Entertainment
2016: Nollywood’s Year Of Biggest Chart Bursters
Going by publicised
Box Office records alone, 2016 is turning out to be a far better year for Nigerian films than 2015. 2016 is barely few weeks away from ending and so far, after what started out slowly, it is safe to say that this has been a good year for Nollywood. Going by publicised box office records alone, it is turning out to be a far better Nigerian film year than 2015. That year’s highest grossing film, Mo Abudu’s ‘fifty’ grossed N50m. so far in 2016 three films have comfortably crossed that mark with one of them set to make double of that.
Fifty, Road to yesterday, Taxi Driver, Oko Ashewo, The First Lady, Tempting Fate and The Visit were the highest grossing films of 2015, making about N150.63million among them. That is about N11m short of the record-shattering N161m grossed by AY’s 30 days in Atlanta which has since held on to the record as the highest grossing film in Nollywood.
AY also leads the pack in 2016 with his new film, “A Trip to Jamaica” having grossed N82m so far after just 10 days in the cinemas. According to figures released exclusively by Film One Distribution ‘the film has been playing in all 28 cinema locations across Nigeria, according to Moses Babatope’ the Group ED/CEO Film One Distribution, Generally, there had been better performance in the Box Office by Nigerian films. This is reflected in the figures obtained recently.
1. A Trip to Jamaica – N82m (figure in 10 days only)
2. Wives on strike – N67m
3. The CEO – N60m (includes figures from Ghana)
4. Fifty – N44m (January to March 2016 only)
5. Ghana must go – N32m
Bovi’s ‘it’s Her Day’ is believed to be another box office success story even though official figures were not available as at the time of this report. The 44m made by Fifty, this year adds to the N50 million it made during the closing part of 2015. N94 million is not a bad figure. The projection with A Trip to Jamaica is that it is on course to take over the number one spot from 30 days in Atlanta within the next two weeks of its stay in the Cinemas across Nigeria, as it looks set to continue to screen to sell-out audience.
By October 25, it was projected that the film would have made at least N130m which is about N31m shy of the record it is looking to break. Stakeholders in the industry have described this development as a welcome one, saying that this will give way to more opportunities for the industry. AMVCA-winning actor, Tope Tedela said, it is good to have these kinds of positive developments where people can recoup their investments because no one just wants to act and make a film, at least we also want finances that can make a solid foundation. So, yeah I’m happy”.
‘AY has over the years created a brand with which he now promotes his content. He has that likeability and he has the platform. Filmmaker, Olu Yomi Ososanya highlighted before continuing. ‘Now, the cinemas can see that Nigerian films can do big numbers and they will now see that giving him a favourable slot also helped. “A Trip to Jamaica screens an average of four times across cinemas.
Producer, director and writer, Tope Oshin whose documentary, ‘Amaka’s kin’ is making its debut at the BFI film festival in London said. “This is definitely exciting news It’s just my hope that we can grow our cinema audience to the point where this kind of Box Office successes will soon be possible for films of other genres as well.”
Part of a report by Jude Martins, a film critic and public relations expert, as well as Moses Babatope and published recently read, ‘With the second half pregnant with intriguing film such as Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO, the much anticipated ’76. The Arbitration, 93 Days, when love happens again, The party and of course, Ayo Makun’s steaming a Trip to Jamaica, we can confidently anticipate a new dawn in Nollywood’s annual gross box office return”.
Infact, those in the know are optimistic about a possible 800 million naira in annual box office takings which even with the devaluation of the naira will be close to $3 million. While the N800m box office takings projection might not seem feasible any longer this year, other highly anticipated releases scheduled for later this year make 2016 a better year than 2015 by more than a mile. So far so good.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
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.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
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.
Entertainment
Monarch Pledges Good Governance, Team Spirit To His People
-
Business2 days ago
Paper Industry’s Economic Contribution Hits N398bn
-
News2 days ago
Police Attribute Societal Decay To Parents’ Too Much Love For Children
-
Sports2 days ago
Tennis: Abuja Set To Host Davis Cup
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
HYPREP’s Livelihood Training: Dana Air Employs Three Ogoni Youths
-
Maritime2 days ago
Navy Nabs 75 Stowaway Suspects In Eight Months
-
News2 days ago
NLC Demands Creation Of State, LG Police
-
Editorial2 days ago
For Peace In The M’East
-
News2 days ago
Women Play Important Roles In Development Of The Society -Odu