MOVIES

New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) To Feature “Over the Bridge” And Other Nigerian Films

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

NYAFF To Feature These Nigerian Films | Fab.ng

Nollywood films “Over the Bridge,” “This Is Lagos,” and “Dynamite” will be shown at the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). It began on Wednesday, May 8, and will continue until May 14.

The festival features African and diaspora films in the United States. This offers viewers a varied array of stories from Africa and its diaspora. Established in 1993, NYAFF has become a platform for showcasing films that explore various aspects of African history and contemporary life.

This year’s festival is themed “Convergence of Time.”

It explores the intersection of historical and modern narratives portrayed by artists representing Africa and its diaspora. The opening night film, “Over the Bridge,” will be screened at the Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Centre. This takes place on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Q&A session with the film’s director, Tolu Ajayi, on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

“Over the Bridge” is the story of Folarin Marinho, whom Ozzy Agu played. In the movie, he is an investment banker grappling with alcoholism and panic attacks. The film received 12 nominations at the AMVCA, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Lead Actress.

Kenneth Gyang’s “This Is Lagos” centres on Stevo (Gabriel Afolayan), a rapper facing the repercussions of his criminal past after a botched heist. The film garnered nominations in four categories at the 2024 AMVCA.

“Dynamite” explores the tumultuous marriage of musician Kiki and her manager/husband. It also explores her passionate affair with a new bassist. Uche Aguh directed the movie.

The festival will conclude on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with the screening of the Bollywood film “Dilli Dark.” It features Nollywood actor Michael Okeke. The director, Dibakar Das Roy, will participate in a Q&A session following the screening. “Dilli Dark” sheds light on racial discrimination and the experiences of individuals with darker skin in Delhi and India.

As part of the festival, veteran director Ngozi Onwurah will host a workshop focusing on using film to examine socioeconomic dynamics.

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AFRICAN

Burna Boy Is Producing His First Film “3 Cold Dishes” Which Tackles Sex Trafficking

Published

4 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Reporter

Burna Boy Is Producing His First Film "3 Cold Dishes" | Fab.ng

Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has taken on a new role in the film industry as an executive producer. He will co-produce the upcoming thriller “3 Cold Dishes” with Ifind, Alma Productions, Asurf Films, Martian Network, and Black Mic Mac. Black Mic Mac is a production company showcasing African and Middle Eastern talents.

“3 Cold Dishes” follows the story of Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle. They are three former victims of sex trafficking who have become powerful figures in the underground world of prostitution. Despite their success, they cannot escape the trauma of their pasts. The men who sold them into slavery hunt them, vowing to make them pay.

Burna Boy will produce the film through Spaceship Films, the production company he started in 2015 with his mother, Bose Ogulu.

Asurf Oluseyi, who won the 2016 AMVCA for Best Short Film for “A Day with Death“, directed the movie.

According to director Asurf Oluseyi, the film explores a different genre in his conversation with Variety Magazine. He described it as a “testament to the strength and resilience of its characters,” and an “African cinematic journey like no other.”

“3 Cold Dishes” boasts a star-studded cast. They include Nollywood actors like Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, and more. The film also includes talented actors from other African countries. They including Fat Toure and Maud Guerard from Ivory Coast and Amelie Mbaye and Mentor Ba from Senegal. This diverse cast brings together a wealth of acting experience.

The film is part of a larger effort by Black Mic Mac, a production company dedicated to highlighting African talent. Black Mic Mac is currently working on a variety of projects. These projects showcase the range of African storytelling. They include titles like The Devil Inside, The Three Rascals, and The Great Transporter.

“I’m so proud to work with so many different filmmakers all over the continent, and to continue to try to discover talent who want to entertain the world,” Pape Boye, the founder of Black Mic Mac, said.

With such a varied selection of films, Black Mic Mac is making a big name for itself in the African film and television industry. Their work shows a commitment to telling a wide range of stories and giving a platform to African storytellers.

Check out more movie updates here.

MOVIES

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

Published

9 hours 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

“Stop Making Films Where Nigerians Travel Abroad Dey Mumu” – Yul Edochie Tells Filmmakers

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Reporter

Yul Edochie - stop films where Nigerians act foolish abroad | Fab.ng

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.

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A post shared by Yul Edochie (@yuledochie)

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.

Check out more updates here.