Serena Williams
So happy for you over your exploits during the last Australian Open 2015.
Happy Valentine Day.
Hope Opara
Publisher Supple Magazine
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IFFR 2015 Awards Announced
IFFR 2015 Hivos Tiger Awards winners with Festival director Rutger Wolfson. Photo by Felix Kalkman
Hivos Tiger Awards, Fipresci Award, Big Screen Award, KNF Award, NETPAC Award, MovieZone IFFR Award handed out to 8 different filmmakers from across the world
Hosted by Festival director Rutger Wolfson, the IFFR 2015 Awards Ceremony was held this evening at IFFR’s main venue de Doelen. The three winners of the Hivos Tiger Award Competition prize were LA OBRA DEL SIGLO by Carlos M. Quintela,VANISHING POINT by Jakrawal Nilthamrong and VIDEOPHILIA (AND OTHER VIRAL SYNDROMES) by Juan Daniel F. Molero. Each was awarded a cash prize of €15,000. The FIPRESCI Award went to Isabelle Tollenaere for BATTLES. The Big Screen Award of €10,000 went to SECOND COMING by Debbie Tucker. The cash prize will go towards the costs of distribution in Benelux. The KNF Award went to Michael Noer for KEY HOUSE MIRROR. The NETPAC Award for the best Asian feature film screening in Official Selection went to POET ON A BUSINESS TRIP by Ju Anqi. The MovieZone IFFR Award chosen by the young people’s MovieZone jury from EYE went to James Napier Robertson for THE DARK HORSE.
On announcing the awards Wolfson commented “There were so many intriguing, thought provoking, passionate films in our selection this year. We hoped and expected much healthy discussion around the line-up and we weren’t disappointed. Congratulations to the winners and just as importantly congratulations to all films in our Official Selection this year. We are proud to boast you were part IFFR 2015.”
HIVOS TIGER AWARDS
The Hivos Tiger Awards Competition jury was comprised of writer, director and producer Rolf de Heer, producer Ichiyama Shozo, director Maja Miloš, art photographer and director of Spanish Film Archive Jose Maria Prado Garcia and actress Johanna ter Steege. On making their decision they commented “In dealing with both living and broken dreams, LA OBRA DEL SIGLO (Carlos M. Quintela) confronts themes both intimate and epic. With its wonderful performances, with its humour and poignancy and boldness of execution, the film resonates with history.” “VANISHING POINT (Jakrawal Nilthamrong) combines and juxtaposes image and sound to create a powerful style. It grapples with ideas and story-telling in a provoking and different way, making it a visceral cinematic experience.” “Juan Daniel F. Molero’s VIDEOPHILIA (AND OTHER VIRAL SYNDROMES) explores the relationship between the young and the rapidly changing world with unflinching truth. Its anarchy and visual flair reflect its subject matter. The film dives deep into disturbing, necessary waters.”
FIPRESCI AWARD
The IFFR 2015 FIPRESCI Award is given to a filmmaker with a World Premiere in the Bright Future section by a jury comprised of five international journalists and members of the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics). Jury president Roger Koza, (Argentina), Caroline Weidner (Germany), Anita Piotrowska (Poland), Tara Judah (Australia) and Jan Pieter Ekker (The Netherlands) on making their decision commented “BATTLES is a unique visual essay that blends elements of fiction with a more traditionally structural documentary style. Each chapter builds upon the last without being prescriptive. The ambiguity, universality and performance elements lend the film a powerful, lasting effect. Tollenaere’s original examination of the traces of war and persistence of the past create a striking imaginary landscape. With its piercing sound design and impressive cinematography, the film offers a fresh perspective on the naturalisation of the culture of war. A strong debut, Tollenaere’s well-crafted mise-en-scene displays a clear talent for cinematic language and she definitely has a bright future.” The three winners of the Hivos Tiger Awards 2015 were supported by the Hubert Bals Fund.
