Comedy movie Battle on Buka Street will hit cinemas on December 16th 2022 from the stables of the producer of the highest grossing Nollywood movie ever in Nigeria in partnership with FilmOne. Movie stars Funke Akindele-Bello, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Nkem Owoh, Tina Mba and was directed by Funke and Tobi Makinde.

It tells the story of certain families in the same nature of business trying to outdoor each other. It depicts the street life and daily occurrences in our contemporary society. Can it outrun Omo Ghetto at the box office? What do you think?

Watch Trailer :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb8a4p1a3qQ&t=5s

The night falls upon us prompting man and animals to find solace in a good night's sleep. Quite a number of people are still awake not because they are workaholics or nocturnal but due to the fact that they find it difficult to fall asleep. The tossing and turning continues into the break of dawn, leaving a trail of mood swings, crankiness, mental exhaustion, among other things when they go about their daily activities by sun rise.

Go to bed! Its time for bed! Go and Sleep! are familiar words we were accustomed to hearing on a daily basis as children. Often times, it was frustrating because the command came when we were engaged in one interesting activity or the other or when we just didn't feel like going to bed at that time.

Our little minds couldn't figure out what the fuzz was about and some of us as adults cant, especially in the light of the hectic work schedules, bills to pay, children to take care of and the likes.
What does even the word sleep mean? What can we do to ensure that we sleep better and wake up full of life and vitality ready to take on the days challenges?

Sleep Defined
The Merriam-Webster defines sleep as “the natural, easily reversible periodic state of many living things that is marked by the absence of wakefulness and by the loss of consciousness of one’s surroundings, is accompanied by a typical body posture (such as lying down with the eyes closed), the occurrence of dreaming, and changes in brain activity and physiological functioning, is made up of cycles of non-REM sleep and REM sleep, and is usually considered essential to the restoration and recovery of vital bodily and mental functions”
From this definition, we can decipher the following about sleep :
1. Its a temporary state
2. You are unaware of whats going on around you
3. Lying down is the usual posture adopted
4. Brain activity is involved in the process
5. Bodily and mental functions are restored during that time

When you are cranky, yawn frequently, or are exhausted during the day, well those are signs of not sleeping well a.k.a. sleep deprivation. This is bad as it can affect your health negatively resulting in a weak immune system, low sex drive, poor physical co-ordination, risk of getting a heart disease, and frequent mood swings.

How can one sleep better

1. Make your environment ideal for sleeping
Ever wonder why a parent is fond of closing the curtains and turning off the light when the child is in bed, a practice that stuck into our teenage years which we imbibed and now as adults, were doing the same thing? Well a dark room in a tranquil environment easily triggers off sleep as opposed to when the lights are on. Using dark curtains to block out exterior light, creating an environment that easily makes you fall asleep such as listening to soft music, having a bath, keeping your room cool will aid in sleeping better and faster.

2. Create and stick to a specific sleeping time
At least seven hours of sleep is needed as an adult and forming a negative pattern of going below the stipulated time frame sets your body up for the aftermath of sleep deprivation. To prevent this, go to bed at a specific time and get up at a specific time ‘repeatedly’. You would soon notice that at these set times especially the waking up times, you get to wake up at that specific time. This is because the body has automatically adjusted the internal sleep and wake up cycle, thus providing you with the opportunity of sleeping longer and waking up refreshed.

3. Ensure bedding is comfortable
The quality of your bedding is important in securing a good nights sleep. It should be comfortable to sleep on and not the one that leaves you the next morning with muscle aches, joint pains, stiff neck and back ache. Getting the right bedding from the mattress, pillows, bed spread, comforter, among others can give your body the needed support it needs to boost sleep.
Low quality bedding such as coarse bed sheets have a way of irritating your skin thus making sleeping uncomfortable. Sweating and dehydration are resultant effects of beddings that can trap heat.
Some studies have shown that new bedding can boost sleep. Studies on pubmed and ncbi show that low quality bedding can lead to increased lower back pain.

4. Avoid thinking of problems
Remaining rock eyed throughout the night while searching for sleep that grew wings and flew away comes with the worry baggage. Stress levels are increased making it difficult to sleep no matter the modalities you've set in place for sleeping better. Worry can come from the workplace, family life, dashed expectations, that occurred during the day, at night, and even in the past weeks, making it difficult to initiate the sleeping process. Instead, focus your thoughts on positive things, knowing that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

Read more on : https://justtawa.com/ng/8-good-habits-to-adopt-for-better-sleep/

Podcasting has become one of the marketing strategies business owners are using to reach potential customers, convert them, while building their brands in order to remain relevant in a world where swift adaptation to the ever changing technology is critical to the success of the business.

