Fans of the Merry Men movie franchise will be thrilled to hear some exciting news from popular Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, AY Makun, who took to social media to unveil the official release date for the third instalment of the series, titled “Merry Men 3: Nemesis”.

After a four-year break since the release of the second instalment, fans can mark their calendars for the theatrical premiere of “Merry Men 3: Nemesis” in October 2023.

The principal photography for the film was completed in May 2023, and the teaser for the movie is scheduled for release later on the same day of the announcement, September 22, 2023.

“Merry Men 3: Nemesis” is directed by Moses Inwang and produced by Darlington Abuda. It promises to deliver an action-packed drama that is sure to enthral viewers.

The film is set to continue the saga of the Merry Men, a group of wealthy and charismatic bachelors based in Abuja, exploring their lives filled with thriving businesses, luxury cars, lavish homes, and romantic escapades.

From the still images released during principal photography, viewers can anticipate a captivating love story and wedding involving characters portrayed by Ramsey Nouah and Nadia Buari. This side story adds an exciting twist to the narrative.

The cast of “Merry Men 3: Nemesis” includes recurring actors, William Uchemba and Regina Daniels, along with the addition of Nadia Buari and Sam Dede. Their performances are expected to contribute to the film’s overall appeal.

 

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The Merry Men movie franchise has had a lot of success in the Nigerian cinema market. “Merry Men 2: Another Mission” the second film, earned exceptionally positive reviews and brought in a total of N234,505,169 at the Nigerian box office. Expectations for the third sequel are fairly high given its strong track record.

Filmone Entertainment will be in charge of the movie distribution, ensuring that it launches in cinemas nationwide. The highly anticipated premiere is scheduled for October 13, 2023.

Fans of this thrilling movie, Merry Men, can anticipate another exhilarating chapter that is packed with action, romance, and the distinct comedy that makes AY Makun’s movies famous. The release of “Merry Men 3: Nemesis” promises to be a major event in Nigerian cinema in 2023.

CJ Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ takes the lead with an impressive 12 nominations. The anticipation for the 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is building as the nomination list has been officially unveiled.

Among the standout submissions, CJ Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ takes the lead with an impressive 12 nominations. These nominations span various categories, including Best Film in an African Language, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Screenplay, and Best Director.

This honour highlights the remarkable influence that CJ “Fiery” Obasi’s “Mami Wata” has had on the African film industry. The movie has gained praise from critics and now stands as evidence of the director’s skill and commitment to the medium. It is a fantastic accomplishment for CJ Obasi and the entire team behind “Mami Wata”.

Coming in closely behind ‘Mami Wata’ is Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix Original, ‘Anikulapo‘, with nine nominations.

Additionally, Izu Ojukwu’s period drama, ‘4:4:44’, secured eight nominations. These films, alongside ‘Mami Wata,’ promise to be strong contenders at the prestigious AMAA awards ceremony.

The 19th edition of the AMAA, themed “The Renaissance,” is poised to redefine continental honours, setting the foundation for future plans and the grand 20th edition. The awards ceremony is slated to take place on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at The Balmoral event centre, situated within Sheraton Hotels in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Below is the comprehensive list of nominations for the 2023 AMAA:

Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film

• Lions – Ethiopia
• Riel – Namibia
• Enmity Djin – Mauritania

Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation

• Lost – Uganda
• Azania Rises – South Africa
• Jabari – Ghana
• Bashorun Gaa – Nigeria

Best Documentary

• Africa Cradle of Humanity and Modern Civilization – Senegal/Canada
• Nightlife in Lasgidi – Nigeria
• Maayo Wonaa Keerol – The River Is Not a Border – Senegal
• Ifine (Beauty) – Sierra Leone
• Le Spectre de Boko Haram – Cameroon

Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

• Pusha Pressa Phanda – South Africa
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
• The Kitera Chronicle – Uganda
• Four Walls – South Africa
• Mami Wata – Nigeria

Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-born Director Living Abroad

• Talia’s Journey – Christophe Rolin (Senegal/Belgium)
• Golden Stripes – Peace Osigbe (Nigeria/UK)
• KOFA – Jude Idada (Nigeria/Canada)

