₦airaland Forum

Following the success of “The Mirror Boy”, writer/ director, Obi Emelonye, once again finds himself walking on the path to glory, with the premiere of his much talked about movie “Last Flight To Abuja”. The movie parades an array of stars; Anthony Monjaro, Hakeem Kae-Kazin, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, Jim Iyke, Uche Odoputa, Jennifer Oguzie, Jide Kosoko, Celine Loader, Charlse Granville. Over 1,300 people; fans, movie enthusiasts, invited guests, cast and crew arrived in high spirits at the Troxy cinemas, London, venue of the premiere, to celebrate with the host, but more importantly to watch and assess the flick first hand.

The movie was inspired by series of air crashes that shook the Nigerian Aviation Industry in 2006. Based on true life events, Obi recreates and produces a movie embedded in suspense, twisty scenes, thriller effects about this presumably ‘safest’ mode of transportation that turns out to be nightmare for the passengers.
The delay in kicking off the premiere did not dampen the morale of the people as they were soon engrossed in the usual pomp and pageantry associated with top class premieres. Omotola, Jim Iyke,Anthony Monjaro, stars from the mirror boy... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/06/11/last-flight-to-abuja-premiere-omotola-jalade-ekeinde-outstanding-in-the-movie/

Expectations were high following the widely publicized movie award, a break away from the usual norm. It was the maiden edition of the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards which held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun state. The governor played host to Tunde Oshinibosi’s (aka Laface)vision of honoring filmmakers in the movie industry using the indigenous language (Yoruba) as a means of communication. The awardees no doubt earned the awards presented to them. Below is a list of the nominees and winners:

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Yomi Fash Lanso
Odunlade Adekola (Winner)
Muyiwa Ademola
Femi Adebayo
Femi Branch

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Fathia Balogun
Toyin Aimakhu
Funke Akindele (Winner)
Bimbo Akintola
Mosun Filani

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ebun Oloyede
Antar Laniyan
Dele Odule
Taiwo Hassan
Adebayo Salami (Winner)

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/06/05/funke-akindele-emerges-as-the-best-actress-at-the-yoruba-movie-academy-awards-view-winners/

Terra Kulture V/I was the venue of the official premiere of the movie “FINDING GOODLUCK” by Nollywood’s sensation Shan George. Her colleagues and fellow celebrities in other spheres, such as Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, the Ibru connection, Senator Daisy Danjuma,amongst others, graced the occasion despite the cats and dogs match slated hurriedly by the heavens.

Finding Goodluck was shot in Calabar and stars Kalu Ikeagwu,Shan George, Florence Johnson, Franca Anaka, Ekere Nkanga, and... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/06/04/finding-goodluck-shan-george-premieres-movie-at-last/

The 65th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival, no doubt brought moviedom to its feet, with stars, stakeholders, veterans, pundits, critics, the media from different parts of the world converging in one arena for the prestigious festival. Austrian director, Michael Haneke’s “Amour”(Love), starring revered French actors Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, clinched the highest award “the Palme d’Or” . The movie revolves around the love of an octogenarian couple facing the end of life. It’s the second time Michael Haneke will win such at the festival following his earlier win in 2009 for “The White Ribbon”.

Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor award for his role in The Hunt, a drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg, which was selected by the Ecumenical Jury for its top trophy. Best Actress went to Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur for Beyond the Hills, directed by Cristian Mungiu, who won best screenplay for the Romanian drama based on a true story... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/05/30/amour-wins-the-palme-dor-at-the-cannes-international-film-festival-2012/

Ozone Cinemas played host to the premiere of the highly anticipated movie TOBI, produced by Nigerian born international, Emmanuel Ijeh. Sequel to the huge buzz created since the preceding year, about this young producer’s debut movie, stars such as Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong, Susan Peters, Yinka Davies, Mandy, Zeal, Crozz, Nikky Laoye, Jide & Sola Kosoko, Benita Nzeribe, Fidelis Duker, Paul Obazele, Remi Ohajianya, Elvis Chucks amongst others thronged the venue on 18th May. It was all about the Lights, cameras, paparazzi, press, show of evening gowns on the red carpet. The atmosphere was turbo charged with the arrival of the producer, Emmanuel Ijeh, the lead actor Mark Lavan Williams and lead female actress Chisom Oz Lee. Guests were treated to good music, and mouth watering cocktail before proceeding into the screening hall.

