BABA SUWE RECUPRATES

Popular comedian, Babatunde Omidina also known as Baba Suwe, who cheated death weeks ago is back on his feet. This blogger learnt that Baba Suwe who was on his way to a film location in Idiroko where he had the accident has been discharged. The car he was had veered off the road and somersaulted twice. He was immediately rushed to Idiroko General Hospital where it was discovered that he sustained chest injury while his brother had a fractured leg. They were later referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idiaraba where they received treatment. Wishes have continued to pour in from all walks of life for the man who lost his wife, Omoladun seven weeks ago.   

ANTP ELECTIONS HOTS UP

The movie industry seems to be going through tough times. First it was the Association of Movie Producers rift, then Actors’ Guild of Nigeria brouhaha. Now, the seed of discord has found its way to the Jide Kosoko-led Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP).

I learnt that contenders are fighting tooth and nail to outshine one another in its forthcoming election.

The incumbent president, Prince Kosoko is having a bigger headache in his vice president, Prince Bamidele Odule. 

At Feminar Cafe, Ikeja some actors have been talking in hush hush tones. Some of the practitioners I spoke with however praised Kosoko for is achievements that has helped the boost the association's image, but some are clamouring for a young president to steer the affairs of the body.

Those in contention are Yinka Quadri who claims to be a king-maker and Yemi Solade. But, the odds against these two are that numerous. Quadri is having a problem with English language and education, while Solade is said to be arrogant and proud. He was once quoted as saying that, “the association will be hot for the illiterates among us. And if you really want to be sincere not all of us are educated, so he may not win.” 

However, some practitioners say if Kosoko is re-elected, Quadri may end up being the Vice president as Odule is believed to have performed poorly. 

Meanwhile, all eyes will also be on the chapter elections especially Lagos and Ogun states. The likes of Shitta-Bey, Ade Adenrele, Bolaji Amusa (Latin)and Ebun Oloyede (Olaiya) would be slugging it out in Lagos and Ogun states respectively. What an interesting election, isn't it? Get updated as it progresses.

OUR, MERCY JOHNSON!

“LEADERS AREN’T BORN, THEY ARE MADE AND THEY ARE MADE JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, THROUGH HARD WORK. AND THAT’S THE PRICE WE’LL HAVE TO PAY TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL OR ANY GOAL.”- Vince Lombardi 

For many weeks, the name Mercy Johnson has heralded front pages like pure water in the desert. Most of these headlines so disheartening and sad. Annoying is even an understatement considering the level at which journalism has gone in the past couple of years.

Sometimes, I wondered what happened to OBF (objective, balance and fair) reports. What happened to keeping ethical standards? What do we gain when we sensationalize without right facts or it is just a hearsay? When we hear, do we call the subject to get her side? These are just a few of many questions the media need to address.

I know people would say, you-Asuquo, ‘master of sensationalism‘ but, frankly, if you check my reports it has always been factual, balance and objective. My mentors (in journalism) trained me in this line and believe it has kept me out of trouble. Lying or blackmail has never made anybody rich or popular; neither has it changed the price of garri in the market.

My angst is on the stories peddled about Mercy. I’m not her spin-doctor, but she’s someone I’ve met on several occasions and shared ideas. Mercy is like the everyday Nigerian girl. Hardworking, lively and passionate. She’s compassionate to a fault. Many say she’s promiscuous and moves around men, yes, it is possible, because she the last daughter in the house full of boys. She’s “a tomboy” is once told me and daddy's girl, for short!

Early in the year,when the man she loved dearly broke her heart, we had a heart-to-heart talk about it. She was so sincere throughout that day in Ojodu. She opened up and told me her tiniest secrets that I and millions of Nigerians never knew about her. That moment, my perception changed about her and many actresses. Although, i’m miffed by some of them who make themselves incommunicado that shouldn’t be an excuse to defame. The Press makes a mince-meal of those ‘posers’, proud and arrogant. shakara is an arathema in media.    

