The 76th Festival de Cannes winners’ list:After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 76th Festival de Cannes, chaired by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, surrounded by Moroccan director Maryam Touzani, French actor Denis Ménochet, British-Zambian screenwriter & director Rungano Nyoni, American actress & Continue reading The 76th Festival de Cannes winners’ list→
HELENA-ALEXIS SEYMOUR TAKES CONTROL:Los Angeles, CA – Award winning Canadian born actress Helena -Alexis Seymour hit the ground running and has not looked back. Her lead role as Jessica Wu in the Chronicles of Jessica Wu, earned the artist a Best Actress Award Continue reading HELENA-ALEXIS SEYMOUR TAKES CONTROL→
IGUAZU WATERFALLS AND THE MOVIE BLACK PANTHER:The gorgeous Iguazu Falls, located at the Argentina-Brazil border. Coupled with the brilliance of Marvel Studios, the gigantic waterfall makes the place a worthy backdrop for such a grand superhero film Was the waterfall in Black Panther real? Footage for Continue reading IGUAZU WATERFALLS AND THE MOVIE BLACK PANTHER→
REST IN PEACE TINA TURNER:Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll died peacefully on Wednesday at her home in Switzerland. She was 83. Beyoncé Mourns Tina Turner’s Death and Thanks Her For Paving the Way “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly. I’m so grateful for Continue reading REST IN PEACE TINA TURNER→
CANON/EKO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022 FILM INDUSTRY WORKSHOP:
The Movie NGANU Directed by Kang Quintus (Cameroon)opens the 14th edition Eko International Film Festival 2024
SYNOPSIS
Nganù (Kang Quintus) a violent and withdrawn man who, due to several traumas suffered in his childhood, constantly abuses and beats his wife Meukena (Azah Melvine) under the overwhelming gaze of their son Kum (Ayuk Gareth). In an attempt to come to terms with his past, he joins the army but returns to face the monster he created.
This movie will be screened during the 14th edition of the annual Eko International Film Festival Venue VIVA Cinemas Jara Mall Ikeja Lagos Time 2pm prompt Date April 22,2024. Attendance Free.
SYNOPSIS:
For a long time, Benita Jacques has always had questions about her origins to which she never got any answers from her parents. Today, the young mother from Montreal wants to bring answers to her children who ask her the same questions that she herself could not have. So, she decided to leave for Africa, in search of her origins. Her journey took her to West Africa and began at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal, which hosts the exhibition : « Africa, Cradle of Humanity and Modern Civilizations » . She tries to find out what was the lifestyles of her ancestors who lived on the continent before the deportation. In order to reconstruct history, she meets with resource persons who have researched and written reference books on Africa. In their company, she travels through time and space through spiritual, historical and scientific testimonies of what remains of the golden age of the continent.
Director Biography – Benita Jacques
At a very young age, Benita Jacques realised that she and
theatre were born for each other. When she decided to make the stage her
natural habitat, she understood that this habitat was a place of pleasure,
artistic expression and also a way to share her state of mind. The trained
actress who holds a DEC in Arts and Literature from Marie Victorin College and
a Bachelor in dramatic arts from the University of Quebec in Montréal (UQAM),
she continues to be active in various theatrica and film productions including:
Storylive, L’Auberge du chien noir, 30 Vies, Rupture, Mémoires Vives, Gason
Makoklen, l’Innocence, Une démocratie assassée. Having several arrows in her
bow, she serves on the board of directors of the Alliance Socioculturelle et
Aides Pédagogiques (ASAP), which has allowed her to be versatile and put on the
shoes of an assistant director alongside her mentor Evins Valcin. This
passionate about stage and theatre, with a background in arts and letters and
drama, loves to share her skills and transmit her knowledge through teaching to
all those who have received the call of the stage. The best way to excel in
this field is to use her own platforms and set up her own productions from
which she acts as director, scriptwriter, director and producer. Business woman
and philanthropist, Benita Jacques is at the head of the companies: Zen Queen
Media Production, JB Solutions Immobilières, Benita and Jetro Fondation as well
as Impact des arts, which is involved in socio-cultural and educational
productions aimed at democratising theatre and producing plays in which members
of cultural communities can find themselves and make themselves known.