Immaculate, the first runner up of Peak talent show season three, led guests in the rendition of the National anthem with her mellifluous voice. It was an honour to have the legendary Shaibu Husseini anchoring the event. Recognition of celebrities, important guests, acknowledgment of the role and achievements of the Nigerian movie industry and Emmanuel’s tenacity in producing a beautiful movie, by the compere elated guests. Mgeez playing the guitar, thrilled guests with his piece Tobi, specially written for the movie... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/05/28/monalisa-chinda-emem-isongyinka-davies-nikki-laoye-zeal-other-stars-storm-tobis-premiere/

Ozone Cinema, Lagos in partnership with Fanta, Crimson Media, Walt Disney and Blue Pictures, will play host to the first costume premiere in Nigeria for the movie “The Avengers” on Thursday the 3rd of March 2012. Nigerians get to watch the movie a day ahead of its scheduled release in the United States.

The Avengers, from the stables of Marvel Comics, parades a superhero cast; Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. It stars Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel .L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Tom Hiddlestone, Mark ruffalo amongst others.

Movie goers can purchase and wear costumes of any superhero of their choice, no small thanks to fanta that has made the prices affordable at Ozone cinema. Tickets can be purchased from .... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/05/02/1st-nigerian-costume-premiere-ozone-cinema-unveils-avengers/

Couple of weeks ago, the 1st Yoruba Movie Academy awards scheduled to take place this May, was unveiled to the public. Another Award’s platform “Nollywood Movies Award” has joined the bandwagon with the unveiling of its nominees on April 27th 2012 at the Lagos Ikeja hotel. “Nollywood movies UK” are the organizers of the award,and aims at celebrating those who use the English and Indigenous languages as communication tools. Its main aim is to honour and recognize excellence in the industry, and tends to focus on films that have had great achievements in each year, with a view to encouraging the filmmakers and new entrants on to the scene. The nominees party takes place on Saturday 5th May 2012 at the Oriental hotel Lagos. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at the Civic Centre,Lagos, with Julius D Genius Agwu, and Kate Henshaw as hosts.

Going through the nominees list, the nominees are drawn as far back as 2010, for an Award in 2012, how does that add up bearing in mind their aim of focusing on films that have had great achievements in each year, e.g Anchor Baby which was released in 2010, is part of the list, with IJE (highest grossing movie in Nigeria) missing from the list. Respectfully, Anchor baby shouldn’t be on the list, except they use the issue of timing to wittily include same.

The battle revolves around The Mirror Boy, Tango with Me, Anchor Baby, Private storm, Ghetto Dreamz, kiss and Tell, with The Return of Jenifa(contending for the number one position with tango with me in 2011, raking in over N32million Naira at the box office) securing only four spots. Funke Akindele was nominated for “Best actress in an indigenous movie”… meanwhile there’s another category “Best actress in a leading role” obviously for her English counterparts, with Genevieve, Omoni,Mercy Johnson, Uche jumbo,Omotola in contention. why have that separation, it’s only logical to have one category for the Best actress!. besides Funke Akindele was nominated twice under the Best actress in an indigenous movie for “The return of jenifa and Emi Abata”.. that’s ridiculous.Even Aramotu was no where to be found on the Best indigenous language movie category!

I really don’t know how receptive the public would be to the Nollywood movies award (although they have noble intentions)but their nominations seems to have taken them two steps backwards, especially in the light of AMAA 2012 event which celebrated latest movies and filmmakers and ZAAfa which will soon hold. Anyway enough of the whipping… the under-listed unveils the nominees:

Best Movie

MIRROR BOY
ANCHOR BABY
PRIVATE STORM
MEMORIES OF THE HEART
TANGO WITH ME
KISS AND TELL

Best Actor in a Leading Role

VAN VICKER (AGAINST THE LAW)
RAMSEY NOUAH (PRIVATE STORM)
TRYBSON DUDUKOKO (GHETTO DREAMZ)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (TANGO WITH ME)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (KISS AND TELL)
CHARLES OKAFOR (FAKE PROPHET)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

JUNIOR POPE ODUMODOH (NKWOCHA)
JOHN DUMELO (PRIVATE STORM)
YUL EDOCHIE (AGAINST THE LAW)
GABRIEL AFOLAYAN (GHETTO DREAMZ)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

GENEVIEVE NNAJI (TANGO WITH ME)
OMONI OBOLI (ANCHOR BABY)
MERCY JOHNSON (WEEPING SOUL)
UCHE JUMBO (DAMAGE)
OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE (PRIVATE STORM)

read more on .....Couple of weeks ago, the 1st Yoruba Movie Academy awards scheduled to take place this May, was unveiled to the public. Another Award’s platform “Nollywood Movies Award” has joined the bandwagon with the unveiling of its nominees on April 27th 2012 at the Lagos Ikeja hotel. “Nollywood movies UK” are the organizers of the award,and aims at celebrating those who use the English and Indigenous languages as communication tools. Its main aim is to honour and recognize excellence in the industry, and tends to focus on films that have had great achievements in each year, with a view to encouraging the filmmakers and new entrants on to the scene. The nominees party takes place on Saturday 5th May 2012 at the Oriental hotel Lagos. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at the Civic Centre,Lagos, with Julius D Genius Agwu, and Kate Henshaw as hosts.

