Connect with us

Entertainment

QUALITY CONTENTS ARE KEY TO ENGENDERING GROWTH IN NOLLYWOOD

Published

on

Tolulope Oke, Graduate of Sociology from University of Lagos. She also read Dramatic Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile Ife. Tolulope is a prominent Nollywood actress. She has featured in several film productions that featured notable Nollywood faces. She has just produced a new film titled “Cookies Spot”. In this interview, she speaks about her new movie, its focus and importance to the audience, the impact of COVID 19 on the industry. She also has words of encouragement for women for women and youths.

THE NEW MOVIE AND ITS STORYLINE

” Cookies Spot”. Cookie Spot is a story and it is a reflection about life. According to Tolu,” I believe in hope and I tried to project life and it possibilities. “Cookie Spot as she aptly puts it is a story of survival wherever you find yourself. There is always a means of survival. The inspiration of Cookie Spot from a carwash that can turn to a big business. The lady got help from a woman where she was working to establish her own business. She wanted a good life for her mother and herself which the mother rejected due to untold story she didn’t reveal to her daughter about her father. Some notable Nollywood starts who featured in Cookie Pot are Adejumo Lewis,Funso Adeolu,Sola Sobowale,Ayo Adesanya,Bolanle Ninalowo, Omowunmi Dada and a host of others.

THE MESSAGE OF COOKIE SPOT

Women should not be overwhelmed with challenges. They should believe they can make it despite all odds. I believe every woman has a staying power that should confront every challenge and overcome. I want every woman out there to have positive spirit which will definitely make them overcome in life.

There is the need for women to support one another. The young women should see the bigger picture of whatever they are doing. Possibilities are endless in life. Whatever you are doing, you should not give up. You can always be a better person wherever you are. You should learn to survive in a way that will add value to others.

Tolulope believes Cookie Pot will challenge every young lady out there to have the women and women generally should have the strong will to succeed against all the odds in life.

COMMUNICATING THE VALUES OF COOKIES SPOT

It has become imperative to project the values of Cookies Spot. The movie will be showing on TV , online, cables and cinema. To reach all and sundry, there is a strategic focus to adopt the cinema as there is the cinema culture in Nigerians. This will facilitate making the movie a must watch by all.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Covid-19 has slowed everything down. Life, I believe has been altered by the pandemic. People have been looking at how to cope with the post-covid. Digital channels have come to stay to promote products and services. For movies, people are health conscious on what they do. Now you see standby doctors on film set to ensure the environment is safe for everyone. The benefit of this is that everyone focuses on their health status more. It is a good development for the industry which shows we are more conscious of our environment. It means anyone who is not physically fit should not participate in movie production. It shows the producer will take responsibility. It means we pay attention to everything that matters. It puts Nollywood in good light.

There is more to bringing people on set. We should be conscious of or health as it is important. We should be concerned about the health status of the crew. COVID has made it mandatory to focus on basic things that are often overlooked.

FOCUS OF THE INDUSTRY

The focus of the industry is to release good and quality contents. There are digital channels for the readymade market. When quality movies are provided, is showcases our professional expertise and projects the nation’s image. It is important to focus on professional expertise and develop techniques in movie production. The technical part of our movie is also getting better, in terms of sub editing, music background and post-production.

MY STRATEGIC ESSENCE FOR COOKIES SPOT

I want to showcase myself as a very detailed Producer and Actor. I also want to let the audience especially the younger ones know that there are opportunities around them. They need to identify such opportunities and deploy creativity to promote themselves. It is also to promote entrepreneurship. It also tells the youth audience that success takes perseverance. It also teaches hope. I want the younger generations to believe in their potentials and have their potentials. Success is a destination not a journey. I also want to add value to the society and at the end of the day it is win-win situation for all. Cookie spot is also a story that promotes family values.

Cookie spot also focuses on women helping on another. Women should identify potentials in others and help them. Women should see themselves as pillar of support for one another. A support for a woman is a support other generations.

Entertainment

Coal City Film Festival 2024: A Celebration of African Cinema in Enugu…….

Published

on

By

 

Theo Ukpaa, Shuaibu Hussein, Others Shine at the Event!

 

 

The Coal City Film Festival 2024, hosted at the scenic Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu, Nigeria, was a spectacular showcase of glamour and glitz. This premier film event, the largest in the South East, was organized in partnership with the Enugu State government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival celebrates the richness of film, culture, and authenticity while providing a platform for industry stakeholders to enhance their artistic and business acumen.

 

This annual event, dedicated to celebrating African cinema, offered a variety of engaging activities in this year’s edition. Attendees enjoyed free film screenings, master classes, and panel discussions. The festival also featured unique cultural experiences, such as a palm wine and bush meat roundtable, a city tour, an awards gala night, and a lively party, all of which attracted many beautiful faces from the film industry and beyond.

