Nolly Silver Screen

TOPE
TEDELA
Nollywoods
next big
thing
Nollywood: A house divided?
Asaba Homevideo vs Nollywood Cinema
ISSUE 03
APRIL 2014
2014 AMVCAs:
The Contract,
Nairobi Half
Life win big
DUAL IDENTITY
10 Nollywood
actors who call
the shots
W
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Nollwood
Awards
The 2014 Africa Magic Viewers
Choice Awards have fnally come and
gone. It was indeed a great experi-
ence seeing African flmmakers rec-
ognised (p. 12) and the red carpet was
a sight to behold (p. 13).
This month is the turn of the Africa
Movie Academy Awards which will be
celebrating its tenth year anniversary.
We cannot wait to see what the
organisers have in store.
Our cover boy, Tope Tedela was a joy
to speak with (p.7). The young man is
humble, unassuming and grounded.
He will go very far. We also have
interviews with Kehinde Bankole (p.
9), Alexx Ekubo (p. 12) and Nzeribe
Sambasa Chiedozie (p. 14).
The much talked about Half of a
Yellow Sun will be showing in cinemas
across Nigeria this month (p. 10). The
big question is: How well will it do at
the box offce?
Enjoy
Isabella Akinseye
@iakinseye
Agina Eberechukwu
Gloria is a graduate
of Mass Communica-
tion from Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria. She is
a freelancer and con-
tributes entertainment
stories for The Nigerian
Telegraph. Check out
her piece Nollywood: A
house divided? (p. 10).
What she loves most
about Nollywood is
that so far the movies
have remained original
in their stories/content.
Follow @aginaebere
Wilfred Okiche
believes in God, medi-
cine, music and movies.
A medical doctor, occa-
sional writer, columnist
and profler. He profles
10 Nollywood actors
who call the shots (p. 3)
and compiles a top 5 list
of Nollywood awards (p.
12).
What he loves most
about Nollywood is
the fact that its home
grown, resilient and
determined to succeed
despite the odds.
Follow @drwill20
Gbolahan Adams
runs his own media com-
pany where he has han-
dled numerous projects
for different clients over
the years. He sees himself
venturing into animation,
developing his comic
brands and staging an ex-
hibition. View his cartoon
strip Rollicking Nollies
(p. 4) and his illustration
for Nollywood: A house
divided? (p. 10).
What he loves most
about Nollywood is the
actors.
Follow @gadamsyn
SOME OF THIS EDITIONS CONTRIBUTORS
Oluwaponmile
Orija is studying Food
Science and Technology
at the Federal University
of Agriculture, Abeoku-
ta. She loves writing and
has published several
works in the newspapers.
She interviews people for
the Vox Pop section (p.
4) and reviews Mother
Tongue (p. 11).
What she loves most
about Nollywood is the
Nigerian culture dis-
played such as the
clothing and language.
Follow @ o_ponmile
Innocent Ekejuiba
is an alumnus of Obafemi
Awolowo University. He
is the Deputy Editor
of Nolly Silver Screen (the
website and the mag-
azine). An avid blogger
and budding graphics de-
signer, he reviews Blind
Aspiration, a shortlisted
documentary at the 2014
Afrinolly Awards (p. 11).
What he loves most
about Nollywood is
the fact it is the second
largest producer of
movies by quantity.
Follow @Prince_ice
www.nollysilverscreen.com
REVIEWS
INTERVIEWS
N
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GHOLLYWOOD
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COMPETITIONS
RED CARPET
AWARDS
CINEMA LISTINGS
SHORT FILMS
WEB SERIES
FESTIVALS
THEATRE
AUDITIONS
DOCUMENTARIES

EDITORS NOTE
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CONTENTS
READERS CORNER
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 Kate Henshaws ft4life DVD.
Also, up for grabs are cinema tickets
to see a Nollywood movie in Nigeria
and a gift hamper.
Email: info@nollysilverscreen.com
Get in touch via social media
www.facebook.com/nollysilverscreen
www.google.com/+nollysilverscreen
www.twitter.com/nsilverscreen
www.instagram.com/nollysilverscreen
PUBLISHER
Quill and Scroll Creatives
EDITOR
Isabella Akinseye
DEPUTY EDITOR
Innocent Ekejuiba
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT
Isabella Akinseye
CONTRIBUTORS
Gbolahan Adams
Agina Eberechukwu
Wilfred Okiche
Oluwaponmile Orija
EDITORIAL BOARD
Temitayo Amogunla
Bola Atta
Bola Audu
Toni Kan
NOLLY SILVER SCREEN TEAM
W
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it
e
n

w
in
April 2014
FEATURES
3 DUAL IDENTITY: 10 NOLLYWOOD ACTORS WHO
CALL THE SHOTS
10 NOLLYWOOD: A HOUSE DIVIDED?
12 TOP 5 NOLLYWOOD AWARDS
INTERVIEWS
7 TOPE TEDELA: NOLLYWOODS NEXT BIG THING
9 Q & A WITH KEHINDE BANKOLE
12 UP, CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ALEXX EKUBO
14 TALENT ON THE RISE: NZERIBE SAMBASA
CHIEDOZIE
COMPETITION
2 FREE GIVEAWAYS
REGULARS
1 EDITORS NOTE
1 CONTRIBUTORS BIOS
2 READERS CORNER
4 CELEBRATIONS THIS MONTH
6 ON SET
10 NEWS
11 REVIEWS
13 RED CARPET
14 DVD RELEASES
EXTRAS
4 VOX POP
4 WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS
9 NOLLY POP QUIZ
CONTACT US
Email letters to info@nollysilverscreen.com
Nolly Silver Screen is a monthly online magazine of
www.nollysilverscreen.com
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission
is strictly prohibited.