Going through the nominees list, the nominees are drawn as far back as 2010, for an Award in 2012, how does that add up bearing in mind their aim of focusing on films that have had great achievements in each year, e.g Anchor Baby which was released in 2010, is part of the list, with IJE (highest grossing movie in Nigeria) missing from the list. Respectfully, Anchor baby shouldn’t be on the list, except they use the issue of timing to wittily include same.

The battle revolves around The Mirror Boy, Tango with Me, Anchor Baby, Private storm, Ghetto Dreamz, kiss and Tell, with The Return of Jenifa(contending for the number one position with tango with me in 2011, raking in over N32million Naira at the box office) securing only four spots. Funke Akindele was nominated for “Best actress in an indigenous movie”… meanwhile there’s another category “Best actress in a leading role” obviously for her English counterparts, with Genevieve, Omoni,Mercy Johnson, Uche jumbo,Omotola in contention. why have that separation, it’s only logical to have one category for the Best actress!. besides Funke Akindele was nominated twice under the Best actress in an indigenous movie for “The return of jenifa and Emi Abata”.. that’s ridiculous.Even Aramotu was no where to be found on the Best indigenous language movie category!

I really don’t know how receptive the public would be to the Nollywood movies award (although they have noble intentions)but their nominations seems to have taken them two steps backwards, especially in the light of AMAA 2012 event which celebrated latest movies and filmmakers and ZAAfa which will soon hold. Anyway enough of the whipping… the under-listed unveils the nominees:

Best Movie

MIRROR BOY
ANCHOR BABY
PRIVATE STORM
MEMORIES OF THE HEART
TANGO WITH ME
KISS AND TELL

Best Actor in a Leading Role

VAN VICKER (AGAINST THE LAW)
RAMSEY NOUAH (PRIVATE STORM)
TRYBSON DUDUKOKO (GHETTO DREAMZ)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (TANGO WITH ME)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (KISS AND TELL)
CHARLES OKAFOR (FAKE PROPHET)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

JUNIOR POPE ODUMODOH (NKWOCHA)
JOHN DUMELO (PRIVATE STORM)
YUL EDOCHIE (AGAINST THE LAW)
GABRIEL AFOLAYAN (GHETTO DREAMZ)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

GENEVIEVE NNAJI (TANGO WITH ME)
OMONI OBOLI (ANCHOR BABY)
MERCY JOHNSON (WEEPING SOUL)
UCHE JUMBO (DAMAGE)
OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE (PRIVATE STORM)

read more on ....Couple of weeks ago, the 1st Yoruba Movie Academy awards scheduled to take place this May, was unveiled to the public. Another Award’s platform “Nollywood Movies Award” has joined the bandwagon with the unveiling of its nominees on April 27th 2012 at the Lagos Ikeja hotel. “Nollywood movies UK” are the organizers of the award,and aims at celebrating those who use the English and Indigenous languages as communication tools. Its main aim is to honour and recognize excellence in the industry, and tends to focus on films that have had great achievements in each year, with a view to encouraging the filmmakers and new entrants on to the scene. The nominees party takes place on Saturday 5th May 2012 at the Oriental hotel Lagos. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at the Civic Centre,Lagos, with Julius D Genius Agwu, and Kate Henshaw as hosts.

Going through the nominees list, the nominees are drawn as far back as 2010, for an Award in 2012, how does that add up bearing in mind their aim of focusing on films that have had great achievements in each year, e.g Anchor Baby which was released in 2010, is part of the list, with IJE (highest grossing movie in Nigeria) missing from the list. Respectfully, Anchor baby shouldn’t be on the list, except they use the issue of timing to wittily include same.

