amogunla
Bola Atta
Bola Audu
Shaibu Husseini
Toni Kan
STAFF WRITERS
Ebunoluwa Mordi
Oluwayomi Olushola
CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Asukwo
Sherif Awad
Olumuyiwa Awojide
Efeturi Doghudje
Wilfred Okiche
Oluwaponmile Orija
FACEBOOK
nollysilverscreen
GOOGLE PLUS
+nollysilverscreen
TWITTER
nsilverscreen
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.
6

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 re-
views, articles, interviews, infographics, cartoon
strips and caricatures focusing on Nollywood as
well as Africa’s flm industry.

Send an email to [email protected]
requesting contributors’ guidelines.
Films ever Made
BY WILFRED OKICHE
8
Coming up with a list of the best Nollywood flms ever made is a thankless task and
no list, no matter the merits can be agreed upon generally as Nollywood’s defnitive.
And no one should, for what is a flm if not art? And what is art, if not subjective?
But daunting tasks such as this do not scare us here at Nolly Silver Screen and so we took the pains (we’ll
take the gains too) of attempting such a list. This one attempts to rank the flms based on quality of produc-
tion, commercial acceptance, staying power and pop culture appeal.
We present THE LIST.
Living in Bondage (1992)
Kenneth Nnebue’s classic probably does not age as well as we may
have liked but it is near impossible to compile a list of Nollywood
greats without throwing it in somewhere. Why? Living in Bondage
started the whole contemporary flm culture and birthed a fresh
generation of flm stars that would go on to do great things on
stage, television and flm. The story of the luckless Andy who uses his
virtuous wife for money making rituals remains as unforgettable as it
has been defning.
Oleku (1997)
From the master cinematographer Tunde Kelani comes this adapta-
tion of the literary tome of the same title by Professor Akinwunmi
Ishola. Oleku is essentially a love quadrangle set in the seventies and
revolves around Ajani, a young man who fnds himself caught up in
the lives of 3 women as he attempts to fnd a life partner. Released in
2 parts, Oleku not only became a cinematic success, it sparked a fash-
ion revolution as reintroduced
the female style of wearing
the Iro and Buba.
Igodo: The land of the
living dead (1999)
Everyone remembers where they were when they frst saw Igodo,
this all-star, menancing blockbuster that tested the horror thresh-
old of Nigerian audiences. 7 brave men of different vocations are
chosen to venture into a deadly forest to save a doomed commu-
nity from the nefarious actions of their fore-bearers. In retrospect,
Igodo’s cheap looking special effects are quite cringe inducing
but none can deny that the flm took the horror/thriller genre to
new heights.
Ijele (1999)
Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi, Patience Ozokwor, Olu Jacobs and
Genevieve Nnaji. Is this movie heaven or what? This flm version
which borrows but takes generous liberties from the legend of the
masquerade Ijele is a compulsively watchable marvel of storytell-
ing. In this account, Dede encompasses the role of the warrior who
survives a gruesome birth and is placed on the path to greatness
as he saves a community from extinction, fnding love in the pro-
cess.
10
8
9
7
The Classics:The 10 Best Nollywood
Tango With Me (2011)
A dashing couple with plenty to look forward to face the challenge of
their lives when the virginal bride is raped at gunpoint on their wed-
ding night by unknown bandits. Their long road to getting over the
grief and fnding meaning in life once again is captured smoothly by
Mahmood Ali-Balogun. He keeps audiences invested as they follow
this very adult take on relationships and the consequences of tragedy.
Even though the ending is wrapped in a bow, Tango With Me is still an
effective drama.
Violated (1996)
Back when Nollywood was still in its toddler stage, Amaka Igwe gath-
ered a fne cast drawn largely from her classic television series Check-
mate to tell a story of love and redemption as seen through the eyes
of a couple who have to contend with the ghosts of secrets past. Ego
Boyo and Richard Mofe-Damijo brought unforgettable, affecting life to
their respective roles and Igwe’s confdent direction was the icing on
the cake.
Confusion Na Wa (2013)
Not as widely seen as it should have been upon release in Nigeria,
Kenneth Gyang’s African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner re-
mains an indelible mastery of modern flmmaking. Taking an unusual
style of telling disparate stories with different plot lines, Gyang fnds
a way to tie every end tightly such that the emergent flm plays as a
satisfying whole. Set in a Northen city and toying with the premise that
sometimes, things just happen randomly, Confusion Na Wa stars
Ramsey Nouah, O.C. Ukeje and Ali Nuhu among others.
Keeping Faith (2002)
Keeping faith set a new standard for romantic comedies in
Nollywood and till this day, it is the flm that members of its
genre have to look up to. The red hot chemistry between its
stars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Genevieve Nnaji propelled
the movie to new heights in terms of audience appreciation.
Produced by Ego Boyo and directed by Steve Gukas, Keeping
Faith’s formidable cast of supporting players (Bimbo Akintola,
Funlola Aofyebi) helped make it a memorable outing for Nol-
lywood.
Ije: The Journey (2010)
Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have made movies together prior
to this outing but none of them can touch this competently shot tapestry of
feminism, blood secrets and the ties that bind. Directed by frst timer Chineze
Anyaene and sporting a globe-trotting cast, Ije is part courtroom drama, part
suspense thriller and part meditation on the Nigerian psyche. The box offce
draw of its 2 leads was pivotal to its record breaking success but Ije would have
done just fne without them.
The Figurine (Araromire)
(2009)
Kunle Afolayan’s Araromire (The Figurine) marked a turning point for the
flm industry. With a stellar script, high production values, potent acting
and a screenplay that chilled as much as it thrilled, The Figurine became
one of the most successful flms to come out of Nollywood. Afolayan de-
servedly scooped up every award – from Lagos to London that came his
way for this psychological thriller that depicted a young man’s descent into
madness, aided by a thriving culture of superstition.
6
4
2
5
3
1
9
10
Which Nigerian leader would you like to see on
the big screen?
Oluwaponmile Orija fnds out..
VOX
pop
Ibrahim
Babangida
He is ofen called Maradon-
na, he knows how to drib-
ble and manipulate things.
He can defnitely ft into
any role.
- Sanyaolu Jacob
Olusegun
Obasanjo
He was able to bring the
military cunnigness and
the civilian diplomacy to-
gether. He would defnitely
make a good actor.
- Mayowa Fadare

MKO
ABIOLA
He can sing well and that
is usually needed in acting
at times.
- Taiwo Ogunyemi
Donald
Duke
Maybe because he is
cute.
- Adebola Adegunle
He is cute.
- Adeola Alamu
Muhammadu
Buhari
I appreciate his ability
to curb corruption, he
should be able to act in
movies too.
- Seun Oyebade
Tunde
Idiagbon
A realist and a discipli-
narian; he would ft into
such roles.
- Daniel Agbeboaye
11
OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS
2 Stephanie Linus
7 Laide Bakare
24 Florence Onuma
24 Lydia Forson
31 Taiwo Hassan
12
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF
SAM KESSIE’S
A LETTER FROM ADAM
PICTURES FROM THE SET OF
STEVE GUKAS’
A PLACE IN THE STARS
13
14
K
E
H
I
N
D
E
B A N K O L E
COVER INTERVIEW
Afolayan’s October 1 as
her first ‘big’ fruit
15
Kenny Banks as she is fondly called is a fast rising Nollywood
actress, model and musician. The Mass Communications graduate
from Olabisi Onabanjo university made her acting debut in Wale
Adenuga’s Papa Ajasco and Company. In 2009, she was awarded
the ‘Revelation Of The Year’ at the Best of Nollywood awards for
her role in the Yoruba movie Elerin-Eye. Having featured in nu-
merous movies including Two Brides and a Baby, The Awakening,
Facade and Render to Caesar, the former Lux ambassador who
played Tawa in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 speaks to Ebunoluwa
Mordi in this interview.
