Entertainment
Port Harcourt Hosts Movie World … As ION International Film Festival Debuts in Africa
The oil rich city of Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital has recorded another milestone in her efforts towards the development of the Entertainment industry in Nigeria as she hosts the third Edition of the ION International Film festival which is coming to Africa for the first time.
Addressing the large crowed of movie practitioners, international show biz promoters and the entertainment world that gathered at the premises of Polo Club Port Harcourt on Thursday for the opening ceremony, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Marcus Nle Ejii said the state is proud to be the first in Africa to host the international festival.
He said the event has given the state the opportunity to not only show case her potentials, but to prove to the world that Rivers State is the home of Entertainment, a peaceful State of hospitable and accommodating people. He commended the organisers of the festival for choosing the state as their first port of call in Africa.
The commissioner assured the guests of their security and protection through out their stay in Rivers State, stressing that the era of militancy in the Niger Delta is over and the State is one of the most peaceful and investor friendly states in the country.
In an interview with The Weekend Tide Entertainment, creative Director of MCOMM, Organisers of the ION International Film Festival said,” The experience has been wonderful and amazing, I have been wanting the world to come to Port Harcourt to witness the talents in the Nigerian movie industry, we want the world to see for themselves the energy of the Niger Delta.”
She noted that Nollywood has an ample opportunity to network with the film makers all over the world from Hollywood, Bollywood, the Europen film industry and everyone in the theatre all over the world, she stressed that the International film festival is a wonderful opportunity for the film industry in Nigeria to move forward.
Mrs Borlolussi stated that Nollywood is already moving forward and urged the practitioners to believe in themselves because they have an amazing talent and they are a force to reckon with no matter the blunders made at the beginning. According to her, “ION festival will make Nollywood add value to what is already on the ground and we must continue to patronise our own, with that, sky will not be our limit but our beginning.”
According to one of the organisers of the event Mr. Akonte Ekine, Chief Executive officer (CEO) and lead strategist of Absolute PR, “The idea of the Ion festival is to interact with global partners, exchange ideas and Technology, brainstorm, know the things we have not done well and borrow from those who have done well because it is an intellectual thing.”
He commended the Nigerian Film Industry for their achievements so far, stressing that everything in life is in stages and one of the stages is learning how people ahead of you are doing. He stressed that the Rivers State government has tried to bring the festival to us to improve on our standards, it is left for people participating in the industry to take advantage of the opportunity.
Mr. Ekine disclosed that over 84 films have been chosen for the event out of which 32 are Nigerian Films which shows that we have got talent and content in Nollywood, therefore the practitioners should be given a pat on the back as to aspire to greater glory.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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