Best Diaspora Short Film

• We Were Meant To – (United States) – directed by Tari Wariebi
• The Ballad of Olive Morris – (United Kingdom) – directed by Alex Kayode-Kay
• FiWy-Four Days – (United Kingdom) – directed by Cat White and Phoebe Torrance
• Raw Materials – (Jamaica) – directed by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly

Best Diaspora Documentary

• Sound of the Police – (United States) – directed by Stanley Nelson
• FantasHco Negrito – Have You Lost Your Mind Yet – (United States) – directed by Yvan Iturriaga and Francisco Nuñez
• Black Rio – (Brazil) directed by Fernando Sousa and Gabriel Barbosa

Best Diaspora Narrative Feature

• Chee$e – (Trinidad & Tobago) directed by Damian Marcano
• Our Father, The Devil – (United States) directed by Ellie Foumbi
• The Pastor and the Revolutionary – (Brazil) directed by José Eduardo Belmonte

Best Achievement in Production Design

• Pat Nebo – Anikulapo – Nigeria
• Eve Martin – Omen – DRC
• Sira – Burkina Faso
• Antoine Nshimiyimana – Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
• Chantel Carter – Gereza – South Africa

Best Achievement in Costume Design

• Bunmi Demilola Fashina – Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji – Anikulapo – Nigeria
• Millicent Jack – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
• Djibril Drame – Xalé – Senegal
• Elkehoste and Baloji Omen – DRC
• Sidi Ouedraogo Sira – Burkina Faso

Best Achievement in Make-Up

• Campell Precious Arebamen – Mami Wata – Nigeria
• ‘Hakeem Effect and Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji’ for ‘Anikulapo’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Lila Vander Elst’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Our Lady of the Chinese Shop’ (Angola)
• ‘Omowunmi Okungbure’ for ‘Gangs of Lagos’ (Nigeria).

Best Achievement in Soundtrack

• ‘Fight Like a Girl (Rwanda)
• ‘L’Axe Lourd (The Highway)’ (Cameroon)
• ‘Gereza’ (South Africa)
• ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Obinna Arua’ for ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’ (Nigeria).

Best Achievement in Visual Effects

• ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘The Trade’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Emmanuel Bassey’ for ‘Gangs of Lagos’ (Nigeria).

Best Achievement in Sound

• ‘Juliana Oswald’ for ‘Our Lady of the Chinese Shop’ (Angola)
• ‘Vianney Aube Sira’ (Burkina Faso)
• ‘Erik Griekspoor’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Samy Bardet’ for ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Michel Tsagli’ for ‘Xalé’ (Senegal).

Best Achievement in Cinematography

• ‘Lilis Soares’ for ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Joachim Philippe’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Richard Henkels’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl’ (Rwanda)
• ‘Thomas Wilski’ for ‘Talia’s Journey’ (Senegal/Belgium)
• ‘Eduardo Kropotkine’ for ‘Our Lady of the Chinese Shop’ (Angola).

Best Achievement in Editing

• ‘Nathan Delannoy’ for ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Bertrand Conard’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Sylvie Gadner’ for ‘Sira’ (Burkina Faso)
• ‘Layla Swart’ for ‘Gereza
• ‘Madhew Leutwyler’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl.’

Best Achievement in Screenplay

• ‘C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’ for ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Ufuoma MeHHri’ for ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Moussa Sene Absa,’ ‘Pierre Magny,’ ‘Ben Diogay Beye’ for ‘Xalé’ (Senegal)
• ‘Madhew Leutwyler’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl’ (Rwanda).

National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award for Best Nigerian Film

• Mami
• Anikulapo
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)
• Gangs of Lagos
• The Trade
• L.I.F.E.
• Brotherhood

Best Young/Promising Actor

• ‘Maleek Sanni’ for ‘Gangs of Lagos’
• ‘Ewube’ for ‘L’axe Lourd (The Highway)’
• ‘Darisimi Nadi’ for ‘Obara’m’
• ‘Sanou Titiama’ for ‘Le chant des fesits (The Song of the Rifle)’
• ‘Eyiyemi Afolayan’ for ‘Anikulapo’

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• ‘Francis Onwuchei’ for ‘The Trade’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Jeff Jackson’ for ‘Four Walls’ (South Africa)
• ‘Hakeem Kae-Kazim’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl’ (Rwanda)
• ‘Jimmy-Jean Louis’ for ‘Rise’ (United States).