What is podcasting? What are the advantages of having a podcast for business? How can one start a podcast for business? Lets jump right in.

What is podcasting?
Think of an online radio show you’ve listened to and Podcasting is similar to that. Its the opposite of a blog post and while you read the content therein, in podcasting, it is audio based, hence, you access the content through your sense of hearing. Through an audio file accessed by devices, information such as latest news on business activities, products, services, industry related news among other things are easily disseminated to the end users by business owners.



Why is Podcasting Important?
People in different parts of the world are looking for content that will teach, entertain, inform them about things they don't know or are interested in knowing more while on the go, and business owners can leverage on this to link up and engage with their targeted audience. The age of smart phones, iPhones, tablets and other devices has made it easy to listen to podcasts of ones choice from the plethora of topics covering business, finance, entertainment, personal development, beauty, health and wellness, real estate, among others.
Hence, business owners can key into this to expand their potential reach with a view to converting over time.

What Are The Advantages of Having A Podcast For Business?

Soaring Popularity
Over the years, in a bid to put word out there about either ones personal brand or business in the emerging online market space, various platforms; blogs, social media, culminating into various digital solutions arose, thereby giving the opportunity to do so especially in the digital age. Podcasting is fast becoming popular because it allows one the freedom to listen while multi-tasking. Most people like to listen on-the-go through their mobile phones when driving, walking, working out, cooking, or engaged in house cleaning. According to Insider Intelligence, podcast listeners reached 117.8 million in 2021 in the United States.

Usually the duration of a podcast is between 15-30 minutes and sometimes 45 minutes. Imagine engaging listeners with an interesting business topic for that long? They'll definitely want to subscribe and look forward to listening again, thus, leading to brand loyalty. As a business owner, keying into the rising trend and the benefits that accrue before it becomes saturated, can help position your business strategically before your targeted audience.

Connects you with Potential Customers
Podcast offers business owners the opportunity of displaying their expertise over a given topic to the listeners. Not only are you adding value to their knowledge base, but you'll with time come across to listeners as being knowledgeable, an expert, in the business topic being talked about or discussed. This builds trust and solidifies your credibility, turning potential customers to paying customers, repeat purchasers and brand loyalists.

When it comes to the hosting platforms, these have podcast listings, searches, which further increases your chances of popping up in the face of new audience searching to be educated on something and your podcast might just be what they need. Founder of PodKick Media, Spencer Shaw stated in Forbes thus If you're a business in an industry that has a high customer value, then a podcast may be one of your most effective education and marketing tools I find podcasts work great in the legal, financial, and business services industries. It can work in other industries, like real estate, where the show is representing a geographic area or high-end services or products.

Good for Repurposing Content
Repurposing content is a strategy that many business owners have failed to deploy. Creating fresh new content regularly can be a herculean task, and that's where repurposing content comes in. It simply involves taking a content e.g. a blog post and converting to another format, in this case, a podcast while giving life to it via your voice. Now with the podcast you can cross promote it by posting the video (in case you did the video recording of same) on YouTube, social media (audio, video and images), show notes on the website among other things. This saves time and expands your potential reach.

Networking
Who doesn't love the extra opportunity for their personal brand or business to gain the desired recognition? Everyone loves it! Inviting guests for interviews or discussion on the podcast show is a win-win for both parties. Not only is the podcast host benefiting from the enlightenment the guest is dishing out to listeners, the guest has also increased his/her personal brand recognition via the podcast, not just locally but internationally as well.

People love listening to interviews and if you can get known experts on the show, that's a plus for your podcast. The more guests you invite on the show, the more you're expanding your business network.
If you run a beauty shop, you could reach out to a dermatologist to talk about the side effects of using bleaching creams, a nutritionist to talk about the types of healthy foods to eat that leads to one having a glowing skin, a psychologist to talk about how mental health can impact on ones beauty, a financial expert to talk about how you can look good on a low budget without breaking the bank, among others. Besides, a business relationship will be further established between the host and the guest which can lead to future business engagements.

Read more and also how to start a business podcast on https://justtawa.com/ng/podcasting-for-business-benefits-and-tips-for-starting/

The emergence of Justtawa Market place, a premium e-commerce platform strategically positioned to connect vetted sellers of African and Non-African products and services with buyers across international frontiers in a seamless safe transaction process, is fast catching the attention of people within the country. The creation of the most comprehensive online marketplace has been designed to suit the nature of African businesses and Justtawa Market Place aims to deliver excellence at all times.