The battle revolves around The Mirror Boy, Tango with Me, Anchor Baby, Private storm, Ghetto Dreamz, kiss and Tell, with The Return of Jenifa(contending for the number one position with tango with me in 2011, raking in over N32million Naira at the box office) securing only four spots. Funke Akindele was nominated for “Best actress in an indigenous movie”… meanwhile there’s another category “Best actress in a leading role” obviously for her English counterparts, with Genevieve, Omoni,Mercy Johnson, Uche jumbo,Omotola in contention. why have that separation, it’s only logical to have one category for the Best actress!. besides Funke Akindele was nominated twice under the Best actress in an indigenous movie for “The return of jenifa and Emi Abata”.. that’s ridiculous.Even Aramotu was no where to be found on the Best indigenous language movie category!

I really don’t know how receptive the public would be to the Nollywood movies award (although they have noble intentions)but their nominations seems to have taken them two steps backwards, especially in the light of AMAA 2012 event which celebrated latest movies and filmmakers and ZAAfa which will soon hold. Anyway enough of the whipping… the under-listed unveils the nominees:

Best Movie

MIRROR BOY
ANCHOR BABY
PRIVATE STORM
MEMORIES OF THE HEART
TANGO WITH ME
KISS AND TELL

Best Actor in a Leading Role

VAN VICKER (AGAINST THE LAW)
RAMSEY NOUAH (PRIVATE STORM)
TRYBSON DUDUKOKO (GHETTO DREAMZ)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (TANGO WITH ME)
JOSEPH BENJAMIN (KISS AND TELL)
CHARLES OKAFOR (FAKE PROPHET)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

JUNIOR POPE ODUMODOH (NKWOCHA)
JOHN DUMELO (PRIVATE STORM)
YUL EDOCHIE (AGAINST THE LAW)
GABRIEL AFOLAYAN (GHETTO DREAMZ)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

GENEVIEVE NNAJI (TANGO WITH ME)
OMONI OBOLI (ANCHOR BABY)
MERCY JOHNSON (WEEPING SOUL)
UCHE JUMBO (DAMAGE)
OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE (PRIVATE STORM)... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/05/01/1st-nollywood-movies-awards-funke-akindele-secures-nominations-with-the-return-of-jenifa/

Reviewed by Augusta Okon

Movie Title : Phone Swap
Starring : Wale Ojo, Nse Ikpe Etim, Joke Silva,
Chika Okpala, Hafiz Oyetoro,Lydia Forson,
Ada Ameh
Directed by : Kunle Afolayan
Genre : Comedy/romance

Despite the ground breaking impact of Kingsley Ogoro’s pace setting, wave making, hilarious movie, ‘Usofia/Osuofia in London’(2003) which shut the mouth of skeptics, broke barriers and stepped on to the international plate, comedy continues to jog slowly in its “outdated mediocrity jogging foot wear”, rather than sprint in modern spike shoes and burn the movie tracks. Its counterpart “drama and romance” bask in the euphoria of ‘winning streaks’ adding multitudinous titles and awards in their kitties. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, with Funke Akindele’s ‘The Return of Jenifa’ (sequel to Jenifa) ‘shaking’ the Nigerian box office with N33 Million as one of the top grossing movies of 2011. This indicates one thing…Nigerians love comedy…and a quality one at that!.

Kunle Afolayan, the multi-award winning filmmaker with a “no holds barred” ideology, takes a radical departure from his previous genres (Irapada- drama), (The Figurine- thriller) to walk upon the lonely comedy path in a bid to pull off another stunning production. The big question is…does he pull it off successfully?”.

Phone Swap a. k a ‘P.S’, is a N 60 Million budget movie shot for six months within Nigeria. It boasts of a high pulsating, strong hearted plot, unparalleled acting dexterity from a solid cast, visual opulence, ‘void’ of unrealistically twisty boring scenes played in the messy maze game, created by charlatan script writers. Award winning screenplay writer, Kemi Adesoye, keeps ‘PS’ simple, fresh, exciting, and of course funny.

The movie in inter-played scenes unveils the lead characters; the male, Akin (Wale Ojo) an ambitious, arrogant, corporate executive and a ‘matured bachelor’ bereft of emotions and the female lead, Mary Onyejekwe (Nse Ikpe Etim) a pretty seamstress who works for a ‘shark’ at Alexis. Akin poses as a threat to his immediate boss who is determined to hit him below the belt. He has reformation strategies for the company, tucked underneath his sleeves and plans on unveiling same at the company’s retreat, but there’s a little problem.

The venue has been kept as a secret, and he entrusts its unravelling to his trusted P.A, Alex (Hafiz Oyetoro). Mary on the other hand has series of issues to contend with ; a broken heart, an overweight sister, Cynthia (Ada Amah) who is a police officer, specializing in terrorizing her husband, in-laws, and is no where to be found after grabbing her husband’s ‘manhood’, her father (Chika Okpala) insisting on her being at the family meeting to resolve the burning issue, while her boss disapproves of same. She has a change of heart and permits her to see to the issue within a limited time frame, alongside doing some embroidery on a high profile client’s outfit while away.

