“As we celebrate Nigeria at 50 through Cinema, we are reminded of the tremendous impact and contributions of cinema to the growth and development of our great nation.”
~ Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation at the 7th Abuja International Film Festival, October 26-29, 2010.

The 7th Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) is in progress at the prestigious Silverbird Cinemas in Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria.

“For the first time, films will be screening at multi purpose built cinema halls to create the cinematic experience,” said the festival founder and director Mr. Fidelis Duker. The theme of the 2010 edition is “Celebrating Naija @ 50 Through Cinema.”

18 films from 64 entries have been nominated for the awards in seven different categories.
Three films from Taiwan, China and Germany are competing for the best foreign feature film award and three films from Nigeria are competing for the best Nigerian feature film award. The competition for the best Nigerian feature is between Mak Kusare’s award winning “Champioins of our Time” and Ikechukwu Onyeka’s two features “Intimidation” and “Corporate Maid”.

The four day film festival ends this weekend.

ADFF Announces Winners of 2010 Black Pearl Awards

Narrative Feature Competition 2010

The jury for the Narrative Feature Competition awarded the following Black Pearl Awards:

Best Narrative Film ($100,000)
SILENT SOULS (Ovsyanki), directed by Aleksei Fedorchenko (Russia), “for its poetic depiction of the echoes of a cultural heritage for the people of today and for the excellence of its cinematic language”.

Silent Souls

Best Narrative Film from the Arab World ($100,000)
HERE COMES THE RAIN (Shatti Ya Dini), directed by Bahij Hojeij (Lebanon)

Best Actor ($25,000)
ANDREW GARFIELD in Never Let Me Go, directed by Mark Romanek (United Kingdom/USA)

Best Actress ($25,000)
LUBNA AZABAL in Incendies, directed by Denis Villeneuve (Canada/France)

Jury Special Mention
CARLOS, directed by Olivier Assayas (France/Germany), “for rendering the complex portrait of an era, a region, and a controversial character”.

The Jury
Luis Puenzo, Director/Writer (President)
Faouzi Bensaidi, Director/Actor
Sulaf Fawakherji, Actress
Siddiq Barmak, Director/Producer
Karim Aïnouz, Director/Visual Artist

Documentary Feature Competition 2010

The jury for the Documentary Feature Competition awarded the following Black Pearl Awards:

Best Documentary ($100,000), shared by
NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT (Nostalgia de la Luz), directed by Patricio Guzmán (Chile/Germany/France), “for the originality of its dramatic and cinematic vision, where image and sound are like traces of the mystery of the past present, the secrets of the big bang and the remains of Pinochet’s victims”.

and

PINK SARIS, directed by Kim Longinotto (United Kingdom/India), “for bringing cinema and real life together to reinforce one another, and for breaking the illusory boundary between documentary and fiction”.

Best Documentary by an Arab Director or Related to Arab Culture ($100,000), shared by

HOMELAND, directed by George Sluizer (Netherlands), “for its dramatic treatment of the lived and cinematic experience of time and cinematic time, the camera’s journey into its memory from 36 years ago until the present, and for drawing a tragic portrait of the Palestinian dispersal”.

and

WE WERE COMMUNISTS (Sheoeyin Kenna), directed by Maher Abi Samra (Lebanon/France/United Arab Emirates), “for its attempt to unlock time and its multiplicity, exploring past and present to uncover meaning and intention”.

Jury Special Mentions
TEARS OF GAZA (Gazas Tårer), directed by Vibeke Løkkeberg (Norway), and

HOW BITTER MY SWEET! (Bahebbak Ya Wahsh!), directed by Mohamed Soueid (Lebanon)

The Jury
Ossama Mohammed, Director (President)
Louie Psihoyos, Director
Samir, Director/Producer
Salah Marei, Art Director
Behrooz Hashemian, Producer

New Horizons / Afaq Jadida Competition 2010

Held for the first time this year, New Horizons / Afaq Jadida focuses on the work of first- and second-time directors.

