Cinema lovers are in for a treat on November 17th, when the much-awaited Nigerian workplace suspense drama EGUN, which promises to bring a distinctive twist to the genre, opens in theatres. With a cast that includes Gideon Okeke, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe, Femi Jacobs, Bolaji Ogunmola, Adedimeji Lateef, Olarotimi Fakunle, Yekini Ibrahim, Vee Iye, Tomike Adeoye, Darasimi Nnadi, Ejiro Onajaife, and Taye Arimoro, this office thriller, directed by Carmen Ike Okoro and produced by IfeOluwa Olujuyigbe, is sure to delight viewers.
Plot Revealed: Office Space Reveals Secrets
The plot revolves around a bunch of office workers who open a secret-revealing chain of confessions after receiving an enigmatic box. The characters are forced to face their dark truths and deal with the consequences as each revelation takes a tragic turn. The narrative promises not only suspense and intrigue but also unexpected moments of laughter, skilfully woven into the immersive performances of the ensemble.
Characters & Cast: A Fusion of Talent
Gideon Okeke, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe, Femi Jacobs, Bolaji Ogunmola, Adedimeji Lateef, Olarotimi Fakunle, Yekini Ibrahim, Vee Iye, Tomike Adeoye, Darasimi Nnadi, Ejiro Onajaife, and Taye Arimoro are among the gifted group that make up EGÚN. Each performer brings their A-game to put life into characters grappling with the complexities of human interactions inside the limits of an office.
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Inspiration and Vision of the Director: An Exploration of Human Nature
Director Carmen Ike Okoro found inspiration in the complex complexities of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Drawing inspiration from psychological thrillers such as Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother” and Kayode Kasum’s “Soole” EGÚN delves into the tense interactions between individuals under extreme stress, mirroring the psychological struggles encountered by a significant number of Nigerians.
The video, which draws inspiration from the writings of clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, attempts to imaginatively illustrate the possible repercussions of untreated mental health issues. The idea is to explore the darker aspects of human nature while producing a sense of tension and cramped space in the workspace. By creating a story that gradually comes to light and exposes the effects of unbridled ambition and abuse by society, Okoro highlights the cautionary tale of pursuing goals without taking into account their influence on others.
Expectations from the audience: A humorous and in-depth exploration of the Nigerian spirit
The story will gradually reveal the darker sides of people while highlighting the consequences of pursuing ambitious goals, as viewers can expect. EGUN also promises amusing moments that come as a surprise, drawing on the humour that Nigerians frequently find themselves in difficult circumstances. The film offers not just an exciting adventure but also a hilarious and insightful examination of the Nigerian spirit, encouraging viewers to consider their journeys.
As EGUN makes a splash in theatres, it takes viewers on a cinematic trip that explores the intricacies of ambition, human nature, and the fallout from unrestrained ambitions. See Trailer.
Nollywood actress and director, Omoni Oboli, has announced that her debut series, “Last Year Single,” produced in 2020, will premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
Omoni Oboli embarked on her acting career with her debut role in “Bitter Encounter” (1996). In 2010, she earned recognition for her performances, winning the Best Actress in a Narrative Feature award at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival.
Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Oboli has a notable filmography, including “Moms At War” and the upcoming third instalment of the “Wives on Strike” franchise, “The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3,” set to debut next month.
In an official statement, the talented actor-director confirmed that her romantic drama series, “Last Year Single,” will be available on Netflix starting Friday, September 6, 2024.
“The only thing we are all doing on Friday is grabbing our movie snacks and sitting in front of our TV on Netflix. Because THE HOTTEST SERIES ever is coming LAST YEAR SINGLE This Friday! Exclusive to Netflix.”
The series “Last Year Single” began production in 2020 but encountered delays due to the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by Joy Bewaji and produced by Tomi Adeoye, the show follows the lives of three single women in their 30s as they struggle to find suitable partners while juggling their finances.
The cast includes notable actors such as Bimbo Ademoye, Toni Tones, Abishola Segun Williams, Mawuli Gavor, Kachi Nnochiri, Uzoma Osimkpa, Taye Arimoro, Kabiri Fubara, Chy Nwakama, Anthony Monjaro, and Chamberlyn Okoro, all of whom bring depth and charisma to the story.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has officially selected the Nollywood film “The Weekend“.Daniel Oriahi directed the film. It is to screen at the prestigious 68th edition of its London Film Festival. The BFI Film Festival in London will occur from October 9th to October 20th, 2024.
The lineup for the festival boasts an impressive 255 titles, including features, shorts, series, and immersive works. They represent a diverse range of 80 countries and feature 64 languages.
Following the successful premiere of his new feature film on August 30th, 2024, Oriahi took to Instagram to share the exciting news of The Weekend‘s selection for the BFI Film Festival. The film garnered a remarkable ₦8 million at the box office.
“I am deeply honoured and proud to announce that The Weekend has been officially selected to screen at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, the largest film festival in the UK. This selection comes as The Weekend continues to break box office records for its genre in Nollywood. The Weekend will be showcased in the BFI (LFF) Cult Section alongside some of the most anticipated thrillers and horror films of the fall season. I am equally thrilled to join the ranks of extraordinary new wave Nigerian filmmakers like @kennethgyang @fierycj @abbatmakama @mikegouken @damiorimogunje and @chukoesiri , whose works have graced past editions of this prestigious festival,” he said.
Oriahi began his filmmaking journey by producing and directing Misfit.
This is a psychological horror film, as his debut feature on a limited budget. He has also directed other notable works, including Taxi Driver: Oke Ashewo in 2015 and Sylvia in 2018.
The selection committee for the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York reviewed numerous submissions. They chose Oriahi’s comeback film, The Weekend, for screening at the festival. This selection made The Weekend the only Nollywood film to feature at the international event this year.
The Weekend is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Nikiya Talabi, an orphan girl yearning for family. Nikiya visits her fiancée’s seemingly perfect family, only to uncover their sinister secret. The film boasts a talented cast. This includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, and Damilola Ogunsi.
Nollywood actress and producer, Juliet Ibrahim, has explained her decision to release her latest films on YouTube rather than other streaming platforms. She revealed this in a recent interview with TheCable Lifestyle at the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit in Lekki. Juliet revealed that she chose YouTube due to its less demanding requirements.
Unlike platforms like Netflix or Prime, YouTube doesn’t impose strict criteria for equipment, editing, lighting, or crew members. This flexibility allows for a more accessible and inclusive approach to filmmaking.
She said,
“Before you submit to a streaming platform, either Netflix or Prime, you have a list of equipment you must use. There is a criteria for editing, lighting, your crew members, a whole lot of things and that includes a lot of money. That is where I said the funding would now become a problem.”
Speaking further on YouTube’s benefit, Juliet also acknowledged the risk of piracy, saying,
“You see, there is something about being a filmmaker, you make your movie, and you want to own your rights. There is also piracy, so even YouTube is not 100% safe because people still pirate, they would steal your content. However, there is a whole market on YouTube where people make quick and easy money with less stress. Without having to go buy the cinema criteria or streaming platform criteria.”
Juliet Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of reaching diaspora audiences who cannot access cinema content.
“As a filmmaker, you want to have multiple streams of income, and there are people in diaspora who want to watch our content but cannot access our cinema content. Until we can give them good cinema content over there, we can put it on Netflix or YouTube. If Netflix says the content is not good enough for them, we can put it on Showmax or YouTube uploads. A lot of people have different reasons, but most times you have to look at it strategically and also what goes into your pocket,” she added.