The retreat has been slated to hold in Abuja and both parties in inter-played scenes hurriedly make a dash for the airport. They accidentally bump into each other and ‘good Samaritans’ hand them their black berry phones which they gladly receive. However, messages received on their ‘BBs’ alter their destined venues with Akin heading for Owerri and Mary for Abuja. This costly “phone swap’ threatens to rip apart their professional and family life, but Akin suggests a hasty solution to the looming problem…one that could have certain consequences he never bargained for…

‘PS’ adopts the use of English, our national colloquial (vernacular) pints of Igbo, Yoruba, and the Ghanaian languages as the communication vehicles. Each unfolding scene, interplay, fuels our interest as we mentally change expectation gears. It’s really hard to flaw this movie especially in terms of technicality as the graduate of the New York Film Academy, no doubt paid attention to details. The cinematography was solid (loved the cinematic effect of the farmland), good angle on and crane up shots... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/25/phone-swap-movie-review/

After series of PR gymnastics, the 2012 Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremony finally took place at the prestigious Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. Jimmy Jean-Louis and O.C. Ukeje were the hosts, with musical performance by TU Face, Asa and Yinka Davies. We’ve never been thrilled by numerous nominations a filmmaker or the film bags during the build up to the main event, as precedents have shown the opposite.Many tend to walk away with a laughable number of awards in contra-distinction to the numerous nominations envisaging a major carting away of awards.

Last night was really no different with “How To Steal 2 Million” bagging awards for (Best Film, Best Director, Supporting Actress,and Editing. Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun’s “Adesuwa” got three awards (Best Costume Design, Visual Effects and Nigerian Film) out of ten nominations.

Otelo Burning by Sara Bletcher merely had a disappointing two awards (Cinematography and Best Child Actor (Tsepang Mohlomi) having led the list with 13 nominations. Rita Dominic, out of the blues many would opine, won the Best actress in a leading role, while Ghanian sensation, Majid Michael won the Best Actor in a leading role.

Anyway here’s the full list of AMAA 2012 Nominees and Winners:

Best Short Film category.
Nominees:
Jamaa – Uganda,
Look Again, Kenya,
Maffe Tiga – Guinea,
Braids on a Bald Head – Nigeria (winner)
Hidden Life – South Africa
Mwansa the Great – Zambia
Chumo – Tanzania
Young Smoker –

Best Documentary category
Nominees:
African Election – Nigeria/Germany (winner)
Beyond the Deadly Pit – Rwanda
Awa Ogbe: An African Adventure – Algeria
Dear Mandel -South Africa
White & Black,Crime & Colour -Tanzania
The Niger Delta Struggle – Ghana
There’s nothing wrong with my uncle -Nigeria

Best Diaspora Feature
Nominees:
Toussaint Loventure – France (winner)
Ghetta Life – Jamaica
High Chicago – Canada
Elza – Guadaloupe
Better Must Come – Jamaica
Kinyanrwanda – USA

Best Diaspora Documentary
Nominees:
The Education of Auma Obama – Nig/Germany (winner)
White Wash – USA
Almendron mi Corazon – Guadaloupe
The Life and Times of Winfred Hubert

Best Short Film in Diaspora
Nominees:
John Doe – USA
White Sugar in a Black Pot – USA (winner)
The Lost One – USA

Best Animation
Nominees:
The Legend of Ngog Hills – Kenya (winner)
Oba – Nigeria
Climate Change is Real – Kenya
Egu – Ghana
Nauliza Why – Kenya

Best Film by An African Living Abroad.
Nominees:
Mystery of Birds – US/Nigeria (Winner)
Housemates – UK/Nigeria
Ben Kross – Italy/Nigeria
Paparazzi Eye in the Dark – USA/Nigeria/Ghana

Best Achievement in Production Design
Nominees:
Somewhere in Africa – Ghana
Phone Swap – Nigeria (winner)
Otelo Burning -South Africa
Adesuwa – Nigeria
How to Steal 2 Million – Africa

Achievement in Costume Design
Nominees:
The Captain of Nakara
Adesuwa – (winner)
Rugged Priest
Somewhere in Africa
Queens Desire

Achievement in Makeup
Nominees:
Rugged Priest – Kenya
State Research Bureau – Uganda
Adesuwa – Nigeria
Somewhere in Africa – Ghana
Shattered – Kenya (winner)