E-commerce is certainly not alien to Nigeria especially with more people having access to the internet. According to Statista, “Nigeria had 108.75 million internet users in 2021 which is projected to grow to 143.26 million by 2026. Internet penetration amounted to 51.44% of the population in 2021 and is set to reach 59.92% in 2026”

Desktops, tablets and mobile phones are the typical ways through which individuals access the net. However, mobile internet users are fast increasing. Statista also reports that 48% of the Nigerian population as of August 2021 were accessing the internet via mobile devices. By 2026, a projection has been made that 59.7% of 59.9% of the total internet users will use mobile devices.

The business landscape has changed and with technological trends evolving rapidly, it is apt that business owners need to move with the times or be left behind. Today, businesses are in search of new and innovative ways to grow and Justtawa Market Place provides the succour to promote products and services, generate leads and foster a strong economic community through advanced and effective marketing styles.

A good number of people are still sceptical about shopping online via e-commerce sites or selling goods and services on such sites. Fear of cybercrimes and internet fraud, Lack of trust on the part of the buyer, lack of knowledge and technical know-how in operating a store front on the e-commerce platform, delivery issues, among others, continues to hamper effective services.

Justtawa Market place has a special interest in promoting African products and services, of course it doesn’t mean non-African products are negated or are of less interest. On the contrary Justtawa helps vendors in both areas to make money when they sell, save money when you buy, trade safely when you connect with either buyers or sellers, share culture (enjoy local connection to African and non-African products and services).

Justtawa operates a B2B and B2C business solution as a cost effective, value added trust centered approach in enhancing sales and consumer experience. Sellers are exposed to robust safety features, measures and processes that promotes safe trading activities, site efficiency, while enhancing communication between vendors and potential buyers. It’s a place where possibilities are shared and culture is formed by the relationships people have with each other. Justtawa is committed to promoting the African market place to the rest of the world

Read more on https://justtawa.com/ng/justtawa-market-place-the-next-big-thing-in-e-commerce/

No matter how good you are at what you do, if people are unaware of what you do or can do, then things will remain the same. Those who have the spotlight on them courtesy of the media tend to soar higher, faster. Now this is what publicity does to your career, business and any other sphere you want to rise up in. Many have had their dreams shattered, halted, simply because no one knew they existed. Publicity creates that platform wherein you can thrive and up your game...besides, if you're unknown...trust me... it's hard to sell that fantastic idea to that company or secure funds for your projects.

Though good publicity requires huge funds, nonetheless as a publicist 'have discovered that all you need is a push now and again especially if you don't have access to funds but the most important thing is getting the word out there about you or what you do. So whether you're an individual seeking to be known in a given field, an entrepreneur, Ngo or corporate body, then take advantage of any of these affordable services:

* Press release & distribution to media houses (upcoming event/event/announcement of a new product/service etc)
* Press conference
* Press briefing
* One on one Interview with Press men (Newspapers/soft sell mags/TV)
* Coverage of your event by Press men (Newspapers/ soft sell mags/TV) and much more
* Drawing up Publicity campaign / PR Strategies

So what are you waiting for? Call now : +2347036693703

Theatrical Distribution (taking of films to cinemas) in Nigeria is fast becoming the norm, producers/filmmakers have adopted. The success of 30 days in Atlanta in 2014 further created a quantum leaping effect in the number of producers who have sought for their films to be shown in cinemas.

Some have been lucky and had their first/second/third cinematic appearances while some have had to deal with the rejection handed to them by the Distributors they approached. When it comes to Theatrical distribution, there are a few registered Distributors in Nigeria who ply their trade specifically in that terrain as opposed to those who distribute DVDs.

From experience, we’ve pencilled down 40 questions below that Producers/Filmmakers constantly ask prior to securing Distribution deals which they dominantly don’t have the correct answers to:

1) How many Theatrical Distributors do we have in Nigeria and where are they based?

2) Must i go through a Distributor to have my film shown in cinemas? Why can’t I go to individual cinemas and pitch my film to them?

3) How does the Distribution system work?

4) What does it entail to take my film to the cinema?

5) Will the Distributor subject my film to any litmus test before accepting to distribute it?

6) What are the pros and cons of theatrical distribution in Nigeria?

7) How do I pitch my film to the Distributor to warrant having an interest in my film?

How do I know the most suitable date for my film to be released?

9) Can I tell the Distributor to move the date of the film’s release if unprecedented events occur?

10) What sort of trailer will appeal to the audience and ideally when should trailering in cinemas commence?

11) Which of the Distributors should I approach and how will I gauge seriousness in wanting to distribute my film?

12) What cost range (budget) should I have in mind when taking my film to the cinemas?

13) Will I have returns on investment if I go for a theatrical release?

14) Is it guaranteed that the Distributor will have my film exhibited Nationwide in all cinemas?

15) What if the Distributor can’t? and at what stage of the process should I be informed by the Distributor about this?

16) Must the final cut of the film be ready before I approach a Distributor?

