₦airaland Forum

SHOT:
about 45 new films


http://ariyamedia..com/2011/11/new-yoruba-films-for-november-14th-2011.html

for those waiting for the return of Jenifa: it should be out in december

oh good can't wait to see that movie

congratulations to her, she is a good Nollywood actress

Bukky Wright
https://news.ghananation.com/articlefiles/15743-bukky.jpg

Personally I have no problem with Hollywood movies, at least most of them. I'd rather watch them, then Black hollywood movies at times(even though I do watch Black hollywood movies at times) but In general I love Yoruba Nollywood movie's. I have been watching those movies with my parents since I was young, and mind you I was born & Raised in America but in the Yoruba culture; despite that I prefer at times to watch Yoruba films over Hollywood films, I consider it more Authentic. There are many more Nigerian born Americans that are like me as well. For example I'd rather watch Yemoja then the weirdo movie the Matrix

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[quote author=baby-boy link=topic=799645.msg9528559#msg9528559 date=1320999020]Excuse me!!!

Bollywood could churn out 2 movies a day (which was their record) its still not at the same level as Hollywood, its not even a threat to the industry and Nollywood that Churn out rubbish day in day out, stealing other industries storyline or title, am sorry saying Nollywood is a threat to Hollywood is joke! Even the only Cinema group in Nigeria (Silverbird) shows 90% of Hollywood movies[/quote]I think you are confusing yourself. I am not talking about their level, I am talking about the fact that these industries beat Hollywood in their own territories which is southeast asia and sub-saharan africa(and that is significant), it was announced a year ago when it comes to Nollywood on CNN & other news media, so it is irrelevant that silverbird shows 90% hollywood movies(especially when the poor in Nigeria can't afford these movies & some of them don't even connect to them evevn if they could but can afford a Nollywood movie, a movie industry they connect to) ; do you know many Hollywood cinema's are closing down in sub-saharan African countries. So no it is not a joke when it comes to sub-saharan Africa that Nollywood is seen as a threat now because all levels of Nigerian society & other african society would rather see cheap african movies that some fake hollywood blockbuster that they don't see in their lives because Nollywood shows movies that are relevant to Black africans, hollywood doesn't. Yoruba & Hausa Nollywood movies don't copy from Hollywood it is pure quthentic, when it comes to the the English industry at times they do but the movies most of the time end up as trash and are criticized with their rihanna vs. beyonce movies

[b]"It's a paradox. As cinemas close across Africa, homegrown blockbusters are actually eclipsing Hollywood on the African market as for the first time in 13 years an African feature competes for the top award at Cannes.

This weekend, "A Screaming Man" by Chad director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun joins 18 other movies selected to contend for the prestigious Palme d'Or, awarded May 23 at the close of the 12-day film festival.

Yet cinemas across the continent are pulling down screens, converted to pentecostal churches, night clubs or warehouses.

The average rate of closure is estimated at one a month - an endemic trend blamed on ticket prices too high for the average African as well as on the proliferation of cheap pirated DVDs at any street corner.

Around 50 cinemas remain in business - most in South Africa and Kenya with a few in Nigeria - thanks to mushrooming city shopping malls.

In Ivory Coast, west Africa's cultural crossroads, "cinema is dying, if it is not dead already", said award-winning producer Roger Gnoan M'Bala.

In Senegal, home to some of the continent's most renowned early filmmakers such as the late Ousmane Sembene, cinemas have all but shut down. "Senegal is one big black screen," said local weekly La Gazette.

A vestige of film resistance in West Africa is the Oscars' equivalent, FESPACO, Africa's biggest film festival held every two years in Burkina Faso.

But Africa's most populous country Nigeria 18 years ago burst into production with affordable movies now shot with digital cameras that shun the more expensive classical 35mm format.

Known as Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry has in recent years galloped ahead of Hollywood to be ranked second in the world in production terms after India's Bollywood.

A UNESCO study last year placed Nollywood second to Bollywood in terms of the numbers of films produced, with Hollywood trailing in third position. In 2006 for example, Nigeria churned out 872 productions against 485 in the United States.

Film-makers say the digital camera has helped boost African film production, with Nigerians releasing what some dub "microwave" movies that can be ready in under a month.

Nollywood "has taken over completely" from Hollywood, said Nigeria's film producer and director Teco Benson, saying it is the latest "superpower" in the movie industry.

"It's Africa's new rebranding tool".

The good news is that African film-lovers go for Nollywood.

"Africans watch more Nollywood than Hollywood," commented another local director and producer Zeb Ejiro.

Most Nollywood movies depict societal ills - corruption, fraud, drugs and human trafficking, love triangles and witchcraft - and almost all go for happy endings.

One reason for Nollywood's popularity lies with South Africa-based pay television MultiChoice. It has four 24-hour channels dedicated to African content, predominantly Nigeria productions. Two of the channels run movies in two of Nigeria's main languages, Yoruba and Hausa.

But in poor neighbourhoods, shacks with old TV screens placed on dusty alleys or verandas pass for video viewing centres. Bootleg copies sell for a couple of dollars across the continent.

In central Africa, Nollywood movies are the only ones sold by market vendors as "African movies", with the Nigerian productions dubbed into French in such countries as Cameroon and Gabon.

In Kenya, Nigerian films are also a hit - many of them broadcast on terrestrial networks - but face competition from Bollywood due to a historic large Indian population in the eastern African country.

Nollywood films are also immensely popular in Sierra Leone, to the extent of choking the growth of the country's own movie industry, said Thomas Jones, a radio play scriptwriter.

"Nollywood has hampered the growth of the local film market because my contemporaries have just resigned themselves to watching these films from Nigeria," he said.

