Nollywood stars on parade @Azuh Amatus' FAMOUS FACES unveiling - ITREALMS

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"Segun Arinze, Chinedu Ikedieze, Ejike Asiegbu, Victor Osuagwu, Okey Ogunjiofor, Lilian Amah, Jennifer Eliogu, Tricia Eseigbe, Zik Zulu, Fidelis Duker, other Nollywood stars honour Azuh Amatus at FAMOUS FACES unveiling"

It was the gathering of Nollywood heavyweights at the recent unveiling of Azuh Amatus’ two new books, FAMOUS FACES (1&2).

The high-octane books presentation, which held elaborately inside the expansive marquee of the prestigious Colonades Hotels, Ikoyi, Lagos on Sunday, October 9, was hugely attended by leading Nollywood stars and stakeholders.

Nollywood: Azuh Amatus to unveil 2 new books on October 9 - ITREALMS

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The publisher of leading online newspaper DAYLIGHT, Azuh Amatus will be unveiling and presenting his two new books, FAMOUS FACES...Interactions with Nollywood Stars and Stakeholders, to the public on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

The forthcoming evening of glamour, glitz, relaxation and networking holds elaborately at the upscale Colonades Hotels, on 21 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, with the red carpet beginning at 4.PM.

Cake industry is next to Nollywood if ranked ... says Okoye Eniyi of Cakes by Somchez - ITREALMS

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United Kingdom (UK) trained baker and UNIPORT’s French graduate, Okoye Eniyi, is the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki, Lagos-based Cakes by Somchez, formally known as ‘Just Cakes by Somchez.’ She told ITREALMS correspondent GBEMI OMOTOSO that baking transcends her corporate world and ranks next to Nollywood.

Excerpts:

How did you come about the name?
A mixture of the first two letters of my oldest daughter name-SO, my husband's name-M, my second daughter's name-CH, my name-E and my last daughter's name-Z. Thats what formed SOMCHEZ.

Nollywood special, Cinema in Lagos, debuts

ITRealms:

As part of activities celebrating Lagos at 50, the state government has unveiled a special publication named Cinema in Lagos ahead of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival holding in France from May 17 to 28.

The unveiling was done on Friday at Filmhouse Cinema in Lekki and Silverbird Cinema in Ikeja during a programme tagged “Lagos Love the Cinema”.

Speaking at the Lekki event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, disclosed that the publication was conceived to highlight the contributions of the film industry to the economy and culture of Lagos.

He added that it was produced to complement Nollywood’s participation at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Lagos will have a pavilion at Cannes Film Festival which is celebrating 70 years in the same month our dear state celebrates 50 years. As you know, Lagos is home to Nollywood, the second biggest film industry in the world, and Cannes is the biggest film festival in the world. We have therefore put together this special publication called Cinema in Lagos. It will be presented in Cannes to filmmakers, journalists, film buyers and other from across the world.

“This is about our love for cinema and part of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision to promote art and culture in the state. We are excited that films by Lagos producers are doing well in the cinema and contributing significantly to the economy of the state. The state government is therefore pleased to showcase the creativity and business opportunities that abound here to a global audience through this publication,” the commissioner said.

Mr Ayorinde’s words were echoed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Fola Adeyemi, while unveiling the publication in Ikeja.

Like the commissioner, the permanent secretary promised that there will be other editions of the publication in line with Governor Ambode’s intervention in the creative industry.

Cinema in Lagos was produced by a team of film journalists and critics led by Mr Olumide Iyanda.

The magazine, according to Iyanda, “provides ready information about what is unarguably the capital of African cinema. It is invaluable for filmmakers, investors, fans and other Nollywood stakeholders.”

Joining Ayorinde and Folarin for the unveiling were eminent personalities like co-Chairman, Lagos at 50 Planning Committee, Hon. Habeeb Fasinro; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, Hon. Segun Olulade; Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Olabowale Ademola; Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ayodele Subair; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr Bamidele Balogun and filmmaker, Mr Kunle Afolayan.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Six Nollywood tricky lessons for girls on femininity

Gender ICT@ITRealms:

If you are a fan of Nollywood movies, you probably already have certain impressions about Nigerians and their women especially. The female characters in Nollywood movies are almost always cast in similar roles.

The young girls are often portrayed as damsels in distress who eventually find their purpose after they meet a man; or they are cast as gossips and home breakers driven by jealousy and bitterness. Other times they are money-conscious and beauty obsessed simpletons e.t.c;

The older women are usually depicted as wives whose lives are centered around their husbands; they are over-religious mothers who control their daughters, and mothers-in-law, whose purpose is to antagonize the daughters-in-law.

In general, the movies fail to portray Nigerian females in their diversity and complexity. Of course, there are exceptions where the female character is portrayed differently and given non-traditional roles, but how often do we see those kinds of Nollywood films?

While these movies entertain the viewers, it also serves as a medium through which the cultures and norms of the Nigerian society are disseminated to inform and mold the behavior of the masses. As such, they have the potential to shape young minds in a lot of ways.

Without realizing it, young girls in Nigeria who are exposed to these Nollywood films, learn what it means to “be a woman”. Unfortunately, not all of the lessons Nollywood teaches these girls about feminism are good.

Here are some of the problematic lessons:

Marriage is the end game
From as old as the movie “Taboo” to as recent as the blockbuster “Wedding Party”, a number of Nigerian movies tend to subtly or even strongly pass the message that marriage is a woman’s highest achievement, thus should be the highlight of her existence. Most times disguised as a love story or just plain comedy, it essentially portrays the heroine as someone who is all about getting a man to love and marry her. Some of these movies even portray women as men-mad idiots who will go to great lengths to get a man: betray friends, disown their families, and change their religion e.t.c.

Girls, when they absorb this message, start to believe that they must have a man to eventually lead a complete life. This is possibly why the marriage fever is unending and most women in our society today would rather chase a man than chase their dreams…even when they do not even feel attracted to a man.

Nollywood should strive to diversify their plot to include heroines who are able to achieve their life’s purpose without necessarily being married or being depressed they achieved the success without a man by their side.

Being Feminist means being tough, domineering and acting like a man 
Among the myriad Nollywood movies that have been produced over the years, some movies have tried to foster the ‘feminist’ agenda. Some of these movies like “Black Bra” or “women in power”, however, end up giving these female characters “male” attributes while trying to achieve their aim. 

They make them tough, domineering and even get them do certain things that have been stereotyped as ‘male’ behavior. This defeats the purpose, as the idea of feminism is not that men be removed from earth or be hated.

It should not in any way either suggest that the world will be better run by females.

Feminism basically just suggests that the female is of the same status as the male, not less, not better…and this message is what these Nollywood movies should strive to pass across.

This is so that the girls, who are influenced by these movies, are not deluded to think that to be empowered, they have to feel better than men or even despise them.

Women are weak and need rescuing
A classic example is the movie “First lady”. The Heroine already on her own was hoping to be rescued by a Prince Charming. This is a mentality most girls have these days, as a result of the numerous Nollywood movies they have seen on African Magic.

They are unwilling to put in the hard work they need to upgrade their status, or take them out of whatever situation they find themselves entrapped in. They wait to meet a man who will rescue them from an abusive father, or change their lives and take them out of poverty.

This mentality is the reason a lot of our Nigerian girls are still not self-made and not rising up to their full potential.

Nollywood movies that highlight this damsel in distress/knight in a shining amor theme, should be regulated so that we have more girls who are confident and willing to chart their own course.
Being girly is what makes you beautiful, attractive and most of all “normal”

The heroines who get the happy ending are usually costumed and molded to look and behave a certain way. They wear dresses and adorn themselves with jewelry. They also put on make-up and wear hair extensions. They also tend to show a lot of emotion (they cry and throw tantrums). The few times a female character is shown, perhaps without makeup or flashy girly clothes, she is really poor, and usually, she will have to upgrade to or adopt the “girly” image, in order to get her happy ending. Even more, if is she is dressed in certain clothes that have been tagged “male”, automatically she is a lesbian or a thug who probably will not have a happy ending.

The young girls who get these messages become image-obsessed, as they now believe how they look is everything. Perhaps Nollywood movies need to place less emphasis on the outward appearance of the girl focus more on highlighting the qualities in a female character that makes her uniquely female.

As a woman, you have to wait for love to find you
It is really hard to see any romantic Nollywood movie where the girl took the bull by the horn, and went in search of love. The love stories are always written in such a way that boy meets girl, boy pursues girl, and love conquers all.

In these movies, these girls- even ones that are clearly self-centered and narcissistic- do not need to work on themselves or do anything …love finds them any way.

This is not the case in our real world today. Love does not come easy. At least, not genuine love. It is important that girls know it is alright for them to make the first move sometimes, and go for what they want as opposed to waiting to be pursued.

Also, it is important that they understand that love requires emotional maturity; they may need to work on themselves to attract the kind of love they desire. Nollywood movies should try to reflect that.

Women are destined for subservient roles in the society
In a large number of Nollywood movies, men are depicted as leaders, rulers and successful business men. Women, on the other hand, are mostly captured in domestic settings, their roles constrained to being mothers, daughter, brides, housewives and other related roles. Even in a few movies where the woman is given a sort of ‘masculine’ role or place in a position of power, it is still orchestrated such that she has to submit to a higher boss who is male, or submit to a domineering husband.

This gives the girl the impression that this is all the future holds for her. Her mind is conditioned to accept and even look forward to it. Modern day Nollywood movies should consider the direct and remote messages their moving may be passing across and not ignore them. They can start by ensuring women are not always cast in traditional roles.

What are your thoughts on these points?

*Nkem Ndem contributed this from Lagos.

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Nollywood icon, Segun Arinze to host Daylight’s Bowler Hats Bash

Art@ITRealms:

One of the Nollywood icon and distinguished entertainer, Mr. Segun Aina Padanou, also known as Segun Arinze, has been selected as preferred host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash (BHB), reports ITRealms.

Proudly organised by leading daily online newspaper, Daylight.ng, the high-net-worth evening of relaxation, networking and entertainment holds elaborately at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, on October 1, amid glitz, grandeur and razzmatazz.

ITRealms gathered that the glamorous evening in commemoration of the Nigeria’s 56^th Independence Day comprises of comedy, music, dance and more, will be graced by leading entertainers, celebrities and upwardly mobile revellers with taste for premium events.

The Publisher cum Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, Mr. Azuh Amatus, who is also the founder and initiator of Bowler Hats Bash, the choice of Segun Arinze, the second edition of Bowler Hats Bash, was unanimous and highly commendable.

“We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash.

His accepting to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and Daylight Management is indeed very grateful.

He went on to describe Arinze as a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere, TV host and more.

Mr. Arinze is bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host and anchor.

“We cannot wait to have him direct proceedings on October 1,” hinted Azuh, the multiple award winning journalist.

Badagry, Lagos State-born Mr. Arinze, in a brief chat, equally thanked the organizers for picking him as host for BHB 2016, describing it as a lovely concept.

“Kudos to the organizers for bringing to reality this unique style of unwinding on October 1, which we all know is Nigeria’s Independence Day. I look forward to relaxing with family and friends with good comedy, lovely music, pulsating dance steps and more. I was at the maiden edition as a special guest and wholeheartedly enjoyed myself. I look forward to doing so again on October 1,” Arinze declared.

In a related development, top fashion house, CK Couture will be clothing Mr. Arinze as host of BHB.

Confirming this, the boss of the famous fashion outfit, Mr. Charles Anyabuike, said they will be providing Mr. Arinze with an Afro-Centrik wardrobe that will stand him out at the memorable and fun-filled night.

“This is our own little way of supporting this laudable initiative called Bowler Hats Bash,” Anyabuike said.

Meanwhile, top Nigerian comedians expected to wow and dazzle high profile guests at the grand gathering include: Okey Bakassi, Elenu, Dauda, Elder O. Mr. Patrick, Makati, Ajebo, Danni B, Moran Cee, Omini, Kesh Ofuobi among other wave making ribs crackers.

Reggae legend, Orits Williki, will be performing live as the Special Guest Artiste at the show alongside JKL4Real, from Ghana and South African-based Kalifonia

Amazingly, sensational dance groups, Nero Sexy Dancers and Scatter and Sons, will be storming this year’s Bowler Hats Bash with their full squads, to further raise the roof of the venue with tantalising dance steps and moves.

While award winning Heritage Band will be live on stage dishing out melodious tunes, wave-making DJ Zeemax, has vowed to add verve and vim to the grand gathering by electrifying guests with hit and trending songs from his wheel of steel.