17) Typically what’s the sharing ratio?

18) When and how do I get paid? What if I’m not based in Nigeria?

19) What format must my film be played in cinemas?

20) I heard it’s dominantly played on DCP, so where can I get DCP services in Nigeria (affordable and top notch quality) without breaking the bank?

21) Can I censor my film directly with NFVCB or must the Distributor do that for me? Ideally when should this be carried out?

22) Do I bear all the cost of publicity/production of materials etc or does the Distributor contribute as well to lessen the financial burden?

23) I’ve heard of GBO, Net of gross, what do they mean?

24) What genre(s) appeals to the audience?

25) Will the Distributor be involved every step of the way from start to finish? or will responsibilities be split between the Distributor and myself?

26) Does the Distributor have any Anti- piracy measures to protect my film?

27) Can my film be shown on other platforms (online/cable etc) while it’s still running in cinemas?

28) When is the ideal time to display all promotional materials in the cinemas foyer?

29) How can the main cast get involved in the film’s push?

30) How effective are freebies during the film’s release?

31) Is it advisable to carry out Regional media tours before/after the film’s release?

32) What if one Distributor rejects my film, can another Distributor take it or are they bound by any rules?

33) What if none takes it, what do I do?

34) Should I first release my film in the UK/USA etc before releasing in Nigeria or vice versa?

35) Can I approach a Distributor even at the developmental stage?

36) Yikes! What happens if I don’t make my money back in cinemas?

37) Any tips for ensuring my film can be viewed by all classes of people?

38) Do the cinemas take all the films presented to them by the Distributor?

39) What influences the time slots allotted by cinemas for my film?

40) What are the best times/peak periods and days to capitalize on to massively increase box office sales?

41) What influences frequency of time slots for a film given by cinemas?

42) Why do cinemas keep on showing some films longer than others?

43) What’s the guaranteed period in which a film can be kept in cinemas?

44) Can a cinema have a re-run of the film after it has ended in cinemas? What’s the sharing ratio at that time?

45) At the end of the day, is it really worth taking my film to the cinemas?

These are just some of the questions (as there are still quite a number) in the Distribution process. Frankly speaking the Distributor has no time to answer candidly all the questions, some answers you get to find out the hard way.

Wouldn’t it be wise to have answers to these questions and all that you seek pertaining to the distribution process in Nigeria prior to your approaching any Distributor or considering going to the cinemas to avoid getting your fingers burnt?.

Let’s allay your fears and answer ALL these questions and others you might have CANDIDLY. Consult with us today, send an email to : wiseinsight36@gmail.com or Call Now : +234908 6317 902

It’s January 2016… Happy new Year!!!. This year promises to be exciting with great books and films to be released. Check out some films in cinemas in 2016:

Concussion
Elephant IN The Room
5th Wave
Airlift
Ride Along 2
The Last Witch hunter

Please see more with posters, dates and trailers on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2016/01/05/films-in-nigerian-cinemas-for-january-2016/

The movie Suzanne Wenger, a biopic by Joshua Ojo and starring Affiz Oyetoro (Saka), Yemi Elebuibon, Londoner, Justina Onitchabor, Jessica (German who played Suzanne Wenger) hits selected cinemas from July 24th 2015. The movie which is inspired by true events, tells the story of Suzanne Wenger, an Austrian who leaves her country to settle down in Nigeria. Intrigued by the traditional arts and love for nature, she explores the possibility of doing the impossible, by getting into the circle of the chosen ones. Her move is rebuffed and series of setbacks that would take her on a journey she never bargained for begins.

For those who do not know who Suzanne Wenger was, she came to Nigeria with her husband and soon became ill due to tuberculosis. She was attracted to the yoruba religion after meeting one of the few priests and turned to it. She founded the art school “New Sacred Art” and became the guardian of the Sacred Grove of Osun goddess on the banks of the... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/07/14/affiz-oyetoro-saka-yemi-elebuibon-londoner-star-in-suzanne-wenger-movie/

The month of July 2015 at the cinemas in Nigeria, promises to be exciting with a blend of comedy, action, family, drama movies lined up (both foreign and local). Please see below for releases in July. Terminator Genisys had been released prior to this write up.

MUM DAD MEET SAM

Genre : Comedy Romance

Cast : Joseph Benjamin, Danielle Down, A Dot Comedian, Edith Nwekenta, segilola Ogidan

Josiah Abiola (Joseph Benjamin) is at the peak of his career. The only thing left is to find the perfect girl to settle down with, and Samantha Smith (Daniella Down) is stunning, intelligent, and pretty much fits the picture. Both meet and fall in love and might just be perfect for each other. He decides to take her home to meet his family…in Nigeria. What is meant to be a special occasion turns out to be their worst nightmare. Throw in a cocktail of the devious ex-girlfriend Morenike (Edith Nwekenta), an over protective, overdramatic mother (Helen Gold), and the fact that Sam is… ENGLISH, then you have a recipe for an explosive and disastrous encounter ripe with awkwardness and hilarity.