More affluent South Africa on the other hand has seen a growth in its movie sector since the end of apartheid, and Neill Blomkamp's science fiction "District 9" was this year nominated for an Oscar.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nollywood is "very popular on television" after being dubbed into the local Lingala dialect, according to Petna Ndaliko, a local organiser of the five-year film festival in the eastern town of Goma.

And even in the tiniest of African countries such as Gambia, "Nollywood is ahead of Hollywood", said Nigerian businessman Barnabas Eset, who since 2000 has been renting out both Nollywood and Hollywood movies."[/b]
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/nigerias-nollywood-eclipsing-hollywood-in-africa-1974087.html
http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article449944.ece/Nollywood-eclipses-Hollywood-in-Africa


[b]"Editor’s note: This post originally said Nollywood was bigger than Bollywood. We’ve updated the post to reflect that Nollywood has more revenues than Bollywood on a per capita basis — a crucial distinction.

Nollywood will be the next big thing in world cinema. Just believe it.

Nigeria’s movie industry is thriving, and it’s about time you took notice. Fondly referred to as Nollywood, it is now an $800 million industry, providing employment for about 300,000 people as actors, directors, marketers and distributors. After Hollywood, it is the second largest in the world – even bigger than India’s Bollywood on  per-capita basis. Nigerian movies are immensely popular, particularly in Africa, where they currently outsell Hollywood films. And Nollywood stars are much more popular on the continent than their Hollywood counterparts. Chances are that Kenyans or Malawians will better recognize Genevieve Nnaji and Ramsey Nouah (both Nollywood idols), than Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.

Nollywood has come a long way from where it started 20 years ago. Before now, Western critics were usually quick to dismiss the quality of its productions as poor, the industry as amateurish, its talent as sloppy and its future as bleak. Understandably so. Movies were made on the cheap- a typical budget ranged anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. Shoots were rushed; they rarely lasted a week. Cheap digital equipment and cameras were mostly used, and directors were untrained. The movies generally bypassed the cinema, going straight to DVD and VCD discs. Majority of the actors were mediocre at best. The stories were cliché and mildly annoying. A typical story line went something like this: poor boy meets rich girl; they fall in love; rich girl’s parents strongly disapprove of union; boy and girl fight all obstacles and true love prevails in the end. Other typical story lines included voodoo tales, historical epics, religious conflicts and economic hardship. It was generally mundane.

But even with the substandard quality of the movies, they thrived. The average flick sold over 50,000 copies. Some even sold as many as several hundred thousand, while a few hit a million. And at $1.50 per disc, they were affordable for most Nigerians and generated astounding returns for the producers.

But things have changed. The Nigerian movie industry is experiencing an evolution. The quality of our movies is much better than ever before; our actors are better financially compensated;  directors and other professionals in the industry are travelling overseas to institutions like the New York Film Academy to hone their skills; investors and businessmen are pouring more substantial financial resources into the production of better quality flicks. Nowadays, it’s common place to see movies produced on a 6-figure budget, which is a major improvement from the past. In 2009, Kunle Afolayan, a leading Nigerian movie producer, raised about $300,000 to shoot Figurine, an outstanding production which premiered on local and international cinemas and went on to win 5 stars at the African Movie Academy Awards, our very own version of the Oscars. Several Nigerian movie producers and directors are following suit.

But this is just the beginning: Nollywood is coming of age; its producers and other leading lights are more ambitious than ever before, and they are catching up with Hollywood, slowly albeit steadily. With time, the industry will be rewarded with the critical reception it currently lacks among great world cinema.

I can hardly wait!"[/b]
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/04/19/hollywood-meet-nollywood/


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[b]"Nope, not the name (that is another story), but the industry. Nollywood movies are very, very popular. This has made the top Nollywood actors international superstars anywhere black people live. From the West Indies to Haiti to all regions of Africa, Nollywood stars are much beloved. However, if you have ever watched a Nollywood movie, you must the asking WHY? I have seen how y’all enjoy trashing Nollywood as an industry on this site, and the question must have occurred to you: Why are these movies so loved? Despite being a huge fan of the industry, I have to admit what anybody with half an eye can see: the average Nolly movie is not that good. If you pick up a movie at random, you are likely to be subjected to clichéd story telling, poor editing, bad sound, amateur special effects, and over dramatic, over the top acting. I can only compare the way many people feel about Nollywood’s puzzling popularity to the bewilderment in the US at the popularity of Tyler Perry movies, or even the new teen fad: the Twilight series. What kind of emotional connection do people have to these products that make them ignore good writing and acting? What is the attraction? I am not a screaming blushing teen, so I cannot explain the Twilight phenomenon. However, I suspect that Tyler Perry and his crazy dramatic movies have a lot in common with Nollywood in many ways.

When we think about African film, you would expect that South African movies would dominate. Two of their movies have been nominated for Oscars two years in a row, with Tsotsi winning the academy award for best foreign language movie in 2006. Yet, I would bet my last penny that if you asked the average African who the stars of Yesterday and Tsotsi were; your answer would be a puzzled blank look. And if you checked out this year’sAfrican movie awards (AMAA), you would see that the Kenyans carted away most of the prizes. Yet, if we ask our average African who the stars of Kenyan film are – another blank stare! However, ask of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde , Stella Damasus, or Ramsey Nouah on the streets of London (in the black community), or Haiti, or Uganda. Instant recognition. Why is this?

