Tag

Genevieve Nnaji

Browsing

Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji has pleaded with the Feminist Coalition to reconsider its decision to stop receiving donations aimed at supporting #EndSARS protesters.

The group, which has been offering administrative support to the #EndSARS protests, had earlier announced that it would no longer accept donations for the campaign against police brutality.

It had also urged other protesters to leave the streets following President Muhammadu Buhari’s address on Thursday to prevent further violence.

But in a post on Friday, the actress said sustaining such an initiative is imperative to meet the financial needs of several Nigerians amid the issues trailing the movement.

Nnaji also said that the reality in the country has shown that citizens can no longer depend on government for survival.

She commended the group for its heroics during the heat of the #EndSARS campaign, while also promising to keep donating to support Nigerians.

“God bless you for all your hardwork ladies. But please don’t stop. I’m tired of people dying because they can’t pay before service at hospitals,” she wrote on Twitter.

“Bail money will be crucial now more than ever. I want to keep donating for it is clear our lives and well-being are in our own hands.”

The group had on Friday revealed that it received N147,855,788 donations and spent N60,403,235 over the past 14 days while the protests lasted.

Genevieve Nnaji continues to bring the Nigerian movie industry into the spotlight. Her movie, Lionheart, was one of the first movies to be featured on Netflix, and then went on to become the first Nigerian movie to be considered for an Oscar nomination.

After gracing the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, the producer/actress went on to the 13th Annual Women in Film Female Oscar Nominees Party, joining stars like Lulu WangMj RodriguezIdina Menzel.

Genevieve sat on a panel of amazing women to discuss “Global Collaboration” in the movie industry at the Essence House: Hollywood Edition. Moderating her panel was Director of Entertainment at Essence, Cori Murray (Moderator); with fellow panellists – Director, Writer & Producer, Euzhan Palcy & Comedian & Producer, Gina Yashere.

Gnevieve Nnaji at Essence House Hollywood Edition 2020

During her session, she threw light on diversity and the need to accept those who may not look like you. She said – “One thing that was more important than diversity was inclusion. And inclusion means showing you me and you accepting who I am and where I’m from, rather than integrating me into your culture and changing me into who you are.

Gnevieve Nnaji at Essence House Hollywood Edition 2020
Gnevieve Nnaji at Essence House Hollywood Edition 2020
L-R: Director of Entertainment at Essence, Cori Murray (Moderator); with fellow panelists, Director, Writer & Producer, Euzhan Palcy & Comedian & Producer, Gina Yashere)

Other amazing women at the Essence event include Celebrity Hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood; Writer, Creator, Producer & Actor, Lena Waithe; Entertainment Attorney, Nina Shaw; TV Executive, Pearlene Igbokwe, Alana Mayor and more.

For more click here

EVENTS

Genevieve Nnaji had an Eventful Week in Hollywood | Let’s Take You Through

BellaNaija.com

Published

 on

On Friday we spotted Genevieve Nnaji looking a star at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon. But her week has continued to be eventful since then

Just after the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, Genevieve headed to the Vanity Fair and Lancome Women in Hollywood celebration, where she, again, dazzled.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the Vanity Fair and Lancôme Women in Hollywood celebration at Soho House on February 06, 2020 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images)

On Friday, the producer/actress headed to the 13th Annual Women in Film Female Oscar Nominees Party, joining stars like Lulu WangMj RodriguezIdina Menzel.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Women In Film Female Oscar Nominees Party at Sunset Room Hollywood on February 07, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty

Still on Friday, Genevieve was also at the Essence House: Hollywood Edition event, where she spoke on a panel about “Global Collaboration” in Hollywood with producers Euzhan Palcy and Gina Yashere .

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Director/Producer Genevieve Nnaji poses backstage during ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition at NeueHouse Los Angeles on February 07, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: (L-R) Cori Murray, Director of Entertainment for Essence, Director/Producer Euzhan Palcy, Director/Producer Genevieve Nnaji and Comedian/Producer Gina Yashere speak on a panel during ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition at NeueHouse Los Angeles on February 07, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENSE)

For the thirteenth year, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood shined a light on Black women in cinema and television. Genevieve Nnaji was in attendance fitted in a simple gown at the red carpet.

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood had the best of black Hollywood celebs with all our faves, from Yvonne Orji to Billy Potter and Kerry Washington and ‘Clemency’ star Alfre Woodard attending.