Theo Ukpa On Red Carpet

The 3-day event saw a gathering of filmmakers, actors, policymakers, and development agencies in the vibrant Coal City. Notable attendees included the President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, Film and TV Producer Theo Ukpaa, Dr. Shuaibu Hussein, Ijeoma Onah, Andy Amenechi and veteran actors like Segun Arinze and Obi Okoli, adding to the star-studded ambiance of the festival.

 

A major highlight of the festival was the screening of ‘IFEDICHE,’ a movie that opened the Coal City Film Festival 2024. This special film, made in Coal City, revolves around a cultural meal of Enugu, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

 

The Festival Jury includes Jude Idana, Theo Ukpaa, Chichi Nworah, Arul Marewad and Charles Okwuowulu.

 

Uche Agbo, the founder and Executive Director of the Coal City Film Festival, expressed the festival’s vision to open the doors of South-east Nigeria to the rest of the world through the medium of film. This year’s festival not only celebrated African cinema but also served as a bridge connecting the local culture and creativity to a global audience.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

2024 Young Orators National Finals

Published

on

By

 

The city of Ibadan, Nigeria, hosted a captivating spectacle as finalists from across the nation gathered for the 2024 Young Orators national final competition. Organised by the Peat Philips Foundation, this prestigious event serves as the Nigerian franchise of the International Public Speaking Competition, annually conducted by the English-Speaking Union.

 

Akinleye Olu-Philips, Team Lead at Peat Philips Foundation, highlighted Ibadan’s rich literary heritage, underscoring its significance as a nurturing ground for literary talents in Nigeria.

 

Amidst fierce competition, 20-year-old Folakemi Adebayo, a second-year Law student at the University of Ibadan, clinched the coveted title. Torkuma Mimidoo Perpetual (17), a science student from Rosladys College, Gboko, Benue State and Inioluwa Sodunke from De – Glorious Heritage School, Lagos State, secured the second and third positions respectively.

 

Folakemi Adebayo’s victory earns her the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2024 International Public Speaking Competition scheduled in London from May 13 to 17. The national final was generously sponsored by Learn Africa Plc, with support from Alpha FC Abuja.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu’s #Makewehalla Video goes viral, Ignites Dialogue on Domestic Abuse

Published

on

By

In a nation where the discussion on domestic violence often remains shrouded in silence, two power actors have ignited a powerful movement that is resonating deeply across Nigeria.

 

Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu, through their viral video titled #MakeWeHalla, have initiated a much-needed conversation on the pressing issue of domestic violence.

 

The video features the two talented actors in a humorous yet thought-provoking short video, emphasising the importance of speaking out against domestic violence.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C43iD60Nh7e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

 

With their trademark wit and charm, Inojie and Nuhu delivered a compelling message; when Nigerians witness domestic violence, they must make noise, they must ‘halla’.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BEb4wMq5h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

The video is capturing the attention of viewers across various demographics, sparking discussions on online platforms.

 

Among many Nigerians who have been inspired by the video is a fast-rising actor and social media influencer, Joseph Momodu.

 

He wrote, “Yesoooo Oga Charles. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Domestic violence is not good and the more reason to really Halla!!”

 

A popular Nigerian film director and social media personality, Falalu Abubakar Dorayi, also known as Falalu A. Dorayi, added his voice against sitting on the fence while witnessing incidents of domestic violence. To him, “Women abuse is a bad behavior. Silence, when we see people doing (it), is like giving a chance to continue. It’s true, everywhere we see signs of “abuse” happening. Let’s expose the secrets. #MakeWeHalla.”

 

“This is powerful. We must halla! Like I always say, to fix this nation, you must fix yourself first. You are a part of the nation; once you fix you, you have fixed the nation. This is applicable to a community where domestic violence thrives,” Lanre Adediwura, an award-winning actor and online personality, opined.

 

A Nigerian actress and online celebrity, Kiitan Bukola, said that Nigerians can’t continue to sit on the fence in the face of domestic violence. “We must halla; we can’t continue to ignore. let’s kick against domestic violence… ,“ she wrote.

 

The success of #MakeWeHalla by encouraging individuals to speak up, is empowering communities to break the cycle of silence and stigma.

 

Inojie and Nuhu’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as their initiative has garnered widespread praise and support from both fans and advocacy groups alike.

 

Monsurah Hamza with handle @ayotibami0 wrote, “Kudos to Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu for sensitizing Nigerians on domestic violence #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Elated social media user @oladebuofficial stated, “How do I like this video 1 million times cos Bravo. Thank you for this… #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Bammy_ay wrote, “We really need more of this kind of video to educate people on domestic violence. Do not die in silence! #MakeWeHalla.”

 

@ekumastanleyifeanyi3 simply commented, “Say no to domestic violence.”

 

Through their creativity and dedication, Inojie and Nuhu have leveraged their platform to shine a spotlight on a critical issue that often remains hidden in the shadows.

Continue Reading

Trending