This year’s edition of the Eko International Film Festival billed to rally film stars, directors, producers, script writers, film makers among other allied tourism sectors is billed for November 16 to 21, 2015 in Lagos.
According to the Founder/President of Eko International Film Festival, Mr Hope Obioma Opara, “The film festival has already attracted 3,114 entries from 118 countries cut across the continents.
Opara said that the festival’s focus during this edition will be on contributions of the media to the growth of the film industry.
He added that with the encouraging numbers of entry received, there is strong hope that the film festival will continue to be bigger.
Opara said that the film submission for the festival, which was opened till June 30, 2015, has been extended to July 15, 2015 to avail those who are yet to put in for the festival.
“Film submissions must be in one of the seven categories; feature, short fiction and documentaries, short documentaries, horror, student film and one minute.
“Other activities during this week-long event include workshops and seminars with brand platform and support for corporate organizations to be part of the event.”
LOS ANGELES—
The 2012 film “Last Flight to Abuja” from Nigerian director Obi Emelonye was a disaster thriller based on the true tale of an air crash.
“30 Days in Atlanta,” a 2014 film from Nigerian comic Ayo Makun, was the top-earning Nigerian feature ever. It chronicles the adventures of a Nigerian man and his cousin on a monthlong trip to America.
Cinema professors and movie professionals recently met with 30 Nigerian producers at the University of California-Los Angeles film school, where the Nollywood moviemakers heard tips on promoting their burgeoning industry — the world’s second largest by number of films produced, trailing India’s Bollywood but ahead of Hollywood.
FIDELIS DUKER
(Film Maker/Founder Abuja International Film Festival)
“It is an industry that employs close to a million people, either directly or indirectly, and has close to about $500 million a year in revenues annually,” said filmmaker Fidelis Duker.
It could have billions in revenue if not for piracy. Pirated DVDs are sold openly in markets, and the Nigerian government has promised to crack down.
Nigeria produces more than 1,000 feature films each year. Most are quickly shot on inexpensive digital equipment. They are typically direct-to-DVD productions, with budgets in the tens of thousands of dollars. Major Hollywood movies can cost $200 million or more.
In two weeks of seminars at UCLA, these producers heard about the art and business of moviemaking. Hollywood actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee, spoke about the importance of collaboration.
“When we in the arts work together, we are promoting culture,” Ladd said. “And remember, if this civilization loses its culture, you lose the civilization.”
The 2014 film “Half of a Yellow Sun,” starring British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, was an adaptation of an award-winning African novel, set against the backdrop of the Biafran civil war in Nigeria of the 1960s. Nigerian producers say there are more like these to come.
The name Chukwudi Leonard-Oji will always ring bell when you discuss about Nollywood the most popular movie industry in Africa. His career has spanned through many years of hard work and commitment as an actor in the Nigerian film industry today. He has earned himself many admirers and fans across Nigeria and Africa in general in course his profession as a versatile actor that can kill any role given to him.
Chukwudi’s towering personality 6ft 1” make every girl’s head turn around whenever he appears on red carpets, no wonder he is fondly addressed as the
ladies man but he has never been distracted by this because ones you are in the public eyes you should expect that; more importantly if you are the charming time. He is such a handsome dude that can make any wife emotionally unstable but he always keeps his head high and strictly professional to his very best.
The Light skinned, brown eyed actor has appeared in several movies, soap series and TV Shows which includes
Playing “Hassan” in AMBO 5’s “ALERO’S SYMPHONY” Director: Izu Ojukwu.
As Pastor Thomas in Royal art’s “ON BENDED KNEES” Director: Lancelot Imaseun.
As Dayo Ibrahim in Adonis production’s “VALOR”- Director: Niyi Akinmolayan,
As Chidi in Something Unusual Studio’s “FACADE”- Director: Nodash ,
As Mike in Toka Makbaro’s “IKOGOSI, THE LAST TURN ON THE LEFT-Director: Toka Mcbaro,
As Charles in Africa Magic Original Films’ ” SEQUENCE” – Director: Uzordima Opechi,
As Agrnt Duma in Africa Magic Original Films’ “WHEN YOU DIE”-Director: James Omokwe, Series:
As Sunom Idibia in MNET Africa’s “TINSEL”- Producer: Rogers Ofime,
Koga Studio’s “EVE”- Producer: Jahto ,
As Azuka in Common Ground Production’s “THE STATION”- Producer: Allen Scheid,
TV Shows:”MTN n U” (host),Jason’s Height’s “DESERT WARRIORS” (host), CGP’s “THE ACADEMY” (competitor).
Playing all these roles he is very focused getting to greater heights and currently Producing films which some of them will be screened during the 6th edition of the annual Eko International Film Festival coming up November 16-21,2015 at the prestigious Silvrbird Cinemas Victoria Island Lagos. Nigeria.
When you ask Chukwudi Leonard-Oji what next, he will simple tell you that he is looking beyond Nollywood.
Class struggle can only have one winner… In this gripping love story, Ajoa, a ‘Kayayo’ street girl from Accra, meets Bruce, the rich heir of the Timothy fortunes; Their friendship sets into motion a class war, as Ajoa struggles to cross the class divide and find love, and Bruce struggles to find himself, independent of his father. Together, they must brave the turbulent political times, as well as the social obstacles that build. Will they change society or will it change them. Can their friendship and love endure? This is the story of the strength of the human spirit and when there is no place else to go, but up!
Congratulations to Warwick Law School student Nkechikwu Azinge, who has been awarded a Queen’s Young Leader Award.