The luncheon held on Thursday,February 6,2020 in Beverly Hills.

Check out photos of her from the event:

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 2020 13th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

According to the Academy, nominees in the Best International Feature Film Category must have a predominantly non-English dialogue track, and ‘Lionheart,’ despite being an unmistakably Nigerian film, fails to tick this box.

The announcement has attracted concerns from movie producers, with major voices like American filmmaker,Ava DuVernay speaking up against the disqualification on social media.

Responding to this recent development, the NOSC Chairperson Chineze Anyaenesaid:

The budding Nigerian film industry is often faced with producing films with wide reach which often makes the recording dialogue predominantly English with non-English infusions in some cases.

Going forward, the committee intends to submit films which are predominantly foreign language – non-English recording dialogue. We are therefore urging filmmakers to shoot with intention of non-English recording dialogue as a key qualifying parameter to represent the country in the most prestigious award.

The committee is working tirelessly in organizing workshops, seminars and using other available media to create robust awareness on the guidelines and requirements for an International Feature Film Entry.

Lionheart passed on other technical requirements from story, to sound and picture except for language as adjudged by the Academy screening matrix, which was a challenge for the committee at a time. This is an eye opener and step forward into growing a better industry.”

The Best International Feature Film category is stated to carry certain requirements, which must be fulfilled before a film can be submitted.

Some of them are:

1. The film must have been first released in the country submitting it, after which it must have been exhibited for a minimum of 7 consecutive days in a movie theatre.

2. The movie must be predominantly non-English which means that movies with predominant English dialogue will not qualify for the award.

3. The film must not be transmitted electronically or otherwise, before its official release in the theatre.

 

 

 

Credit: Bella Naija

Nigeria’s 2020 Oscar entry ‘LionHeart’ was disqualified on Monday November 4, for having too much English dialogue.

The movie which is Nigeria’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards, was submitted for the international feature film Oscar category. The Academy’s description of an international feature film “is a feature-length motion picture (defined as over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.”

LionHeart which is not excluded from entering other Oscar categories including consideration for best picture, has just under 12 minutes of dialogue that is in the Igbo language native to Southeastern Nigeria, while the remaining 94-minutes is in English. With the disqualification, the number of films in contention for the award has dropped from 93 to 92.

However reacting to the disqualification on Twitter, Genevieve Nnaji wrote;

 

 “This movie represents the way we speak as Nigerians. This includes English which acts as a bridge between the 500+ languages spoken in our country; thereby making us #OneNigeria.” She added, “It’s no different to how French connects communities in former French colonies. We did not choose who colonized us. As ever, this film and many like it, is proudly Nigerian.”

 

American filmmaker who directed the Netflix drama miniseries When They See Us, Ava DuVernay also reacted to the disqualification. She tweeted;

 

 “To @TheAcademy, You disqualified Nigeria’s first-ever submission for Best International Feature because its in English. But English is the official language of Nigeria. Are you barring this country from ever competing for an Oscar in its official language?”

 

LionHeart movie disqualified from Oscar consideration, Genevieve Nnaji and Ava DuVernay react

 

Credit:LIB

Hollywood actress, Kerry Washington has shown her impressive Igbo writing skills as she congratulated Genevieve Nnaji over her Oscar selection.

Taking to twitter, Washington wrote:

This is glorious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also…Anyi nwere ike i ga rie nri ehihie n’oge n’adighi anya?” (We can have lunch soon)

kerry washington

@kerrywashington

This is glorious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also… 😊 Anyi nwere ike i ga rie nri ehihie n’oge n’adighi anya? https://twitter.com/genevievennaji1/status/1179688581708894208 

Genevieve Nnaji MFR

@GenevieveNnaji1

The Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee has chosen #LionHeartthemovie to represent Nigeria for the 2020 Academy Award for Best International Film! We are grateful for this recognition and proud to carry the torch. Thank you all for the love and support thus far. ❤️🇳🇬

View image on Twitter
3,210 people are talking about this

Replying to her tweet, Genevieve wrote:

Nwunye anyi daalu. Ka eme ya ngwa ngwa maka anyị nwere okwu. Love you sis” (We should have the lunch soonest because we need to have a discussion).