I was interested in getting a more rigorous answer than “people like what they like”, so I decided to do some research. I chose to watch the South African films I could lay my hands on, namely the aforementioned Yesterday and Tsotsi so that I could compare them to Nigerian film in order to begin to figure out this mystery. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to the best of Kenyan cinema (if you can help a sista out, it would be much appreciated). As you see from the reviews, I really enjoyed both movies. I found them to be more technically advanced than ALL Nollywood products at the moment, in addition to being very touching and emotional. It was interesting to see that both movies were directed by white South Africans Darrell James Roodt and Gavin Hood respectively. Even though both movies were populated by African actors, the pace was very European – majestic shots, slow, almost languid pace – everything very measured. I watched Yesterday twice (yes, the things I have to do!) the second time with the director’s commentary on. I learned a lot about filmmaking in general, and about the making of this movie in particular. The director said something very interesting – about how apartheid had really separated the Afrikaners from the black Africans, such that the different cultures were just even now starting to learn about each other. And there were many things about life in the village that surprised him. My conclusion was that he was basically making a movie about a culture that was pretty alien to him, the same way Hollywood has always made movies about Africa. What we thus got from those two movies was a vision of African life from an outsider’s perspective. In other words, while the packaging was nice, the story was touching and interesting, they were lacking the one ingredient that Nollywood has in spades – authenticity!

You see, I have been attending a majority white church for a long time, and every Sunday, I am really struck by how different we are culturally from people of European descent. They are a very structured, and in the case of the church I attend, very socially conservative people. Every movement, every action is measured, planned in advance, and continually examined. It’s also a very emotionally reserved culture – it’s clear in the way they worship in church, and in the way they make their film. I enjoy watching the crime series on primetime – my favorites are CSI New York and the original CSI (Vegas). Whenever they tell the family of a victim that they have lost someone, it always strikes me as very interesting the way the survivors mourn (in general). They dab their eye delicately, sob quietly and are almost always ready to answer questions concerning the crime in a clear, lucid and logical fashion.

How many of our own people can identify with that? Who cries like that back home? We all know the wailing and acrobatics that we associate with grief. But because the “oyinbo” way of doing things has dominated the airwaves for so long, we have all been trained to think of it as the “right way” of making film. Hence the overdramatic accusations that beset Nollywood! But that is why Nollywood movies are so loved. Seriously!! We are a loud, dramatic, emotional, outwardly expressive, in your face, no concept of personal space people. Under the overly sanitized concept of movie making, people like Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh (welcome home from kidnap! LOL), or Sola Sobowale would not make it to the screen. But they made it, and they are superstars in their respective genres today. Tyler Perry has made millions (hundreds of millions actually), by recognizing authenticity and tapping into it (Fine, Madea is over the top, but you know what I mean!). I just recently watched “Madea goes to Jail”, and I can easily name 10 Nigerian movies that are much better than that movie in terms of dialogue and content (not technical proficiency of course), and yet it was a number 1 movie. Why? Because it struck a chord among a long ignored demographic. It’s not done by someone talking down at them, or somebody pretending to be them, but by someone who was (he’s rich now) one of them and speaks their language.

It’s the same thing with African film. No matter how beautiful the movie, no matter how technically proficient, no matter how fantastic the budget, or good the acting, people want to see themselves represented on the screen “as they are”. For too many years, we have had only the Euro-American view of the world on the big screen. They have defined not only how we view them, but also how we view each other. The story of Africa in Hollywood has been what Dambisa Moyo describes as the four horsemen of the apocalypse – war, disease, corruption, poverty. It’s been a very pathetic story. It’s the reason I have refused to watch “Tears of the Sun” up till today. I just got tired of that crap!

But Nollywood and other emerging African movie industries tell a different story. They tell ALL stories. Not just about war, disease, corruption, poverty, but also about love, marriage, loss, desire. Portraying Africans not just as a cause, but AS A PEOPLE. Even better is the way they tell this story: the format is dramatic, raw, bare, unpretentious, in your face; REAL! It may not be real to the average European, but it’s real to me, because I know those people. I recognize them, I connect with them. Every time Patience O plays a problematic mother-in-law, with her over the top antics and sharp tongue, I know which relative of mine she is portraying. And we all love Being Intimate symbols that look like us. Genevieve is dark skinned and sexy! Yet, Rita Dominic is light skinned and the girl is hawt!! Point is, Nollywood connects on a visceral level and embraces all of us, as we are, thick or skinny, tall or short, light or dark, quiet or dramatic - its a broad umbrella. And the authenticity of the industry is most honestly reflected by the grass roots support it garners. When people who have no idea what is involved in moviemaking, who don’t understand movie-speak can look at the screen and say ‘That’s meeee!’, and they say that across a variety of cultures and continents, you know you have a beautiful thing going.

I bet when Nollywood first started getting recognized outside Nigeria, Africa’s NGO filmmakers laughed really hard, as did those in the larger industries – in Europe, in India, and in America – like who is gonna watch this crap? But after seeing the reaction from black people all over the world (and I mean everywhere from the Islands to Haiti), many copycat industries have started to spring forth. Ghana was motivated to resuscitate their movie industry when Nigerian movies flooded their airwaves. Now we have movie industries, based on the Nigerian model springing up in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia – all over Africa. I don’t know much about the movie industry in Haiti, and whether or not it predates Nollywood, but I can say that stars from Nigeria and Ghana are much loved in that country. In fact, Omotola (aka Omosexy) just shot a movie with a whole bunch of Haitian movie stars that is already going the premiere route and will soon be released. And even South Africans are planning to join in the fun with Jollywood.Here is an example of the planned output from this venture. Not sure how far along or successful they are, but Nollywood is setting the pace, and others are following along.