She told me about an orphanage that was in the pipeline; and I believe will be ready by next year. It was a laudable idea from someone we call “merciless” when it comes to men- Giving back to the society that hates her. But, I praise her courage, she’s waved these controversies aside, and continued with the project. Only few people can do this. People have found it difficult to separate real life from acting; that’s why any news about our stars becomes headliners. They live two lifes- celebrity (very tough) and personality (simple).  

I visited one of the site having many of these scandalous stories and I thank Nigerians and her fans who believe she’s being witch-hunted by some people. As i write this, I’ve not spoken to her for months and that has not changed my perception about her in any way. She’s got her life to live and really, I’m happy she’s taking the humanitarian project with all stride and strength. That’s my joy.

At just 25, sexy and talented, all she needs is encouragement from the media and all. I know of many 25 year-olds who earn millions yet don’t think of giving back to the society. This is a middle-class girl saying ‘my people first.’ While, we enjoy her role delivery, let’s make her dreams come true...she needs us...Mercy is ours!    

AMP PREPARES FOR HISTORIC FESTIVAL

The Association of Movie Producers (AMP) has rolled out plans for its annual week.

This year, the AMP in collaboration with the Lagos state Government has decided to rebrand and rename the noble idea to AMP/Eko International Film Festival. 

According to Mr. Paul Obazele, the national president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), this year’s theme: “Film, The Catalyst For Change: Positive,” has been chosen to further boost the growth of the industry. 

Obazele says part of the objectives of the event is that it would bring about behavioural change, with respect to motion picture issues: “Especially, the micro issues in motion picture, distributing and marketing. It will also help to effectively communicate film values and its impact on our tradition. It will assist immensely in the dissemination of information on emerging and new technologies that would ensure effective piracy management. It will also be a medium for operators in the film industry to promote their products and services. Lastly, this festival will create employment opportunities for the youths”, he said.

Meanwhile, all the notable guilds in Nollywood, including the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), have all endorsed their support for the coming festival.

Similarly, top actor and Chairman, Media Committee of the festival, Mr. Emeka Ossai, disclosed that the event would run for four days.

He says National theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, has been chosen as the venue which begins on November 24 and ends on 27. He also assured that the festival would be world-class. “I can assure you that it will be comparable to other international film festivals globally. It will involve issues of interest, spotlights, interviews, presentations, movie screenings, awards and many more. Although, the language of communication is English and may be, Yoruba, so as to reach majority of the audience that will be attending”, Ossai posited.

THE RACE FOR AMAA 2010 BEGINS

Africa Film Academy (AFA), organizers of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has released guidelines for the submission of entries to the 2010 awards.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of AFA, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, this year, all forms are to be accompanied by supporting materials. The materials includes the synopsis of the film, a brief credits of the film, filmography of the director and producers of these films.
She stated that films submitted must indicate year of copyright. She also hinted that most Nigerian films failed to walk home with diadems because it failed to take simply instructions especially on duration. Thus, all films must exceed 120 minutes run.
The academy also used the opportunity to announce the inclusion of two new categories to the awards: Best Africa film diaspora and Best diaspora short film.
The ceremnonies will hold April 10, 2010.
Stay posted here for updates
For more details log on to www.ama-awards.com

GREEN AND WHITE GIG

Nigerians are still basking in the euphoria of the soiree put together by Encomium Magazine on Nigeria's 49th anniversary. The green and white party had all the entrapment you could ever imagine. And of course, Encomium known for its A-class events did this in conjunction with Primetime and Harp. We serve you pictures of those who strut the green carpets with their top of the range coutures.

NICOLAS ANUKATI DIES

The media and indeed entertainment world is in utter shock at the passing away of stylish entertainment presenter, Nicolas Anukati. The dashing broadcaster known for mceeing entertainment events and programmes was a staffer of Galaxy TV. He was the brain behind cum presenter of Nigeria Television and Style.com In fact, I'm still wondering what could have caused it because i met him at the launch of Blaze magazine in victoria Island a month ago, doing what he knows best and he showed no signs of stress. He was as usual his bubbly self. Well, a close pal hinted he died of typhoid fever on October 10,2009. What ever, I pray the Lord receives his soul. REST IN PEACE NICO.

