Connect with us

Events

Shaffy Bello, Andy Amenechi, Sambasa Nzeribe win big at Abuja Int’l Film Festival

Published

on

It was another year of dominance for Nigerian films and filmmakers as they dominated the 19th edition of the Abuja International Film Festival with the theme: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF DIGITAL STREAMING REVOLUTION GLOBALLY.

The Film Festival which is the longest running film festival in Anglophone west Africa received an unprecedented 1,987 films from 97 countries, while about 49 films and filmmakers respectively made the nominees list at awards ceremony.

According to the Festival Director Temitope Duker who spoke journalist on the sidelines of the award ceremony, which held on Thursday 3rd November 2023 at Silverbird Cinemas with 115 films, screened during the 5 days film festival.

A total of 21 Films and Filmmakers carted home the awards on the night. The Night didn’t end without the newly introduced short film competition by Abuja International Film Festival and Hypo Home Care Product tagged SHOOT TO CLEAN that had over 187 films submitted over a 2 weeks window with the theme on Hygiene.

Advertisement

Interestingly, after a rigorous screening exercise by the Jury which had Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, Mykael Parish, Charles Inojie, Temitope Duker and Akintayo Akinseloyin, 25 films will were shortlisted of which the final winning films were announced at the award ceremony.

The Winning Clean to Shoot films were MY JUJU (2ND RUNNER UP), DIRTY SPACE (1ST RUNNER UP) and RULE NO 1 (WINNER). The event played host to top movie actors and producers like Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, Papel Paul, Bond Emeruwa, Victor Okhai, Steve Eboh, Charles Ojugbana, Tanko Yinusa, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas DG National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. John Asein DG Nigerian Copyright Commission, Charles Inojie, Yibo Koko, Mykael Parish, Sydney Diala, Moji Danisa, Barbara Odoh, Akintayo Akinseloyin of Hypo Home Care Products.

According to the Festival Communication Officer, Fidelia Duker, unlike the 2021 edition that had 1561 entries with 92 selected for screenings and 42 nominated for possible awards, Nigerian filmmakers won 9 out of the 15 categories.

Speaking on the 19th edition, Fidelis Duker the Founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, noted that the he is excited that the festival has come to stay after crossing the 18 years mark of adulthood especially with the locals owning the Film festival as was the experience with the 19th edition.

Speaking on the theme of the festival this year which centered on the revolution of streaming platforms which has become the global trend and its impact on the future of filmmaking in Nigeria that has a lot of prospect for the development of the nation,” said Duker.

Advertisement

Speaking during the Film Festival, Veteran Actor and Former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria commended the tenacity of the organizers for sustaining the festival this pass 19 years as he looks forward to the 20th edition next year.

Also speaking at the sideline of the film festival Charles Okwuowulu whose film won the two hundred thousand-naira cash prize for his film MY JUJU in the SHOOT TO CLEAN competition and he believes the award will spur him to contribute more in the industry.

Former President of Screenwriter Guild of Nigeria and Veteran Actor Charles Inojie commended the organizers of the Abuja International Film Festival for keeping the festival for 19 years amidst the challenging economic realities. “Nollywood is growing, we have our movie showing all over the world and it’s gaining outside recognition, it’s a win for us.”

As part of the rituals of the festival, the Executive Governor of Lagos Mr Babajide Sanwoolu was honored with the distinguished merit award of the festival for ho several interventions and support for the development for the industry. It is on record that he has during his tenure created capacity building initiatives that has so far trained over 2000 aspiring and established filmmakers in different aspects of filmmaking.
According to the organisers, Mr. Sanwoolu has also created funding opportunities which include grants and interest free loans that several filmmakers have so far accessed. Also mentioned is the new film city being built around the Epe area of lagos.

During the event, award winners were announced as follows:

Advertisement
  • Efere Ozako Outstanding Experimental Film
    winner – Freetown To Flatbush – USA
  • Outstanding short film (Nigeria)
    Winner – May 27th – Smart Edikan
  • Outstanding feature film (Foreign)
    Winner – The Day I was Twenty – China
  • Outstanding feature film (Nigeria)
    Winner Andy Amenechi – Enough of Silence
  • Outstanding short film (Foreign)
    Winner – The Day I was Twenty – China
  • Outstanding male actor
    Winner Sambasa Nzeribe – Enough of Silence – Nigeria
  • Outstanding female actor
    Winner Shaffy Bello – Obsession – Nigeria
  • Outstanding films music score
    Winner ‘Sin City – Nigeria
  • Outstanding film directing
    Winner Sin City – Muyiwa Ademola – Nigeria
  • Outstanding film Animation
    Winner – Larvae Story – Korea
  • Audience Choice Award
    Winner – Obsession – Nigeria
  • Outstanding Documentary film
    Winner – Journey of Igbo Civilization – Nigeria
  • Outstanding Student film
    Winners – Aminata – Spain & Once a perfect Murder – Nigeria
  • Golden Jury Award
    Winner – Enough of Silence – Nigeria
whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.26 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.26 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.34 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.33 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.32 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.31 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (3)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.30 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.29 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am (2)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am (1)

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.28 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.27 am

whatsapp image 2022 11 14 at 12.09.27 am

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Events

40years after, Haruna Ishola’s Son, Wasiu Eulogise Father

Published

on

It was a memorable event where notable personalities gathered to give the Apala music legend, Alhaji Haruna Ishola Bello (MON) a befitting 40 years remembrance of his demise and great impact he made in the music industry.

The event which was held in 2 different locations, his hometown in Ijebu Igbo and grand reception in Lagos were moments to celebrate his great works and legacies left for his children.