Does Nollywood need to improve? YES!! Please do not misunderstand me. I am a huge fan of the movies, I own a truckload of them, I watch them religiously, but I am not blind, or deaf, or silly, even though sometimes it seems that our movie makers think the audience is some combination of all three. The industry needs to improve in every aspect – sound, editing (I tried to watch a movie this past weekend where the scenes were apparently recorded in reverse!!) costuming, make up, acting, you name it, we need to fix it! However, Nollywood is on to something very special, and very powerful. As we seek to improve these movies, I need to sound a note of warning to the movie makers – improving them does not mean making them like European and American movies. Please, do not clean up to the point that you suck out all the authenticity. Some of the better producers seem to think that improving a movie means following the “oyinbo formula” If they follow that path, they will lose their audience. Don’t try to follow the ALL the oyinbo rules (you need to follow some though! LOL) of what a movie should be like and how to cry on screen, and what is overacting, and all that good stuff. Improve the movies technically, learn how to decorate a set, get continuity right, don’t use cameras with pink dots, but yes, keep telling OUR stories OUR way.

So, I guess we have figured out why Nollywood and Tyler Perry movies are popular. If anybody can explain the frenzy over the Twilight series to me though, I would be much obliged! Speaking of the multimillionaire Tyler Perry, I actually think somebody needs to hook that dude up with Nollywood. He makes the exact same movies, only with far greater resources, so it would be a natural partnership. I suppose, if Nollywood gets its acts together technically, some of the movies will look like Tyler’s stuff? Is that good or bad, I wonder? LOL!!

Movie Recommendation: So what movie am I recommending this time? I have to go with Izu Ojukwu who is, in my opinion, rapidly emerging as one of Nollywood’s foremost directors. But he has to find the balance between improving his movies (as he is doing) and yet maintaining authenticity. While his style of movie making is right up my alley, I suspect it may not be too attractive to the core audience who love Mama Gee, and Sola Sobowale and Nkem Owoh, and Jenifa and all that kin’ drama. His movies are more thoughtful and introspective, and in my opinion, darned good,  Please check out The distance between, and white waters. I really liked them. I hope you do too."[/b]
http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/6259/8/why-nollywood.html


AS GOOD AS THE OSCARS ARE, AND I AM NOT FOR ONCE DOWNPLAYING THEIR SIGNIFICANCE BUT AFRICANS NOW HAVE THEIR OWN AWARDS NOW:
"The African Movie Academy Awards, popularly known as AMAA Awards, are presented annually to recognize excellence of professionals in the African film industry, including directors, actors, and writers. The awards are aimed at honouring and promoting excellence in the African movie industry as well as uniting the African continent through arts and culture. The award presentation is attended by numerous international media representatives, Hollywood celebrities, Nigerian politicians, journalists and actresses & actors from all across Africa. The AMAA awards are widely considered to be Africa's most important film event[1] and one of the most prestigious African film awards.[2][3][4] A variety of international observers have fondly called the African Movie Academy Awards the "African Oscars".[5][6][7][8] The most recent ceremony, honoring films in 2010, was held at the Gloryland Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria on March 27, 2011."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Movie_Academy_Award

iice:
[color=#9900ff]I understand.

I don't think the movies cater to just whites. That would either mean, they have too much happening to come up with such stories or t[b]hat we the blacks are too structured and nothing but same ol same ol happens to us. OR that we have limited imagination and they are too far out. I'm ok with something like brown sugar (which i watched for Mos Def ) but how many variations of brown sugar or family road trip or whatever can i handle? They say the movies reflect what happens in our society. Fine. Thing is that movies most of the time are supposed to entertain and in some cases transport us away from our reality if only for 2 and a half hours. Do i want to watch everytime what is happening in my society when i'm already there? Or what happens to my neighbour's family? I could just go ask him instead of going to the movies to go see a variation of his life. Maybe it's why i like fantasy best. It's nothing like our lives for the most part.[/b]

Speaking of hot african dude lol, I think Djimon Hounsou is underrated. I watched this weird movie Tempest based on Shakespeare's The Tempest. A movie with Helen Mirren, Alan Cumming and Chris Cooper. Djimon was the best part of the movie. He always seemed like he had more than what he did in some of his movies, i just never got to see what it was until this movie. I hope he gets choice roles that extend his acting chops. [/color]

I agree lol, I love fantasy movies like lord of the rings, harry potter, Dune and etc the stories are more interesting and less predictable. The reason why I don't really watch Black hollywood movies because it is about the same old story; slavery, the ghetto/thug life, segregation, IR jibber jabber, and etc that why I am not as interested in black hollywood movie's. As much as I am happy for Tyler perry, I am not a big fan of his movies or shows, their are only four movies I liked from him so far, and one of them I don't really seeing myself watching again. I only have one DVD from him, and I don't like his show Meet the Browns, it is cheesy and not my style.

I know Djimon Hounsou is underrated & he is a excellent actor; there is a another african actor I like his name is Adewale akinnouye-Agbaje, he is hot(he was on the show lost, appeared in the Mummy and movie bourne identity with Matt Damon)

iice:
[color=#9900ff]Sorry but this is not so.  Most current oscar winners and nominated ones are European or not from America and rightly so for they are the better actors.  Not saying that Americans don't win but in this age (continuous performance) only Jack Nicholson and probably Tom Hanks (Caprio has yet to win an oscar) have been able to keep up with the actors of the 40s in terms of nominations and wins.  I would have thought the influx of great non american actors would inspire american actors but that's not the case.  I'm not complaining though.  Granted the oscars lean towards certain movie roles and types. . .they throw in once a while a wild card like Denzel for training day or Sylvester Stallone for   However it cannot be denied that it's the top honor to receive in the movie industry.  Not even the BAFTAs hold the same weight as the Oscars.  It affects the sales of movies, the pull of audience and sometimes luring renowned directors and producers.  The Oscars are a bit tricky.  Sometimes the role you're sure will bring one the oscar doesn't but another role not as solid as the former would give one the oscar.  Case in point, Christian Bale's win for The fighter.  When he could have won for American Psycho or The Machinist.