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• ‘Uzoamaka Aniunoh’ for ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Rokhaya Niang’ for ‘Xalé’ (Senegal)
• ‘Clarck Natmbwe’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl’ (Rwanda)
• ‘Peter Mensah’ for ‘Rise’ (United States).

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• ‘Richard Mofe Damijo’ for ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Marc Zunga’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Fernando Kamugisha’ for ‘The Fallen Advocate’ (Uganda)
• ‘Tobi Bakre’ for ‘Brotherhood’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Justine Murichii’ for ‘Shimoni’ (Kenya)
• ‘Mike Danon’ for ‘Sira’ (Burkina Faso).

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• ‘Lucie Debay’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Ehle Mbali Mlotshwa’ for ‘4 Walls’ (South Africa)
• ‘Nafissatou Sisse’ for ‘Sira’ (Burkina Faso)
• ‘Adesua Etomi’ for ‘Gangs of Lagos’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Nse Ikpe Etim’ for ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Bimbo Ademoye’ for ‘Anikulapo’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Ama Qamata’ for ‘Fight Like a Girl’ (Rwanda).

First Debut Feature by a Director

• ‘Baloji’ for ‘Omen’ (DRC)
• ‘Ery Claver’ for ‘Our Lady of the Chinese Shop’ (Angola)
• ‘Jean Elliot Ilboudo’ for ‘le Chant des fusils (The Song of the Riffle)’ (Cameroon).

Best Director

• ‘Moussa Sene Absa’ for ‘Xalé’
• ‘C. J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’ for ‘Mami Wata’
• ‘Baloji’ for ‘Omen’
• ‘Apolline Traore’ for ‘Sira’
• ‘Izu Ojukwu’ for ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’
• ‘Kunle Afolayan’ for ‘Anikulapo’
• ‘Kgosana Monchusi’, ‘Menzi Mzimela’ and ‘Juvaiś Dunn’ for ‘4 Walls’.

Best Film

• ‘Xalé’ (Senegal)
• ‘Mami Wata’ (Nigeria)
• ‘4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)’ (Nigeria)
• ‘Omen’ (DRC), ‘4 Walls’ (South Africa)
• ‘Sira’ (Burkina Faso)
• ‘Anikulapo’ (Nigeria).

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Renowned figures in the Nigerian film industry, Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri, are once again at the forefront of supporting a new generation of filmmakers.

Gukas and Olakunri, celebrated for their contributions to Nigerian cinema, have unveiled “Kill Boro” as their most recent work under the First Features project. This initiative aims to empower emerging talent in the Nigerian film industry by offering training and funding for their debut feature films.

A press release issued on September 20, 2023, revealed that principal photography has commenced in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for the film, “Kill Boro”. The film will be directed by Courage Obayuwana, a protégé of the project and one of the 12 directors selected to participate in Gukas’ visionary initiative.

Gukas and Olakunri worked together on the First Features initiative, which is intended to have a beneficial effect on the Nigerian film industry by empowering and supporting up-and-coming directors.

Olakunri said,

“Our goal with First Features is to enrich the talent pool within Nollywood. We firmly believe that investing in the next generation of filmmakers is crucial for the industry’s ongoing development.”

The importance of this project was emphasised by Gukas, who said,

“The First Features project underscores our unwavering dedication to elevate Nigerian cinema by nurturing emerging talents with top-tier industry expertise”. 

Following the success of “Cake,” which served as the initiative’s launch in 2022, “Kill Boro” has the potential to be the following interesting addition to the First Features project.

The movie “Love & Life,” which will be released in October 2023 stars Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme, and Michelle Dede. It is another thriller that is eagerly anticipated as part of this programme.

Nigerian film fans can eagerly expect a new wave of engaging and visionary films as Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri continue to invest in up-and-coming filmmakers through the First Features project. These films will help the industry grow and evolve.

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