2
Just checked out your magazine; very
impressed with the obvious hard work
you are putting into what is a high
quality product; deserves to be read by
all industry afcionados.
Keep it up!
Desmond Ovbiagele
I saw your review of Finding Mercy.
Good job!
John Edeh
Great job. Well done!
Joy Isi Bewaji
13
6
You can now read your
favourite magazine Nolly
Silver Screen on
issuu.com/nollysilverscreen
DUAL IDENTITY: 10 Nollyw
ood actors
w
ho call the shots

BY WILFRED OKICHE
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS
3
KUNLE AFOLAYAN
Afolayan is one of the
most important direc-
tors working today. His
frst crossover success
was the future classic
Figurine which he also
co-starred in and he
followed up with Phone
Swap. He fnds time to
star in other carefully
reviewed productions
and will be seen next in
Tunde Kelanis Dazzling
Mirage as well as his
own October 1 a peri-
od piece set in 1960.
YVONNE OKORO
Ms. Okoro was a reason-
ably successful actress
when she decided to
produce her frst flm.
She settled on a decent
script and hired director
Shirley Frimpong-Man-
so to give life to her
dreams. The result, The
Contract in which she
co-starred alongside
South Africas Hlomla
Dandala and Nigerias
Joseph Benjamin won
Best picture at this years
Africa Magic Viewers
Choice Awards.
UCHE JOMBO
RODRIGUEZ
The scream queen is
also a prolifc screenwrit-
er and has worked on
over 30 screenplays in
her long and chequered
career. After reviving
her onscreen career,
Mrs. Rodriguez decided
to do some production
work and set up her own
studios, churning out
titles like Lies Men Tell
and Mrs Somebody. Her
Damage trio of advocacy
flms (there is a fnal one
in the works) have not
quite caught on with the
critics but she remains
undaunted.
YVONNE NELSON
Ghanas favourite bikini
body took the produc-
tion plunge with 2012s
Single & Married and
its success ensured she
came back with last
years messy House
of Gold. In between
all those bikini photo
shoots, she fnds the
time to star in flms pro-
duced by Rukky Sanda
and directed by Frank
Rajah-Arase.
RUKKY SANDA
Granted Rukky Sanda
isnt much of an actress
but she is one heck of a
smart lady. After fnding
it diffcult getting work
in front of the screen,
she took charge of her
career and began to
write, produce and direct
her own flms. A lot of
them arent much to
look at but at least she
is making an effort. She
made the leap to the
theatres last year with
Keeping My Man and
followed with the awful
Gold Diggin.
DESMOND ELLIOT
The fresh faced father
of 4 started out on the
small screen in pro-
grammes like Everyday
People and Saints and
Sinners. He soon made
the switch to the big
screen and has starred
in over 200 flms. After
many fulflling years,
Elliott turned to directing
flms and eventually set
up his Denziott stu-
dios. He co-directed the
Emem Isong produced
Reloaded before going
solo with flms like In
the Cupboard, Weekend
Getaway and Finding
Mercy.
RITA DOMINIC
Everyone loves Rita
Dominic now but she
took a conscious deci-
sion to reinvent herself
after the good roles sor-
ta dried up. She created
The Audrey Silva Com-
pany and together with
partner Mildred Okwo,
carefully picked out their
frst project The Meeting
which was well received
by audiences and critics.
Dominic has an upcom-
ing televison series as
well as a feature flm
lined up in the nearest
future.
STEPHANIE LINUS
Mrs. Linus may pick
and choose her scripts
these days but time was
when she was one of the
most prolifc actresses
in Nollywood, moving
from location to loca-
tion. She reignited the
cinema culture with her
student flm Through the
Glass which she starred
in, wrote, produced and
directed and after cash-
ing out smartly, took her
sweet time before her
next project Dry. In be-
tween, she took a small
role in last years Doctor
Bello.
Some of our favourite Nollywood actors have not been content with gracing television screens across the continent. They have
gone steps further to call the shots from behind the screens as producers or directors or both. Here are 10 of our favourites.
FRED AMATA
The Amata family has
produced a number of
thespians (Zack, Ruke,
Jeta) but Fred Amata
makes this list because
he has been able to
juggle being a movie
star, stage actor, produc-
er and director without
breaking a sweat. In an-
other lifetime, he direct-
ed the music video to
the King Sunny Ade and
Onyeka Onwenu classic
Wait For Me long be-
fore hitting his stride in
the action thriller Anini
and the Eco-bank spon-
sored rom-com Letters
to a Stranger.
ERNEST OBI
The former chairman of
the Lagos State chapter
of Actors Guild of Ni-
geria (AGN) was among
the earliest Nollywood
screen stars to make
the move to directing
following his need to be
challenged. Some of his
credits include The Seed,
Daytime Lovers, Drop of
Blood and Idemili.
PHOTO CREDITS
TOP (L - R) Nairaland; Bella Naija; Daily Independent;
Bella Naija; Facebook
BOTTOM (L-R) Bella Naija; Gist Mania; YNaija; Van-
guard; Nairaland
VOX POP
What book would you like to see
adapted on the big screen?