BIG SCREEN AWARD
Nominated for this prize are ten films with no Benelux distributor confirmed at the time of its selection to screen at the Festival, the winner is selected by an audience jury comprised of experienced and passionate film enthusiasts. Ten fresh discoveries from the festival’s main sections Spectrum and Bright Future compete for both The Big Screen Award and the KNF Jury Prize. On selecting Debbie Tucker for SECOND COMING the jury commented “SECOND COMING shows the daily life of a middle-class Jamaican family in London, focusing on life as it is. Daily happiness combined with daily problems. The viewer gets the feeling that he is part of the family, the way of life of this family is recognizable to everyone. The house is furnished in a way we see around
IFFR 2015 Audience Awards Announced
James Napier Robertson wins second IFFR Award for THE DARK HORSE and LOS HONGOS collects HBF Dioraphte Award
The awards, as voted for by the public audience attending the Festival, were announced this evening at the IFFR 2015 Closing Night Ceremony, hosted by Festival Director, Rutger Wolfson and Managing Director, Janneke Staarink. James Napier Robertson was awarded the IFFR Audience Award 2015 of €10,000 for his film THE DARK HORSE. The award is Napier’s second of the Festival following the MovieZone IFFR Award which was presented on Friday, January 30th at the IFFR Awards Ceremony. The Hubert Bals Fund Dioraphte Award, also of €10,000, presented to the most popular film which received support from the Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) went to Oscar Ruiz Navia for LOS HONGOS, an autobiographical drama centering on the youth culture of Cali, Colombia.
THE DARK HORSE LOS HONGOS
On the announcement of the IFFR Audience Award 2015 Wolfson commented “The audiences who come from all over the Netherlands and around the world to participate in the Festival and explore our diverse, thought provoking programme are integral to IFFR. It would not be the special Festival it is without them so we would like to thank all who joined us in celebrating cinema this year and of course congratulations to James who created a wonderful, personal film.”
On the announcement of the Hubert Bals Fund Dioraphte Award, Manager of the Hubert Bals Fund, Iwana Chronis commented “I am thrilled with the reception the HBF supported films received throughout the twelve days of the Festival. Oscar Ruiz Navia is a talented filmmaker with a long and successful career ahead of him, this recognition is fully deserved, we are so pleased to have been a part of helping getting this film to the big screen.”
A highly acclaimed drama, THE DARK HORSE tells the true and moving story of Genesis Potini, who fought for the future of disadvantaged children in New Zealand until his death in 2011. In spite of his own bipolar disorder, he taught them to play chess and fight for opportunities. THE DARK HORSE is both amusing and raw, and above all intensely moving. Born in New Zealand, director James Napier Robertson made a name for himself in the world of television before switching to cinema. He appeared as an actor in the series THE TRIBE and SHORTLAND STREET. He directed his first feature film I’M NOT HARRY JENSON in 2009.
Directed by Oscar Ruiz Navia, LOS HONGOS is an autobiographically inspired drama based around two skater friends who are at the heart of the colorful, noisy street and youth culture of Cali, Colombia. With a warm heart, Ruiz tells the story of Ras and Calvin, who are looking for their own voice, a stage and of course freedom, love and fun. Born in Colombia, Oscar Ruiz Navia’s debut film CRAB TRAP won a Fipresci Award at the Berlinale in 2010. Prior to that he was focused on the development and production of independent cinema in Colombia and founded the production company Contravia Films having previously studied Social Communications and Journalism.
Top 5 Audience Award IFFR 2015
1. THE DARK HORSE
2. THE FAREWELL PARTY
3. LOIN DES HOMMES
4. LA VIE DE JEAN-MARIE
5. ALICE CARES
Top 5 HBF Dioraphte Award 2015
1. LOS HONGOS
2. LA MUJER DE LOS PERROS (DOG LADY)
3. NN
4. COURT
5. THE TRIBE
The full list can be found on the Festival’s website:
www.iffr.com/professionals/iffr-2015/iffr-audience-award-2015
The Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) is an initiative of International Film Festival Rotterdam. The Fund has been designed to offer financial support to remarkable and unique feature films by talented filmmakers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. Since its creation 26 years ago, over 1,000 projects from over 100 countries have received support from the HBF. As of 2015, the HBF provides support in the following funding categories:
• HBF Script and Project Development (max. €10,000)
• HBF Postproduction (max. € 20,000)
• NFF+HBF – A minority co-production programme for Dutch producers- in collaboration with the Netherlands Film Fund (€ 50,000)
• HBF+Europe – Minority co-production support (€ 55,000)
• HBF+Europe – Distribution support for international co-productions (€ 20,000)
The HBF is funded by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme of the European Union, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hivos, the Dioraphte Foundation, the Tiger Friends Foundation and the Lions Club Rotterdam: L’Esprit du Temps. Information about the Fund and the application procedures can be found via
www.iffr.com/professionals/hubert_bals_fund
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) offers a high quality line-up of carefully selected fiction and documentary feature films, short films and media art. The festival’s Tiger Awards Competitions, Bright Future, Spectrum and Limelight sections contain new work by auteurs from all over the world including many World Premieres. In the Signals section, IFFR presents retrospectives and themed programmes. IFFR actively supports new and adventurous filmmaking talent through numerous industry initiatives including co-production market CineMart, its Hubert Bals Fund and Rotterdam Lab.