Tell us about your journey into showbiz.
It began in 2003 with Miss Commonwealth beauty pageant where
I emerged in the top 10. I also participated in the Most Beautiful
Girl in Nigeria in 2005 but I did not make it to the top 5. I entered
beauty pageants not because I wanted to win but for exposure.
How did your educational background prepare you for your
chosen career?
I read mass communications, which is also a feld of entertain-
ment, and some of the courses you do in communication are
related to acting. Entertainment is communication; you pass a
message good, bad, or questionable but it is still a message.
How did you get into acting?
My twin sister told me about Wale Adenuga’s audition for Super
Story. At that time, I met the person that used to play Miss Pepeye
and she encouraged me. I attended the audition and was success-
ful.
Describe your frst acting experience.
I started with Papa Ajasco and Company. I remember that I was a
bit tense and anxious to learn as well. I was under the directorship
of Antar Laniyan who is a good teacher and very disciplined.
What made you commit to the script of October 1?
The uniqueness and controversial nature of the story coupled with
the fact that that it’s a combination of two power houses being
the writer and the producer.
What was it like playing Tawa?
Tawa is who I guess I would have been if I was born in the 60s. She
is a teacher and the pretty rose among the wild plants, it’s simply
so special. I am an old soul. Some kinds of songs I listen to and
some parts of my lifestyle is old. October 1 gave me the chance to
live what would otherwise have remained an imagination, of what
it was like living in the old times, because yes, I often times have
wondered. It’s not about the volume of work, it was and still re-
mains an experience.
You had to speak Yoruba, are you a fuent speaker or did you have to take
lessons?
I am a lover of Yoruba language. I am a fuent speaker and a
Yoruba girl.
What parts of Tawa’s character reminded you of yourself?
I am a strong man’s woman; I am only for that strong one and
Tawa is. I can dress plain and simple sometimes just like Tawa
does.
What was your favourite line in the movie?
The Ifa priest says, ”Apa aja o apa aja, itele agbo o itele agbo.”
Translated into English, it means “the arm of the dog, the arm of
the dog, the hoof of the ram, the hoof of the ram.” I just found it
very interesting.
What was your most memorable experience on set?
Shooting in the forest had the most memorable times.
Why should people come and see October 1?
They need an experience!
What other movies have you acted in this year?
I was in Render to Caesar which was released earlier in the year.
Another movie I acted in is Apostates and due for release soon.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
I have a few my eyes are set on but no names because my list
keeps getting edited and adjusted.
Beyond acting, what else do you do?
I sing. I have done a number of soundtracks and mood music for
soaps and movies. I also have a music group called Rave. I do
voiceovers and also model.
How do you balance everything?
It’s been challenging combining my beloved music effciently as I’d
love to. Modeling has been easily combined.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy watching movies, writing and composing songs and
sharing moments with family and friends.
What next should we expect from you?
Shocking and surprising projects. You need to see my work in yet
another light.
What advice do you have for those wanting to join the industry?
Be ready and open to learning. Be ready to work and have your
standard from day one.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF OCTOBER 1 AND KEHINDE BANKOLE
COVER INTERVIEW
17 N E W S
AFRIFF to sponsor 10 students to American
university for flm training

As part of its developmental agenda for the flm sector, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is
planning to take 10 students to the United States for practical training in various aspects of flmmaking.
Founder/CEO of the festival, Ms. Chioma Ude, revealed that the top 10 students who show the most
aptitude during the AFRIFF organised training workshops which will hold during this year’s festival will be
eligible for the sponsorship. This disclosure was made at her Victoria Island offce recently, where she said
that the training in America is planned as a reward scheme for these meritorious flm students. According
to her, the scholarship will be to attend a short flm course at a prestigious American university, and is a
collaborative effort with a key AFRIFF partner. The aspects of flmmaking to be taught at the workshops
this year will be acting, scriptwriting, directing and cinematography.
This year’s edition of the festival will hold from November 9 to November 16, 2014 at the Tinapa Business
and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. Organisers say interested candidates for this year’s work-
shops should register at the new AFRIFF website, www.afriff.com, as only registered candidates will be el-
igible for shortlisting for the workshops. Registration for participation in all aspects at the festival begins
from Monday, September 14, 2014. According to Ude, this skill acquisition and youth development initiative was conceived using flm-
making as a veritable vehicle for youth empowerment. Tagged AFRIFF Talent Development Workshops, the initiative provides beginners
and intermediate courses for young people. AFRIFF also organizes master classes for more established flmmakers and professionals in
the industry. Ude noted that the planned US training is in line with the vision of providing growth opportunities for graduates of the
festival’s training program. She said, “We believe we can use this model for a social revolution that will change the economic horizon
of the African flm industry, by providing technical knowledge and skill sets to the abundant talents in our flm community. AFRIFF 2014
team is currently resourcing for this year’s talent development training workshops in association with top industry partners who will also
be announced later.”
IfooAfrica Launches in Nigeria
IfooAfrica is a brand new audio based online platform bringing back the
African art form of storytelling. It allows users registered on the site to share
their originally created audio story with the IfooAfrica community
Stories could be anything the storyteller wants to share like dramas, folk-
tales, comedy, fction, spoken word, poetry, narratives etc. IfooAfrica is
proudly birthed in Nigeria and made for Africa in African voices. If you can
voice it, we want to hear it.
IfooAfrica aims to create an online community of African storytellers told
in their own individual and unique voices. We believe that even though
our histories and journeys might be different, our stories are very similar.
The platform intends to be both educative and entertaining while fostering
stronger African unity via voice.
IfooAfrica will launch frst in Nigeria on October 1, 2014 and will gradually make inroads into other countries on the continent. As part of
its launch in Nigeria, IfooAfrica will run a monthly Upload, Share and Cash Out competition that will run for 12 months.
This competition allows storytellers to upload their originally created short audio story (10 minutes or less), share with the IfooAfrica
community who will listen and vote. Any story that has the highest number of votes at the end of the month will be awarded N25, 000.
The listeners are not left behind, as they will have an opportunity to win fabulous prizes on an adhoc basis in the Listen, Comment and
Win competition.
Popular celebrities, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Kate Henshaw and Uti Nwachukwu have kindly loaned their voices to the frst story up-
loaded onto the platform titled Sexual Harassment written by Joy Bewaji and produced by David Jones David. Listeners are now invited
to log on to www.ifooafrica.com listen to the story, answer the question asked at the end and leave a comment. If your comment is liked
as the best at the end of October, you win a brand new Swatch wristwatch. For more information, visit www.ifooafrica.com.
18 14 18
Writer, producer, director, actor and flmmaker
CHARLES NOVIA refects on his last work, Nigeria’s flm
industry and reveals his next big project in this
interview with ISABELLA AKINSEYE
FILMMAKER INTERVIEW
Your last flm Alan Poza premiered in the cinema
and has long been released on DVD, how proft-
able was it?