There was a lot of noise when the superheroes movies starting coming out.  Of all of them, only Captain America has an American Actor.  Not even Superman is portrayed by an American.  And i'm glad.  I've always said not many american actors have the depth or range of european actors.  Maybe it has something to do with their training

When it comes to the black actors/actresses.  I even have less interest. For most of them are below mediocre.  Some seem to be on the right path and then all of a sudden fall down the drain.  I'm not a fan of actresses so i'm not even bowled over by H[b]alle, frankly she has yet to prove to me why she won that oscar.  Denzel on the other hand is a consummate actor.  In any film whether blockbuster or never been heard, he has always maintained same intensity, same delivery.  Next to him Don Cheadle is my man.  Have loved him since he did a little TV movie in '96 called Rebound.  I'm still waiting for him to get his oscar and darn glad he hasn't gone down the drain. [/color][/b]

I meant Hollywood; When it comes to Hollywood they do cater their movies for the majority which is white people in America, but that also includes whites of other nationalities; I am not really talking about the oscars because they don't run Hollywood but you are right many white people winning are non-american, Colin firth won the Kings speech this year, Christain Bale did win a oscar this year as well, and many others.

Come to think about it I find it weird that most winners in the Oscars are European, not American. I am not mad because when  Europeans act they are in a whole different level

You are right European actors/actresses are much better and it isn't a issue for me as well; for the last part of your comment I am behind you, Halle's movie was not my cup of tea she is a good actress but that movie was  but Denzel is a excellent actor, that was his destiny. I forgot About Don Cheadle, thank you for bringing him up

I also hope Don cheadle wins a Oscar in the future he deserves it, there is something about him that reminds me of a hot african dude

[img]http://4.bp..com/_PgfRBZetNGE/S4Mg6z3zlFI/AAAAAAAABI4/mJvZ7KxvQ0U/s400/wikicommons+youruba+ife.jpg[/img]
http://classical-iconoclast..com/2010/02/british-museum-ife-african-bronzes.html

[quote author=k.o.n.y link=topic=670595.msg9527018#msg9527018 date=1320970084]GTFOH this is why i say africans are delusional.

Black americans and africans have separate lanes that much is true. But black america has done more in the last 100 years to "uplift the black man and women through out the diaspora" than any other african group. Much of africas praise comes from black america in the western world at the same time. All the ills you accuse the black american community of having is worst tenfold in africa. The only reason africans can break bread in the first place is because of black americans hardwork. Without the efforts of black america the diaspora would be looking crazy right now. True story

And your lying to yourself if africans only see dollar signs when it comes to black american entertainers. Dont play yourself[/quote]A black american telling a Nigerian to get out of a Nigerian fourm, LOL, what a joke

In a Nigerian forum, I think you should take that advise and GTFOH because you are the delusional black american to be going on a nigerian forum and criticize Nigerians or africans on issues we don't care for.

All the other stuff you are saying is irrelevant, I don't care; if it makes you feel better make yourself a award. You talk as if black americans are the kings & Queens of the Black race because your music is admired worldwide and africans should bow down to you guys and we don't, is it by force?.  GET OVER YOURSELF


I think you are blind or have hard time reading because this is what I said about about black american entertainers like Jay-Z and beyonce because of their music they will get admiration but a regular african american that is not a entertaineer no, LEARN HOW TO READ because you just played yourself

anonymous6:
it is because of money not because of admiration. If it was Jay-z or beyonce that is singing a concert in Lagos or Abuja, then maybe you see admiration because they like their music, which is natural but if a regular African american comes they will be treated the same as if a nigerian but american citizen that has lived in America for a decade is coming back. They see dollar signs from both of them it is that simple.

I guess it is hard for you to tell the difference when somebody says a African american entertaineer(like Jay-Z, beyonce, and etc) is admired vs. a regular african american person that is not

omar22:
well its the harsh truth, Denzil is one of the best, Will Smith writes his own movies big difference to the crash slam wallop actors,

yeah they are the best from the african american community

omar22:
The Angela Basset & larry Fishbourne nominations are irrelevant, winning is what people remember. Cuba, Louis, & whoopi won supporting roles, and denzels win was a supporting role in  88, I already know this but as I said before the oscars are irrelevant when it comes to Hollywood in general. So sorry I will keep saying they don't really give african americans a chance; the oscars is not the head of Hollywood. The Oscars are not the head of Paramount, Warner brothers and etc. The Oscars has done all they can do but they don't control hollywood, so your list of a few doesn't change the Hollywood establishment. They cater to the majority of Americans which is white Americans, and they would rather put more of whites then Blacks. this is not a given, everybody knows this in America, especially the minorities. They do it to other races like asians, huspanics and etc, and it is worse.


Its an honour to be nominated. Tell me where you think a blackman should have won? I didnt say Oscar control Hollywood, the harsh truth is the creame would always rise to the top, this is the movie industry, its not a public sector,  they are there to make money, which story sells most. I am not going to be brain-washed into "the oh because they were black syndrome" again, i[b]f black actors want to reach the top then they should step up, look at Denzil or Will Smith or Forest Whittaker these are people who step out of there comfort zone, Look at Vivica Fox? very soon she would join Nollywood![/b]

yeah it's a honor to be nominated but it doesn't mean things will change over night, easier said then done, hollywood caters to the majority in America, and the majority would rather see their own, and if they see a popular african american, he better be Denzel and she better be Zoe Saldana, but for the rest it doesn't matter how much they step up. This is not about brainwashing, it is just how it is. Hollywood is mostly owned by white men so no matter how they step up it won't change any time soon. Plus quite frankly Denzel is one of my favorite actors but I doubt I will see another african american man that will be up to the level of denzel because many black men that do acting now, the newbie's are ghetto and hood actors as far as I am concerned(except Forest Whitaker, Idris Elba though, these men have class).