Release date : July 10th


ANT MAN, Tempting Fate, The Minions, ... get to know the other movies being released on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/07/06/cinema-releases-in-july-2015-nigeria-ant-man-mum-dad-meet-sam-the-minions-when-love-comes-around-more/

Highly rated movie, Silver Rain, was written and directed by Ghana’s sweetheart, Juilet Asante. It stars Joselyn Dumas, Enyinna Nwigwe, Elikem Kumordzie , Uru Eke, Belinda Baidoo, Chumani Pan. The Cast were selected from five African countries ; South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone.

It tells the story of Ajoa, a ‘Kayayo’ street girl from Accra, who meets Bruce, the rich heir of the Timothy fortune. Their friendship sets into motion a class war. Ajoa struggles to cross the class divide and find love, Bruce struggles to find himself. Together, they must brave the turbulent political times, as well as the social barriers, that may just be their undoing…

Silver Rain was shot on RED with the Director of photography from SA, Nate Thomas, (one of the best D.O.Ps in sub-Saharan Africa) using Ghana and South Africa as locations. Juliet Asante, holds an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, A Diploma from The New York Film Academy and a B.A from the National Film & Television Institute of Ghana (NAFTI – Legon University) & Cape Coast University.

According to her “We believe and know that Africa stands in a unique position to make an impact on the world through its films. One of the most important path to achieving this, is through... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/05/12/ghanas-sweetheart-juilet-asante-to-release-silver-rain-in-naija-cinemas/

Osas Ighodaro ; Miss Black USA 2010, Co-Presenter Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2014, presenter Maltina Family Dance All, is indeed a great actress. Did you know she was part of the cast for the movie Cadillac Records starring Beyonce Knowles, Restless City, Tyler Perry’s ‘Meet the Browns’ and she’s been a guest on Internationally acclaimed TV talk show, ‘The Mo’nique show’?.

Having starred in Tinsel, her acting prowess within our shores has soared as she plays the lead role of Tolu (tactical expert for a secret corporate espionage based thriving company) in a new film titled “The Department”. The action/romance based movie .... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/01/28/maltina-family-dance-all-tv-presenter-osas-stars-in-the-department/

The Department, a must watch romantic/crime based movie from the stables of Ink blot productions in association with Closer Pictures has been slated for theatrical release on 30th January 2015. Think Corporate Espionage and think “The Department”, which is a break away from the usual norm of story-telling.

A secret organization tagged ‘The Department’ run by young professionals, blackmails Top Executives into selling their companies to the ‘man’ behind the Department. Two lovers, Tolu and Nnamdi, opt out of The Department and get married. They’ve broken the rule, one which the department has refused to ignore. The pressure, intrigues, blackmail from the group, soon tests their love for each other.

The movie parades a blend of established and talented fast rising young stars; Desmond Elliot (When Love Happens), Majid Michel (Being Mrs Elliot), Osas Ighodaro (Ex Ms Black USA, Tinsel), Jide Kosoko (Last Flight to Abuja), O.C. Ukeje (Half Of A Yellow Sun, When love happens), Kenneth Okolie (EX Mr Nigeria, Mrs Somebody), Seun Akindele (Dazzling Mirage) and Somkele Iyamah (Ex face of Visafone, Gidi Up web series).

The Department was written by Chinaza Onuzo, directed by the legendary... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/01/18/majid-michel-o-c-ukeje-osas-ighodaro-desmond-elliot-star-in-the-department/

Forget about the polished look O.C Ukeje frequently flaunts. We’ve been fooled by this act of tooshness for many years… but not anymore. Naija shine your eyes, we saw him unveil this act of bushmanship before our very eyes… and at where?… Hmm… it was in Gone Too Far; a hilarious British Nigerian comedy… got ya!
Gone Too Far, the award winning movie, is a film adaptation of Bola Agbaje’s Oliver Award winning play, produced by Poisson Rouge Pictures and co-funded by the British Film Institute. The movie stars O.C Ukeje, Adelayo Adedayo, Malachi Kirby, Bhasker Patel, Pooja Shah, Tosin Cole and was directed by fast rising female British/Nigerian Director in the UK, Destiny Ekaragha.

