Entertainment
Organisers Unveil Nominees, Honorees for 2023 Abuja International Film Festival
The organisers of Abuja International Film Festival have announced the nominees for its 20th edition which is slated for October 30th to November 3rd, 2023.
According to a statement signed by the Festival’s Operations Officer, Fidelia Duker, the festival received an impressive 457 film submissions, out of which 101 were chosen as official selections. From these, 39 films have made it to the prestigious nominees’ list.
The festival promises an exciting lineup of screenings, panel discussions, workshops and trainings at various centers across Abuja, including Silverbird Cinemas, the French cultural center, the Chinese cultural center, the Korean cultural center, Abuja Continental Hotel, and several outdoor locations. These diverse venues create an immersive cinematic experience for both local film enthusiasts and international guests.
Ms. Duker said the 20th Abuja International Film Festival would honor 30 deserving individuals and organizations for their unwavering support during its two decades of existence.
These honorees, according to her, have played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the festival, contributing significantly to the development of the Nigerian and international film industries.
See the full list of nominees for the 20th Abuja International Film Festival below:
• EXPERIMENTAL FILM
1. The Delectable Azeezah Sama – Nigeria
2. Its Just Business – New Zealand
3. 18 – Nigeria
4. Rabbies – Spain
5. The Return of Abel Frances – Nigeria
6. Elamosi – Nigeria
• SHORT FILM – NIGERIA
1. Circle of Poverty – Adeyinka Adetoyi
2. Ngarannam – Homecoming – Joel Kachi Benson
3. Rehab Clinic – Elizabeth Ayodele
4. Moist – Temitope Elijah Olaiya
5. Gbese – Adesola Aduragbemi Oni
6. The Major – Chukwuka Kenechukwu Ndife
7. Bring Me flowers – Prince Daniel
8. Secrets of the Farm – Jato Ehijator
• FEATURE FILM – NIGERIA
1. Journey to Matyrdom – John Adayilor Moses
2. The other one – Lilian Amah Aluko
3. Traditions – Maimuna AbajiYahaya
4. Abè Ni – Victoria Ivie Irabor
5. Dangerous Mission – Claret Onukogu
6. Saving Raymond – Fati Zana Bukar
7. Ivie – Opa Williams
• SHORT FILM – FOREIGN
1. On Freedom Movement – UK
2. Suitcase – Iran
3. Set Lam – France
4. Takbir – Spain
5. The Deal – S/Africa
6. Victim 30 – Uganda
7. Dojo – USA
• OUTSTANDING ACTOR
1. Ike Ogbonna – Saving Raymond – Nigeria
2. Mona Sodje – Clearly I see You – Nigeria
3. Adam Juma – EOII – Tanzania
4. Jude Orhora – Ivie – Nigeria
5. Wole Ojo – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria
6. Seun Akindele – Abe Ni – Nigeria
7. Kelechi Udegbe – the other one – Nigeria
8. Musa Isufi – The business of Pleasure – Macedonia
• OUTSTANDING ACTRESS
1. Synthia Emade – Silent Storm – Cameroun
2. Sola Sobowale – Double Dekoi – Nigeria
3. Lucy Ameh – The other one – Nigeria
4. Binta Ayo Mogaji – Tradition – Nigeria
5. Bimbo Akintola – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria
6. Yama Dodge – Tibertan Hearts
7. Slagana Vujosevik– The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia
• BEST FEATURE (FOREIGN)
1. Triple A – Morocco
2. The Business Pleasure – Macedonia
3. Momo in Dubai – India
4. Loteria– USA
5. Silent Storm – Cameroun
6. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco
7. Tibetan Hearts – USA
8. When the leaves Broke – Cameroun
• OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
1. Mohammed Sebabi – Morocco
2. Teco Benson – Dangerous Mission – Nigeria
3. Eddie Mzale – EONII – Tanzania
4. Ubong Patrick Uduak – Clearly I see you – Nigeria
5. Enah Johnscort – Silent Storm – Cameroun
6. Tola Balogun – Saving Raymond – Nigeria
7. Momo In Dubai – India
8. Ali Atshani – USA
9. Oasis of Frozen waters – Morocco
• OUTSTANDING MUSIC SCORE
1. Tibetan Hearts – USA
2. Yan Uwa – Nigeria
3. Leaked – Nigeria
4. Since I been Out – USA
5. Oasis of Frozen Waters – Morocco
6. Silent Storm – Cameroun
7. Ifediche – Nigeria
• OUTSTANDING STUDENT FILM
1. Winter Romance – USA
2. Justice – USA
3. Timini – Nigeria
4. Suitcase – Iran
5. Revisit – Nigeria
6. Leaked – Nigeria
• OUTSTANDING ANIMATION FILM
1. Winter Romance – USA
2. No way Out – Uganda
3. Onirese – Nigeria
• OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY FILM
1. The Story of Freedom Park – Nigeria
2. Robit & the Butterfly – Lithuania
3. Documentary of Ikorodu – Nigeria
4. Discoveries of the Discover – Norway
5. Ichi: Marks in Time – Nigeria
• OUSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY
1. Tibetan Hearts – USA
2. Momo In Dubai – India
3. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco
4. Triple A – Morocco
5. The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia
6. Since I been down – USA
7. Loteria – USA
• OUTSTANDING SCREENPLAY
1. Olola Aginju – Tunde Olaoye – Nigeria
2. When the Leaves Broke – Musing D. Tenn – Cameroun
3. Momo in Dubai – Ashif Kakodi -India
4. Saving Raymond – Bright Wonder Obasi – Nigeria
5. Oasis of Frozen Water – Mohammed Raouf – Morocco
6. Tibetan Hearts – Dodger karicha – USA
7. Ivie – Yinka Ogun – Nigeria
• AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
TO BE ANNOUCED AT THE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS CEREMONY
• GOLDEN JURY AWARD
1. Loteria– USA
2. Oasis of Frozen Water – Morocco
3. Dangerous Mission– Nigeria
4. Momo in Dubai– India
5. When the Leaves Broke – Cameroun
6. The Business of Pleasure – Macedonia
7. Clearly I see you – Nigeria
Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.
The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.
Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.
“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.
He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.
“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.
The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.
“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.
Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.
Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.
“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.
She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.
“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.
The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.
She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.
Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.
“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.
She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.
The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”
Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.
“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.
She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.
“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.
According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”
“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.
Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.
“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.
Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.
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