Alan Poza was really an average-budget
movie by conceptualisation and became a
high-yield fick after its release. Knowing
that the support structures for distribution
of movies in Nollywood are skewed unfa-
vourably for the producer at present, one
had to test the market after fve years off
the movie production circuit. Alan Poza was
designed to cautiously test the evolving
structures and I must admit that the returns
were astounding for me. We had a good run
in the cinemas and made good sales from
DVDs and the movie is still making very
good returns from online platforms such
as Dobox. Proftable sales to satellite chan-
nels worldwide also raked in good revenue.
All-in-all, I’m smiling to the bank and to the
shelves because the movie has received a
record 17 nominations in different catego-
ries in 7 different awards ceremonies since
the last quarter of 2013 and won me ‘Best
Director’ at NAFCA in America in 2013 and
won O.C. Ukeje two ‘Best Actor’ awards
out of six in which he was nominated. Not
bad for a flm which set out to prove what I
always advocate: the new stars out there can
sell a movie anyday without having to break
the bank.
Do you feel that the negative criticism by some
writers affected the flm in anyway?
I just told you the movie did quite well by
my expectations so I don’t know what nega-
tive criticism did to it. As a critic myself, I un-
derstand that people would defnitely have
conficting opinions about the movie.
Moreso that I am usually hard when I do my
critiques and so the reviewers might have
been inclined to measure my work with
the same style I use in my critiques. But in
movies, the truth is this; critics are a minori-
ty opinion group. The real determination
of a movie’s success lies with the audience.
And Alan Poza being a youth movie (a new
genre I experimented with and introduced
in Nollywood) reached out to its audience.
One of the numerous mails I received over
the movie said it was a movie far ahead of it
time. I agree. We set out to shoot something
different and we did it. Of course, no movie
is perfect but given that the movie was one
of the rave movies of 2013 in the awards
circuits, I think one was quite vindicated. I
mean, look at it: 2 AMAA nominations, 8
NAFCA nominations, 2 NEA nominations,
2 GIAMA nominations and 2 BON nomina-
tions and recently just in 2014, 1 more Nol-
lywood Movies Awards nomination for Lala
Akindoju. That is awesome by any standards,
many would agree.
Half of a Yellow Sun has been heavily pirated
abroad and in Nigeria, did Alan Poza suffer the
same fate?
Half of a Yellow Sun was touted as a big
budget Hollywood movie which had its
business plan perhaps far removed from
Nollywood. But with its immense publicity,
it actually called for piracy. I don’t support
piracy in any way and I condemn it but what
I am trying to say here is that for years,
Nollywood movies have been pirated. That
Half of a Yellow Sun suffered the same fate
should not single it out for something really
special. We all must come together to fght
the scourge of piracy. Alan Poza has been
pirated too. Massively. We are all in the
same boat here, up creek without paddles.
What are your views on solving distribution in
Nollywood and reducing piracy?
I believe concerted efforts are being made
by various bodies to solve the distribution
issues. We need more cinema outlets for
those interested in high-end movie pro-
ductions. If we had about 200 cinemas as a
starting number compared to the present
17 in Nigeria, producers would have more
returns to declare. The cinema chain is key.
Then, the country needs better bandwidth
and once we have that, internet streaming
will be another major source of revenue. We
must invest in the technology for the media
as done in developed climes.
How have you managed to continue to remain
relevant in the industry over the years?
Thank you for the compliment of being rel-
evant. I think it has to do with the ability to
take stock at every point in time and know
where to move to when one reaches cross-
roads in the industry. I have been recognised
by many stakeholders and organisations as
one of the most important resource persons
in Nollywood and I am known internation-
ally as a flmmaker and author. When you
have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished
away. I think more of leaving lasting legacies
through my works and thoughts than the
commercial aspects of flm business. When
you put the passion frst, you become part
of the relevant system. And I think relevance
cannot be achieved without respect. At the
risk of sounding immodest, I have both in
the industry and I worked hard for them.
What keeps you going despite the challenges in
the industry?
I am motivated by such challenges. I see
those challenges as endurance tests. I am a
peculiar being made by the Most High. I was
not made by Him to fail or give up. Rather, I
am made to excel and succeed. It’s a baptis-
mal anointing and it pervades all aspects of
my life.
Any new Charles Novia Think on the way?
I have decided to satisfy my fans with 3
new movies from me in 2015. I think fans
of the Charles Novia Think franchise should
not have to wait for too long to watch new
out-of-the-box movies from my stable. So,
watch out for The Shag in Sagamu (a come-
dy), Quiet Rush (a thriller) and The Groupie
(a pop culture dramedy) in 2015. I am also
producing a couple of top-notch television
series which hits the screens in 2015.
Beyond flm, what other projects are you
currently working on?
I am working on opening my own televi-
sion channel in the last quarter of 2015. It’s
going to beam to over 40 African countries
and will be very, very different. More on this
later.
What about your flm on Majek Fashek, how is
that coming up?
It’s in the pipeline. However, given the fuc-
tuations of the movie distribution market
in Nollywood presently, I have decided that
such a huge project will be better served as
a television mini-series. And that is what it
will eventually be. A 13-part international
mini-series shot in Nigeria and America.
Beyond Project ACT and the loan facility, what
more can government do to support the indus-
try?
More money. More political will to fght
piracy.
Who are the next ‘fresh’ talents we should watch
out for in Nollywood?
Talents abound in the industry. I am always
on the look out for such and my radar has
fallen on a couple of acts whom I think
would blow in a couple of years if they get
the right scripts. There’s a young man called
Shawn Faqua who is in my sights. I will be
working with him soon. He’s very promis-
ing. Omoye Uzamere is also a good actress,
waiting for an explosive Nollywood career.
Give us your top 5 list of flms to come out of
Nigeria?
1. Missing Angel
2. Igodo
3. Keeping Faith
4. Thunderbolt
5. Osuofa in London
As Nigeria celebrates her independence, what
would you dream flm about Nigeria be like?
My dream flm would be about Nigeria not
gaining her independence till 1985. We got
it too early and messed up the republic. That
would be the synopsis for my dream inde-
pendence movie.
What advice do you have for new entrants into
Nollywood?
Persevere. It’s not easy to get in. Be patient.
Make sure you are talented. And most of all,
you have got to pay your dues.
Who would you like to work with?
Osas Ighodaro fascinates me and I think I
might be working with her in the nearest
future. Then, I have been harassing Dare
Art Alade to feature in my movie. I think he
would make a fantastic actor; he’s got the
voice, looks and most importantly, the train-
ing for it. But he is playing hard to convince.
Lol.
Who is your favourite Nigerian designer?
I don’t really have any. But I like the designs
of Mudi, Mai Atafo and a dude in Abuja
called Modoc.
What is your favourite line from a Nigerian flm?
“When money wakes up, the conscience
goes to sleep.” It is from my movie Atlanta
(2004).
What does family mean to you?
Everything. The bedrock of my life is my
family.
If you could do it all over again, would you change
anything?
No. Life is great.
In one word, you are?
Myself.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CHARLES NOVIA
19
FILMMAKER INTERVIEW

When you have the talent, it can’t be hidden or wished away. I think more
of leaving lasting legacies through my works and thoughts than the com-
mercial aspects of flm business. When you put the passion frst, you be-
come part of the relevant system. And I think relevance cannot be achieved
without respect. At the risk of sounding immodest, I have both in the indus-
try and I worked hard for them.”