The organizers of The Annual Eko International Film Festival commiserate with the family of Late Jimi Solanke who contributed immensely to the entertainment industry in Nigeria and The African Continent at large. He was a Nigerian Film Actor, Dramatist, Folklore Singer, Poet, a Story teller and Playwright. The Documentary – JIMMY SHOW won The Best Documentary in the 13th Edition of our Annual Eko International Film Festival – April 2023.* The Documentary detailed most of his works especially his humble beginning to his many professional engagements and accolades. May his creative soul rest in peace.
Hope Obioma Opara.
President / Founder
Eko International Film Festival
JIMMY SHOW
Synopsis: In this autobiographical documentary, legendary multi-disciplinary artiste, Jimi Solanke reflects on his 80 years of existence, spotlighting the key events of his over six decades of professional life. He highlights attributes that made his career one of the most illustrious in Africa’s Creative industry. He talks about his early childhood and training, his theatrical, storytelling and musi performances all around the world, especially his American experience.
Jimi’s story traces the history of beginning of professional theatre practice in Africa and, pays tribute to those who made it happen. The documentary features interviews with great minds in African theatre and culture worlds some of whom had been either Jimi’s mentors, colleagues or associates, including the dramatist, Prof Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate in Literature.
Eve Elyne, a 16-year-old musical sensation from Kerala, India, now residing in Colchester, UK, is all set to captivate the music world with her debut single ‘My Lover’. Eve, a multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter is not only the voice behind the song, but also the creative force, having written, composed, orchestrated, performed and produced the track entirely on her own under the banner Teal Meadow.
‘My Lover’ captures the profound emotional depths that love can stir, beautifully illustrating feelings of longing, nurturing, and the yearning for a loved one’s prosperity. The music video, filmed in the picturesque locations of Dedham village area, Dedham town centre, and Colchester town centre, is now available on Eve’s YouTube channel, @EveElyneOfficial.
The video was released by Mr. Sohan Roy, the notable director of the Oscar-contented film Dam999 and CEO of the UAE’s Aries Group of Companies, who has been recognized in Forbes.
Currently a student at The Gilberd School in Colchester, Essex, Eve Elyne is no stranger to leadership roles. She serves as Deputy Head Girl at her school, demonstrating her multi-faceted talents as the Lead Electric Guitarist for her school’s Soul Band, a Sports Captain, a Diversity Champion, and a runner-up in Public Speaking.
Eve’s passion for music has been a lifelong pursuit. With dreams of becoming a professional touring musician, she has been honing her skills on multiple instruments including drums, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboard, piano and more. Eve began writing songs at the tender age of 12, drawing inspiration from various singer-songwriters. She is also an emerging cricket player who has been selected for Essex Women’s Team and England’s Emerging Players Program.
Eve’s dedication to her musical pursuits is evident in her achievement of Grade 6 in Trinity for keyboard, which she started learning at the age of 9. Currently working towards Grade 7, she has also completed Grade 4 in drums. This self-driven musician has also showcased her drumming talent in the Battle of the Bands with her School Rock Band when she was studying at the Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Luton.
Adarsh Kurian is the one behind the camera and in the editing room for the project ‘My Lover’. Eve was aided by the expertise of Alan Jones, a sound engineer and founder of Colchester’s Black Cactus Studios for the sound mixing of the song. In addition, the guitar elements of the song were skillfully managed by Finn Godwin, a close friend of Eve.
The debut of ‘My Lover’ marks a significant milestone in Eve’s musical journey, bringing her one step closer to her dream of performing in front of a large audience and making her mark in the music industry.
In today’s interconnected world, the role of international film festivals has transcended mere entertainment and has become a powerful tool for fostering cultural exchange, promoting understanding, and unifying people from different parts of the globe. These festivals serve as platforms for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to come together, share their stories, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the significant role that international film festivals play as a unifying factor in our world.
International film festivals showcase a wide range of films from various countries, cultures, and languages. They provide a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of global cinema. By bringing together films from different backgrounds, festivals expose audiences to unfamiliar stories, traditions, and perspectives. This celebration of cultural diversity helps to bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity among people from different parts of the world.
Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding:
One of the key roles of international film festivals is to promote cross-cultural understanding. Films have the power to transcend language barriers and communicate universal emotions and experiences. When audiences watch films from different cultures, they gain insights into the lives and struggles of people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure to different perspectives helps break down stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and promote empathy and understanding.
Supporting Independent Filmmakers:
International film festivals provide a vital platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work on a global stage. These festivals often focus on showcasing films that may not have mainstream appeal but carry important social, political, or cultural messages. By giving voice to these filmmakers, festivals contribute to the democratization of storytelling and provide an alternative to the dominance of commercial films. This support for independent filmmakers nurtures creativity, encourages diverse storytelling, and contributes to the vibrant cinematic landscape.
Encouraging Global Collaboration:
Film festivals serve as meeting grounds for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals from around the world. These events offer opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Filmmakers can find potential co-production partners, secure distribution deals, and gain exposure to international markets. Such collaborations foster cultural exchange, promote global dialogue, and contribute to the growth and development of the film industry as a whole.
Showcasing Social and Political Issues:
International film festivals often highlight films that address pressing social and political issues. These films shed light on topics such as human rights, environmental concerns, gender equality, and social justice. By showcasing such films, festivals provide a platform for discussions, debates, and advocacy. They enable audiences to engage with important global issues and inspire them to take action. In this way, film festivals can play a significant role in raising awareness, promoting social change, and unifying people around shared causes.
Fostering Tourism and Economic Growth:
International film festivals not only attract filmmakers and industry professionals but also draw audiences from around the world. These events contribute to the growth of local economies, as visitors spend money on accommodation, dining, transportation, and other services. Film festivals also help promote tourism and cultural exchange, as attendees often explore the host city or country during their visit. This economic impact and cultural exchange further strengthen the ties between different nations and contribute to the unification of people globally.
Conclusion:
International film festivals have emerged as powerful tools for unifying people from different parts of the world. By celebrating cultural diversity, promoting cross-cultural understanding, supporting independent filmmakers, encouraging global collaboration, showcasing social and political issues, and fostering tourism and economic growth, these festivals play a crucial role in bridging gaps, promoting empathy, and creating a sense of shared humanity. As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of international film festivals as unifying factors cannot be overstated.
TALES OF OUR LEGENDS is a documentary package aimed at showcasing these people and their deeds to the world, refreshing the memories of those who knew of them and bringing them afresh to the knowledge of those who have never heard and never known of them, this is also geared towards immortalizing them and to create a platform for their “Hall of fame” inclusion by our Government and the Industry they represent.
SYNOPSIS:
Heroes, Legends, People who have in one way or the other impacted our lives positively, warriors who led us through wars and won battles of life in time past. Great men and women, young and old, who have been exceptional in thier spheres, people of Great courage whose acts in there different fields of endeavour – academy, politics, music, movie, military, sports, Leadership etc, have printed their names and that of our Great country in the world map and thus shaped the future that we now enjoy.
Most of these rare and exceptional citizens are dead and gone, others are still waxing strong among us, while a lot are still languishing in abject poverty on the street with no one to take care of them. Some of them we know, some others are talked about for different reasons.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Monica Omorodion Swaida started her professional career a long time ago. As a teenager, she was part of a rap group called Sound on Sound, later became a backup singer for top Musicians like Majek Fashek, Sunny Okosun, Evi Edna and many more. She did a lot of studio work for various of artists, voice over and jingle for adverts. She left motherland and show business to focus on education abroad. Monica faced the world of business and currently the president of an Insurance company in Boston Massachusetts. She is also the owner of a movie production company and she is a real estate investor.Monica produced her award-winning movies like Faces of Love with Robert Peters. She wrote the sound track for Faces of Love titled “My baby is gone” She also wrote the movie sound track for Award winning Movie “Esohe” Titled “I am in love” which she also co produced. Her song Palava won people’s choice for favorite video and also won a Akademia music award. She has gone on to produce many other movies including the Mailman, Deep fever, Nightmare at dusk, Charlie Charlie, , among many others. She is the executive producer and co director of Tales of our legends.