Hollywood is not the saviour industries for all races, theres nothing wrong in breaking into hollywood but to me I feel cultures and communities around the world should create their own film industries in the world. Bollywood has and has beated hollywood as the number one film industry in southeast asia, Nollywood has and has beaten hollywood as the number one film industry in sub-sahran africa. Even in Mexico the hispanic film industry is booming. Hollywood needs to start feeling competition in order to see the importance of others, and they are feeling it now internationally. As I said Hollywood is not bad per say and their is nothing wrong with Blacks getting nominated or winning a oscar but that doesn't mean hollywood will change their attitude for Black people in general or other non-white races. You shouldn't forget hollywood is a business to, movie making business.

I admire what you are saying & agree to a extent but I just feel the world is not just simply black and white there is a little grey, and sometimes things are not that simple.

interesting never knew about this

M M M:
i dont think 9ja is going foward in dere movie industry,

infact if u watch ghana films u know dat ghana is going foward while 9ja is going backwards.

I don't think so, Nollywood is moving forward because if it wasn't you wouldn't see documentaries, CNN specials and etc on it but instead Ghollywood:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_zOOPNgA_A[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPXgStqjfs[/flash]

The only thing that is moving forward in Ghollywood is their quality (which is a A+) but when it comes to scripts besides Shirley Frimpong-Manson, the rest is rubbish, if it is not X-rated, the script is over-westernized, less authentic and etc. Even Shirley's movies even though it has good quality, has been overly westernized at times, especially that Adams apple's movies she has brought out.

[quote author=DESS! link=topic=736235.msg8927706#msg8927706 date=1313417293]Its no news that some of the players in the Nigerian Film Industry have stepped up their game. We have seen better production equipments, camera shots, scenes, premieres and maybe attractive movie posters. Its a good trend of hollywood adaptation. It hurts so much that after spending so much money and little time, silly mistakes, childish make-ups amongst the rest are still common in our movies. There is also an absence of essential marketing structure as to making Nollywood a bigger and better industry. I wonder if the Nollywood is getting better?[/quote]I think Nollywood has stepped up their game but their still needs to be more work to be done. People need to understand that Nollywood had it's genesis around the 50's or 60's but didn't take off until the mid-1980's, so it needs alot or work to be done. I feel the scripts for the Englsih Nollywood industry tend to be in the range of from A+ to F at times and it depends on the director, quality and ect, however I feel quality in Nollywood movies have gotten better though compared to years ago but sometimes the scripts are hit and misses. Sometimes it depends on the director and who is in the movie at times though, so to me Nollywood is in a transitional stage because Nollywood is now doing many international movies now from tangle with me, Ije, Figaurine, the ties that bind, and etc

Examples of good quality and some international Nollywood movies
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPa9aRwdzKs&feature=related[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58_QwvLJa08[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZEnTmjiIcI&feature=related[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBmbd2-7zAI[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIlQqy7tf-s[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG2rHUx7hz4[/flash]

As I said before there still needs to be work done, we still have quality issues, script issues at times; however when it comes to the Yoruba Nollywood Industry I feel they have 10x better storylines and scripts because it is real and more authentic(but they are not always perfect at times to though but better) then the english movies industry but they just need to fix their quality and location problems though but here are examples of Yoruba movies that were excellent to me:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXLG28-Fj6c[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCXOimYeXTE&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny3D5p6z_aE&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfOEG5YBm4&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1[/flash]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgGOGE8fpmM&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1[/flash]

So I feel Nollywood movies will keep on progressing further then we expect but their will be bumps in the road. As much as Nollywood gets criticism, they have brought pride for Black africans, so we should at least show appreciation, there is nothing more better then seeing your own in a movie.

Outstrip:
Just read your last post. Just adding unto what you and Omar were discussing

oh ok

Outstrip:
Denzel won for Training Day

I already know that, I mentioned that earlier when I said him and Halle won in 2002

"On Thursday 24 February actor Idris Elba was the featured speaker for the Lens Project’s Artist Spotlight series, held at Rutgers University, New Jersey. During the event, which was hosted by Ms. Baraka Sele, the Assistant Vice President of Programming of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Idris discussed a range of topics such as his upbringing as an only child in East London and why he chose to be an actor, as well as current state of black cinema in Hollywood.

Speaking on his thoughts on the recent Golden Globes and this year’s Oscar Awards, Idris had this to say:"

"“Halle Berry​ and I were the only two black actors nominated for this year’s Golden Globes (Idris for Luther and Halle for Frankie & Alice). The Oscars aren’t designed for us…let’s focus on making more films.”"

"When asked about his opinions on the friction between director/actors Spike Lee​ and Tyler Perry​, which initially began in 2009 when Spike insinuated that Tyler Perry’s films/TV shows were acts of “Coonery Buffoonery”, Idris stated the following:"

"“Can I​ be candid?… I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for “Daddy’s Little Girls” because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma​.”"
http://www.soulculture.co.uk/blogs/idris-elba-on-the-state-of-black-hollywood-%E2%80%9Cthe-oscars-aren%E2%80%99t-designed-for-us/

Idris Elba
[img]http://amarieadhis.files./2011/04/idris-elba.jpg[/img]

[b]"Taraji P. Henson’s twitter rant last week is definitely an indication that something is amiss in Hollywood when it comes to earned recognition for black actresses. After being subbed from appearing along with her “Person of Interest” co-stars on TV Guide’s cover, Henson tweeted: “WOW!!!! TV Guide is NOT including me on the cover with my cast members……, I am the female lead of a 3 member cast and I’m not included on the cover!!!!!! Do you see the shit I have to deal with in this business…, I cram to understand!!!!”