Nkechikwu was recognised for setting up the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation in Nigeria to help people with the hereditary blood disorder sickle cell anaemia and to educate young people about the condition. Her award was presented by the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
We at EbonyLife TV are excited about how far we have come as a channel and would like to thank our avid viewers, clients and sponsors for their continuous support. We know it’s cliché but we truly wouldn’t be where we are now without you all and for that, we are truly grateful! In celebration of EbonyLife TV’s 2nd year anniversary, we are bringing you exhilarating, exclusive specials…
In The Spot, what have your favourite trio got in store for you? Well, Lamide, Ebuka and Zainab will be indulging you in a special retrospective episode with two of their favourite guests Falz TheBahdGuy and Omalicha as they look back at their favourite moments, it’ll be fun, exciting and different. Join the party on Wednesday 1st July, at 21:00 WAT, on EbonyLife TV, DStv channel 165. You don’t want to miss it!
In Chefrican, we’ll be cooking up a treat as Uzo shows us how to make African party favourites with an urban twist. Joined by a surprise guest, we celebrate with moments of mouth-watering pleasure on this special anniversary episode of Chefrican on Sunday 5th July at 21:00WAT on EbonyLife TV, DStv channel 165.
Twice the humour, twice the fun, twice the drama, it’s EL R8D!!! The ever hilarious EmmaOhMyGod and funny newbie Wofai Fada will leave your ribs cracking in the “EL R8D Anniversary Special”. Join the comical duo as they bring humour and knowledge together in celebration of EbonyLife TV at 2. Catch the special episode on Sunday 5th July at 18:00WAT on EbonyLife TV, DStv channel 165.
Join the EL Now gang as they take a look back at the last year, highlighting phenomenal ELTV moments, they’ll also be counting down the “Top 5 Strong Women of EbonyLife TV”. Party hard with Ekeng, Wunmi and Cynthia…you can do this on Wednesday 1st July at 16:30 WAT on EbonyLife TV, DStv channel 165.
When you hear “Progressive Positive News” what do you think of? EL Reports, right? In celebration of EbonyLife TV’s second year anniversary, EL Reports will be taking you on a reflective visit as they highlight the “best bits” of the last year. Tune in to EbonyLife TV, DStv channel 165 on Friday 3rd July at 18:00WAT. In the next year, EL Reports looks forward to bringing you more progressive positive reportage, not only from Africa but internationally. Cheers to many more years and cheers to you!
Celebrating 9 years of the best of talk, Moments with Mo is going travelling as they redefine Pan-African! Taking the chat to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, join the conversation and together we bring you exciting new “Moments”! Starting July 1st
Ever wondered what your domestic staff are up to when your back is turned? Coming soon to EbonyLife TV is Madam Sarah’s House, a brand new comedy surrounding the day-to-day shenanigans of the typical Nigerian domestic staff. Coming soon and exclusive to EbonyLife TV.
Eko International Film Festival (Ekoiff), a duly registered international film festival (by Supple Communication limited) was inaugurated in 2010 to position Nigerian film Industry to imbibe international best practice by creating opportunities for international co-productions and distribution and thus bring the world film market to Nigeria.
Ekoiff has been endorsed by Lagos State Government
The Eko International Film Festival is one of the premier venues for the exhibition and promotion of feature and short films in the Lagos, and one of the leading independent film festivals in Africa dedicated to celebrating and sharing with national and international audiences the absolute best in the world of films and screenplays, film scores, and some other genres, the festival features special presentations, retrospectives, workshops, pitch panels, networking events, celebrities, a gala awards reception and ceremony, and many of the world’s top independent film screening.
The 6 edition is billed to take place November 16 – 21,2015 at Silverbird Cinemas Victoria Island Lagos.
Below are submissions from different countries of the world.
FIDELIS DUKER Film Director/Producer. and Founder: Abuja Inter’l Film Festival
I met Fidelis Duker the first time in 2009 at the biggest film festival of the world “FESTIVAL de CANNES”i.e. Cannes Film Festival in France, since then we have been like brothers .He has been putting me through with what film businesses are all about especially on film festival.
He is one of the few most respected in the Nigerian Film Industry today.A film Director/Producer and have held many post locally and internationally in film business.
Hi Boss. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful family.
Stephanie Linus’s upcoming new film “DRY” won a film award at the Geena Davis and ARC Entertainment’s inaugural Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) in Arkansas, U.S. for “Best Protagonists”. Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart presented the Bentonville film festival that took place from May 5th to May 9th in Arkansas United States. Dry, the upcoming film by A-list actress, director and producer Stephanie Linus is making it’s round in the film festival circuit. Picking up the award on behalf of Stephanie Linus was the films co-producer/editor Jane Lawalata.
“This came as a complete surprise. I am excited and honored that the Bentonville Film Festival picked my film for a screening, let alone an award. I am looking forward to this film touching the hearts of many more and helping people take action to save the child bride.”– Stephanie Linus, Director, Producer, Writer, Actress.
The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) founded by Academy Award Winner Geena Davis and Trevor Drinkwater, was a star-studded event that included guests like: Soleda O’Brien, Robert De Niro, Nick Canon, Courteney Cox, Bruce Dern, Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, Helmer Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”, “Twilight”), Rosie O’Donnell, Melissa Joan Hart and many more.
The movie “Dry” follows a trail of Zara’s (played by Stephanie Linus) trip to Africa, her constant turmoil as a result of inexplicable horrors from her child hood, her experiences and heartaches while working with young girls suffering from complications from early child birth as child brides, against the backdrop of a rich African culture. It is full of intrigue, suspense, unbelievable surprises, the joy of reconciliation and the power of the human spirit that is guaranteed to captivate and engage moviegoers.
This year’s edition of the Eko International Film Festival billed to rally film stars, directors, producers, script writers, film makers among other allied tourism sectors is billed for November 16 to 21, 2015 in Lagos.
