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AFRIFF Unveils Jury For Exceptional Year In African Storytelling ​

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The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced the jury members for its 12th edition, scheduled for November 5 to 11, 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria.

After receiving over 2,000 films from more than 100 countries across five continents during its call for submission, the festival has selected over 100 films, and has now tasked the jury with issuing their choice of finalists for AFRIFF Globe Awards.

The jury composition, a study in excellence in global filmmaking and expertise in the African film business is headlined by Stephen Dr Love, producer of one of Netflix most-viewed movies of the year, ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, with Nigerian-British actor, John Boyega, in the lead, as well as veteran US actor Jamie Foxx (Ray, Django Unchained) and Julliard-graduate, and Teyonah Parish (Chi-Raq, Candyman).

Stephen ‘Dr.’ Love is joined by Emmy-nominated Nigerian-British writer-producer Abby Ajayi (How to get Away with Murder, Inventing Anna); Nigerian film producer Greg Otudayo; Zimbabwean award-winning author and winner of 2023 African Peace Prize, Tsitsi Dangaremgba; and Lebanese-French actress and director Wafa’a Céline Halawi.

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Others include Geneva Wasserman, Entertainment and technology expert and SVP of Scripted Development at Dentsu, the Japanese media juggernaut, Cuban-American film producer and Afro-Latino voices in film mentor, Ranada Shepard; renowned Hollywood producer and Head of Inventions Studios, Nicholas Weinstock; multi-talented film acquisition expert and Head of content at MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola; Nollywood5 royalty and seasoned actress Kate Henshaw, and Nigerian lawmaker and filmmaker, Desmond Elliott.

Organisers say this edition will be significant after the 2022 edition, where Disney’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Amazon’s Nanny, Sundance Grand Jury Prize, opened the festival.  Paramount, Amazon, Disney, Netflix, Showmax, Mediawan, DStv, Dentsu, the African Union, Canal Plus, Afreximbank and a host of global industry stakeholders attended to offer further opportunities to sustain the growth of the African creative industry.

The international jury will award 14 Globe Awards to the most outstanding artistry and maestro in visual storytelling.

ABOUT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF)

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), conceived by Ms. Chioma Ude, is a world-class showcase that celebrates Cinema and filmmaking talent from Africa and the diaspora. It consistently delivers a rich program to foster invaluable exchanges of ideas, production connections, and business relationships. It creates an energetic and exciting hub for entertainment industry professionals to make rewarding connections and has gradually gained a reputation for delivering Africa’s most vibrant film6 festival experience. Its objectives are to develop the film industry to a level where the products compete favorably with their contemporaries all over the world; provide a growth opportunity for these film industry professionals to eventually export their products to the world; facilitate access to investors, equipment, technical and skill acquisition through Festival organized fora and several capacity development workshops. www.afriff.com

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Mr Macaroni calls for Government action amid crisis in Enugu State

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Mr Macaroni, Enugu State crisis

Mr Macaroni condemns government inaction over the ongoing crisis in Enugu, where over 44 farm settlements have been overrun

 

Popular Nigerian content creator and rights activist, Mr Macaroni, has voiced his concerns over the ongoing crisis in Enugu State, where more than 44 farm settlements have reportedly been overtaken, displacing residents.

The affected communities, including Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu, have been devastated by escalating violence, forcing many to flee their homes in fear for their lives.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr Macaroni expressed frustration over the perceived silence of both the federal and state governments in the face of this growing crisis in southern Nigeria. He criticised the lack of action and described it as a glaring injustice that required immediate attention.

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“The evil happening in Enugu should be condemned by everyone! The government must act swiftly and show there is zero tolerance for this sort of barbarism!” he wrote, calling for urgent intervention to protect the lives of citizens.

The comedian and rights advocate further warned that continued inaction from the government could result in citizens taking matters into their own hands to defend their homes and properties. He cautioned that such actions would only escalate the violence, leading to further loss of innocent lives.

“When the government remains silent, people are forced to protect themselves, which often leads to more violence and the death of innocents. Injustice is injustice—no matter where it occurs, whether in the North, East, South, or West—we must always speak against it,” Mr Macaroni added.

His call for a stronger government response echoes growing concerns among Nigerians about the rising insecurity in many parts of the country. As tensions continue to rise in Enugu, citizens are increasingly calling for government accountability and action to ensure peace and safety for all.

With more communities under siege and no clear signs of relief, the need for a decisive and compassionate government response is more pressing than ever.

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Cynthia Morgan appeals to President Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal hardship

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Cynthia Morgan appeals Tinubu

Cynthia Morgan (Madrina) urges President Tinubu to roll back the full fuel subsidy removal due to the increasing hardship, inflation, and crime rates

 

Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the government to address the severe economic hardship facing Nigerians in the wake of the recent fuel subsidy removal.

In a candid video message shared on her TikTok page, Madrina expressed her frustration, revealing that while she initially supported the decision to remove the petrol subsidy, the current situation has become unbearable for many citizens.

“Are you guys feeling what I am feeling? I’m not even going to lie, I’m feeling it o!” she stated in the video. She went on to explain that despite the government’s reasoning behind removing the subsidy, the consequences are proving to be too much for Nigerians to bear.

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Madrina pointed out the sheer scale of the financial strain, noting that the country had spent over $8 billion on fuel subsidies. She highlighted how this amount far exceeded Nigeria’s total annual revenue of around $20 billion for 2023/2024, raising questions about the sustainability of the subsidy removal.

“I was one of the persons who applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy because you know what it is. But currently, I don’t think we have what it takes to live totally off subsidy removal on petroleum products,” she confessed.

According to the singer, Nigeria lacks the necessary structures to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal, leading to a sharp rise in inflation, as the price of petrol affects almost every other commodity.

The economic consequences, she said, have contributed to a weakening naira, higher import prices, and an increasing GDP per capita of just $860.

While acknowledging the long-standing issue of the petrol subsidy and the attempts by previous administrations, including that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to address it, Madrina stressed that the removal has not been implemented in a way that Nigeria can sustain. The country’s infrastructure and economic framework, she argued, are simply not prepared for such a drastic shift.

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In her message, the singer passionately called for a compromise, asking the government to reconsider and at least roll back 50 percent of the subsidy removal, saying, “People are hungry.

Crime rates are increasing.” She emphasized that while it is understandable to reduce the subsidy, the government must also consider the current socio-economic reality.

Madrina concluded with a call to Nigerians, urging them to refrain from complaining or protesting aggressively. Instead, she suggested that citizens engage in a “begging challenge” to plead with the government for help and reconsideration.

“Let’s beg the government to help us, that they shouldn’t be angry. Maybe we have been irresponsible,” she said.

As the economic hardships continue to mount, Madrina’s plea for immediate government intervention has resonated with many Nigerians, who are grappling with the effects of rising fuel prices and inflation.

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Nollywood Actress, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, Offers Support to Queen Naomi

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Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives

A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.

The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.

In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.

“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.

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Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.

She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”

“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”

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