20
FEATURE
COMMITTING TO OCTOBER 1
The story line and the direc-
tor.
PLAYING INSPECTOR WAZIRI
I loved the depiction of a
northern police offcer serv-
ing diligently. I wish I did not
have to shoot the prince.
I would have preferred he
went on trial.
FAVOURITE SCENE
Second encounter with Koya
when he sprang on me.
FAVOURITE LINE
“Do not call me Danny boy.
My name is Danladi Waziri.”
ON NOLLYWOOD
There are good but more stupid ones. What I hate most is part 1 to 4
and then it ends with, “To God be the glory”.
WORDS OF WISDOM
As an actor, you must know your onions. Give it your best and be
yourself always.
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
ACTING JOURNEY
I started around 2008, an agent who was helping me get modelling jobs while I was
doing my masters course in the UK suggested me to someone who was shooting a
short flm about racism. It was something I didn’t expect and had to wait in line for a
while to get in. But as soon as I was done, they asked me if I’d be available on cer-
tain dates. It started from there.
LANDING OCTOBER 1 ROLE
I had been talking to industry leaders I had access to about flm production, and
had been sending Kunle my short videos over the years for his critique. One day he
called me and asked me to come to his offce for a reading of the script. I was basi-
cally shocked by the high quality of the writing. Here I was reading a Nigerian script
with themes that had global importance and hopeful as well as tragic tones. I was
laughing and frowning all the way through it, and I knew from the way it affected
me that I was going to get involved head frst.
PLAYING A PRINCE
It was interesting. Very educational in the sense that I didn’t know African royalty
were that well protected in their kingdoms. The same protectiveness that ensures
physical safety but eliminates privacy is there.
SPEAKING YORUBA
I speak Yoruba fuently. I’ve a pretty good aptitude for languages
in general.
PRINCE ADEROPO
He is quite complex. It involved exerting a wide range of
emotions to communicate the depth of one person. Including
the times when the character himself is supposed to be hiding
what he’s feeling even from the audience.
FAVOURITE LINE
“Mark my words, in less than 7 years this country will be
at war!”
FAVOURITE SCENE
My favourite scene was the fnal one which answers questions from
the plot but creates new questions about life and our
country Nigeria for you to take home with you.
OCTOBER 1 VIEWING
Apart from the fact that the story, acting, production and directing
are of such high quality, people should see it to experience what
is possible as a Nigerian milestone in flmmaking. So far I’ve per-
ceived a better response than I ever imagined. Being part of a
project can colour your perception of it but seeing its effects on
people with no bias can really give perspective on the effect our
work is having. People overwhelmingly approve of the flm.
FUTURE PROJECTS
I’m still in negotiation for my next two projects. But there will be 1
more flm project and a music project before the end of this year.
IN THREE WORDS...
Loving the process.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PLAYING AGBEKOYA
I saw myself in the char-
acter. I have done some
of those things before. I
have been on the farm.
As an actor, you have to
be versatile.
FAVOURITE LINE
“Kin ni wi?”
ACTING AND DIRECTING
God gave me the grace.
SHOOTING OCTOBER 1
It is a dream come true.
Once I am on set, my
focus is always to achieve
and bring a dream to life
and that spirit keeps me going. Everyday, we work, bond, quar-
rel and settle. Although, I had to sometimes scream when peo-
ple didn’t do their jobs well.
NEXT PLANS
I pray that I make my money. I already have 2 great scripts.
IN THREE WORDS...
Kunle Afolayan Ayodeji.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
October 1: Interviews with the cast
photo N E W S
21
It’s a full house at Best of Nollywood Talents Meet Class
Tee-Mac
Gbenga Adeyinka
Norbert Young
Group picture
Desmond Elliot, Shaibu Husseini and
Ibinabo Fiberisima
Zik Zulu Okafor, Fidelis Duker and
Tope Oshin-Ogun
When did you get involved in flmmaking?
I made my frst flm in secondary
school. It was actually a recording of
a stage drama but it was shot with
emphasis on the dramatic elements
in the narrative. The camera man
shot close up shots for
emotional relevance
and wide shots to cover
events. After the record-
ing, I exhibited the flm
clip to family members
who found it quite fasci-
nating giving the re-
sources we had.
What inspired this
decision?
I had a natural knack for
storytelling. In primary
school, I was the guy
who gathered friends
together to narrate flms
I had watched over the
weekend. I narrated
everything including dramatic pauses and commercials. I also spent
hours alone playing with imaginary friends and creating epic bat-
tles between sticks and stones. It was only natural than I gravitated
towards drawing, acting and writing.
Did you receive opposition from friends and family or was it smooth sailing
all through?
As a child my parents supported me, by buying drawing pads and
crayons for me to sketch on but at some point in my undergrad
days when I decided to quit engineering to study flm, it was war. I
wasn’t able to convince my family who saw my talents as a hubby
rather then a career. I was discouraged from pursuing flmmaking
as a career and encouraged to fnish my Chemical Engineering
course which I did, under duress.
Which is more important: talent or training?
Training both informal and formal. I say this because development
of talent is considered training. Raw talent without development is
grossly overestimated and just like an underdeveloped muscle will
fail the test of heavy lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under
pressure of time and magnitude of demand.
Describe a typical day in your shoes.
Well this depends on if I’m working or not. When I’m in between
jobs, I spend a lot of time reading and writing for pleasure. I also
spend a lot of time doing research, watching movies and surfng
the internet. When I’m working, it’s crazy. Before a shoot I’m wor-
rying about getting things right and after the shoot, I’m worrying
about things I didn’t get right.
What are some challenges you face on the job?
Departmental specialisation. When shooting in Nigeria, it is quite
challenging to fnd people who are specialised in a chosen feld.
What you often fnd are people who are able to do several things
but aren’t professionally competent in any. Another challenge is ac-
cess to locations. Finding the right location in Lagos is quite tricky
with no clear cut process involved with attaining permits in certain
areas.
Which of your works is your favourite ‘baby’ and why?
Well I don’t really have favorites, I make a flm and I’m done. Quite
contrary to popular opinion after I make a flm I become detached
from it and I’m quickly looking forward to the next project.
How instrumental has your Afrinolly win been?
Afrinolly was my frst major competition I put in for and winning
the second prize and the Kumla Dumor award for storytelling was
my announcement into the Nigerian flm industry.
Do you feel under more pressure to deliver now?
No I don’t. I have used my winnings from the Afrinolly competition
to do a directing course abroad. If I felt any pressure to deliver, I
wouldn’t have made that choice.
How do you deal with criticism of your works?
I’d like to think I take constructive criticism very well but you never
know. I’ve heard otherwise (laughs).
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on short flm called Dis Kind Love, based on the ripple
effects of clearing out the Kuramo Beach for the Eko Atlantic city.
What advice do you have for upcoming flmmakers?
Spend time investing in your craft, it will always payoff.
Nigeria will be celebrating her independence in October, which Nigerian
personalities would you love to see on screen?
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Major Kaduna
Nzeogwu.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
Lindiwe Matshikiza.
If you were not into flm, what would you be doing?
Lecturing.
How do you relax?
Read and swim.
Who is your favourite Nigerian designer?
Mai Atafo.
What is your most memorable lines from a Nigerian flm?
“Don’t play with my Tutu” from Out of Bounds.