The jury for the New Horizons / Afaq Jadida Competition awarded the following Black Pearl Awards:

Best Narrative Film by a New Director ($100,000)
GESHER, directed by Vahid Vakilifar (Iran), “for his universal cinematic vision and unique direction, transforming a cruel reality into sensual, visually choreographed, unforgettable tableaux”.

Best Narrative Film by a New Director from the Arab World ($100,000)
OK, ENOUGH, GOODBYE (Tayeb, Khalas, Yalla), directed by Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia (Lebanon/United Arab Emirates), “for its metamorphosis of the banality of the everyday into a realm of poetic depth and a most welcome discovery of two brilliant new talents”.

Best Documentary by a New Director ($100,000), shared by
EL AMBULANTE, directed by Eduardo de la Serna, Lucas Marcheggiano and Adriana Yurcovich (Argentina), “for its honest and humanist approach, documenting a rare story of a man who turns his back on commercial filmmaking for profit, and travels inland to marginalized communities to make films reminding us why, and for whom, films are made”.

and

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK, directed by Richard Press (USA), “for a graceful, exuberant and beautifully constructed portrait of a visionary, which shows us the humanity and integrity of a unique and sensitive man whose work takes us beyond the seemingly superficial gloss of fashion to reveal the joy of individual style”.

Best Documentary by a New Director from the Arab World
Jury Special Mention ($25,000)

LIVING SKIN (Jeld Hayy), directed by Fawzi Saleh (Egypt), “for a promising, uninhibited and passionate director, who took us on a poignant journey into the dire living and working conditions of laboring children”.

The Jury would like to note that the work of such funding initiatives as SANAD Film Fund and AFAC (The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture) is nurturing talent, which will bear fruit for the future of Arab filmmaking. So we are recommending that part of the award money in this category be allocated into the SANAD fund to continue its work supporting New Arab documentary filmmakers.

The Jury
Elia Suleiman, Director (President)
Khaled Abol Naga, Actor/Producer
Nandana Sen, Actress
Lita Stantic, Producer
Debra Zimmerman, Distributor

Abu Dhabi Film Festival Audience Choice Award 2010

The Jury

The audience votes for its choice of films in this non-juried competition, which is open to all films in the Showcase section, as well as the Opening Night film.

The Award

ADFF Audience Choice Award ($30,000)
WEST IS WEST, directed by Andy De Emmony (United Kingdom)

Other top vote-getters included:

2
SECRETARIAT, directed by Randall Wallace (USA)

3
WOMEN ARE HEROES, directed by JR (France)

4
KINGS OF PASTRY, directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker (France/Netherlands/United Kingdom/USA)

5
FAIR GAME, directed by Doug Liman (USA/United Arab Emirates)

ADFF NETPAC Award 2010

Founded in 1990, NETPAC has established itself as a leading platform for the discovery and promotion of Asian cinema. The NETPAC Award at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival goes to the best Asian film chosen from across all the festival’s sections, chosen by a jury of NETPAC members.

The Jury
Alberto Elena Díaz, Director of Granada Film Festival “Cines del Sur” (President)
Do Kyung Kim, Director
Cuneyt Cebenoyan, Film Critic

The Award
ADFF NETPAC Award
ZEPHYR (Zefir), directed by Belma Baş, (Turkey), “for its very sensitive and restrained telling of a story of loss and growing up, with stunning cinematography“.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival (formerly the Middle East International Film Festival) was established in 2007, with the aim of helping to create a vibrant film culture throughout the region. The event, presented each October by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) under the patronage of its chairman H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, is committed to curating exceptional programs to engage and educate the local community, inspire filmmakers and nurture the growth of the regional film industry.

As the only Festival in the region where works by Arab filmmakers are represented equally in competition with those by major talents of world cinema, the Festival offers Abu Dhabi’s diverse and enthusiastic audiences a means of engaging with their own and others’ cultures through the art of cinema. At the same time, a strong focus on the bold new voices of Arab cinema connects with Abu Dhabi’s role as a burgeoning cultural capital in the region and marks the Festival as a place for the world to discover and gauge the pulse of recent Arab film.