Runaway Jury by John Grisham
SEYON HUNDEYIN
The Winner by David Baldacci
DAMILARE OSO
Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
OLAMIDE RAFIU
Maximum Ride by James Patterson
TOLULOPE ADEWUNMI
Cruel Passion by Dayo Oladele Ilori
TOLU OLULADE
Bakers Boy by J.V. Jones
ADA UWALAKA
You Found Me by Iredele Taiwo
SADE ADEYEMI
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE STARS
Nothing good comes easy
as they say, so once youre
aware that the challenges
will come its left to your
will and desire to take you
across those hurdles.
UDOKA OYEKA,
Nollywood director
I think as producers, we should all
start making movies that can shape the
minds of Nigerians. We have a duty to
this nation. I will also like to think that
the less we see ourselves as rivals, the
better for the industry.
JUMAFOR AJOGWU,
Nollywood producer
BY OLUWAPONMILE ORIJA
BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE
APRIL CELEBRATIONS
21
Nkiru
Sylvanus

23
Ini
Edo
23
Ufuoma
Ejenobor
24
Stella
Damasus
27
Adaora
Ukoh
4
ADAPTED FROM THE AWARD WINNING NOVEL BY
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SUPERB PERFORMANCES

VARIETY
A BRILLIANT DIRECTING DEBUT
HUFFINGTON POST

AN EPIC

SCREEN DAILY

GORGEOUS, EVOCATIVE

VANITY FAIR
Anika Noni Rose Joseph Mawle John Boyega
Chiwetel Ejiofor
BAFTA

WINNER
Thandie Newton
BAFTA

WINNER
onyeka onwenu
Award WINNER
Genevieve Nnaji
AMaA AWARD WINNER
O.C. UKEJE
AMVCA AWARD WINNER
IN CINEMAS ACROSS NIGERIA APRIL 2014
HalfOfAYellowSunMovie
A SLATE FILMS PRODUCTION A FILM BY BIYI BANDELE THANDIE NEWTON CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ANIKA NONI ROSE HALF OF A YELLOW SUN JOSEPH MAWLE JOHN BOYEGA ONYEKA ONWENU GENEVIEVE NNAJI
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PRODUCED
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DIRECTED
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SCREENPLAY
BY BIYI BANDELE
ASSOCIATE
PRODUCER SANDRA MBANEFO OBIAGO
EXECUTIVE
PRODUCERS YEWANDE SADIKU MUHTAR BAKARE GAIL EGAN NORMAN MERRY PETER HAMPDEN
BASED ON
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EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE
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CASTING
DIRECTOR JINA JAY HAKEEM KAE-KAZIM
MAKE-UP AND
HAIR DESIGNER SHARON MARTIN
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MUSIC
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PRODUCTION
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Date
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PICTURES FROM
THE SET OF
STEPHANIE LINUS
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BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE
7
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When and where did you decide
to take acting as a full-time
career?
I toyed with the idea when I was in
secondary school but I tossed it away
thinking it couldnt be done. Moving on
to the university, I found myself drawn
to acting with roles on Edge of Paradise,
Super Story and a feature flm Twisted by
Niyi Towolani. All this was between 2006
and 2008. I ran away from acting again
but In 2011, I decided to just focus on
acting as a full-time career.
Great choice! How rewarding has
the journey been so far?
Reward is relative. The joy that comes
from doing what you love is priceless but
the part that concerns paying bills can
be a lot more better. The journey has not
been smooth at all. Thereve been times
of rejection, little or no pay and attending
auditions with no results but through it
all, Ive continued to strive and Im
beginning to thrive (no pun intended).
What made you to star in A Mile
From Home?
The material. The foundation of all good
flms: the script! It was one of the few
scripts that has really wowed me and I
wanted to be a part of it.
Tell us about your character.
I portray Jude who later becomes Lala
after he gets wriggled into joining a
notorious gang, one in which he
desperately wants out.
What are some challenges you
faced in shooting the movie
considering the meagre budget?
You can imagine the worst. From feed-
ing to accommodation to transportation;
it was really a nightmare at some point
but we had to get the flm made. All
our hands were on the plough, we just
couldnt look back.
Congrats on your AMVCA win.
Were you expecting it?
Not exactly. Ive said that I really kept a
neutral stance on the matter. I just did the
best I could and kept my fngers crossed.
Im glad about the win, I must say.
What does the award mean to
you?
It means a lot. Its a great thing when your
work is appreciated. It means younger
and fresher actors are being recognised.
Thats a wake up call for us to keep doing
great work and never relent.
Do you feel under more pressure
to deliver for the fans who voted
for you?
Im very critical of my work and that has
just gone a lot more notches higher. Not
in a bad way but in a good way. Im
challenged to work smarter, harder and to
continue to improve myself.
What was it like acting in
Diagnosis?
Ive done more work on screen than on
stage so when the opportunity came to
work on stage after over two years, I was
delighted. Working on the play really took
me out of my comfort zone and that is
something I, as an artiste seek after.
Moreoever, I was working with an
amazing director, the great Ifeoma
Fafunwa who drilled the performance out
of me; leaving me better. It was an
awesome experience!
Which do you prefer: theatre or
flm?
Ahh! Thats a diffcult question! The truth
is that both media require different
techniques but at the heart of both is
being truthful and believable in perfor-
mance.
How do you intend to further
develop your craft?
Training, training and more training. I feel
as an actor you should be a student of
life and history via books, watching flms
and documentaries and so on. I try to do
these.
If you could be a character in any
movie, which would you play?
I know it wasnt a flm but I loved RMDs
Segun Kadiri or Russell Crowes John Nash
or Maximus Meredius.
Who are some of the people who
inspire you in the industry?