If you could change anything about Nigeria, what would it be and why?
The Biafran war because millions of people mostly women and
children died needlessly. Also because Nigeria hasn’t really moved
on from the events of 1966.
Where do you see the industry in the next ten years?
In the next 10 years, I see a formidable, better structured Nigerian
movie industry. I see Nigerian flms in the Academy Awards.
Any plans to explore other aspects of flm making?
I’ve been exploring acting. Producing is another aspect I’d like to
dabble into.
What was the last Nigerian movie you saw at the cinema?
Hoodrush starring Gabriel Afolayan, OC Ukeje and Bimbo Akintola.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIEL ETIM EFFIONG
22
Q and A with Daniel
Etim Effong
BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI
INTERVIEW
“Raw talent without development is grossly overestimated and
just like an underdeveloped muscle will fail the test of heavy
lifting, underdeveloped talent will fail under pressure of time
and magnitude of demand.”
23
BANGER SOUP FILMS
It’s a play on words from the cocktail drink Harvey Wallbanger. Let’s just say…a
then work colleague gave me the name after I threw a party where things got a
little excessive.
FILMMAKING JOURNEY
I started off as a writer and got fed up with producers and directors butchering
my scripts. So, I decided to be the one to tell my own stories instead.
ON NOLLYWOOD
It has huge potential. The die hard approach of Nollywood flmmakers. I don’t
think we really realise how far we can go. As individual flmmakers yes, but as
an industry as a whole, we are just scratching the surface. Unfortunately, the
current business models available tend to be restrictive – at the moment only
flms of a certain scale and/or genre can realistically be attempted and be
fnancially successfully.
CURRENT WORK
Currently in production on Season 2 and 3 of our TV drama/thriller series Mar-
ried To The Game. We also have two feature flms in the pipeline with working
titles Young African Pioneers and Gbomo Gbomo Express.
NIGERIAN DREAM
I don’t really dream about the future of Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed. I prefer to
dream more about the future of the Nigerian and hope that we follow our own
paths and look more within. And when we seek to be infuenced by other
cultures, let it be less of the superfcial elements and more of the good and
valued aspects – the areas of substance. All the elements that will build greater
character within every one of us.
TOP 3 NIGERIAN FLICKS
1. Confusion Na Wa
2. The Figurine
3. Half Empty Half Full
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT
Having a flm script I wrote optioned and made into a flm Get Lucky and
distributed by Universal. Not many writers based in Hollywood are fortunate
enough to have a script option talk less of having it funded, turned into a flm
and then put out on general release, internationally. The whole process took
about fve years from start to fnish, with over 100 rewrites. I learned so much
on how and why certain things are done in a specifc way. How certain scenes
or locations did not make fnancial sense being in a script. Every time a new
director or producer was attached to the project, they would have new notes
on changes to improve the script. You quickly learn not to be a slave to your art
and focus on the big picture. I was also an associate producer on the project.
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE BALANCE
I don’t. Work usually comes frst. Sad I know (laughs).
LAST NOLLYWOOD CINEMA VIEWING
Half Of A Yellow Sun.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTO: COURTESY OF WALTER TAYLAUR
Up Close and
Personal
with
Walter
Taylaur
NOLLY POP QUIZ
BY INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
1. Where was Half of
a Yellow Sun frst pre-
miered?
2. Name one Nigerian
musical movie.
3. Amazing Grace got
how many AMAA nomi-
nations?
4. Mention one actor who
features in Half of a Yel-
low Sun, Last Flight to
Abuja and Inale.
5. Who is the Nigerian
actor that acted along-
side Harrison Ford?
6. Where was The Figure
(Araromire) shot?
7. Name the frst Nigeri-
an/Ukrainian flm.
8. Which year was Igodo
shot?
9. Who acted the lead
role in Things Fall Apart?
10. Who directed the
State of Emergency?
R E V I E W S
Title: 1j316
Genre: Short Film
Director: Akpoufuoma Edafe
Year: 2014
Kudos is appropriate for the
effort put into making this short
flm look as realistic as possible
even though they charred it with
some not so pleasant props. Furthermore, it is apparent that the flmmaker
has a deep message to convey but chose a very shallow medium of communi-
cating. This left us with a shallow story line, a deep message and some bla-
tantly disturbing images. While the characters did their best to look the part,
the camera angling had them totally undone. The post production could have
been slightly better too, but all hope is not lost for the flmmaker.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
Title: Accident
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Teco Benson
Year: 2013
Accident revolves around Chy, a top Nigerian female
lawyer played by Chioma Akpotha who instead of
carrying out the wishes of her client played by Fred-
rick Leonard to fle for a divorce fnds herself entan-
gled and having to defend her honor and marriage.
The opening scene kind of got me in stitches as
Chioma is as stiff as it gets when it relates to love-
making scenes. However, she did come off strong as
a no-nonsense lawyer who would do what it takes
to defend her client. Her costumes depicted her role
as a professional and as wife and the make-up was
perfect as she looked spent when she was expected
and she looked beautiful when needed to.
Frederick Leonard carried his role quite alright. As
an adamant client set on his goal, that was a plus; a
desperate convict fghting to survive,he was great
and as a lover boy, he needs a little bit of work. Kalu
Ikeagwu, another character who I believe can play
certain roles like being a husband in his sleep had a
no brainier task. Nothing outstanding about his role.
My joy from this movie came from the legal pro-
ceedings. While it didn’t have the Suits or Boston
Legal type proceedings, it was a breath of fresh air.
There was good use of the legal language and terms,
court like setting with court clerk, the right costumes
ad spot on questions from Wale Macauley who
played the defendant’s lawyer and Larri Williams who
played the case judge. Their portrayal of their roles
brought back nostalgic memories and further drove
my innate need for veterans in the industry to show
the new kids how it’s done.
As far as directing is concerned, Teco Benson did
a good job making the script come alive. This pro-
duction had good picture quality plus scenes and
conversations were short, sharp and straight to the
point. Not only was Mr. Benson the director, he was
also the producer and editor and I must commend
him for this top-notch production. Mr. Obasi as script
writer delivered in his role and is also heartily com-
mendable. Overall, it was a well put together
production.
- EFETURI DOGHUDJE
Title: Torn
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Moses ‘Sneeze’ Inwang
Year: 2013
Torn is a psychological thriller
which follows the lives of child-
hood best friends Ovu (Ireti
Doyle) and Nana (Monalisa Chin-
da). Their relationship is threat-
ened and in the middle is Olumide (Jospeh Benjamin). To solve the mystery is
a psycotherapist played by Bimbo Manuel. Who is married to Olumide? The
flm shines in its unpredictability. The acting is top class. A bit more research
would have meant Davido’s song was not played in a scene that took place in
2010. Deserving of praise is the theme song ‘I Am Not Crazy’. Moses ‘Sneeze’
Inwang marries creativity with didactism beautifully. Great job!
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: Flower Girl
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Michelle Bello
Year: 2013
Flower Girl starts off with a young
lady’s fantasy of a full blown
Naija wedding. Kemi (Damilola
Adegbite) readies herself for the
ultimate proposal from her boy-
friend Umar (Chris Attoh) but instead she gets a shocker – a public break up.