CATHERINE RUELLE TO DIRECT IONIFF

The organizers of IONIFF, holding in Port Harcourt, has concluded plans to fly in one of the world’s most celebrated cinema experts based in Paris, France, Catherine Ruelle, as Artistic Director. Ruelle was producer of “Golden Camera” a programme on Cannes Festival TV, that portrayed and interviewed young filmmakers from all over the world. Coming down to the festivals, she will be bring her wealth of experience to IONIFF, Port Harcourt 09, holding in the Rivers State capital from December 9 to 12, 2009.
Ruelle, who has been working in various capacities as President, Organizer or Committee Member of International Film Festivals in Paris, Cannes, Milan, and Geneva since 1979, has expressed her delight to be part of a festival that celebrates Nollywood which is a film industry she considers to be phenomenal given its growth over the years.
Organizers, IONIFF Port Harcourt 09, says she’s coming to Nigeria with her wealth of experience at the international level to share with participants particularly Nollywood while at the same time learning from Nollywood on how best to tell the Nigerian story.
Valentine Charles, one of the organizers of the festival, said she was chosen because of her experience in film festivals especially as it pertains to the Black films.
“As a result of her interest in black filmmaking, she became a part of the organization of Noir, Black, Negra, an artistic composition of film screenings, tales, music events and creation of an African village at Cannes Festival. In line with her black cinema knowledge, she created a special category called Raices Negras/ Black Roots at the French cinema festival in Cuba in 1999 and 2000.”
Ruelle also co-founded in partnership with the renowned Senegalese director Mahama Traore the special Djibril Diop Mambety prize at Cannes Festival and in 2008, was appointed Artistic Director of a Midsummer’s Night Dream Digital Film Festival in Paris till date.

EMEM ISONG PREMIERES TWO MOVIES

For the umpteenth time, respected female movie maker, Emem Isong, has concluded plans to premiere two entertaining and scintillating movies in one day.
Entitled: Guilty Pleasures and Nollywood Hustlers respectively, was jointly shot by the acting duo of Desmond Elliot and Uche Jombo.
While the duo of Desmond Elliot and Daniel Ademinokan co-directed Guilty Pleasures, dreadlocks donning Moses Inwang, directed Nollywood Hustlers under Royal Arts Academy production.

Leading the pack of stars that thrilled in Nollywood Hustler, a hilarious comic movie was: Uche Jombo. She was ably supported by other great actors like: Ejike Asiegbu, Ramsey Noah, Monalisa Chinda, Charles Inojie, Susan Peters and a host of others.
Thematically, Guilty Pleasures is centred on love and betrayal and the trio of Ramsey Noah, Nse Ikpe Etim and Majid Macheal, spearheaded the thespians onslaught.
Others include: Mercy Johnson, Omoni Oboli, Rukky Sanda and several other emerging starlets.

VIVIAN EJIKE HITS SET AGAIN

Nigeria's leading female filmmaker and the CEO of Purple Pine productions, Vivian Ejike is just restless. Just few months, after completing work on her yet to be released big budget movie-Silent Scandal, pretty Ejike and her crew have gone back to set, cooking another blockbuster. The filmmaker now at some choice locations within the Lagos metropolis disclosed that the flick would definitely raise the bar within and outside Nollywood. Interestingly too, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has returned to set as the lead act; while Ngozi Ezeonu and some popular thespians from neighbouring Ghana also made the intimidating cast list. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, the multiple award winning film director with over 200 movies to his credit, is the one directing. According to pretty Ejike, a former top banker, the production is expected to come to an end this weekend, with an after party for the cast and crewmembers. The new movie is yet to be titled.