Im inspired by so many people who, in
spite of the odds facing the flm industry,
continue to thrive.
A memorable experience on set?
I was on this set a long time ago and the
director at a point threw a stool at me and
it almost hit me but I narrowly escaped.
That stays with me.
What is the weirdest thing a fan
has given you or said to you?
A lady wanted me sign an autograph
somewhere Id rather not disclose...
Hardest thing about your job is...
That constant dialogue asking if Im giving
a decent, believable performance. The
obvious loss of privacy that comes from
being in the public eye.
What was the last Nollywood
movie you watched?
Confusion Na Wa.
What does style mean to you?
Style is essentially comfort to me. I must
be confdent and comfortable in
whatever.
What fashion trend are you
rocking now?
Im not much of a trend whore. The pair
of jeans, tee-shirt and a pair of All Stars
are eternal, on a casual level. The semi
casual family of chinos, shoes, shirt and
blazers/jacket ever shines, I hope.
What is your favourite accessory?
Wristwatch.
If you werent acting, what would
you be doing?
Music.
What next can we expect from
you?
Im working on some projects at the mo-
ment but theres a supernatural
thriller going to be released soon titled In
My Fathers House directed by Jimi
Odumosu.
What words of wisdom do you
have for the up and coming?
Well, theres no hard and fast rule but be
sure this is what you want to do. Work on
yourself by reading and getting training.
Show up. And pray!
In three words, Tope Tedela is...?
Smart, hardworking and talented.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TOPE TEDELA.
THEREVE BEEN TIMES OF REJECTION, LITTLE OR
NO PAY AND ATTENDING AUDITIONS WITH NO
RESULTS BUT THROUGH IT ALL, IVE CONTINUED
TO STRIVE AND IM BEGINNING TO THRIVE.
9
Nollywood: A house divided?
BY AGINA EBERECHUKWU
Nollywood in its over twenty years of existence has evolved
tremendously both in script and content delivery. It has also impacted and
transformed global cinema by incorporating indigenous languages in
telling African stories. With Living in Bondage by Kenneth Nnebue
credited as the frst Nollywood movie, the industry has come a long way
in terms of production values.
Over the years, different approaches to flmmaking have been observed
in Nigeria giving rise to the question as to whether there is a division in
the Nollywood industry. The homevideos popularly classifed according to
their location; Asaba movies, Enugu movies and Festac movies versus the
new budding cinema flms otherwise known as New Nollywood.
Mr Osezua Igho, an actor , believes that there is no division in Nollywood
but that differeneces do exist between Nollywood cinema and the
Asaba movies. He noted that producers in Nollywood invest a lot of
money in movie production to ensure better quality while the Asaba
movies are generally shot on low budgets.
I wont say they are not part of Nollywood but they dont just pay
attention to quality of production and script. At the end of the day, what
you see is a poorly produced movie not pleasing to the eye. Such movies
hardly make it to the international market because of their standard.
However it is for them to take advantage of various opportunities
available in production especially workshops that are open to everybody.
According to an upcoming actor Edith, who features majorly in Asaba
movies, she sees them as a platform to develop her craft. I am using
here as a training ground and would like to move to Lagos later on in my
career. Everybody wants to be where it is happening and when it comes to
making it big in this industry, Lagos is the placeto be because of its wide
range of options and opportunities.
Furthermore, the rising disparities and the need to maintain and retain
power within ones jurisdiction could be the reason for the various fac-
tions springing up in the Nigerian movie industry. Be it Asaba movies or
New Nollywood, people at the helm of affairs need to unite for the
industry to consolidates its success.

NOLLY POP QUIZ
BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE
1. How many versions
exist of the trailer of
Tunde Kelanis Dazzling
Mirage?
2. Which Nollywood
movies will be showing
at the 2014 Nollywood
Paris week?
3. Who is the producer
of October 1?
4. Where is the nomi-
nation party of the 2014
Africa Movie Academy
Awards taking place?
5. What is the name of
the actress who plays the
lead in Render to Caesar?
6. Who was on the frst
cover of Nolly Silver
Screen magazine?
Answers can be found
online.
Kehinde Bankole is a singer,
actress and model. She stars in
blockbuster Render to Caesar.
What do you like most and
least about the character you
play in Render to Caesar?
I liked the truth of the situa-
tion the character was in and
defnitely hated being in such
a fx.
Youre a musician and
model, how do you manage
to combine these things with
acting?
Its been challenging combin-
ing my beloved music eff-
ciently as Id love to. Modelling
has been easily combined.
Which do you prefer of the
three and why?
I fnd it hard to separate acting
and music and the competi-
tion between the two has been
ferce. Acting seems to be
having the most of my atten-
tion now but music still has my
soul.
Has your involvement in
Nollywood been fnancially
rewarding or is it the passion
that drives you?
Its defnitely been rewarding
but nevertheless under all the
circumstances I have worked
in, the passion remains the
major drive.
What movies can we expect
to see you in this year?
Right after Render to Caesar is
October 1 and then, Apostates.
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.
Who would you like to work
with in the future?
Majid Michael, Johnny Depp,
Mercy Johnson and Angelina
Jolie.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF
KEHINDE BANKOLE
Q & A with Kehinde Bankole
BY ISABELLA AKINSEYE
The Contract, Nairobi Half Life, Flower Girl and Shirley Frimpong-Manso win big at 2014 AMVCAs
It was lights, camera, action at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which kicked off at the Eko Hotel with all of Lagos pa-
parazzi on the red carpet. Africas stylishly dressed guests were interviewed by Eku Edewor and Denrele for Dstvs Studio 53. Their
efforts were complimented by the fashion police team; Uti Nwachukwu (Jara) and Isabella Akinseye (Dstv.com) as well as Mashariki Mix
hosts Nick Mutuma and Sarah Hassan. It was a plethora of big bold African designs as well as chic delicate contemporary pieces for the
ladies. The gentlemen on the other hand mainly played it safe with black but the few who dared to be different stood out in white and
blue suits with a dash of colour.