O.C plays the comical role of Ikudaisi, a typical bush African in the midst of toosh folks in the UK, who travels from Nigeria wearing socks and sandals to meet his enstranged brother, Yemi, for the first time in Peckham. Yemi (raised in the UK) questions both his judgment and his African heritage. A day on the estate filled with danger, excitement, and romance, teaches them the values of family, self-respect and oh…there’s a babe Yemi fancies… but he’s toasting skills are nothing to hype, even their mother encourages Ikudaisi to teach him the art of wooing a babe.

Scenes from the trailer where Ikudaisi says:
“sexy ladies…(there’s a rebuff from the babe)…my name is Ikudaisi but you can call me dicey baby” and a restaurant scene where he’s displaying the bush attitude, making Yemi uncomfortable “ when I’m brushing my teeth i am a Nigerian… when I’m eating my chicken.. I am a Nigerian”…. makes you laugh... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2015/01/08/never-knew-o-c-ukeje-was-a-bush-man-his-gone-too-far/

The press screening of ‘A Silent Cry’- ‘Ekun Asunsinu’ held couple of days ago at FilmHouse Cinemas. The movie which is set for theatrical release on September 5, 2014, was directed by Desmond Elliot and parades A-list Yoruba stars; Adebayo Salami, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson, Dayo Amusa, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, and Ayo Adesanya.

The press watched the movie with rapt attention and broke into laughter, giggles, and loudly expressed their thoughts and emotions, obviously engrossed in the unfolding events that this epic romantic drama presented. When the closing credits began to scroll on the Big Screen, they clapped in appreciation for a job well done. This was constantly expressed in their comments during the interview session with the producer, Miss Taiwo and Mr Akin Fasuyi who represented the Executive producer who runs Titan productions.

The story revolves around Tomiwa (Toyin Aimakhu), a young lady from a comfortable home, who falls into the deceptive net of her lover. Having committed an act termed as unforgivable by her father... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2014/08/24/press-screening-of-a-silent-cry-applauded/

“A Silent Cry” – “Ekun Asunsinu” from the stables of Titan productions, has been slated for theatrical release on September 5th, 2014 and is distributed across selected cinemas by FilmOne distribution. A unique, intricately crafted story, delivered with dexterity by the finest of thespians in the Yoruba movie industry, A Silent Cry, will capture the visual attention of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, as top notch professionalism was deployed in ensuring subtitling meets the set standard.

The movie was directed by Desmond Elliot and parades A-list Yoruba stars; Adebayo Salami, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson, Dayo Amusa, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, and Ayo Adesanya. The story revolves around Tomiwa (Toyin Aimakhu), a young lady from a comfortable home, who falls into the deceptive net of her lover. Having committed an act termed as unforgivable by her father, she is thrown into the sea of loneliness and battles with the waves of indecision, betrayal and dark secrets that threatens her very existence and the unity of her family!.

According to the MD of FilmOne, Mr Kene Mkparu, “we believe in good organic content whether told in the official or indigenous language, that can boast of good production values. We want to support diligent producers with fresh ideas whose works speak for themselves”... read more on

https://9aijabooksandmovies./2014/08/18/a-silent-cry-the-indigenous-movie-set-to-make-waves-in-2014/

Peter Grimes is coming to Naija…whao!!!!. FilmOne Distribution, a company known for its sound professionalism and innovation, is spearheading the introduction of “Event Cinema” in Nigeria. This unique concept offers alternative content to movies via visually refreshing stories told using the ever green ‘Opera’ platform. FilmHouse cinemas will exclusively screen one of Britain’s most significant operas; Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes, as performed by the English National Opera in stunning cinematic high definition from July 25th 2014, in all its locations.

This laudable feat is the first of its kind in West Africa and is possible thanks to the support of the UK’s cultural relations organisation the British Council and Altive Media. Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council Nigeria said, “We are very pleased about the partnership with FilmOne Distribution and FilmHouse Cinemas and look forward to sharing high quality performances from the UK with new audiences in their cinemas across Nigeria.”

Peter Grimes is an opera in a prologue and three acts and is the first revival of director David Alden’s 2009 five-star, sell-out production. The English National Opera is one of the world’s most innovative and accessible opera companies with an International reputation for distinctive, contemporary and highly theatrical productions. Peter Grimes paints a vivid picture of a small community’s descent into suspicion, gossip and mob mentality in the face of a tragedy. What really happened to fisherman Peter Grimes’s missing apprentice, and was he involved? As the townspeople’s mistrust grows, Grimes spirals into a downfall with devastating consequences!

Stuart Skelton, described as the ‘definitive’ Peter Grimes, takes the lead role... read more on https://9aijabooksandmovies./2014/07/11/english-national-operas-peter-grimes-comes-to-nigeria/

Ten finalists have emerged from the Afrinolly short film competition, having been subjected to the fiery screening flames fueled by the judges; Femi Odugbemi (head of the jury), Tunde Kelani, Franklin Leonard, Komla Dumor, Steven Markovitz, Obi Emelonye, Mahen Bonetti, Tambay Obenson, Bongiwe Selane, Akin Omotosho and Nmachi Jidenma.