Her recovery plan involves a handsome Nollywood actor played by Blossom
Chuks Chukwujekwu. Director Michelle Bello blends romance and comedy
very well. Kemi’s best friend Stella (Bikiya Graham Douglas) injects fun into
every performance. The flm’s success is marred by the poor optimisation of
sound and a narrow musical selection. The product placement too could have
been better. Good fick.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: Nigeria – State of Indepen-
dence (Part 1 and 2)
Genre: Documentary
Director: AlJazeera English
Year: 2010
The two part documentary leaves
a lot to be desired as it fails to
fully deliver on the state of the
independence of Nigeria as at
when shot. The documentary however does a good backtracking on some
historical events that shaped Nigeria to what it is today, but it ultimately
failed to conduct an extensive research on the other factors that have affect-
ed Nigeria and the state of independence in
Nigeria. Aside these and lacking a conclusion, the documentary was well
shot and the production quality was top notch. Sadly, I cannot say the same
of the adopted script.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
24
Title: A Mile From Home
Genre: Feature flm
Director: Eric Aghimien
Year: 2013
A Mile From Home opens to a scene of a guy being
tortured. We don’t know why, but the beating and
sound effects looked legit. Then, gun shots were
fred and the sounds came out right. Before that
point, the movie had my curiosity, but afterwards, it
had my attention (Django Unchained pun intended).

The movie is a crime thriller written by Eric Aghimien
who is a new comer in Nollywood. With his frst work
being this impressive, he is someone I will defnitely
be looking out for in the future.

The movie raised several themes that I thought
would become subjects of concern when it was time
to have them resolved. There was the love triangle
between the central characters and Ivie (Tolu Akin-
bileje), the naïve friend Lala was trying to protect, the
lady who was spying on Lala in the beginning, the
interest of a rival gang member in Ivie and the gang
war that this resulted in. Like that wasn’t enough,
they had to deal with an ex-con from South Africa
trying to get some very important package from
them at all cost. But surprisingly, the flm managed
to resolve them all intelligently.

However, it didn’t do a great job with its character
development as many were half developed. For example, Lala’s backstory wasn’t so clear. We know he can’t go home because of his
involvement with the gang. We know he has a sister in the same school and we know there is some confict between him and his father
for some reason, defnitely his involvement with the gang. But a few lines of dialogue with his sister would have given us more light on
what really ruined his relationship with his father to make Lala come to the conclusion that he doesn’t have a father anymore. That’s too
deep to be left hanging. My biggest issue with the story was the defection of a certain character to another gang towards the end of the
movie. It was rushed, lazy and not properly executed.
The stunts, effects and fghts were believable and the
sound design was very impressive. I can’t overstate how
impressed I was with this movie but a lot of the techni-
calities could have been better. Soundtracks and editing
most especially. The acting wasn’t always impressive.
Sometimes they disappointed but never the less, some
scenes stood out. The scene with Lala and his sister
was one of the well acted scenes. It was touching and
emotional. Tope Tedela’s as the lead gave a good per-
formance but sometimes was stiff and artifcial. Even
though Suku (Cheidozie Nzeribe) was very terrifying and
my personal favourite character in the movie, he was a
bit stagy many times. Don Kobo (Alex Ayalogu) was my
least favourite. His voice felt to me like he was trying too
hard to sound like Batman. Deba (Eric Nwanso) as the naïve ‘Ju Boy’ was played well.
A Mile From Home is entertaining, thrilling, action packed and defnitely sets a standard for Nollywood action movies. I am defnitely
looking forward to more works from this team. While I did enjoy the movie I feel the movie could have done a better job with its origi-
nality.
- OLUMUYIWA AWOJIDE
25
“A Mile From Home is enter-
taining, thrilling, action packed
and defnitely sets a standard
for Nollywood action movies.”
R E V I E W S
26
What challenges did you face and how did you
overcome them?
It was well planned, so we were able to manage
time and everything well. The only challenge I
had was during post-production but we found a
way around it and it came out nice.
So far, what has the response been like?
The response has been very impressive. It was
frst screened at the Goethe Institut Lagos and
Lagos Film Society flm festival where it got very
good reviews. It was also nominated in the Best
Short Film category for both the 2014 Best of
Nollywood Awards and the 2014 Abuja Interna-
tional flm festival. So it’s been a good experi-
ence.
Are there more productions in the offng?
Yes, by God’s grace, very soon. We are working
on something at the moment and hope to hit
location soon.
Where do you see the industry in the next ten years?
More advanced, more structured, more profes-
sionalism and proper distribution channels.
How do you manage the fame and attention as a
married woman?
I am very disciplined and principled. I respect
people a lot and I try not to be rude. So far I
have been able to manage well.

Was your husband a fan of yours?
When we started dating, I wasn’t seriously act-
ing but was nursing the dream to return back to
it. He is the reason I returned to the industry as
he supports me a 100% and encourages me not
to quit.
Are there roles that you will not take due to your
status?
Yes, there are some roles I wouldn’t take up
even if I were single.
If you could change anything in your journey, what
would it be and why?
I would have studied Theatre Arts or I would
have started training myself earlier because I
believe I would be a more grounded actor and
would have a more in-depth knowledge about
my craft.
In two words, you are?
Absolutely awesome.
INTERVIEW: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUDITH AUDU
AMOGUNLA
INTERVIEW
26
TALENT ON THE RISE: JUDITH AUDU
Judith Audu is a fast rising Nollywood actress and budding producer. The French
graduate has featured in several Nollywood movies and recently produced her
own short flm Not Right. The tall, slim and unaassuming actress says she is in the
world of make believe not just for the fame but to leave an indelible mark.
Your acting journey: talent or training?
Talent, I have been training on the job since the day I started acting. Whenever I
am on set, I learn a lot. And that is not just from the directors but from my fellow
actors too. I read a lot of acting books, watch videos and train myself with every
opportunity I get. However, I plan on getting more in-depth training.
How did your education background and professional experience prepare you for the
world of make believe?
My frst degree is in French and my frst stage experience was actually performing
one of our literature books and we did quite a number of that before I joined a
theatre group while still at the University.
What inspires you in your craft?
A lot of things inspire me. I draw inspiration from several sources, happenings,
people, life and things I see on the road sometimes.
Stage or screen?
Stage anytime because it makes you feel alive. When you get positive response
from the audience, you just get this priceless fulfllment and joy. I have been away
from the stage for too long actually and need to retrace my steps and get back
on stage. Everyone can be on screen but not everyone can be on stage.
What led you to produce your own flm?
I had always wanted to produce something but just never got around to do it
either the funds will not be available or I will not have the time. I see it as growth
for me personally to be able to contribute more in my industry and am glad I did.
Describe the experience.
It felt so unreal! I was very happy everything worked out as planned. The frst day
I watched it on my TV, I couldn’t believe it was mine! I was really proud of myself.
I must admit, I shed some joyful tears and hoped to do something bigger after it.
How long did it take?
It was planned for months but we shot it in two days.
A day in the life of…
Amarachi Onoh
Ok, my typical day is pretty simple. I wake up,
say my prayers and refresh for the day. Then
I set out for the day. It could be an audition,
flming or brainstorming session for some
projects. If I’m not doing any of these, I would
read. I eat a very heavy lunch and light din-
ner (fruits). I unwind with good music, movies,
hang out with friends or my latest addiction
Zombie Highway. #ilovemylife#COLLECT#
STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMARACHI ONOH
Ugoma Adegoke talks Lights,
Camera, Africa flm festival
BY EBUNOLUWA MORDI
Ugoma Adegoke is the founder of Lights, Camera, Africa flm festival.
