The highly anticipated trailer for Kunle Afolayan‘s next movie, “Ijogbon,” has finally been released on Netflix, promising fans an adventurous and chaotic adventure. Since “Anikulapo,” this is Afolayan’s first full-length motion picture.
The film “Ijogbon” takes us to the rural village called Oyo Oke in South-West Nigeria, where the lives of four teenage boys take an exciting turn after they discover a bag of diamonds. As the jewels’ legitimate owners look for their stolen goods, chaos results. As they work together to defend one of their friends and navigate the dangerous world of stolen diamonds, the youngsters find themselves thrown into a state of turmoil.
Kunle Afolayan Productions Film Village and Resort served as the location for the Kunle Afolayan-directed coming-of-age adventure movie. The four buddies who serve as the centre of the dramatic story are portrayed by a great ensemble cast that includes Ruby Akubueze, Kayode Ojuolape, Fawaz of Ikorodu Boiz, and Oluwaseyi Ebiesuwa.
Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, Manuel Bimbo, Yemi Solade, Sam Dede, Gregory Ojefua, Saeed Mallam, Femi Branch, Femi Adebayo Salami, and Dorathy Bachor are among the outstanding supporting actors in “Ijogbon.”
Written by the skilled screenwriter, Tunde Babalola, “Ijogbon” is one of the seven intriguing films unveiled by Netflix in August 2023. It is slated to make its debut on the streaming platform on October 13, 2023.
As Kunle Afolayan’s first feature film since “Anikulapo” in 2022, there is palpable excitement in the air, and audiences are eagerly anticipating what this award-winning filmmaker has in store for this latest cinematic endeavour.
Nigerian actor Yul Edochie is calling out Nollywood movies for a tired trope. He’s criticising films where Nigerian characters travel abroad and then act immature or foolish.
Edochie believes these portrayals are a bad look for Nigerians. He argues that Western movies typically show their characters going abroad and becoming more resourceful or successful. He wants Nollywood to showcase a more positive and realistic image of Nigerians on the global stage.
“We sell ourselves short with such storylines. Oyibo people will never make a movie where a white man is foolish on African soil. Instead, they’ll make the white man smarter than all the Africans in the movie,” the actor posted on Instagram on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
He added, “It’s intentional; they use movies to sell themselves as superheroes, while we use ours to run ourselves down.”
Edochie isn’t mincing words. Films like “Osuofia in London,” “Mr Ibu in London,” and “30 Days in Atlanta” are examples of what he’s criticising. These movies all follow the same pattern: Nigerians travelling abroad and then acting out of character.
Edochie is urging Nollywood filmmakers to move away from these stereotypes.
He wants them to portray Nigerian characters abroad in a more well-rounded way. He believes Nigerians can be shown as intelligent, resourceful, and successful on the international stage, not just goofy or immature.
“Let’s make movies where a Nigerian goes abroad and becomes the focal point for Oyibo people.
“He or she always walks with shoulders high, with so much pride and dignity, always on Nigerian wears, and teaches Oyibo people beautiful things they never knew about us.
“Offers traditional solutions to problems and becomes a leader over there.
“Let’s sell ourselves as superheroes as well,” he said.
Yul Edochie isn’t new to the Nollywood scene. He started his acting career in 2005, appearing alongside veterans like Justus Esiri and Enebeli Elebuwa in the movie “The Exquires.” His big break came in 2007 with a starring role alongside A-listers Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot in “Wind of Glory.”
Interestingly, acting runs in the family; Yul Edochie is the son of Nollywood legend Pete Edochie. He’s also passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience. In 2015, he even founded the Yul Edochie Film Academy in Lagos.
Get ready for a new docuseries from Netflix called “Sprint”! This show dives headfirst into the lives of the world’s fastest humans, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson. They are the elite sprinters who dedicate their lives to pushing the limits of speed.
Season 1 premieres in July, just in time to fuel your excitement for the Paris Olympics. It features exclusive behind-the-scenes access to world champions, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, both reigning champions in the 100 metres. You’ll see their intense training, pre-race nerves, and the raw emotions of victory and defeat during the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
But “Sprint” isn’t just about these two superstars.
Season 1 also spotlights the incredible Shericka Jackson, the current queen of the 200-metre dash. This is just a glimpse of the phenomenal athletes viewers can expect to see.
Here’s the exciting part: Season 2 takes things a step further thanks to a partnership between Netflix and the International Olympic Committee. This allows the cameras to follow these top sprinters not just in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics but also at the Games themselves! Imagine the electrifying drama of witnessing these athletes battle it out on the world’s biggest stage.
And the talent pool is truly global! “Sprint” promises to showcase not just American runners, but also stars from Jamaica, the UK, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Italy.
With this diverse group of athletes, viewers can expect to be inspired by stories of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of ultimate speed from all corners of the world.
Mark your calendars for “Sprint” on Netflix. This docuseries promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable journey into the world of elite sprinting.
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is partnering with the Lagos State Government on two exciting projects: a new movie and a reality TV show! On May 9, 2024, Akindele met with the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson Awoyinka.
During this meeting, Funke Akindele reportedly requested Lagos government support for programmes. The programmes help discover and develop promising new talent within Lagos’ creative industry.
This collaboration suggests that the upcoming movie and reality show might entertain audiences and serve as a platform to identify and empower future stars in Nigerian entertainment.
“I am very aware of the contribution of the state Government to the creative sector. Since our aim and objective of developing the industry are the same I thought it would be great to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on two projects aimed at discovering and developing new talents who will be mentored and assisted to climb the ladder of success and take over as shining stars of the industry in future,” Akindele said.
Funke Akindele with Lagos state officials discussing support and collaboration on her upcoming projects – X
Commissioner Awoyinka welcomed the collaboration and highlighted the Lagos State Government’s existing efforts to support the film industry.
She explained how the Ministry works with institutions like Ebonylife Academy, Africa Movie Academy, and Gidi Creative Centre to offer filmmaking courses. They also show their support by backing film festivals and prestigious events like the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
Awoyinka further emphasised their commitment by revealing that the government had already awarded ₦400 million in grants to filmmakers. Governor Sanwo-Olu is even promising to double that amount.
Funke Akindele with Lagos state officials discussing support and collaboration on her upcoming projects – X
Clearly impressed, Funke Akindele took to social media on Wednesday, May 15th, to express her gratitude for the meeting. She explores potential partnerships between the Lagos State government and her own production company.
“It was such an honour to meet with the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture for Lagos State, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and other executives of the Ministry on project collaborations between the Lagos State Government and Funke Akindele Network Limited!
“We are grateful for this amazing opportunity and we look forward to maximizing the Culture, Tourism and Media sectors of Lagos State,” Akindele stated.
It was such an honor to meet with the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture for Lagos State, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and other executives of the Ministry on project collaborations between the Lagos State Government and Funke Akindele Network Limited!
Funke Akindele has two exciting movies in the works! Her very own production company, the Funke Akindele Network (FAAN), will produce the two movies, “Finding Me” and “Everybody Loves Jenifa.”