As controversial as Henson’s tweet may have been, considering the fact that she scored a role on a much-anticipated show on a major network, it certainly brought to light frustrations that clearly a lot of actresses of color seem to share in an industry that is still struggling to figure out how to be politically correct and creative at the same time.

But this thread doesn’t run true in Nollywood; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Nollywood is Africa’s answer to America’s elite film industry — without all the money and power, which is still a work in progress. However, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your acting muscles and bite into juicier roles as a black actress when you are cast in a Nollywood film. The Nollywood film industry originated in Nigeria and was inspired by the dramatic nature — almost Shakespearean quality — of the TV soaps. Someone had the ingenious idea to translate the popularity of the Nigerian primetime soaps to the big screen, and so far, it’s paying off. The Nollywood film industry is currently flourishing. It’s the second largest film industry in the world and annually produces more films than the U.S. — just slightly less than the booming Bollywood (Indian) industry.

The only glitch? Bootleg DVDs, which is ultimately hampering the financial capabilities of the talented filmmakers, churning out numerous movies yearly.

Actresses Nia Long and Kimberly Elise have both caught the Nollywood fever, and earlier this year, were cast in“ Tie That Binds,” a film by acclaimed Ghanaian film director Leila Djansi. Their roles are both challenging and vital to the shape of the film. And their visual factor is quite high. Compared to the state of affairs in Hollywood, it’s hard to ignore the roadblocks that black actresses have been struggling with for quite sometime in order to make an enduring impact in the world of film and television. Yes, we have made some strides — thanks to the talents of actresses like Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, and Halle Berry to name a few. But despite all that progress, there is still that sense of wasted talent and unfulfilled career goals. Angela Bassett, an Oscar-nominated actress with an impeccable film career, finally had to succumb to the Tyler Perry movie factory, and Viola Davis did a great job in the summer hit, The Help. But after seeing her in supporting roles, it would be nice to watch her carry a movie for once, considering her wealth of talent.

I can definitely picture a scenario where Nollywood and Hollywood will merge, and black American actresses follow the footsteps of Nia Long and Kimberly Elise — embracing an environment like Nollywood where their talent is celebrated, and they are given the opportunity to shine.

Won’t that be refreshing?"[/b]
http://clutchmagonline.com/2011/09/is-nollywood-rivaling-black-hollywood/comment-page-1/?replytocom=156049#respond

[img]http://1.bp..com/-lrITP5rcyR4/TruDtuwSeKI/AAAAAAAAIVM/YBjClaVkNpM/s1600/nollywood-01.jpg[/img]
https://www.jz-designs.com/bhe/header.jpg

omar22:
Morgan Freeman was nominated 5 times from the 80s to this Millennium before he won over 5 years ago

Denzil Won it 88 in Glory he was also nominated the year Sean Connery and Kevin Spacey won it

Whoopi won it  in her role in Ghost in 90

Angela Bassett was nominated for her role in Whats Love got to do with it

Larry Fishbourne was nominated twice

Cuba Gooding Jnr won it in 96 in Jerry Maguire

Louis Gossett, Jr. won it in 1982

I cant remember all of them but dont say they didnt give AA the chance,  the cream would always raise to the top

The Angela Basset & larry Fishbourne nominations are irrelevant, winning is what people remember. Cuba, Louis, & whoopi won supporting roles, and denzels win was a supporting role in  88, I already know this but as I said before the oscars are irrelevant when it comes to Hollywood in general. So sorry I will keep saying they don't really give african americans a chance; the oscars is not the head of Hollywood. The Oscars are not the head of Paramount, Warner brothers and etc. The Oscars has done all they can do but they don't control hollywood, so your list of a few doesn't change the Hollywood establishment. They cater to the majority of Americans which is white Americans, and they would rather put more of whites then Blacks. this is not a given, everybody knows this in America, especially the minorities. They do it to other races like asians, huspanics and etc, and it is worse.

The Oscars have tried but they don't control the hollywood establishment

omar22:
excuse me,  Sidney Poitier won an Oscar in the 60's Dorothy Dandridge was a nominee in the 50s dont ever say Hollywood has been ignoring African American actors if they are good they would pick them

Actually they do, the Oscars are irrelevant; it is documented in most media's in the America, after Sidney Poiteir's win, another Black wasn't nominated & won for a "best Role" ("not supporting role" until 2002 with halle Berry and Denzel Washington. So I will keep saying that Hollywood ignores  african americans even the legendary actor Harry Belonfonte, NAACP, and many others have said this, and this history is known. This doesn't bother me but this is known but the reason they ignore them today because some people in hollywood don't consider african americans bankable unless they are Will smith or Denzel Waashington



"84-year-old legendary actor and entertainer Harry Belafonte says Hollywood has yet to explore the black experience and states that the industry will “never ever yield to the needs of the people of color.”

Mr. Belafonte made the remarks at a presentation on artists and activism held Wednesday [July 27] during the 102nd annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Convention.

Black thespians Louis Gossett Jr., Tatyana Ali, Hill Harper and members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association appeared alongside Belafonte at the panel discussion. He urged the NAACP to form a group of artists and thinkers to inspire the kind of “radical thought” necessary for change, and he called on black actors and filmmakers to “come together and create some institutional base that’s ours.”"