What inspired you to start LCA?
The Life House had a successful flm club that presented flms of
various genres to audiences for free every week. We wanted to
widen this reach and to add value by connecting audiences to flm-
makers in an engaging and entertaining way.
What were some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Funding and awareness initially but 4 years later, things are get-
ting better. We are especially encouraged by the enthusiasm of the
public for alternative entertainment.
Tell us some memorable moments from past editions.
Last year a flm that we made a festival centerpiece, Confusion
Na Wa was invited to show in the African flm festival in New York
earlier this year. It was also screened at other festivals in Brazil. We
like to think that LCA has supported this excellent piece of work by
a Nigerian flmmaker, Kenneth Gyang. Another memorable moment
was when we found out at the frst edition of the festival that there
were enthusiasts of Chadian director, Mahamet Saleh Haroun who
had been looking forward to seeing his comedy, Sex, Okra and
Salted Butter. That really confrmed for us the need to hold events
like these.
What informed the choice of this year’s theme Legacy?
It is connected to the ongoing celebrations of the centenary of Ni-
geria’s creation. Our goal is to interrogate that a bit more rigorous-
ly and to consider what the legacy of that act means for us in terms
of culture, art and flm. We shared works of Nigerian flm masters
like the late Ade Love and Ola Balogun right through to the more
contemporary work of the late Amaka Igwe. We also explored our
strong tradition of storytelling through television. Our thesis was to
show that there is a clear canon of flmmaking in Nigeria and that
frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connecting our flm past to our
flm present, we were able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian flm.
What legacy do you want LCA to leave behind?
We hope that LCA will contribute to a growing and eventually
strong tradition of making the arts accessible to everyone in our
communities.
What plans do you have for expansion of LCA?
A goal of ours has always been to screen in multiple venues across
the city to ensure no one is left out.
What are some of your achievements so far?
Reaching at least 3,000 people and counting. Each year is signif-
cant. Creating learning opportunities is another milestone which we
are pleased to be able to do.
Beyond LCA, what other initiatives are you involved in?
Woman Rising, an annual platform celebrating women in music,
literature and art. I also support our wellness arm which is led by
my husband, DaYoga Studio which is Nigeria’s premier yoga and
wellness studio. In addition, I promote and support visual artists
through exhibition, education and international exchange. Finally, I
manage my fashion brand, Zebra Living, a favourite among Nige-
ria’s women as well as women across the globe.
In one word, you are?
Restless.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF UGOMA ADEGOKE
27
INTERVIEW

Our thesis was to show that there is a clear
canon of flmmaking in Nigeria and that
frankly, Nollywood is no mistake. By connect-
ing our flm past to our flm present, we were
able to present a rich DNA of Nigerian flm”
28
Faces at the Africa Magic private screening of October 1
Leading pay cable station Africa Magic held a private screening of Kunle Afolayan’s thriller October 1 at the
Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on September 20, 2014. The screening attracted a host of celebrities as well as
members of the cast and crew. Tinsel cast as well as Africa Magic staff had the opportunity to view the flm
before its offcial October 1st release date. Kehinde Bankole, Sadiq Daba, Kunle Afolayan and Demola Ad-
edoyin were some of the cast and crew members who stepped out after the screening to take a bow. They
received a warm applause at the end of the flm and also stayed back after the screening to speak to fans.
STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Multichoice Nigeria.
RED CARPET
Wangi Mba-Uzokwu
Beverley Naya IK Osakioduwa Gideon Okeke Guests
Linda Ejiofor Funlola Aofyebi-Raimi Members of the cast of October 1
31
FESTIVAL NEWS
Chinese Zodiac wins big at 11th Abuja International flm festival
Over 60 cutting edge flms from around the world
with a special focus on flms from Nollywood screened
during the 11th Abuja International flm festival.
Opening the festival on 23 September 2014 was Lancelot Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 while
Chinese Zodiac donated by the Chinese embassy in Nigeria closed the four day event. The
colourful affair brought together industry practitioners, governement representatives and
key players from the private sector. In competition this year were over 145 entries from
around the world with Nigeria making up over 60%. Chinese Zodiac directed by Jackie
Chan won the Golden Jury Film and Best Feature Film (Foreign) while Imasuen’s Invasion
1897 picked up the award for the Best Feature Film (Nigeria).
Full list of winners
BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897
BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China)
BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Yawa (Nemesis)
BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt)
BEST DOCUMENTARY: Paradox of Life
EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafa
THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: I Come Lagos
OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Mike Omoriegbe in Invasion 1897
OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Abimbola Ademoye in Where Talent Lies
BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China)
BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos)
OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897
GOLDEN JURY FILM: Chinese Zodiac (China)
CAMIRA announces winners at Abuja Film Fest
The Abuja International flm festival welcomed an independent jury for the frst time in
its 11-year history. Constituted by the Nigerian chapter of Cinema And Moving Image
Research Assembly (CAMIRA), the jury comprised Shaibu Husseini, Michaela Moye and
Osang Abang, who announced a slew of winners in the festival’s various categories. Be-
cause the categories were few, the jury decided to name winners in all of them rather than
restrict themselves to three main categories of Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best
Short. At the closing ceremony, the festival organisers also gave a representative of the
jury an opportunity to shed light on CAMIRA’s activities to a larger flm-loving audience.
Full list of winners
BEST FEATURE FILM (NIGERIA): Invasion 1897
BEST FEATURE FILM (FOREIGN): Chinese Zodiac (China)
BEST SHORT FILM (NIGERIA): Frost Bite
BEST SHORT FILM (FOREIGN): Just A Friend (Egypt)
EFERE OZAKO BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The Throne by Jubril Malafa
THE OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM: Yawa (Nemesis)
OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR: Jackie Chan in Chinese Zodiac (China)
OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR: Ivie Okujaye in Black Silhouette
BEST DIRECTING: Jackie Chan for Chinese Zodiac (China)
BEST STUDENT FILM: When Is Tommorrow (National Film Institute, Jos)
OUTSTANDING MUSIC: Invasion 1897
BEST DOCUMENTARY: No winner was selected based on the quality of entries in this
category. They were mainly news features rather than documentaries.
STORY: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Fred Amata and Monalisa Chinda Fidelis Duker, Chico Ejiro and Andy Boyo
Mr. Yong
Saint Obi
FESTIVAL NEWS
The 3rd edition of Arusha African Film Festival (AAFF) that took place 20-27 September, 2014 wrapped up after showcasing more than
three dozens of African flms coming from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, Angola, Guinea- Bissau, Mozambique,
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and South Sudan. With the presence of seventy artists, seminars on the prospects of flmmaking in Africa,
youth engagement, socio-cultural integration and how these elements infuence socioeconomic advancement in the society have been
held during the festival’s week at L’Alliance Française and the Arusha Natural History Museum.
LA based, Nigerian-born actor and
flm professor Akpor Otebele, the
festival’s director, supervised an act-
ing workshop for more than twenty
professional young actors and ac-
tresses from the East African region.
The workshop was also taught by
Port Harcourt Professor Emmanuel
Emasealu who, along with Otebele,
helped to polish the acting talents
of the attendees to higher levels of
impersonation and character under-
standing.