Best Achievement in Soundtrack.
Nominees:
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria (winner)
Adesuwa – Nigeria
How to Steal 2M – South Africa
Somewhere in Africa – Ghana

see full list on ...http://9aijabooksandmovies./amaa-2012-winners-list-rita-dominic-beats-nse-ikpe-etim-to-emerge-as-best-actress-in-a-leading-role/

Uti Nwachukwu (BBA All stars winner), Bryan Okwara (1st Mr Nigeria), Kenneth Okolie (Mr Nigeria/ 3rd place runner up Mr world), Alex Ekubo (1st Runner up,first edition of Mr Nigeria) share a few things in common…“good looks, celebrity status and of course youthfulness”. This tag team starred in Elvis Chuks movie “True Citizens” alongside veteran actor Alex Usifo Omiagbo.

Melvin Odua ( 1st runner up Gulder Ultimate search TV reality show season 7) Clara Iweh, and Claret Onukogu also featured in the movie. The movie is youth inclined, incontrovertibly aimed at those who walk the societal vices path. It fans the dying embers of patriotism...read more...http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/20/can-uti-nwachukwu-bryan-okwara-ors-make-true-citizens-fly-in-cinemas/

The List of Nominees have been made known for new categories in the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards( YMAA’s) slated to make its debut in May 2012 ; Best Musician in an acting role, Best Cross – over actor, Best Yoruba Cultural movie, YMAA Best Marketer, and Best Comedy Actor. The new categories in trying to invoke the “spirit of change”, have probably left out certain vital categories, especially with the churning out of many low ebbed quality works.

The Award obviously focuses on rewarding individuals rather than the usual ‘movie pick’ and dwells more on DVD releases, or how do you explain the absence of Tunde Kelani’s “MAAMI”, even if you don’t want to include Tade Ogidan’s “Family on Fire” (based on the presence of white cast), but if it’s strictly the use of the Yoruba language, what about the movie “Aramotu?”

Anyway, The Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA) has joined the ‘Awards band wagon” alongside latest entrants (Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) , Nollywood Movies Awards (NMA)) to square off with existing ones (AMAA, ZAFAA, Nollywood Film Critics). The Maiden edition which is powered by Laface Entertainment and Zimrage Multimedia, will be hosted by the Ogun State government at the June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto, Abeokuta. The event will coincide with the marking of His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s one year in office and will reward Yollywood (as some call it).

Plans are on the way by the Ogun State Government to build a world class movie village for the Yoruba movie industry, which falls within the ambit of its Tourism drive for the state. Where such feat is achieved, then Nollywood practitioners (as they are referred to) who rely on the English language as the medium of expression would be pained, as repeated calls for the government to build a movie village, somewhere in Badagry, Lagos, has continued to fall on deaf ears.

Below is the list of Nominees for the various categories in YMAA 2012:s

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
• Yomi Fash Lanso
• Odunlade Adekola
• Muyiwa Ademola
• Femi Adebayo
• Femi Branch

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
• Fathia Balogun
• Toyin Aimakhu
• Funke Akindele
• Bimbo Akintola
• Mosun Filani

BEST MUSICIAN IN AN ACTING ROLE
• Pasuma
• Idris Abdulkareem
• Saheed Osupa
• Obesere
• Sexy Steel

MOST PROMISING ACTOR
• Tinuke Ogungbe
• Damola Olatunji
• Gabriel Afolayan
• Bisi Komolafe
• Kayode Akinbayo

read more on ...http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/18/1st-yoruba-movie-academy-awards-2012-funke-akindele-other-nominees-to-slug-it-out/

After unveiling Hollywood’s star Jimmy Jean Louis as the main host of AMAA 2012 (which caused no small stir), the Award body has chosen to further daze Nigerians and Africans as a whole with the gracing of not one, not two, but ‘Four’ Hollywood stars at the event, billed to hold on the April 22nd 2012 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Morris Chestnut (Boyz n the Hood(91), Two can play that game (2001), confidence (2003), Ladder 49 (2004), Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid(2004), Lynn Whitfield (The Josephine Baker story (91), Step- Mom (98) Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams story (2004), Maya Gilbert ( The hiding, Busted, Subject 15) Rockmond Dunbar (Soul Food (2000), Prison break (2005), The Family that preys (2008) will be at the event. Their names will be stencilled on AMAA’s plates alongside their Hollywood colleagues ... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/17/morris-chestnut-lynn-whitfield-maya-gilbert-rockmond-dunbar-tu-face-asa-set-to-storm-amaa-2012/

The 90’s epoch into the millennium created an avenue which sifted a few professionals from the shaft of charlatans, plying their trade in various spheres of movie making. The resultant effect was the “massive churning out of shallow based movies for our viewing displeasure” (if you’re a critic). “Two MEN” amongst a few notable filmmakers, stood out from the ‘boys’. One was Tunde kelani and the other, Tade Ogidan.