At his home town, the family held a week long events of commissioning of boreholes and official opening of a central Mosque among other activities to eulogised the man who pioneer Apala music in Nigeria.

With the train moving to Lagos, the LTV 8 premises was filled with family,friends and fun lovers who witnessed Cleric prayers for the family , unveiling of some music works of the legend and his children who are into music and live performances of artists in different genre of music.

Advertisement

The Lagos event was attended by business icons,show promoters, media personalities, celebrities to mention just a few.

The concluding electrifying performance of Wasiu Haruna Ishola sealed the day as he dishes out old tunes from his father and newer collections from his stable.

In show of appreciation to those who supported the events morally and financially , representing the entire family, Wasiu Haruna Ishola gave a vote of thanks and pray for all in attendance.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Events

‘Mami Wata’, ‘Anikulapo’ Shine As Burkina Faso, Senegal Win Big At 19th AMAA [FULL LIST]

Published

on

Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic movie, ‘Anikulapo’, and C.J. Obasi’s multiple award-winning ‘Mami Wata’ were among the winners at the 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which took place on Sunday, October 29.

Both film made Nigeria proud at the event that was hosted at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos by Nancy Isime, Rahama Sadau, and Ghana’s Richard Ato Turkson.

‘Anikulapo’ won the Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language, and also earned Afolayan an award for Best Production Design, while ‘Mami Wata’ won the Precious Arebamen Prize for Best Achievement in Make-Up, Achievement in Cinematography and Best Nigerian Film.

However it was the Senegalese 2022 thriller ‘Xale’ that went home with the highly-coveted Best Film plaque, in addition to three other awards.

Advertisement

The ceremony also produced its first Best female director as the Best Director award went to 47-year-old talented Byrkinabe filmmaker, Apolline Traore, for her film ‘Sira’. The film also won in the Best Sound category.

The event featured touching tributes to the late founder of AMAA, Peace Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe, who passed away earlier in January.

The colourful ceremony witnessed performances by Nigeria Idol’s superstar, Zadok and Kcee among others. It also honored a few veterans, including actor Charles Olumo, popularly known as Agbako, with a lifetime achievement award for more than 60 years of contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.

Here are the Winners of the Academy Awards (AMAA) in various categories:

Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
– Winner: “Lions” – Ethiopia
Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation
– Winner: “Jabari” – Ghana
Best Documentary
– Winner: “Le Spectre de Boko Haram” – Cameroon
Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language
– Winner: “Anikulapo” – Nigeria
Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-born director Living Abroad
– Winner: “KOFA” – Nigeria/Canada
Best Diaspora Short Film
– Winner: “Raw Materials” – Jamaica
Best Diaspora Documentary
– Winner: “Sound of the Police” – United States
Best Diaspora Narrative Feature
– Winner: “Our Father, The Devil” – United States
Best Achievement in Production Design
– Winner: “Anikulapo” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Costume Design
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal
Best Achievement in Make-Up
– Winner: “Mami Wata” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Soundtrack
– Winner: “Fight Like a Girl” – Rwanda
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
– Winner: “Gangs of Lagos” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Sound
– Winner: “Sira” – Burkina Faso
Best Achievement in Cinematography
– Winner: “Mami Wata” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Editing
– Winner: “Omen” – Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Best Achievement in Screenplay
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal
National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film
– Winner: “Mami Wata”
Best Young/Promising Actor
– Winner: Maleek Sanni for “Gangs of Lagos”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
– Winner: Jimmy Jean-Louis for “Rise” – United States
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
– Winner: Rokhaya Niang for “Xalé” – Senegal
Best Actor in a Leading Role
– Winner: Tobi Bakre for “Brotherhood” – Nigeria
Best Actress in a Leading Role
– Winner: Nse Ikpe-Etim for “4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)” – Nigeria
Debut Feature by a Director
– Winner: Baloji for “Omen” – DRC
Best Director
– Winner: Apolline Traore for “Sira”
Best Film
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Events

20th Abuja International Film Festival: A Celebration of Global Cinema

Published

on

The 20th Abuja International Film Festival, themed “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and Film Business,” commenced with a star-studded opening ceremony that brought together luminaries from the film industry and the diplomatic corps. Among the distinguished guests was Hajia Hanatu Musawa, the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, who graced the event with her presence.

ALSO READ: Nollywood Has No Tribe By Fidelis Duker

The festival was further honored by the attendance of ambassadors from several nations, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt. Notable personalities like the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, the CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, and Startimes CEO, Joshua Wang, also added to the grandeur of the occasion. The event was a magnet for both local and international filmmakers, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.

During the opening ceremony, the festival’s founder seized the opportunity to reflect on its modest origins, harking back to a time when cinema spaces were a rarity in Abuja. He eloquently underscored the festival’s pivotal role in nurturing the growth of the Nigerian film industry, the globally acclaimed Nollywood.

Ambassadors and high commissioners present at the event expressed their deep admiration for the festival’s remarkable success and longevity, offering heartfelt commendations and messages of goodwill. They emphasized the enduring value and global significance the festival has acquired over its two-decade history.

Advertisement

The Abuja International Film Festival will unfold over the next four days, featuring a diverse program of daily screenings, engaging panel discussions, and various interactive activities. The festival’s highlight, the highly anticipated awards ceremony, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.

During this prestigious event, winners will be honored in 16 different categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in the world of cinema.

With a rich history and broad international participation, the festival promises to be an exhilarating showcase of global cinema, uniting talents from around the world in the spirit of creativity and storytelling.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

%d bloggers like this: