NOLLYWOOD

“I Might Not Be Able To Repay The Loan I Took For My New Movie” -kunle Afolayan

Published

8 years ago

October 28, 2016

Veteran Nollywood actor/Producer, Kunle Afolayan is currently feeling the bite of recession and pirates are not even helping matters. He produced a high quality movie which was premiered in Nigeria some week ago, it’s titled ‘The CEO’. It’s one movie that a lot of people really commended, he featured legend actors, including Nigerians, Foreigners, within Africa and Outside Africa and before that movie could be put together, a lot of millions must have been spent, which is true but it’s so unfortunate that the Legend Producer has managed to get little of what he invested. In an interview, He disclosed some things that are really painful to the heart.

In his words ‘’ “It costs a fortune; we are talking hundreds of millions of naira. We haven’t recouped the money and am not sure I will recoup that money ‘cos now the economy is bad and I have said this several times and there is really no point saying it again; but part of the funding for CEO, we got from Bank OF Industry (BOI) and that money needs to be paid back, I think I even have about maybe eight months left to pay back and it’s a bit scary, because I don’t know how I am going to pay it. But I want to believe that somehow, it will get paid. A lot of Nigerians complain about good quality. For you to have good quality it comes with a price and the price is money. Some days ago, Desmond and I were joking and I said to him that I paid the director of my photograph for CEO this amount, and he said to me, Kunle; you paid that amount? That is the budget for a whole film now. So you see, really, sometimes; I think it’s better to play small. But for some of us, who have already made name, you can’t come down and play lower. If you are going to come down on your budget or that, you have to make sure the production value is not compromised or that that thing you are known for is not compromised. But CEO is still doing very well, we are doing the London premiere in October, and it’s going to be in London’’

Related Topics:Kunle Afolayan Nollywood The CEO

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Bimbo Akintola, Femi Branch & Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang Star In “Higher Crime”

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2024

Reporter

"Higher Crime" Watch the trailer | Fab.ng

The much-anticipated film “Higher Crime,” will premiere in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana, and French-speaking West Africa on June 14, 2024. Aniebiet Francis produced the film, and Uduakobong Patrick directed it.

This gripping drama follows the story of Tife, a prominent blogger. Enwongoabasi Ibom played the character who exposes a woman’s sexual assault. This revelation leads to a fierce legal battle with Jeffrey, a well-known philanthropist played by Femi Branch.

The film features a talented cast.

They include industry veterans like Femi Branch, Bimbo Akintola, and Keppy Ekpenyong. They starred alongside rising stars Enwongoabasi Ibom and Folashade Abimbola.

Femi Branch is known for his villainous role in the Disney-Kugali animated series “Iwaju.” He plays the dark character Jeffrey. Akintola is famous for her role in “93 Days,” and stars as Jeffrey’s loyal yet naive wife.

Ibom, a rising actress and social media influencer, plays Tife, the fearless blogger determined to seek justice. Nollywood legend Ekpenyong portrays Jeffrey’s lawyer who uses political connections to try to silence Tife. Newcomer Abimbola plays Ruby, another victim of abuse.

Aniebiet Francis produced the film under her production company, Amazing Arts Entertainment.

Known for her 2019 hit “The Final List,” Aniebiet Francis takes a more dramatic approach with “Higher Crime.” She addressed the issue of sexual assault, especially within families.

On social media, she shared the movie poster and announced the film’s release with a statement. It read, “Not all silence is golden.” She further commented, “This film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of speaking truth to power.”

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution distributed “Higher Crime” globally.

It is a prominent Nigerian entertainment company. Tribe Nation started its operations in Nigeria in February 2023 and expanded internationally in December 2023. It has quickly become a significant player in the African entertainment industry.

Following successful releases like “The Other One” (L’autre Homme in French territories), the heist film “Charlie and the Boys” (Charlie et sa Bande in French territories), and the horror film “Trepidation”, Tribe Nation is set for further success with “Higher Crime.”

The film will be available in major cinema chains and independent theatres across Nigeria and West Africa starting June 14. It promises to captivate audiences with its compelling story and powerful performances.

MOVIES

Omowunmi Dada Is Honoured To Play Wole Soyinka’s Mother In “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti”

Published

1 week ago

May 20, 2024

Reporter

Omowunmi Dada in Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti | fab.ng

Omowunmi Dada shared detailed insights about her role as Grace Eniola Soyinka in the film “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.”

She reflected deeply on her experience playing Grace Eniola Soyinka. Grace Eniola Soyinka is the mother of the renowned Nigerian playwright and novelist Wole Soyinka, in the new biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.”

Dada discussed her thoughts on the character, highlighting Grace Eniola Soyinka’s significant influence and legacy. She elaborated on the importance of bringing this story to a wider audience. She emphasized how the film sheds light on the life and struggles of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent Nigerian activist and the central figure of the biopic.

Dada also talked about the honour and responsibility she felt in portraying such a historical figure.

She mentioned how playing Wole Soyinka’s mother allowed her to delve into the rich cultural and historical context of Nigeria. It provided her with a deeper understanding of the country’s past. Additionally, she reflected on the challenges and rewards of accurately representing Grace Eniola Soyinka’s strength and resilience.

“It is an honour to portray Grace Eniola Soyinka and to bring her story to audiences worldwide. She was not only a devoted mother, but also a fearless advocate for justice and equality. I am honoured to have the opportunity to embody her spirit and showcase her legacy to the world,” she said.

Dada’s portrayal of Soyinka’s mother goes deeply into her fight against systemic injustice. She captures the character’s bravery, courage, love, and sacrifices for her family.

Soyinka’s mother and her aunt-in-law, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union to protest taxes imposed by the Alake of Abeokuta. This union grew to 20,000 members and later became the national organization, the Nigerian Women’s Union.

The film “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” tells the story of Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s mother.

It covers her groundbreaking achievements. These achievements range from being the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together, they opposed injustice and founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union. This led to violent conflicts with traditional and colonial leaders.

Bolanle Austen-Peters and Ibrahim Taofik directed the film. The film features a talented cast including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Iremide Adeoye.

Dada is known for her versatility and has established herself as one of the most talented actresses in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her notable works include “The Gods are Still Not to Blame” (2012), “The Ghost and the Tout” (2018), “Shuga” (2019), and “Tinsel”.

Check out more updates here.

MOVIES

Liz Benson Makes Nollywood Comeback In Mercy Johnson’s New Film

Published

2 weeks ago

May 16, 2024

Reporter

"A Mother's Son": Liz Benson makes Nollywood comeback | fab.ng

Actress Liz Benson is making a grand return to Nollywood after several years away from the industry. This exciting news comes after a long break. Her fans are eager to see her back on screen. Benson is set to star in a new film titled “A Mother’s Son.” It promises to be a major production.

The movie boasts some serious star power behind the scenes as well.

Mercy Johnson, a renowned actress in her own right, is producing the film. Vincent De Anointed is on board to direct, ensuring a high-quality production. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Mercy Johnson shared a behind-the-scenes video on her Instagram page, revealing Liz Benson’s enthusiastic welcome from the cast.

Adding to the buzz, “A Mother’s Son” features a stellar ensemble cast. Viewers can expect to see veteran actress Liz Benson. She acted alongside other well-established names like Mike Godson, Evia Simon, Ozioma Maurice, and George Inaibeh. This impressive line-up guarantees a captivating film experience.

Liz Benson was surprised at the warm welcome by her colleagues as she said,

“All the big people in Nollywood are here.

“You guys are doing exploits; God bless you. It’s nice to see all of you in real life.

“I am meeting all of you for the first time. But I have come to see my daughter (Mercy Johnson).”

Liz Benson, a legendary actress who is now 58 years old, is originally from Etinan, Akwa Ibom, in southern Nigeria. Remarkably, her acting career began when she was just a child of five years old, all the way back in 1971! It wasn’t until 1993 that she shot to national fame, playing Agnes Johnson on the popular television soap opera ‘Fortunes’ on NTA. Throughout the 1990s, Benson became a household name in Nigeria thanks to her roles in classic Nollywood movies.

Some of her most acclaimed films include “Glamour Girls,” “True Confession,” “Diamond Rings,” “Scores to Settle,” “Evil Men 1 and 2,” “Conspiracy,” and “Dead End.”

Before taking a break from Nollywood, Benson revealed that she had become a born-again Christian and currently works full-time as an ordained minister, preaching the gospel.

Check out more movie updates here.