Both had a knack for sound professionalism and movies from their stables were incontrovertibly ‘quality based in all ramifications of movie making’. For those who don’t know Tade Ogidan, the soft spoken MD of OGD pictures shook the Nigerian movie industry with successful memorable movies such as “Diamond Ring”, “Hostages”, “Out of Bounds”, “Owo Blow”, “Saving Alero”, and of course “Madam Dearest”. Back then he carted away awards from the now defunct awards movie body (“Nigerian Movie Awards”). For example; Hostages won the (Best Film, Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay) for that year, Owo Blow (Best Yoruba Film, Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Editing), while Out of Bounds won three awards, amongst others.

Every thing was going on well…until he played “Houdini”,vanishing from sight for a very long time. Perhaps, the closing credits, on the classy “Teju Baby Face show” which names him as the director, caused us to remember him intermittently in our sub consciousness. Just when we thought, he’d hung his movie boots for real, he appeared out of the blues, late last year, with the premiere of his latest work “Family on fire” at the Light House, London on 4th November 2011. A lot of rumour had surrounded the production of the movie...read more on

http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/13/can-veteran-filmmaker-tade-ogidan-incorporate-his-winning-streak-of-the-90s-into-his-latest-movie-family-on-fire/

Following the resounding success of Ije, The Mirror Boy (Uk, Ghana and Nigeria) no small thanks we dare say to Genevieve Nnaji’s remarkable acting dexterity in the said movies, Nigerian filmmakers in the Diaspora and non-Nigerians alike, have sought the services of A-list Nigerian actresses and even actors to play the lead role.

“Amina” a movie directed by Christian Ashaiku has also joined the band wagon, and stars Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Van Vicker and other members of cast such as Wil Johnson, Vincent Regan, and Alison Carroll. Don’t get it twisted, it’s not the historical story about Queen Amina which you might first be inclined to think of, (if you’re a good student of history), rather it unravels the story of a young woman who gets pregnant unexpectedly, goes through a maze of problems,which leaves her in a devastated state.

It’s an emotionally heart rending movie and only her psychiatrist is caring enough to pull her out of her misery… but there’s a little snag… read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./amina-hits-the-cinemas-october-2012/

As part of the organizers drive to put AMAA in the international spotlight as a world class event, Hollywood stars have continued to grace the occasion, such as Danny Glover, Vivica Fox, Monique, Cuba Gooding Jr, Angela Basset, Courtney Vance, Forest Whitaker.

AMAA 2012, certainly is no different, with the Haitian actor and model, Jimmy Jean-Louis, stepping up to the plate as the main host for this year’s event. He is best known for his role as ‘The Haitian’ aired on the NBC television series titled ‘Heroes’. He is also a multi-linguist and can speak five languages; English, Spanish, Creole, French, and Italian fluently.

His filmography include but not limited to ‘Derailed’,'Borne Identity’,'Tears of the Sun’... read more on

http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/05/hollywood-actor-jimmy-jean-louis-emerges-as-main-host-for-amaa-2012/

Actress and Producer, Mercy Aigbe plans to invade Naija cinemas with her movie Osas (Omoge Bini). Folks would have seen the trailer running on Silver bird TV for sometime, clearly spelling out the comedy genre it obviously depicts. We’ve watched the hilarious Osuofia in London, Okon Calabar,being played by lead male actors, now the females are taking over, with The Return of Jenifa and now Osas, with rumours making the news rounds, tipping the movie to do well at the box office.

The movie stars Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Aimakhu, Lola Alao, Kelvin Books with Muyideen Ayinde in the directing seat. Osas revolves around an an eccentric Bini girl, whose goal is to be the best in every sphere she finds herself. She gains admission into the University... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/04/02/osas-omoge-bini-invades-naija-cinemas-april-13th/

Movie Title : MA’AMI
Starring : Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo,Tamilore Kuboye, Ayomide Abatti
Genre : Drama

MA’AMI is an “emotionally intoxicating” movie, where viewers are visually served with large pints of heart touching, tear jerking scenes, stemming from the unconditional love a poor mother has for her only son. Viewers swim laps in the pool of flash backs and stop intermittently to inhale fresh breaths of reality. The establishing shot unveils the scenic beauty of Lagos, with a “V.O” from the Eko 87.5Fm on air personality.