Biola Alabi, MD, Special Projects said, The 2014 AMVCAs is a big celebration for the best of Africa. She thanked Amstel Malta for their
support and said that the AMVCAs would continue to recognise and reward African flmmakers for their hard work.
Hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, the show opened with a riveting musical performance from the cast of
Kakadu. Barabara Minishi started off the winners roll call with Best Art Director award for her work in Nairobi Half Life. Other winners
included Dr Gilbert Chigbo (Deadwood); Walter Waltbanger Taylaur (The Wages) and Amarachuku Onoh (Mother Tongue). The best
comedy acts went to Funke Akindele (The Return of Sheri Koko) and Osita Iheme (The Hero). Coincidentally, both acts were nominated
more than once in their category. Elvis Chucks A Wish won Best Movie Comedy.
To add to the glitz and glamour of the night, the audience were entertained with performances from top Nigerian musical acts; Bez,
Flavour, Davido, Waje and Cobhams. The star studded event had the crme de la crme of Nollywood and Ghollywood in attendance
including Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Mercy Johnson, Ramsey Nouah and Kate Henshaw.
In the drama category, Frank Rajah Arases The Grooms Bride won Best Movie while Nse Ikpe-Etim and Tope Tedela were voted best
acts. The winning streak continued for Nairobi Half Life which picked up awards in Best Make-up Artist and Best Cinematographer.
Flower Girls brother and sister duo (Jigi and Michelle Bello) picked up awards for Best Writer of a Comedy and Trailblazer which includ-
ed a Hyundai car. Bikiya Graham-Douglas made it a third for the movie with her Best Supporting Actress award.
Osas and Vimbai took time out to wish all the gorgeous women a Happy International Womens Day. It was also the birthday of
Multichoice Nigeria Managing Director John Ugbe, who presented the New Era Award (which came with a free holiday to Dubai) to Rita
Dominic.
Africa was well represented with Zambias Love Games winning the Best Television Drama. In the Indigenous categories, Mama Duka
(Swahili), Komfo (Yoruba) and Habib (Hausa) emerged winners. Also making the 2014 AMVCA winners list were Chiemela Nwagboso
(Costume Design), Desmond Elliot (Best Supporting Actor), and Obi Emelonye and Luke Corradine (Best Sound Editor).
However, the biggest winners of the night were Shirley Frimpong Manso (Best Writer of a Drama, Best Video Editor, Best Director) and
The Contract (Best Picture). In honour of his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian flm and TV industry, Pete Edochie was present-
ed with the much coveted Industry Merit Award which came with a Hyundai jeep. The award was received on his behalf by his son Yul
Edochie. The show ended with another colourful and energetic performance by the cast of Kakadu.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
N E W S
10
2014 AMVCA FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Best Movie 2013: Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro &
Ken Attoh The Contract
Best Movie Drama: Frank Rajah Arase The Grooms Bride
Best Movie Comedy: Elvis Chucks A Wish
Best Movie Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso The Contract
Best Actress in a Drama: Nse Ikpe-Etim Journey to Self
Best Actor in a Drama: Tope Tedela A Mile From Home
Best Supporting Actress: Bikiya Graham-Douglas Flower Girl
Best Supporting Actor: Desmond Elliot Finding Mercy
Best Actress in a Comedy: Funke Akndele Return of Sheri Koko
Best Actor in a Comedy: Osita Iheme The Hero
Best Television Series Comedy/Drama: Catherine Phiri Love Games
Episode 6
Best Short Film: Walter Waltbanger Taylaur The Wages
Best Documentary: Dr. Gilbert Chigbo (Narrator) The Deadwood
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili): Njoki Muhoho
Mama Duka
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Yoruba): Mercy Aigbe
Komfo
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Hausa): Abba Muko Yakas-
sai Habib
Best Online Video: Amarachukwu Onoh Mother Tongue
Best Writer (Drama): Shirley Frimpong-Manso & Hertey Owusu The
Contract
Best Writer (Comedy): Jigi Bello Flower Girl
Best Cinematographer: Christian Almesberger Nairobi Half Life
Best Art Director: Barbara Minishi Nairobi Half Life
Best Sound Editor: Obi Emelonye & Luke Corradine Last Flight to
Abuja
Best Video Editor: Shirley Frimpong-Manso The Contract
Best Lighting Designer: Mohammed Zain Nairobi Half Life
Best Costume Design: Chiemela Nwagboso The Kingdom
Best Make-up Artist: Elayne Okaya Nairobi Half Life
Industry Merit Award: Pete Edochie
Trailblazer Award: Michelle Bello
New Era Award: Rita Dominic
Half of A Yellow Sun set
for Nigerian debut
According to Shareman Media and
FilmOne Distribution, Half of a Yellow
Sun, will be released in all Nigerian
cinemas on the 25th of April 2014.
The movie had its world premiere at
the 38th annual Toronto International
Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada to great
applause, and subsequently pre-
miered in Europe at the BFI London
Film Festival, London. The flm will be released in cinemas in
Australia from 27th March, in the UK from 11th April, and in
the US in the early summer.