With the generous support of our sponsors: L’Oréal (Official Beauty Partner); Emirates Palace and InterContinental Hotels (Hospitality Partners); Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Abu Dhabi Media Company (Contributing Sponsors); Robert WAN and CineStar (Official Suppliers); Zee Network, Zee Television, MUBI, Radio 1 and Radio 2 (Media Partners).

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival Press Office is at your disposal for any questions and further information. Email press@adff.aeorcall +971 2 690 8339 / +971 2 690 8340 to find out more.

See official press release.

Nigeria’s Uti was chosen by Africa as the winner of M-Net’s Big Brother All Stars during Sunday night’s spectacular live Finale Show (17 October at 19:00 CAT on DStv Channel 198) after 91 gruelling days. He beat Zimbabwe ’s Munya by 8 countries to 7 to scoop the massive US$200 000 prize, outlasting the 13 other All Star Housemates over three months.

When the evening began, there were 5 housemates in with a chance of claiming the continent’s biggest reality show prize – Lerato, Munya, Mwisho, Sheila and Uti but they were evicted one-by-one, leaving Uti alone in the House.

Presenter IK kicked off the show by joining the remaining Housemates in the lounge and quizzing them about their feelings about having made it this far in the game.

Nigeria’s Maye Hunta then took to the stage and blew the continent away with a high-energy performance of the official Big Brother All Stars Anthem, African Star.

IK then brought the 9 previously evicted housemates up on stage one by one, sharing a quick joke with each. He quizzed Yacob about how life had been outside the house, since he had asked to leave. “Freedom!” exclaimed the Ethiopian. ”You can do whatever you want, go wherever you want. The support and the love you get from the people!”

IK then asked Meryl to make a choice. “You didn’t win the money, but you got yourself a man. If you had to choose, US$200 00 or the man – what would it be? Be honest!” “As much as I love paper, I love my man!” she replied.

Then it was time to get down to business as the Alexander Forbes representative delivered the verified results to the stage, to evict the first Housemate of the evening. “Welcome to All Stars News – Big Brother has decided to give US$200 000 to charity, and all housemates will be evicted,” joked IK as he took viewers inside the House. “The first Housemate of our final 5 leaving the All Stars house is…Sheila, you’ve been evicted,” he said. “See you just now,” said the Kenyan as she departed for the final time.

She joined IK on stage and he quizzed her about how it felt to have stayed in the game for so long.

“I must say, it was hectic, especially in the last week, because you get closer to the money and as you can see I’m out here, but we had so much fun! I’m going to savour every one of the 91 days,” she told him.

“What are you going to do next?” he asked. “A lot! A whole lot. Travelling to most of the countries and having a lot of fun,” the Kenyan replied before joining the other 9 evicted Housemates.

Wasting no time, IK immediately set about evicting another Housemate. “The second Housemate leaving the Big Brother All Stars House tonight is… Mwisho you’ve been evicted!” He said goodbye to Munya, Lerato and Uti and joined IK on stage.

“We’re curious about your plans – forgive me, we’re going to pry a bit here. Is she (Meryl) going to move to your country or are you going to move to her country?” asked IK of the newly-engaged Tanzanian. “We’re gonna be the continent!” said Mwisho, glancing over at a teary Meryl.

“You’re one of those who made it to the end of the game without anyone discovering your secret, so you don’t leave empty handed. Are you ready to tell your housemates your secret?” asked IK. “I’ve forgotten it!” said the distracted Tanzanian, anxious to get across to his bride-to-be. Eventually IK had to reveal Mwisho’s secret for him. “His secret was he was two-timing, dating two popular Tanzanian women at the same time. Your girl’s waiting – why don’t you go hug her!”

Superstar Nigerian rapper MI took to the stage next to perform “Anotyi” before IK reminded viewers of some of the highlights which had taken place in the House – with so much money up for grabs and a group of competitive contestants, things were bound to get hairy from time to time!

Next up – another eviction…

After accepting the envelope from the Alexander Forbes representative, it was time to go back into the House. “Lerato, how do you feel right now?” asked IK “I’m shaken up IK, it’s a very scary position. My heart is beating at super speed – I’m a little nauseous,” she said.