Burundi’s Léonce Nagabo, chairman
of the recently launched East African
Film Festival Network (EAFN), signed
an agreement with Sayed Fouad,
the president of Luxor African Film
Festival (LAFF) in Egypt, to create
collaboration between the two enti-
ties. The agreement will make LAFF
to provide Egyptian visiting flm professors to teach cinema techniques for the fve state countries of EAFN while EAFN will nominate
East African flms for LAFF. EAFN is set to enhance the value and make known different professionals and talented flmmakers from the
East African Community and to create a synergy gathering different associations and festivals so that we may have an advocacy regional
platform. Also it will aim to harmonize the laws and regulations in the fve partner states, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
In the closing ceremony, AAFF also gave an award to I Mashoka by Jean Mari Ndihokubwayo and Pascal Capitolin, a new feature from
Burundi. Its story is reminiscent from the two 1986 French flms Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources by Claude Berri, as it revolves
around two envying families who are competing to control water sources. But in the midst of this struggle, a love story is born is be-
tween a young man and a young women from the two opposing communities.
STORY AND PHOTO: SHERIF AWAD
It’s a Wrap for Arusha African flm festival
32
33
FESTIVAL NEWS
Nollywood flm festival Germany debuts in Frankfurt am Main
Festival representatives at the airport
promoting the event
Some guests discussing during the
opening night of the festival
Isaac Izoya addressing the cinema
audience just before the screening
Cinema goers buying tickets for one of
the daily flm screenings
Hessen’s Filmforun Höchst VHS, Frankfurt am Main played host to the four-day Nollywood flm festival Germany organised by Ehizoya
Golden Entertainment. The festival which featured daily screenings of two Nollywood flms was headlined by award winning Nolly-
wood actress Patience Ozokwor. Fortune’s Card starring Mercy Johnson, Benedict Johnson, Charles Inojie and Isaac Izoya and shot on
location in Berlin, Frankfurt, Athens, Bremen and Lagos made its worldwide premiere during the festival. Isaac Izoya who is regarded as
‘Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment ambassador’ to Europe, explained that the decision to showcase the best of the Nigerian flm is
based on the interest shown by Germans and Europeans to watch classic Nollywood flms on the big screen for the frst time. He noted
that the festival also aims at fostering international trading and exchange opportunities in what he described as the ‘largely untapped
market’. The festival wrapped up with an interactive Q & A session with Ozokwor and was moderated by flm critic Shaibu Husseini.
STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO
October 1
Synopsis: October 1 is a psychological thriller
directed by Kunle Afolayan. The flm follows
the story of Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba), a
police offcer from the North who is posted
to the remote town of Akote, to investigate a
series of female murder cases in the commu-
nity and have the mystery solved before the
Nigerian fag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s
Independence Day.
Release Date: 1-10-2014
When Love Happens
Synopsis: Moduroti Bankole-Smith is a
twenty eight year old events planner that
has always been unlucky in love. She is
reminded at every turn about how won-
derful love is with proof to substantiate
the case. Her parents are madly in love
and are always nudging her to fnd some-
one. Events take a bizarre turn when she
is hired to plan a long time friend’s up-
coming wedding.
Release Date: 26-10-2014
Mama Africa, an inspiring new movie directed by Ubaka Joseph Ugochukwu has now been released on DVD
after premiering in the cinemas earlier this year. Produced by Norbert Ajaegbu, Chairman of the Film and Video
Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), the flm features Zach Orji, Tonto Dikeh, Jibola Dabo,
Peachman Akpota, Nkiru Umeh, Chioma Igwe, Livinus Nnochiri, Belinda Effah and Remi Ohajianya. Mama Africa
is an exposé on the goings-on in the corridors of power; how the ruling minority controls the lives of the masses,
trampling even on their human rights at will. The movie tells the story of how 500 children die from the use of a
fake vaccine, while the poor and needy are locked up in a military detention camp without any hope of food or
freedom when they were to be kept in a rehabilitation home.
34

IN FILMHOUSE CINEMAS THIS OCTOBER

OUT ON DVD
LISTINGS
Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next Stop Freedom to screen this October
The October edition of the Monthly Documentary Film Screening Series (MDFSS) will fea-
ture Sebastian Dehnhardt and Matthias Schmidt’s Zug In Die Freiheit: Liberty Train – Next
Stop Freedom (with English subtitles). MDFSS is an initiative of Goethe-Institut Lagos and
the IREP International Documentary Film Forum in collaboration with Freedom Park Lagos.
This month’s screening is in commemoration of the German Unity Day, which is marked
annually on October 3. MDFSS holds on the 3rd Saturday of every month at Freedom Park
Lagos at 7pm. Entry is free.

MONTHLY SCREENING
35
EVENTS
Mai Atafo, Monalisa Chinda and AY
Monalisa Chinda
Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda celebrates 40th birthday
Friends of the celebrant
Celebrant with friends
Celebrant with family
Ozokwor, Osuagwu honoured at 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards
AWARD NEWS
37
Shaibu Husseini Donald Peterson, Patience Ozokwor and Victor Osuagwu
Charles Nwagbara Patience Ozokwor and guests
All roads led to Saalbau Event Centre in Frankfurt am Main on 13 September 2014 where the 2nd Nollywood E-Golden Awards held.
Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama Gee bagged the Nollywood Living Legend Award while comic Nol-
lywood actor and Chair of the Lagos State chapter of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Victor Osuagwu received the Outstanding
Nollywood Actor Award. The Guardian’s Shaibu Husseini and High Society Magazine’s Charles Nwagbara were also honoured for their
contributions to Nollywood. Founder and Chief Executive Offcer of Richfeld Technologies Limited, Dr. Donald Peterson received the
Pillar of Nollywood and the Entertainment Industry. The event featured various musical and dance performances by African artistes.
STORY: OLUWAYOMI OLUSHOLA
PHOTOS: DON JOKOLO
38
AWARD NEWS
Having recently wrapped up
the activities marking the 10th
anniversary of the Africa Movie
Academy Awards with a Praise
Jam and Media Recognition
Awards, the organisers of the
continental awards have called
for entries for the 2015 edition
of the festa.
Entries for the 2015 edition
opened on Monday Septem-
ber 1, 2014 and will be open to
December 1, 2014 according to
the Director of Administration,
Mr. Tony Anih who enjoined flm-
makers and their representatives
across Africa to submit their works for the 2015 awards.
“We have given four months window to enable entries to come from all parts of Africa and from the Diaspora flmmakers to give room
for logistics of sending to our regional offces in Ghana, Nairobi and Johannesburg and our Lagos offce,’’ he said.
Filmmakers are expected to send in their works produced and or released between December 1, 2013 and December 30, 2014 for
consideration for the awards and such works in case of full length feature flms should not exceed 120 minutes and must not carry any
commercial of any product or service.
In case of works produced in any language other than English, most especially where language of dialogue is African indigenous lan-
guage, such work must be subtitled in English.
Speaking further on the awards, Mr. Anih noted that the acceptance of the awards that celebrate professionals in the motion picture
industry has been huge across all regions of Africa with entries coming from North Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa and
Southern Africa.
“We are proud of the work we have done with flmmakers across Africa in the last 10 years and moving into another 10 years starting
from the 11th edition next year, we are sure the future of AMAA and business of flmmaking on the continent is very bright. For full
details on the entry rules and format of submission, flmmakers should visit our website: www.ama-awards.com,” Mr. Anih enthused.
Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015: Organisers call for entries

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