Directed by the Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele, Half of a
Yellow Sun stars the BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nom-
inated actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), and BAFTA
Award-winning actor Thandie Newton. Genevieve Nnaji, On-
yeka Onwenu, O. C. Ukeje, Zack Orji and Anika Noni Rose led
the supporting cast.
Set in 1960s Nigeria, the flm is an epic love story, weaving
together the lives of four people caught up in the turbulence
of the Nigerian civil war. Half of a Yellow Sun is a beautifully
crafted adaptation of the international bestselling novel by
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Shot in the Tinapa Studios in Calabar and in various locations
in Creek Town, the production employed several hundreds of
local residents. The technical quality of the flm demonstrates
that it is possible to make a high quality production in Nigeria
with the appropriate budget and technical input.As a result,
the flm was offcially invited to screen at several high-profle
international flm festivals in recognition of its ground-break-
ing quality.
ADAPTED FROM THE AWARD WINNING NOVEL BY
CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
SUPERB PERFORMANCES
VARIETY
A BRILLIANT DIRECTING DEBUT
HUFFINGTON POST
AN EPIC
SCREEN DAILY
GORGEOUS, EVOCATIVE
VANITY FAIR
Anika Noni Rose Joseph Mawle John Boyega
Chiwetel Ejiofor
BAFTA WINNER
Thandie Newton
BAFTA WINNER
onyeka onwenu
Award WINNER
Genevieve Nnaji
AMaA AWARD WINNER
O.C. UKEJE
AMVCA AWARD WINNER
IN CINEMAS ACROSS NIGERIA APRIL 2014
HalfOfAYellowSunMovie
A SLATE FILMS PRODUCTION A FILM BY BIYI BANDELE THANDIE NEWTON CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ANIKA NONI ROSE HALF OF A YELLOW SUN JOSEPH MAWLE JOHN BOYEGA ONYEKA ONWENU GENEVIEVE NNAJI
FILMONE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED PRESENT SHAREMAN MEDIA AND BFI PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH METRO INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AND KACHIFO LIMITED IN ASSOCIATION WITH LIPSYNC PRODUCTIONS LLP
PRODUCED BY ANDREA CALDERWOOD DIRECTED BY BIYI BANDELE
SCREENPLAY BY BIYI BANDELE ASSOCIATE PRODUCER SANDRA MBANEFO OBIAGO EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS YEWANDE SADIKU MUHTAR BAKARE GAIL EGAN NORMAN MERRY PETER HAMPDEN BASED ON THE NOVEL BY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION ALAN J WANDS
CASTING DIRECTOR JINA JAY HAKEEM KAE-KAZIM MAKE-UP AND HAIR DESIGNER SHARON MARTIN COSTUME DESIGNER JO KATSARAS DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN DE BORMAN BSC EDITOR CHRIS GILL MUSIC BY BEN ONONO AND PAUL THOMSON PRODUCTION DESIGNER ANDREW MCALPINE
SHAREMAN MEDIA LIMITED / THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE / YELLOW SUN LIMITED 2012
Date
File Name Job Description Full Trim Size 40 x 27
Mechanical ARTWORK AT 100% Client CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
2014 GP London. Supplied in company confidence.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN 1 Sheet D v2 17.02.14 Film One Distribution
Half of a Yellow Sun 1 SHEET C HoaYS_1ShtD_Nigeria_v2.indd
R E V I E W S
Title: Mother Tongue
Genre: Short flm
Director: Amarachukwu Onoh
Year: 2013
Mother Tongue is flled with funny expression and demonstrations. The actors portrayed the
typical oga and his boy scenario. The picture quality, soundtrack and costume are great. The
whole 4.34 minutes of the flm was limited to two locations and the actors tried to be hilari-
ous. The flm is one directional; specifcally noting how ones mother tongue affects speech
using the Igbo dialect as an example. The visual highlights were good and it tweaked up the
flm a bit making it easier for any viewer to understand. The flm is straight forward; a little
twist could have been more exciting.
- OLUWAPONMILE ORIJA
Title: Finding Mercy
Genre: Trailer
Director: Desmond Elliot
Year: 2013
Desmond Elliot is no new kid on the Nollywood
block, so when I came across the trailer of his latest
effort Finding Mercy, I expected a fairly good job.
Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The actor cum di-
rector cum producer seems to improving his craft by
the day and this is evidenced in this Denziot produc-
tion. From the opening scene to the last credits, it
is apparent that Elliot understands the craft of good
storytelling. There is a good balance of dramatic
scenes (yes, we have kissing, crying, shouting, threat-
ening and the likes) as well as dialogue that moves
the plot forward.
Every scene that appears in the barely two minutes
montage is there for a reason. We see all the major
characters (Desmond Elliot, Uti Nwachukwu, Rita
Dominic, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Tamara Etei-
mo, Dabota Lawson, Abiola Segun-Williams, Oyin-
damola Lanpejo and Blossom Chuks-Chukwujekwu)
in full action. We actually get an insight into their
characters and mannerisms in the few shots.
The sound is also properly mixed and you can actu-
ally hear the dialogue and background music. The
graphics are also well done and not too heavy on the
eyes. My only grouse with this trailer is that some
parts of it suffer from poor lighting; something which
I have realised is very common in Nollywood movies.
The ending of the trailer sums it up when Jato says,
She [Mercy] is my life and somehow, you just want
to believe him.
Verdict You would enjoy watching Finding Mercy
if you want a different storyline with tried and
tested actors alongside new fresh faces.