This is by no means a small feat With over 400 entries in the race to win the prize money. Now the public can vote for their favourite short film or documentary on afrinollyshortfilmcompetition.com/vote.php. Voting closes on Sunday 19th January, 2014. A cash prize of $25,000 goes to the overall winners in both categories, while the first and second runners-up will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. Winners will receive their cash awards at the award ceremony slated for Saturday 22nd February, 2014.

Below are the shortlisted films and documentaries:

Short Film Category
The Strangers – Ejim Fortune (Nigeria)
Everything Happens for a Reason – Florian Schott (Namibia)
10:10 – Gbenga Salu (Nigeria)
Blurred Lines – Benjamin Kent (Ghana)
Crimson – Your Cup Of Tea – Daniel Etim Effiong (Nigeria)
Busted – Frank Orji (South Africa)
Big Man – Julius Onah (USA)
In Iredu – Abiola Sobo (Nigeria)
Five – Akin Okunrinboye (USA)

read more on : http://9aijabooksandmovies./2014/01/08/afrinolly-short-film-competition-view-short-listed-films/

It is important to publicize your works, be it songs, films, books, events, products, services through various platforms, irrespective of where one is domiciled. No matter how talented you are or how you drool over your works being creative and top notch quality based, without publicity, and good one at that, the Nation and the world will never get to know about it. Popular artistes, authors, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, companies, deployed the powerful tool of publicity and have reaped the rewards.

You may even want to spread the news about new or existing products/services/brands or profile your event in the news, or make a major announcement in Nigeria. From professional press releases, press kits, electronic interviews/coverage (TV/radio), Newspaper interviews/stories to online, press conferences, press briefings, print ads, one platform, Wise Insight has proven to be a reliable and ‘affordable’ platform that ‘delivers optimal’ services. Through this they have aided those seeking to realize their works out in the open, to come true. In 2014, they are committed to doing more to help make your dreams come true.

really commendable... source : http://9aijabooksandmovies./2013/12/30/get-your-songs-films-books-events-products-services-out-in-the-open/

The Film Adaptation Seminar 2013, organized by film critic, Augusta Okon, held on 6th December, 2013. It certainly was an intellectually stimulating and richly enlightening discourse, with an array of the finest minds from the designated spheres. The theme of the seminar was tagged “Film Adaptation: A gold mine and reading drive in Nigeria”.
Segun Oyekunle, MD/CEO of Abuja Film Village International delivered the key note address, coupled with the eagle minded speakers who did justice to the subthemes; Exploring the art of making film adaptations in Nigeria (Tunde Olaoye writer/director of Married But living Single), Film Adaptation: Exploring Possibilities in Nigeria (Victor Okhai, founder In-short international film festival), Literature & Film : The Nexus of transmutation in Nigeria, Dr Adebola Ademeso (film scholar and Senior lecturer LASU), Understanding the legal framework for film adaptation (Barrister Folarin Dalmeida,Partner at Acuity Solicitors).

It was the general consensus that film adaptations stemming from Hollywood constituted about 70% of its film producing records and has served as a good platform for authors, filmmakers and publishers to obtain commercial success and sustain the reading drive. Reading of books allows one to draw from the imaginative bank as the unfolding scenes occur from the pages of books as against the visual medium. Nigeria indeed boasts of a plethora of creative authors with great works which could be adapted to the big screens. More of negative news/stories/articles making the headlines in the media were dominantly deployed in contra-distinction to other aspects of adaptation.

Various issues were distilled unveiling the clogs impairing the progress of film adaptation within our shores such as ; ignorance of possibilities/opportunities the concept provides based on the rigged mindset of filmmakers preference for original productions, marketers who double as Executive producers calling the shots and having low-ebbed interest in film adaptations, high risk of uncertainty in either replicating the source of work in its entirety or making changes, lack of film tools to reproduce certain descriptive/narrative scenes from the pages of authors works, large volume of authors works to be compressed into less than two hours film running time, worrisome disconnect between authors and filmmakers, issues of acquisition of rights & royalties, funding problems in the adaptation process, authors always waiting for filmmakers to approach them first, authors use of ‘big grammar’ in their works which producers are averse to, considerable length of time and expertise needed in the process which producers are reluctant to engage in based on their knack for quick returns, absence of relevant skills needed for adaptation by screenwriters, entertainment as strong contenders against reading books, lack of publicity of the film adaptation process from the onset with authors not being carried along in the production process and featured in the media spotlight, poor planning & lack of strategies for cinematic success amongst others.