Genevieve Nnaji MFR

@GenevieveNnaji1

Nwunye anyi daalu🙌🏾🔥😍. Ka eme ya ngwa ngwa maka anyị nwere okwu. Love you sis. ❤️ https://twitter.com/kerrywashington/status/1179832930459193344 

kerry washington

@kerrywashington

This is glorious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also… 😊 Anyi nwere ike i ga rie nri ehihie n’oge n’adighi anya? https://twitter.com/genevievennaji1/status/1179688581708894208 

1,418 people are talking about this

Kerry Washington  is married to Nnamdi Asomugha, a Nigerian-American actor and NFL Player.

 

Credit: fabwoman.ng

The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) has selected Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ as Nigeria’s submission to the International Feature Film category of the 2020 Oscars.

According to Channels News, the committee announced the selection on Wednesday, following a statutory vetting and subsequent voting of entries received from Nigerian filmmakers at home and abroad.

’Lionheart’ was produced by Chinny Onwugbenu, Chichi Nwoko, Genevieve Nnaji and directed by Genevieve Nnaji, premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and got featured as the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.

The movie stars Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Chika Okpala, Kalu Ikeagwu, Sanni Mu’azu, Yakubu Mohammed, Ngozi Ezeonu, Peter Okoye (P-Square) and Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno).

‘Lionheart’, which is Nnaji’s directorial debut, tells the story of a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), who becomes saddled with the responsibility of running her sick father’s business under the suffocating supervision of an uncle, played by Nkem Owoh.

Adaeze’s competing business instincts and family obligations become a catalyst for drastic change not everyone is ready to embrace.

The 12-man Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC), is chaired by Chineze Anyaene with Mahmood Ali-Balogun as vice chairman.

 

Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji will feature in ‘Farming’, the acclaimed memoir film of Nigerian-British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

The movie set to hit the cinemas October 11 is based on the life story of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje who grew up as a young fostered Nigerian boy that struggled to find an identity in 1980’s England.

The movie is Agbaje’s  directorial debut and features international stars Damson Idris, Kate Beckinsale, John Dagleish, Jaime Winstone, Genevieve Nnaji, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

It received its world premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and its trailer is now released by the producers.

The plot of ‘Farming’ follows the intriquing story of young Enitan (Akinnuoye-Agbaje) who was adopted by a foster British mother (Kate Beckinsale) as he struggled to cope with the harsh realities of racism at the time.

Watch trailer below

 

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, Pulse Movies highlight some of the most inspiring female directors and producers who are making impact in Nollywood industry, in no particular order.

Mo Abudu

Ever since Mo Abudu ventured into filmmaking, she has turned herself into a reputable auteur and a force on both the big screen.

Mo Abudu is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and films. [Instagram/MoAbudu]
Mo Abudu is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and films. [Instagram/MoAbudu]

Her magic wand produced top Nollywood blockbusters like ‘The Wedding Party’ franchise, ‘Fifty,’ ‘The Royal Hotel Hibiscus.’ Abudu was also responsible for some TV production that includes ‘The Governor,’ ‘Desperate Housewives Africa,’ ‘Sons of the Caliphate,’ and ‘Fifty the Series.’

‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘The Wedding Party: Destination Dubai,’ which grossed hundreds of millions of Naira, are huge success currently ranking as the top two highest grossing Nollywood movies.

In 2017, Abudu was mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television alongside Angelica Guerra (Latin America), Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner(United Kingdom).

In 2018, Abudu made headlines again with ‘Chief Daddy’ after which she got herself a seat as one of the academy directors for the prestigious Emmys.

Biola Alabi

Biola Alabi is notable for spearheading the berth of one of Africa’s biggest movie awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, while she worked with Multichoice Nigeria.

Managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting Firm, Biola Alabi
Managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting Firm, Biola Alabi

After her exit from the cable TV company, Alabi began working on her production house, Biola Alabi Media. The company delved into movie production and have successfully found space as a major player in the industry.

With the production of ‘Banana Island Ghost’ and ‘Lara & the beat,’ the company has made an impactful contribution to Nollywood.

Alabi went a step further to host a TV show on Arise Network. She has since been a host of the TV station coverage of the Academy Awards, Oscars since 2017.

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba carved a niche for herself after shot series of music videos for top Nigerian musicians that included Olamide and Niyola.

Kemi Adetiba has become a leading light for several female filmmakers with her success.
Kemi Adetiba has become a leading light for several female filmmakers with her success.

