Entertainment
Move Aside Nollywood: CNN explores a new wave of film in Nigeria
With Marvel’s Black Panther becoming one of the highest grossing superhero movies of all time, many industry experts believe the African film industry now has an opportunity to prosper and gain more confidence.
In the latest episode of Marketplace Africa, CNN international meets Nigerian filmmakers who hope to leave behind the stereotypes created by Nollywood.
While Nollywood continues to be successful in Nigeria, some filmmakers like C.J. Obasi, believe there’s much more to the Nigerian film industry. In conversation with CNN, Obasi stated: “When you think about the Nigerian film industry you automatically think about Nollywood… a certain style of film a certain genre of film, a certain aesthetic that is associated with Nigerian filmmaking but then there is a new breed of filmmaker… who want to tell new stories, make new films and really explore genres [of] filmmaking in a way that hasn’t necessarily been seen.”
C.J. Obasi’s latest film, Hello Rain, is classified as a science fiction movie which is a far cry from Nollywood. Although Obasi understands the popularity of Nollywood, the director strongly believes it shouldn’t define the Nigerian film industry: “I don’t think it should be the definition of an entire industry. I think it should be the definition of a certain kind of film. It should just be Nigerian film or Nigerian cinema just like any other film that comes out of America is American cinema.”
Afrinolly, a creative hub in Lagos, focuses on the needs of people involved in the movie industry and understands a new generation of filmmakers want to improve the quality of Nigerian films. While Jane Maduegbuna, Executive Director of Afrinolly, sympathises with desires of new filmmakers, she argues money is necessary for change. When speaking to CNN, Maduegbuna says: “It will always be about the money for us here because we don’t have enough cinemas, we don’t have enough outlets, it’s always going to be how you get great content for less money and then get it out to as many people as you can.”
Despite suggestions that there aren’t the financial capabilities to produce better quality films, Maduegbuna praises the next generation of Nigerians who are eager for success: “I met a lot of people talking about improving production quality, bringing in great equipment, training younger people because older people are somewhat set in their ways, but the younger people are very hungry for success.” She continues, “I think Nigerians are steadily upping their games and not too distant from now we are going to see maybe not a Black Panther but something very close to a Black Panther.”
Entertainment
Billionaire Socialite, E-Money To Take Full Responsibility Of Junior Pope’s Sons
Nigerian socialite Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, recently expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of his late friend, Junior Pope, who passed away in a drowning accident.
In a heartfelt note, E-Money mourned the loss of the Nollywood star and pledged to take care of Junior Pope’s three sons, making them part of his family. This gesture of generosity and support has touched many hearts, raising questions about the importance of friendship and community support in times of grief.
In his post, He wrote;
“We tenderly remember your final words on the boat, “NA ONLY ME DEM BORN I GET 3 CHILDREN NA ME GO RAISE THEM,” and we solemnly commit to honoring that vow. Your children now find solace in the embrace of the Okonkwo family, and we, as members of that family, pledge to nurture them as you would have wished. Your absence leaves a palpable void, JP, and your memory will forever be held dear. Rest peacefully, knowing that you are deeply cherished, and may God’s blessings encompass your soul, your family, and all who hold you in their hearts. ” – E-Money
God bless him as he keeps his promise.
Entertainment
Nollywood Producer And Former Boss To Junior Pope, Tchidi Tchikere Pens Down Emotional Tribute To The Late Actor
Legendary Nollywood director and producer Tchidi Tchikere has penned down an emotional message for late Junior pope
He wrote;
“My boy. My son . Adieu. I feel like a man who has lost a son. You came to dance in my music video. I paid you and you said ‘Thank you sir’ I was touched by your gratefulness and I asked my production manager to call you back. I took your number and told you I d push your career cos out of all the people I paid that day you were the only one who said THANK YOU. So one month later and after auditions , I cast in a leading role in the movie DEEPER THAN FACES. I surrounded you with established actors like Tonto Dikeh. Uche Elendu and the legend Uncle Pete Edochie. Cos I knew casting you among them would make you fly. And fly you did. I carried your career AMAKA MUSTAPHA. BE NOT AFRAID. NEW JOY etcetera, and you kept flying.
“Others began to cast you and I was happy watching you grow. Casting you as Churchill son of legendary actor Kanayo O Kanayo in GLOBACOM’s sitcom Professor Johnbull was one of the best decisions of my career because again you showed your versatility.
“I don’t know how this happened, it s only God that knows, JP, for me you are not dead, you have only gone to another level. That is the only way I can cope with this terrible news. We will keep holding the flag until we meet again”.
Junior Pope and four other crew members died during a boat accident on their way to a movie location on the 10th of April 2024. His death is still a huge shock.
Entertainment
Crossdresser, Bobrisky Sentenced To Six Months In Prison For Money Mutilation
Recall that on April 5th, Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC arraigned Bobrisky in court on a six-count charge ranging from Abuse of the Naira and Money laundering.
The court, however, dismissed the money laundering charges but convicted him for Naira Abuse after he confessed to the crime. The court also ordered that he be remanded in EFCC detention in Lagos.
First photos of Bobrisky as he leaves the courts premises with his luggage after his sentencing earlier today.
The popular cross dresser has been jailed for six months with no option of fine by Abimbola Awogboro, A judge of the federal high court in Lagos, over Abuse of Naira.
The controversial crossdresser, Bobrisky alao confirmed his gender during his trial on charges of naira abuse in court on Friday. He clearly stated that he is a “Man”
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