- ISABELLA AKINSEYE
Title: Blind Aspirations
Genre: Documentary
Director: Dapo Oshinaike
Year: 2013
Blind Aspiration does more than discuss the aspirations and achievements of a
blind man (Dr. Ife Akintunde). It does more than call out to challenged people
to dream as far as the limits of their imaginations, in fact, if anything it fails
at that, because then excuses anchored on available opportunities would be
given and questions asked about the equality of fngers. Blind Aspiration is a
wakeup call to everybody. A reality check on dreams, their sustainability and
reality. Dapo Oshinaike is not only sending the perfect message to the public
about disabled people, he is challenging everyone.
- INNOCENT EKEJIUBA
The Contract story is not exactly your typical
African storyline, in the traditional sense of the
word. In fact, from a strictly Nollywood/Ghally-
wood perspective, this story of a rich bachelor
who has no desire to get stuck with a woman
for all his days yet seeks a young version of
himself, is quite original. The movie is your typ-
ical romantic comedy though, I must say. Like
Ive said again and again, with this genre do
not expect it to change your life, do not expect
it to move mountains, do not expect it to solve
your lifes problems, but it will defnitely give
you entertainment. The story has its twists and
its turns here and there but the end did seem a
bit rushed to me. For some reason that amaz-
ing climactic romantic comedy movie moment
where jokes are put aside and true love is de-
clared, didnt work for me in this movie. The
movie is beautiful: it delights, it amuses, it ap-
peals to your senses in many ways, and makes
for amazing light-hearted entertainment.
- OGE (Nollywood Reinvented)
11
Title: The Contract
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Shirley Frimpong-
Manso
Year: 2013
GUEST REVIEW
12
Up, Close and
Personal
with
Alexx
Ekubo
HOW IT ALL STARTED
My frst day on set was very interesting and I learnt a lot. It was the set of
Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa directed movie Sinners in the House in 2004 and
we had veterans like the Late Justus Esiri and Ngozi Ezeonu. It was all very
exciting and new to me.
ROLE MODELS
Most of my senior colleagues; Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Ini
Edo, Omoni Oboli, Ramsey Nouah, Monalisa Chinda, Mercy Johnson and
Genevieve Nnaji. I have a dream to follow today because they followed
theirs. God bless them all.
CHANGING NOLLYWOOD
I would change the level of professionalism. Nollywood has an annual
revenue of over $590 million, I suggest we the practitioners should take it
more seriously.
BEST ADVICE
Ini Edo once said to me,Alexx you are only as good as your last movie.
That stuck in my head to never rest my oars.
FUTURE OF NOLLYWOOD
Uti Nwachukwu, Uru Eke, Bryan Okwara, O.C. Ukeje, Diana Yekini, Kemi
Lala Akindoju, Belinda Effah and Chelsea Eze.
FASHION
My mum has her clothing label Jalex Creations, so at a very tender age,
I was taught to match my colors and dress appropriately. I love Pit Bulls
style; he wears really colorful and clean cut suits.
ON MRS. RIGHT
She should be God Fearing, intelligent, fun loving and very beautiful wom-
an. Very beautiful so we can make interesting babies. With makeup, less is
more. My onscreen wife in the movie Keeping My Man was a very adven-
turous woman played by Ini Edo. I wouldnt mind if my woman in real life
is that daring. Variety is the spice of life, remember.
NATURAL HAIR VS WEAVE
The last time I commented on women hair, they quoted me as saying, I
hated women with Brazilian hair. So now biko, any hair you like carry.
THE REAL ALEXX EKUBO
Im pretty much the guy next door. I fart, eat, sweat and make mistakes
like every other person, so please bear with me as we all live and learn.
HOBBIES
I watch a lot of movies, read books, play basketball, swim and travel.
ALTERNATIVE CAREER
I studied Law in the University of Calabar, I would probably be a practicing
lawyer.
IN FIVE WORDS
Articulate, innovative, talented, fun and God-fearing.
INTERVIEW: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALEXX EKUBO
TOP 5 NOLLYWOOD AWARDS
Hollywood may celebrate their own extravagant
awards season with the Oscars, Golden Globes and
every other lavish affair in between. This side of the
Atlantic we have a handful of flm awards that truly
matter. Here are the top 5, presented in alphabetical
order.
1. AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS
The highly rated AMVCA is only 2 years old but it
is already enjoying the media blitz of a long term
project. Africa Magic and parent body Mnet pulled
out all the stops to make the debut event the years
hottest tickets. Everyone who is anyone in the in-
dustry partook in the celebrations and organisers
brought in a touch of class and attention to fne
details. Majority of the categories are determined by
viewers so naturally, the ceremony has been justif-
ably dismissed as lightweight. The second years red
carpet event however proved that the AMVCAs have
becomes Africas biggest fashion moment.
2. AFRICA MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS
Africas most prestigious flm awards has found a
home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and its founder
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe has become one of the most
powerful women in Nollywood. AMAA has reward-
ed everyone from Joke Silva to Genevieve Nnaji and
succeeds in attracting Hollywood players like Dan-
ny Glover and Angela Basset to Nigeria every year.
AMAA is celebrating its tenth year and has built a
track record of making legitimate choices in terms
of nominees and eventual winners. If ever there is an
African Oscars equivalent, AMAA comes closest.
3. BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARDS
The Best of Nollywood (BON) awards was once
considered a punchline, a home for the B-listers who
could not quite make it to the AMAAs. However, the
organisers (who also publish the Best of Nollywood
magazine) have refused to give up and with some
strategic placement and good fortune, the awards
have enjoyed an upswing of late. The Lagos and
Delta state governments have brought in high pro-
fle sponsorships and the 2013 red carpet train was
ajudged one of the longest in the world. With award
categories like Best Kiss and Best use of Nigerian
food in a movie, BON awards is more populist than
critical.