Certain solutions were subsequently proffered, ranging from taking a portion of a story and developing same, as was done in The Passion of The Christ, which dwelt on the death rather than the nativity/lifetime of Christ, authors should go for scriptwriting/screenwriting training to acquire the skills needed to adapt their works, screenwriters also to enhance professionalism via regular training which can bring about specialization in adaptations, accessibility to funds have been made possible via the FG’s Project Act Nollywood which filmmakers could key into via their online site, more seminars and fora that would overtime strengthen the bond and enhance collaboration between both spheres should be conducted, lawyers should be involved from the onset when parties intend to collaborate and not wait till a dispute arises, adaptation must not be done as a replica all the time as some changes capable of spicing up the story to modern day audience should be utilized by the screenwriter, authors can approach filmmakers with their works for adaptation purposes but should be careful not to sell their creative rights for a publicity pottage, investors should key into establishing more cinemas and modern film studios to ‘up’ the production bar, amongst others.

It certainly was worth the while with guests such as Hope Opara (President Eko International film festival), Prof Akachi Ezeigbo (co-winner NLNG 2007 & 2012 first runner up Wole Soyinka prize for literature), Chief Dr Remi Ohajianya (Two term Chairman Actors Guild of Nigeria Lagos Chapter), Femi Onileagbon (Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors Lagos Chapter ), Iquo Dana Eke ( 2013 NLNG long list nominee), Myne Whitman (founder of Naija stories.com) in attendance.

There were also emails from those outside our shores who wrote to air their views/opinion about the concept of film adaptation such as Prof Jonathan Haynes (Prof of English Dept Long Island University USA), Azubike Erinugha (filmmaker Germany)... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2013/12/22/nigerian-film-adaptation-challenges-solutions-unveiled-at-fas-2013/

The art of scriptwriting, with certitude, demands a fine blend of ingenuity, uncompromised sound professionalism via the deployment of vital skills acquisition, to unveil a well-crafted story… something that is utterly lacking in Nollywood flicks. Well if you’re a scriptwriter, or filmmaker/director with a knack for same, then it’s time to step up the game!.

I-Skill Ltd and Beeta Universal Foundation via their strategic alliance (I-skill Beeta Arts) are organizing a unique Master class in scriptwriting, which will run from October 28th 2013 to November 8th 2013 (9:30am to 4pm daily) at the I-skill Centre, 290A Ajose Adeogun street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Writers who have at least one credit to their names, in the spheres of film, stage, radio, tv and seek to utilize their skills in the rewriting stage of script development, will benefit immensely from this professionally structured Master class. This wonderful package comes at a subsidized course fee of N150,000… did your eyeballs just pop out of their sockets? …hey don’t be so melodramatic!…it’s definitely worth it, with a rich course content; script analysis, principles of dramatic story telling (structure, time and space management, character subtext, scene construction), developing scripts to their maximum dramatic potential, amongst others.

Nigerian born International, Dr Oladipo Agboluaje has been named as the facilitator for the course. He is a versatile writer and lecturer of playwriting for screenwriters at the Florida State University, London campus. Some of his brilliant array of works include but not limited to ‘Season of courage, Deluge, Area Boys, Say Goodbye Twice, and The Wish Collector, amongst others. He is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain, English PEN, African Theatre Association and has been a writing tutor for many theatres and networks across the UK, including the National Theatre and the BBC. He is an award recipient of the Alfred Fagon Award, a nominee for the Laurence Olivier Award, and The Writers Guild Award UK. He was the workshop leader ‘Stage Write’ for the Sydenham Arts Festival in July this year.

Hmm…with this sort of enviable pedigree and that of the organizers, you certainly can’t go wrong. So what are you waiting for?…I-Skill Centre…here i come!

High flying film critic, Augusta Okon, has officially unveiled the teaser riddle in the build up to the gathering of eagles at the “FAS” in November, 2013. The riddle which has been tagged “How Smart Are You?”, is meant to test people’s knowledge about an important subject matter.

The event is being kept under wraps for the time being, however, the organizers say it will, without an iota of doubt, initiate a transforming process that will impact positively in the ‘Industry’.
Try solving the riddle beneath using the clues in the poster as a guide and let’s see how smart you are!. We’ll look out for your answers via this medium. The correct answer will be revealed on October 25th,2013.

THE RIDDLE

I have been around for a long time, a generation yanked off by a century, though not as old as my contemporary within this shores. I didn’t have a flying start at the beginning and grappled to be relevant over the years. A homosapien from one of the cardinal points of dominance fell in love with me and I have always been part of his...read more of the riddle and solve on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2013/08/16/film-critic-releases-teaser-riddle-ahead-of-fas-can-you-solve-it-2/