“Munya how do you feel?” he asked. “My man, inside I’m going like this (shaking) all the time, it’s nerve-wracking, my man,” said the Zimbabwean. “Uti?” asked IK. “So many, things, I’m just thinking,” he told his fellow Nigerian.

“It’s time to tell you what the people have decided. The third Housemate leaving the final five on Big Brother All Stars is… My girl Lerato, you have been evicted,” he told them.

As the South African emerged on stage, he asked her about her relationship with Yacob. “I didn’t ask you this the last time because we weren’t sure about this, but let me jump right into your business Lerato. In the Barn you and a certain someone had fights and interesting conversations and happenings. One minute you were fighting, the next… What’s going on between you and Yacob?” “I see him over there and he’s looking mighty mighty mighty fine,” she said. “How good is the friendship? Anything like the Mwisho and Meryl thing?” asked IK.

“No, no, no, we’re very good friends, nothing but love. Love all the time,” the South African assured him. “Now that you’re out of the House, do you think there’s anything you would have changed or are you just happy with how you played the game?” “No there’s nothing I could have done differently,” she said. “I had nothing but fun, firstly to make it to the Top 3 is insane, to be the first South African to make it that far. To be the last woman!”

While the continent digested the news that Uti and Munya were just one step away from the US$200 000 grand prize, three quickfire performances brought the audience to fever pitch – first, Kenyan star Wyre took to the stage and performed his smash hit “She Said That”, before Nigeria’s 2Face performed “Implication” and DJ Black Coffee and Tumelo rocked the stage with “Release Your Soul”.

With the continent waiting with bated breath, IK took viewers into the house to reveal the winner of Big Brother All Stars. “This season has been just about the closest season ever – and the biggest season ever. Just last week alone, we had more votes than we’ve ever had on the show before. Last year was around 700 000, this year, over a million people have voted. People must really love you guys in the house!” he told Uti and Munya.

“The margin between the winner and the first runner up was so slim. In the end, it was 8 countries to 7 countries, but alas there can be only one.

The winner of Big Brother All Stars, with 8 countries behind him, is…Uti you’re the winner, Munya you’ve been evicted!” Uti leapt from the couch while Munya sat stunned with his hands behind his head, before congratulating his Housemate.

When he emerged on stage to a raucous reception, IK tackled him on the method behind his longevity in the House: “Dude, you are a survivor. If there was ever a story of survival, it’s definitely yours. You were up just about every week for eviction! What was your strategy?”

“My strategy was just to do better than I did the last time and I succeeded in that, and I’m really happy,” said the Zimbabwean.

“I know this is not the last we’ll be seeing of you – what are you going to be doing next?” asked IK. “I’ve just shot my movie, so I’m trying to get my movie onto the big screen so that people can see more of me. I belong on TV, I live here, you know?” said Munya with that ever-present smile.

Then it was Uti’s turn to emerge…

Dancing his way through the fireworks in the garden and jiving onto stage, he was greeted by a wall of sound as the continent paid tribute to the ultimate All Star. He wasn’t going to get off without revealing his secret, though, as every evicted Housemate has to let the other Housemates know their secret.

“You managed to keep your secret til the very end, so you keep your US$1000 as well – tell us what it was,” said IK. “My secret is, when I was a teenager, I had a teenage crush on Britney Spears,” he revealed.

“Being the winner of Big Brother All Stars and having kept your secret, you leave with US$201 000, which probably makes you the richest guy in this room!” said IK. “I’m going to ask you to shut down the Big Brother House. Count down from 10 to 0…”

As Uti counted, the lights in the house switched off and the cameras faded to grey, signalling the end of the continent’s popular show and hailing the latest Big Brother winner.

For the final time, viewers stood a chance of winning one of 4 great prizes – just for voting for their favourite. The winners this week were: US$ 1000 – Anne Nwokoro (Nigeria), HD PVR Decoder – Tebogo Mangabi (Botswana), Nokia C3 Handset – Lijeng Ranwoe (Lesotho), Nokia N8 Handset – Keamogetswe Pitoli (Botswana).

Ends.