Appointment of Advisory Board Members of Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference 2015
Appointment of Advisory Board Members
Jonel hospitality Consulting organisers of Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference 2015 is proud to announce the appointment of member of Advisory Board of Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference 2015.
www.nigeriahotelconference.com
The Advisory Board will be chaired by Vernon Page. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Partners Africa and a Director of W Hospitality Group in Nigeria responsible for Hotel Asset Management and Fund Raising. With over 20 years hospitality finance, operations and development experience gained from previously being the Managing Director of a hospitality and retail fund in
Nigeria with overall responsibility for the Fund investments, fund raising and developments in West
Africa and prior to taking up the appointment in Nigeria he was Vice President Finance and Administration for a fund manager based in Geneva Switzerland, a company engaged in Sharia compliant Funds developing hotels in the Middle East. The Fund also successfully launched an Eastern hotel brand. Prior to Geneva he was Chief Financial Officer for a fund manager based in Bucharest, Romania, a group of companies consisting of Fund Management and property development including hotels in Eastern Europe, where he was responsible for the Finance and Administration of the Group.
Prior to Romania he was Chief Financial Officer for Chagala Group in Almaty Kazakhstan, a group of companies engaged in the development and operations of hotels, long stay apartments, commercial office buildings, food and beverage outlets and shopping malls in Kazakhstan, and he was responsible for the overall control of the Group Financial Function including annual reporting and audit according to IFRS standards after overseeing the conversion from Russian tax accounting.
The company was successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange during his term. Before moving to Chagala he was in South Africa, where he had been a Director of Finance and General Manger with chains Orion Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels, Holiday Inn and Sun International. He has an MBA in Finance.
Other Members of the board include
Tana Forsuelo – Provost, Wavecrest Collage of Hospitality
Thelma Bello – President, Calabar Chambers of Commerce
Bello Bashir – Finance Director Fourpoints by Sheraton
Samuel Bassey – MD, Leverage Investment Limited
Representative – Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Tourism
Audrey Obidike – Ernst & Young
Daniel Lordis – GM Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Hope Obioma Opara – Publisher, Supple Magazine
Brian Efa
For: Jonel Hospitality Consulting
The Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference
The Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference is a focal point as government strives to diversification its economy. It will be a well attended event and will give attendees the opportunity to explore Nigeria’s diverse and largely untapped potential. Jonel Hospitality Consulting in Association with Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and Woodstarhotels.com are delighted to join forces to bring to interested investors in African’s biggest economy the Nigeria Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (NHTIC) 2015 www.nigeriahotelconference.com
The Nigeria Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference will take place 25 – 27 November 2015 at Eko and suites Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria .NHTIC comprises three days of educational and networking events and is an annual meeting place for senior level people from all areas of the hotel investment industry, from all across the world.
We are delighted to present the Nigeria Hotel & Tour-ism Investment Conference sponsorship prospectus for 2015
By becoming a sponsor of NHTIC you will be putting your company’s service in front of the most influential group of industry leaders involved in the hotel indus-try in this region.
You will be capitalising on the most effective means to reach those companies and individuals who need your service to compete in the global economy.
This year’s event is expected to have over 350 at-tendees from 30 countries. The compelling programme will see more than 65 speaker and panellist discussing the current challenges facing the hotel industry in Ni-geria whilst exploring future growth opportunities.
The NHTIC Advisory Board will be meeting in March. Made up of leaders from the hotel industry, their input is vital to the conference as we develop the topics and issue to be presented in this year’s pro-gramme.
We do hope you will decide to sponsor NHTIC 2015 – the only Event for Stakeholder in Nigeria hotel & tourism investment.
NHTIC 2015 will be the most comprehensive event yet offering:
- Over 65 eminent speakers around the world
- Thought provoking conference sessions and keynote presentations
- 2 spectacular networking receptions, to be held at the Eko Hotel and Suites
- Networking xPress – speed dating…for busi-ness
- Sponsors’ exhibition
- NHTIC Achievements Award
The Speakers are key influence in NHTIC and leaders chosen for their industry knowledge, experience and insight that they are happy to share
The Attendees are senior figures and decision-makers, namely: Investors, Hotel Owner, Lenders CEOs, Hotel Chain Executives, Financial Advisor, Real Estate Agent, Lawyers, Designers, Architects, Consultants, Tourism Officials, Timeshare Devel-\opers and Governments Official from all areas of the hotel industry and from all across the world.