A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Adetiba has worked as an On-Air Presenter, TV show host before she started shooting music videos.

A filmmaker, and television director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, and BET, Kemi Adetiba made her entry into Nollywood when she worked on ‘Wedding Party 1’ for EbonyLife films.

Adetiba was also responsible for some issue based series and documentaries that include ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘King Women.’

The success of the feature film saw her making her second feature film, ‘King Of Boys,’ a political thriller that ruled 2018.

Aside from breaking her own record with ‘The Wedding Party 1,’ Adetiba was listed as a game changer in 2019.

According to a Nigerian economist, Bismarck Rewane, Kemi Adetiba amongst the 15 people who he believes will shape the country’s economy.

Tope Oshin

Tope Oshin was the only female director on M-Net’s hit soap opera ‘Tinsel’ in its first five seasons – she shot about 350 episodes of the show.

Tope Oshin's movies in 2018 got several movie awards nominations.
Tope Oshin’s movies in 2018 got several movie awards nominations.

She has produced and directed several acclaimed movies such as ‘Fifty,’ ‘Journey to Self,’ ‘In Line’ among others.

She is also known for directing series such as ‘Hush,’ ‘Hotel Majestic,’ ‘The Apprentice Africa,’ ‘Shuga’ (Season 3 and 6).

Oshin has also directed several short films including ‘The Young Smoker’, ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘New Horizons.’

In 2016, she directed the documentary, “Amaka’s Kin: The Women Of Nollywood,” a memorial to influential filmmaker Amaka Igwe, who died in 2014, and had before her death, paved the way for most female filmmakers.

In 2017, she shot the critically acclaimed movie, ‘We don’t live here anymore’ and in 2018, she returned to the cinemas with ‘Up North.’

Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is one of the accomplished Nigerian movie stars with mentions in international media.

Genevieve Nnaji made a first with her movie, 'Lionheart,' which was released in 2018.[YouTube/MPM Premium]
Genevieve Nnaji made a first with her movie, ‘Lionheart,’ which was released in 2018.[YouTube/MPM Premium]

The actress has featured in over 200 movies since her career kicked off 20 years ago. She also featured in the film ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ based on Chimamanda Ngozi’s book of the same name about the Nigerian-Biafran War from 1967-70.

In 2015, Nnaji made her debut as a producer when she co-produced ‘Road to yesterday’ which she also featured in.

In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the movie, ‘Lionheart.’ The movie became the first Nollywood movie to be acquired by Netflix before release. It was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and got good reviews.

Nnaji has since signed a management deal with a top US talent management firm and has been working on new grounds to break into Hollywood.

Bolanle Austen-Peters

The managing director and founder of renowned Arts and Cultural organisation, Terra Culture, Bolanle Austen-Peters ventured into filmmaking with “93 Days,” a stirring depiction of how the deadly Ebola virus was contained in Lagos.

Bolanle Austen-Peters' directorial debut, 'The Blings Lagosians' features top Nollywood actors. [Instagram/TheBlingsLagosians]
Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directorial debut, ‘The Blings Lagosians’ features top Nollywood actors. [Instagram/TheBlingsLagosians]

Bolanle Austen-Peters Production is popular for producing critically acclaimed musicals such as “SARO the Musical,” “WAKAA!” and “FELA and the Kalakuta Queens.”

In 2018, Bolanle Austen-Peters took it a notch higher as she made her directorial debut by shooting her second feature film, ‘The Blings Lagosians.’

Biodun Stephens

Biodun Stephens resigned her job as an On-Air Presenter to study filmmaking and scriptwriting at the London film academy.

Biodun Stephens is a filmmaker and writer that has been impacting the Nigerian movie industry. [Biodun Stephens]
Biodun Stephens is a filmmaker and writer that has been impacting the Nigerian movie industry. [Biodun Stephens]

Upon her return, she immersed herself into making a change in Nollywood and partnered with Koga Entertainment to make the movie, ‘The Visit,’ which went on to open doors for her.

Working with several individuals, Stephens made headlines again with the interesting drama, ‘Picture Perfect’ in 2017.

In 2018, Stephens joins Tope Oshin as one of the female filmmakers working with M-Net and Multichoice Nigeria to create content for Africa Magic.

Stephens is billed to released a faith-based feature film, ‘Joba’ in 2019.

 

 

Credit: pulse.ng