The entire country is “bubbling with the World Cup fever”, which is four weeks away. All eyes are on the young Nigerian Kashimawo Dare (Wole Ojo) who plays for Arsenal. He’s back in the country but his undeclared intention as to whether he will answer the call to play in the Super Eagles, causes no small stir in the “Glass house” and the Media. He is haunted by series of flash backs; the penurious state he and his mother wallowed in during his childhood days, the sacrifices she willing made for him (even though debasing), her philosophical words of wisdom, the hard knocks he received from life’s lessons… but there’s a dark secret he discovers about his unknown father and an elder brother he never knew existed…

MA’AMI is a beautifully crafted story, stemming from the literary icon, Femi Osofisan and adapted to the big screens by ace filmmaker Tunde Kelani. The World cup theme creates splinters of sub-themes, ultimately leading to the Patriotic declaration. It doesn’t take viewers long to understand the ‘flash back to present epoch’ mode the filmmaker adapts in telling the story. The simplicity of dialogue, good subtitling, untwisted plot, nice cinematic overlay and real depictions of rural life, challenges of single parenting (especially on the mother) sweetens the movie flavour. Lead actress ( Funke Akindele, The Return of Jenifa 2011) nailed her role as Kashy’s mother big time!. Her outstanding performance in ‘all scenes’ easily endeared her to many.

Memorable scenes include; the bus scene, where she alleges her money has been stolen and her frantic display of helplessness on the sandy earth, the mugging scene in the taxi, her change of outfit like a typical village woman, the fighting scene at the market and the showering of goodwill by a stranger and other market women...

read more on
http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/03/28/movie-review-tunde-kelanis-maami/

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The nominees are out! and a few movies have dominated the list. Which of these movies do you think will cart away the highest number of awards at AMAA 2012. "How to steal 2 Million", "Adesuwa","Otelo Burning", "Somewhere in Africa","Man on ground". please go to http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/03/24/which-movie-do-you-tip-to-cart-away-the-highest-number-of-awards-at-amaa-2012-vote-now/ to vote for your nominee. voting stops a day before the AMAA 2012 event.

The 2012 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations took place on March 17 at the Kairaba Hotel in Banjul, Gambia. Kunle Afolayan coincidentally was premiering his latest work “Phone Swap” at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on that day. Present at the nominations event were celebrities,and top government officials.

This year’s ‘high list’ nominees goes to “Somewhere in Africa (Ghana), How to steal two million (South Africa),and Adesuwa (Nigeria).Phone Swap, Unwanted Guest, Family on Fire, Mr & Mrs, Two Brides & a baby... read more to see the list of nominees on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/03/20/amaa-2012-nominations-southafrica-ghana-nigeria-in-top-contention/

Many might not know the Benue state born film producer, Olivia Adom, but this visionary is clearly defining a path which has been undermined for a very long time, “children on the set of make belief (film)”. Her passion to see children and teenagers clinching and interpreting roles meant for kids in Nigerian movies spurs her on. We are aware that the use of Akin (Chinedu Ikedieze) and Paw Paw (Osita Iheme), little men in Children’s skin, saddled with the responsibility of playing both kiddies and matured roles, highly influences the way children perceive people and the society.

Olivia seeks to bring children “in the real sense of the word” to interpret roles meant for them. Her platform Kiddet Playhouse serves as an avenue where their talents can be effectively harnessed. She is also bent on providing a friendly movie for kids that would train and mentor them in the process. She obtained a certificate empowering her to be a ‘child acting coach’ from Michael Bean studios in Canada.The movie in "Sammie's Boot" will have 70% of the cast as kids... read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/03/15/in-sammies-boot-seeks-to-be-the-first-childrens-movie-in-nollywood-on-celluloid/

The race is on!… 328 filmmakers are competing in this year’s edition, in a bid to make it into the “Nominations round”. The successful nominees will be announced in Banjul, Gambia on March 17, 2012. The 328 entries were based on the cumulative entries received from AMAA’s regional offices in Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Namibia.

A break down shows the figures for the entries as (Documentaries – 57), (Short films -88), (Africans in Diaspora- 43), (Animations – 6), and 134 Feature films from Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, Guinea, Cameroon, Algeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Egypt amongst others. South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso have played hosts to the nomination events in the past.

The organizers of AMAA are of the view that Gambia would give , read more on http://9aijabooksandmovies./2012/03/07/amaa-2012-nominations-set-for-gambia-will-nigerians-dominate-the-list/