“It’s strictly a hat affair. A hat on your head allows you into the venue of the show and that is the dress code for the spectacular soiree,” Azuh said.

Uj N. Dominic/GEE

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Pix: Segun Arinze

Galaxy of Nollywood stars to storm DALA on May 22

ITRealms:

As the countdown to the maiden edition of Daylight Annual Leadership Awards (DALA) and first anniversary of Daylight Newspaper gather momentum, the organisers have revealed that several leading Nollywood stars, top entertainers and celebrities will grace the historic event as special guests.

Acclaimed one of the biggest media events in Nigeria this year, the high-octane awards ceremony holds elaborately next Sunday, May 22, at the prestigious Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, amid glitz, grandeur and glamour. Green and White carpet starts 4.PM.

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, the reliable online newspaper, Mr. Azuh Amatus (NGE), who is also the Chairman and Founder of DALA, several A-list Nollywood stars, musicians, comedians and celebrities have happily confirmed they would grace the two-in-one ceremony.

“This maiden edition of DALA is definitely going to be star-studded and extraordinary. Several leading lights in the nation’s entertainment industry, especially Nollywood have confirmed they would honour us with their intimidating presence and famous faces. We are keeping their names under wraps as a surprise package for our equally special guests on May 22.

Amazingly, over 50 per cent of DALA awardees were painstakingly chosen from the nation’s vibrant entertainment industry, comprising Nollywood, music and comedy sectors respectively.

We are celebrating them alongside other honourees for the good works they are constantly and consistently rendering as role models, national/international ambassadors of this great country and above-all, true leaders in their respective fields of human endeavours,” stated Azuh, a multiple award-winning journalist that has extensively covered Nollywood, for almost two decades.

Meanwhile, DALA, as a revered award scheme primarily seeks to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence among Nigerians who have excelled immensely in various leadership positions and equally impacted positively on our nation in both public and private sectors.

Interestingly, the talented and famous duo of comedian Okey Bakassi and actress Jennifer Eliogu have been sensationally chosen as anchors of the historic gathering currently serenading Lagos and its environs.

And to further rev up the evening of high-net-worth gathering, the hilarious quartet of Klint Da Drunk, De Don, D’Lectura and Mr. Makati, will thrill and titillate special guests with undiluted comedy from their rich repertoire of jokes and humour vaults.

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Nollywood week @Paris Film Festival calls for submissions

ITRealms:

The organisers of the NollywoodWeek Paris Film Festival have open calls for submissions for the 4th edition of one of Europe’s leading film festivals and the biggest celebration of Nollywood in France each year, reports ITRealms.

The 4th edition which will be held at the Cinema l’Arlequin in Paris, France from June 2-5, 2016, will feature a more diverse film selection, more events and more audience surprises. “We are excited about this year’s edition of NollywoodWeek which is growing into a global model and promises to be even bigger and better” says co-founder Serge Noukoue.

In just three years this unique film festival has already made its mark with some noteworthy achievements, namely 24 Nigerian films translated into French and screened in Paris, over 20 Nollywood actors, directors and producers hosted in the city of lights, partnerships, acquisitions and co-production deals for people active in the industry and over 5500 attendees over the past 3 years.

The co-founders Serge Noukoue and Nadira Shakur are now looking forward to accommodating the growing audience size especially as the festival gains attention from surrounding European countries. “Every year we receive festival goers from various countries outside of France and we want this to continue. This festival has become THE festival to watch the best of Nollywood in Europe and this year will not disappoint!” stated Shakur.

NollywoodWeek Paris has also raised the profile of an industry that was stigmatized by enforcing a very strict film selection process which only allows top quality works to be in the official selection. “We want the terms “NollywoodWeek” and “Quality” to be synonymous in people’s minds,” said Executive Director, Serge Noukoue. “The festival also helps the directors get a real feel for their audience and through the Public Choice Award, we can really measure the audience’s preferences.”

More than ever, NollywoodWeek Paris remains committed to providing Nigerian filmmakers a platform to showcase their work. Film submissions have opened allowing any Nigerian film-maker to submit their short or feature film to the festival for a chance to be screened in Paris. The deadline for submission is February 12, 2016. The official selection will be announced in March 2016.

 

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