The second day in the month of March and some notable Moviedom personalities created the right buzz…….
The Buzz Is Still On Stephnora Okere’s Roberta In Abuja
MOVIEGOERS who witnessed the exclusive premiere of Roberta, a movie about the menace of gender-based violence are still talking about the flick, especially the success recorded at the premiere, which brought together a distinguished audience comprising top government officials, influencers, activists, and celebrities. Produced by veteran actress Stephnora Okere, Roberta, she hinted was produced with funding support provided by the Bank of Industry Nollywood Fund, to address the urgent issue of gender-based violence. Guest at the premiere agreed that the movie encapsulates the experiences of countless young girls growing up in Africa. For most of the guest, Roberta isn’t just the story of the lead actress in the movie, but it represents the collective narrative of many. The premiere, held at the VIP Hall of Silverbird Cinema Abuja, and it attracted star actors in the movie such as Wale Ojo and Barbara Odoh and guest such as Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, founder of Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu; President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Christopher Isiguzo; SP. Josephine Adeh, representing the Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, and the National President of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association, Uche Agbo, alongside notable Nollywood practitioners such as Fidelis Duker, Alex Enyegho, and Francis Duru. An elated Okere stated at the premiere that through the movie, her Afrovision Studios has led a team that is able to ‘’shed light on the prevalent dangers, educate audiences about the signs, and explore potential solutions, particularly for the most vulnerable.” She also said ‘’Afrovision Studios is committed to nurturing African art, culture, and talent through the power of storytelling. “Roberta” stands as a testament to the studio’s mission of creating films that drive positive societal change’’. Okere disclosed that the movie would be screened at festivals and entered for awards.
Plenty Garlands For Tunde Kelani At 76
MONDAY, February 26 was ‘Tunde Kelani’s day’ in the Nigerian motion picture space. That day, garlands flowed freely from home and abroad for the legendary filmmaker Tunde Kelani who turned 76. Garlands actually started flowing from Sunday and at the world premiere of Anikulapo: The Rise Of The Spectre, the series by Kunle Afolayan, which started its run-on Netflix on March 1. At the well-attended premiere, older and younger colleagues showered encomium on the iconic cinematographer, and director, who is popularly known as TK, and who is also known for producing movies that promote NigeriaÂ’s rich cultural heritage. A day after his birth date, Uncle TK, as younger colleagues call him, took to his social media handles to share a picture he took with his mentor and Nobel Laurette Professor Wole Soyinka on ‘D-day’. The directing force behind critically acclaimed movies such as O le Ku, Ko se Gbe and Narrow Path captioned the picture thus: ‘’Yesterday marked one of the most memorable birthdays I’ve had. A significant part of the morning was spent at ARI (Autonomous Republic of Ijegba) in the company of my esteemed mentor and our Ọ̀gá, the highly respected Professor Wole Soyinka. It would be the third time of having the honour of celebrating my birthday around him – the first was on my sixty-eight birthday, when he unveiled the logo of our film institute, the second was when I turned 70 and was on his entourage to Haiti. Later in the evening, we had a dinner organised by my brother and friend, the Mathematical Segun Odegbami. I am most grateful to Professor Wole Soyinka, my family, and friends’’. From us at Moviedom, we say Happy Birthday Uncle TK.
Nollywood Veteran Actor And Director Paul Obazele Ports to ADC
THE last time you read about veteran actor and director, Paul Obazele, here was during campaign to secure the nomination of the Labour Party (LP) to contest as Governor in the forthcoming Edo State Gubernatorial race. But Obazele, one time President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), has dumped the Labour Party after he failed to secure the partyÂ’s ticket. The Edo-born philanthropist and founder of the Legend of Nollywood Awards (LNA) has ported to African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has indeed emerged as the candidate of the party ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. The primary election held at the Uselu axis of Benin City on Friday had party faithful in attendance. During the event, other aspirants for the position agreed to present the Nollywood veteran as their flag bearer. Head or tail, Obazele will be listed among top Nollywood personalities including Funke Akindele, Tonto Dike and Femi Branch who have vied for political office in the current dispensation.
Night The Creative Industry Group celebrated Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
THE February edition of the industry night of the Creative Industry Group (CIG) may have come and gone, but the memory it holds will linger for long. Top creative industry practitioners turned up at the prestigious Kulture Yard in Ikeja, Lagos, to join CIG in honouring the Matriarch of NigeriaÂ’s movie industry and international actress, Dame Taiwo Ajai Lycett. In attendance were such music legends as Emma Ogosi, Ireland-based Esse Agesse, Spain-based Nosa Marshal and South Africa-based Chywhite. Others include top movie actor/director, Fred Amata; popular Fuji House of CommotionÂ’s Ngozi Nwosu, Dr. Otis Ojeikhoa, CEO, Optimal Production who presented the life time AchieverÂ’s Award to Legend Taiwo Ajai Lycett, ace broadcaster/voice over specialist Onye and others. The highpoint of the event was when Mama Taiwo Ajai Lycett mounted the podium to be honoured by the CIG, after her citation was read by ace actor/MC, Reginald Ofodile. CIG president, Amb. Felix Duke, and his wife, Lady Capriz, were evidently delighted at the turnout of the event, thanking everyone as they looked forward to the March 2024 edition.