The Sponsors are companies that are leaders in the hotel investment industry. They are there to net-work with delegates showcase their products and provide business solutions.
NETWORKING
Networking is the main reason why so many executives attend NHTIC. There are over 15 hours of networking opportunities available throughout the conference for you to make valuable contacts from lunches, coffee breaks and exhibitions to the lavish evening receptions.
NETWORKING ONLINE – Begin networking with delegates before you’ve even arrived in Nige-ria using our contact system. This contact facility allows you search the names of delegates attending NHTIC which you can then send a message to, through our system, to make contact with request meetings (providing they have agreed to take part in this initiatives).
NETWORKING Hangout – NHTIC 2015 will see the return of the successful networking Hangout, introduce for the first time. Essentially speed dating for business cards and move on to meet the next person. Those who participated will agree it was the fast, most beneficial and enjoyable 60 minutes of networking.
THE EXHIBITION – Is integral to the confer-ence and allows you to promote your company in targeted environment. It gives delegates the op-portunity to meet new and exciting players in the industry, keep up to date with new developments that are on offer and to meet with your company’s representatives to discuss business opportunities.
WHY BECOME A SPONSOR?
By aligning yourself with the NIGERIA HOTEL &TOURISM INVESTMENT CONFERENCE, you will be playing an active role in placing your company at the forefront of the most influential group of leaders actively involved in this dynamic industry.
We understand that during such tough economic times your companies’ budgets have to be very carefully spent and we are confidents that investing in NHTIC will help your company to attract business. If you make the most of the sponsorship, you will see an incredible return on investment
BY SPONSORING NHTIC 2015 you will:
Be part of this growing market
Position your company in front of as many key industry professional as possible
Promote your company as an industry leader
Associate your company with the leading industry events for the region
We will offer you fantastic range of opportunities to promote your company to the industry
iREP Int’l Documentary Film Festival Call for Entry
MAURITANIAN FILM TIMBUKTU MAKES OSCARS FINAL LIST 2015
STORY LINE
Not far from the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, proud cattle herder Kidane (Ibrahim Ahmed aka Pino) lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima (Toulou Kiki), his daughter Toya (Layla Walet Mohamed), and Issan (Mehdi Ag Mohamed), their twelve-year-old shepherd. In town, the people suffer, powerless, from the regime of terror imposed by the Jihadists determined to control their faith. Music, laughter, cigarettes, even soccer have been banned. The women have become shadows but resist with dignity. Every day, the new improvised courts issue tragic and absurd sentences. Kidane and his family are being spared the chaos that prevails in Timbuktu. But their destiny changes abruptly.
15 Women with VVF Benefit from Diamond Bank & Stephanie Linus’ Extended Hands Foundation
15 Women with VVF Get Free Repair Surgeries from Diamond Bank & Stephanie Linus’ Extended Hands Foundation.
Since its inception, the goal of the Extended Hands Foundation founded by Nollywood star actress Stephanie Linus has been to restore hope and put smiles on the faces of women. For some years now, the foundation has been focused on helping women with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) – a serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth – and giving them a chance at living normal lives through free repair surgeries.
Recently through the support of Diamond Bank PLC, 15 women living with VVF received free repair surgeries at the Kwara Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. The women all had successful surgeries and were nursed back to health at the hospital.
Before the surgeries, many of them had been shunned and separated from their families as a result of the embarrassing effects of the condition. Some of them lost their jobs, their husbands, and were forced to live in degrading conditions. Thanks to the successful surgeries, they are now back with their loved ones and are living their dreams.
Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) is a serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth. They are holes resulting from the breakdown in the tissue between the vaginal wall and the bladder or rectum caused by unrelieved obstructed labour. The consequence of such damage is a woman’s inability to control the flow of urine or faeces. It occurs more often in young women during childbirth, as their bodies are not yet mature for the process.
The pool effort was lauded by the First Lady of Kwara State Mrs Omolewa Ahmed who received Stephanie Linus and her team from Extended Hands Foundation as well as the Diamond Bank team at the State House in Ilorin. She commended their effort and pledged her support to the eradication of VVF in Kwara State. The state Commissioner for Health Alhaji Kayode Issah, also received the Extended Hands Foundation and Diamond Bank Team during their stay in Ilorin, commending them as well for their effort.