"“It seems to me that long ago we could have put together black studios, put together a black distribution center,” Belafonte said. “Maybe we couldn’t reach 100 million, but we could reach 100,000, and have 100,000 exposed to a great truth. I’d rather have that than 100 million exposed to something vacuous and inaccurate.”"

Belafonte also said that:

"“…in pursuit of ego, in pursuit of large, ridiculous sums of money, we have sold our birthright that somehow we are more victim than we are responsible.”"

"Though Mr. Belafonte was the most outspoken of the panelists, the other actors agreed that black artists and consumers are responsible for changing the way the entertainment industry represents people of color."

"“It’s very hard to find roles that I can be proud of,” said Ali, 32. “The archetypes for black women specifically have not fully been explored.”"

"Alex Brown and Willis Harris, representing the Black Stuntmen’s Association, talked about their experience fighting for change: They created the BSA in 1966 to end the exclusion of black stunt performers from Hollywood productions. Until then, white stuntmen were “painted” to perform stunts for black actors.

The performers all said that activism and education are essential to advancement in Hollywood. Belafonte said “radical thought” is critical."

"“You’re not going to find solutions until you’re willing to embrace radical thought,” he said. “Every time black people moved ahead in the history of this country is because somewhere in this nation, a group of people dared to think radically and do radical things.”"
http://blackthespian.com/harry-belafonte-hollywood-will-never-yield-to-the-needs-of-people-of-color/

omar22:
The same Community that first said Barack Obama has no chance in winning the democrat ticket let alone becoming the US President,

yup that is the same community

I don't really personally agree with it but there are exceptions but that is every individual's women's choice whether she wants a abortion or not

[b]" Showing off her incredible post-baby body, Mariah Carey graces the cover of this week's Us Weekly -- and apparently she read last week's cover story, too!

The slimmed-down singer and mom to twins made a not-so-subtle joke about Kim Kardashian's quickie divorce at a press conference held at the Four Seasons in NYC, where Carey was unveiled as the new ambassador for Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig).
"I'm a real person, I'm not going to put on a fake face for Hollywood," Carey told the crowd as she dished on her marriage to hubby Nick Cannon, with whom she shares six-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.
"Sometimes we make each other mad, that's why we aren't divorced after four months," she cracked. The crowd audibly gasped after that remark. The most notorious quickie divorce these days, of course, is 31-year-old Kardashian, who filed Oct. 31 after just 72 days of matrimony with Kris Humphries.

Looking sheepish after her crack, the "Butterfly" singer said, "I'm sorry, I'm just saying."
Looking back on the earlier days of her career she added, "You know, I had a situation in the past where I was controlled, and I was really young, and it affected the way I trusted people. I had no team, besides my dog and my cat. Me and Nick we always joke, I'm an Aries, I need so much attention!""[/b]
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/mariah-carey-disses-kim-kardashian-220940070.html?nc

Mariah Carey & Kim Kardashian
https://www-hollywoodlife-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/110911_mariah_carey_kim_kardashian111109203219.jpg

Outstrip:
Okay there have always been black movies but not really main stream. i think the issue here is that some black people feel that Tyler Perry should ONLY make one type of movie style. He is not even branching into a different genre he is just using a non white black actress and people are getting constipated. Brown Sugar is probably one of my favorite modern love stories and I like Taye Diggs but look how far he has come. Though he is just an actor he did not just stay with the genre that had given him popularity. He is on a very mainstream TV show right now. Tyler Perry will be directing (Ithink) a Patterson movie soon and I believe also acting in it. He will not always do these sort of movies that we see now and I insist that it will not be the end of his career either. If black people want to boycott one of their own then by all means let them. It is not the first time that we have used our own hands to tear down our own and it will not be the last

That is a dillema that Tyler Perry will face with the african american community, I wish him good luck.

pleep:
Honestly, before you make an ignorant topic like this perhaps you should actually travel to Nigeria?

Most Nigerian 'area boys' worship anything American, so if you are visibly A.A you would probably be treated like a king.

it is because of money not because of admiration. If it was Jay-z or beyonce that is singing a concert in Lagos or Abuja, then maybe you see admiration because they like their music, which is natural but if a regular African american comes they will be treated the same as if a nigerian but american citizen that has lived in America for a decade is coming back. They see dollar signs from both of them it is that simple.

Mfalme313:
Why concern yourself with African opinions about Black Americans? It's a minor issue.

Apparently, the general view of Africans and Africa amongst non-Africans is Poverty, Aids, huts, huts and more huts. Do I get bent out of shape? no, because I don't give 2 fuks and a biscuit. It is what it is.

If everyone is so superior to Africans/Black people then why go out your way to talk down on them, sounds like insecurity to me.

AMEN, superb response, this topic is getting old; it's about time both sides know the reality of things; and let things be

this whole thread is ridiculous; All Americans also look down on Africans because they think war, disease, starvation and poverty, corruption is Africa to them but in the end of the day africans don't care. We don't make threads about it or ask about it from african americans; so why the criticism in reverse from african americans in a nigerian forum. Our progression doesn't depend on them so they can think we eat bugs and I could careless. It is about time people accept things they way they are and stop complaining about it. Majority of african americans think africans are living like tarzan, have aids are in war while Majority of africans feel african americans are lazy, irresponsible, don't take advantage of their opportunity, many baby mommas(without the fathers), drug dealing, don't care for education, blame their problems on the white man and slavery all the time, and etc. That's the way it is, I don't lose sleep over this because I feel Africans are progressing separately on their own without african americans & african americans are progressing separately on their own with africans. We are not each others Godfathers, so we don't owe each other nothing?

Good for him