4. NIGERIA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS
The Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA), currently in
its 8th year of existence is held annually in New York
City and honours the fnest (and most popular) of
local entertainment talent, with a sprinkling of Nige-
rians plying their trade abroad. Winners are handed
out in both flm and music categories and enter-
tainers have come to mark this events as one of the
years biggest attraction. The judging system isnt
exacly Oscar calibre but everyone wants that trip to
New York city. Past winners include Ramsey Nouah,
Omoni Oboli and Jackie Appiah.
5. NOLLYWOOD MOVIES AWARDS
The Nollywood Movies Awards (NMA) is an annual
Nigerian flm award presented by the Nollywood
Movies television station to honour outstanding
achievement in the flm industry. The frst edition
was held at the Civic Center in Lagos on 2 June 2012.
This was followed by another one held in October
2013 also in Lagos. While still in the shadows of the
more accepted AMAA and AMVCAs, the last cere-
mony made a splash by rewarding a surprise car gift
through a raffe draw. Industry folks defnitely took
notice after that stunt.
WILFRED OKICHE
CLOCKWISE 1. L-R: Yul Edochie, son of Peter Edochie winner of Industry Merit Award; Michelle Bello, winner of Trailblazer Award; Biola
Alabi, Managing Director, M-net Africa; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria; Rita Dominic, winner of New Era Award
and Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries. 2. Tope Tedela , winner of Best Actor (Drama) 3. Funke Akindele , winner of
Best Actress (Comedy) 4. Joke and Olu Jacobs 5. Alexx Ekubo and Yemi Alade 6. Yvonne Okoro, Ken Attoh and Shirley Frimpong-Manso,
winner of Best Picture - The Contract
PHOTOS: MULTICHOICE NIGERIA
Apaye Movie Premiere
Mr. & Mrs. Desmond Elliot with Executive Producers -
Mr. & Mrs. Aziboala Robert
13
2014 AMVCAs
Belinda Effah Clarion Chukwurah Emem Isong
Ushers
Bola Aduwo Ngozi Nwosu
Apaye was premiered on
7 March 2014 at the Sil-
verbird Galleria Cinemas,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
PHOTOS: BOLA ADUWO
Kanayo O. Kanayo, Uche Iwuanyanwu, Bobby
Michaels and guest
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D V D R E L E A S E S
14
2013 Cinema blockbusters Alan Poza
and Lagos Cougars out on DVD
Out now on DVD from award-winning flmmaker Charles Novia is the star stud-
ded fick Alan Poza. The movie explores the emotional adventures of Alan
Poza, a young music label executive and his daily grapples with the temptations
in that sector. The flm stars O.C Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Norbert Young, Yvonne
Vixen Ekwerre, Okey Uzoeshi, Terry tha Rapman, Mtrill, Sylvia Oluchi, Evaezi and
Charles Novia.
Lagos Cougars will be available for purchase on DVD from 4 April 2014. The
Royal Arts Academy production which follows the story of three mature women
who go after younger men stars Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Monalisa Chinda, Dan-
iella Okeke, Alex Ekubo, Bobby Michaels, Diana Yekini, Benjamin Touitou, Shawn
Faqua and Ifeanyi Kalu. Directed by Desmond Elliot, Lagos Cougars is a story
about lust, love and adventure.
-ISABELLA AKINSEYE
What led you into acting?
The love for it and the fact that I studied my
dream course. It has been a part of me since
my mother introduced me to drama in the
church when I was 9 years old.
How did you hear about A Mile From
Home?
I was approached by the producer/writer
of the movie while I was rehearsing at my
department in school.
What was it like acting in an action
packed drama production?
Cool, interesting but tough (very very
tough). Being believable always when acting
wasnt easy due to situations and circum-
stances encountered at different locations
when shooting the movie..
Did you have to learn new skills?
Yes, we had training sessions on how to
hold and shoot a gun. I also learnt the reac-
tion to the impact of a bullet on the human
body.
How were you able to get into character?
I am a theatre practitioner. I studied in the
university to become an actor and I learn
everyday when I walk on the streets. I take
long works to meditate. So, when the direc-
tor told me personally that he believes in
me playing that role and after meeting the
talented cast and crew, I blended into my
character (Suku) smoothly.
How easy was it handling the props and
making the action look very real?
Did you say easy? For me it wasnt easy at
all. A Mile from Home is not your everyday
Nigerian movie. So, in using my props when
the camera starts rolling, utmost concen-
tration is needed. My lines, believability and
gadgets involved must all be one in one
moment.
Why should people watch this flm?
This movie will make you proud of what
can be achieved when you believe in your
dreams. For the minds that came together
to achieve greatness in delivery, message,
concept and originality of a story that ap-
peals to all ages, I guarantee that no second
watching this movie will be wasted.
Who is your favourite actor?
I have a few: Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey
Nouah, Denzel Washington and Will Smith.
What is your favourite line from a movie?
If killing is your only talent, that is your
curse. It is from Troy.
How do you spend your free time?
I am a movie freak. I love the indoor lifestyle
and playing games especially Playstation
soccer.
Which sports team do you support?
Arsenal.
What does family mean to you?
Everything; my family means the world to
me.
INTERVIEW: ISABELLA AKINSEYE
PHOTO: COURTESY OF A MILE FROM
HOME
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