The Extended Hands Foundation with the support of well meaning corporate organisations like Diamond Bank will continue to extend its efforts to women with VVF across other states in the country.
RENAULT – Drive the Change
The RENAULT brand is known globally for its quality, durability, and technology. And is now available through DANA CARS and SERVICES LTD, from the DANA Group renowned for its service and commitment in Nigeria for automobiles and an array of products.
The cars manufactured to suit local conditions are known to be the first choice for leading organizations both worldwide and in Nigeria too.
The RENAULT range includes an exciting choice of models that cuts across Sedans, SUVs, and Multi-Purpose Vehicles that offer discerning car lovers exciting options noted for their durability, advanced safety equipment and high technology. Better known for being World Champions for 11 years in Formula 1.
To cater to your requirements a new ‘State of the Art’ facility for Sales Service & Spare Parts is operational in VI Lagos, to be followed by a network in major cities. A confidence booster, all Renault cars come with a Manufacturer backed Warranty for 3 years or 100,000 kilometres (whichever comes first), useGenuine Spare Parts, Renault Trained Technicians and Door Step Service(in select locations) for Renault fleet Owners.
Dana Cars and Services Ltd
43b Akin Adeshola Street,
Victoria Island Lagos.
T : +234 1 280 9999
M : +234 8113955531,08060035062
E:HNwapa@renaultmotorsnigeria.com
“Thy Will be Done” a new movie of Obi Emelonye
‘THY WILL BE DONE’ Exclusive World Premiere @ BFI IMAX Waterloo, London,Obi Emelonye / Iroko Partners Thursday, 26 February 2015 from 17:30 to 22:00 (GMT) London, United Kingdom.
Grab Your Tickets by clicking on the link below http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thy-will-be-done-exclusive-world-premiere-bfi-imax-waterloo-london-tickets-15043243747?aff=esli
Synopsis.
Pius (Ramsey Noah) is a happily married pastor in charge of a large church in Lagos, Nigeria.
But when his first wife (Mary Njoku) that he buried 7 years ago suddenly shows up, his world is thrown into turmoil.
His present wife (Mercy Johnson-Okojie) tries to fight her corner but Pius has a choice to make…between his calling and his wives; between old sins and new loyalties; between taking firm action and surrendering to God’s will.
Weakened by guilt and overwhelmed by sensational revelations, nothing would have prepared Pius for how rapidly things would descend into violent chaos…for hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Stars Ramsey Noah, Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Mary Njoku. also features are Jide Kosoko, TT Temple, Precious Chikwendu, Enyinna Nwigwe and Tony Aclet. Written by Tobe Osigwe, Edited by Ben Nugent and original music by Luke Corradine. Produced by Mary Njoku.
Directed a Produced by Obi Emelonye.
The Movie ‘STILL STANDING’ Set To Hit Cinemas FEBRUARY 2015!
Genmemoir Productions gets set to release ‘Still Standing’ in cinemas in Nigeria nationwide. The film is an emotional drama starring Jackie Appiah, Bobby Obodo, etc and was shot entirely in the United States of America. ‘Still Standing’ is a story about the joys and pains of a striving young American family, originally from Africa, living the American dream until a major tragedy alters the family’s course. Nne-Amaka (Jackie Appiah), will try to be the lifeguard for the family in the middle of this stormy sea. Can she weather the storm? Will there be a strand of hope in this family tsunami?
Featuring as her husband in the movie is heartthrob/fan favourite Bobby Obodo, whose convincing acting on set, sparked rumours that he and Jackie Appiah were an item! Hmm… Are they or were they? Well, there’s only one way to find out and that’s by watching the movie, ’Still Standing’ when it premieres and screens in cinemas nationwide as from 27th of February 2015.
The movie also stars Jazmine Batchan, James Alexander III, Buddy Miller Jnr and was directed and produced by Michael Uadiale. Ben Adeyanju http://www.ibenjamen.com was Assistant Director, Tom Robson was Technical director, DOP/Cinematography was by Franklin Guerrero. ‘Still Standing’ won the GIAMA Award Best Film (in Diaspora) in 2013, it was nominated for Best Director category(GIAMA Awards) Nominated at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for Best Supporting Actress and Best Writer categories. The movie will be showing in cinemas nationwide in from the 27th of February 2015 so make sure you go see it!
For more information on the film do check out their website www.stillstandingthemovie.com Facebook: AYEStillstandingmovie.com