Entertainment
Wedding Party 2 Gulped N300m Production Cost …Grosses N500m In Six Weeks
Nollywood’s acclaimed movie, The Wedding Party 2-”Destiantion Dubai” production gulped N300 million excluding publicity, said one of the producers, Kene Mkparu. The movie released in December 15, 2017 has raked in over N500 million within the six weeks of its release in cinemas, making it the highest grossing Nollywood films ever in such a short time of release.Kene Mkparu, the Managing Director (MD) Film one distribution company disclosed this in a recent interview. The film maker is one of the resource persons at the ongoing consumer forum of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) at the Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi State. “Wedding Party I cost us over N150 million to make plus publicity and the Part 2 cost us N300m”, he said.
Mkparu further explained that the partnership with relevant stakeholders especially in tourism in Dubai added colour to the Glitz and Glamour of WP2. He therefore urged relevant stakeholders in Nigerian tourism and film making sector to initiate such partnership for the growth of the industries.
“We pay for some far locations and then entered into partnership with Dubai tourism which made available a lot of tourism facilities and hotels in Dubai for us, we could shot anywhere we wanted as long as the script said so and we lived in top hotels in Dubai, film making is not just for entertainment but to promote and develop tourism as well”, he noted.
According to Mkparu, the Wedding Party project has positively changed the narratives of the Nigerian movie industry both within and outside the country. The Wedding Party 2 has generated over N500 million as at today and is now in cinemas across different countries including England and Holland and some French speaking African countries.
The idea of the film is to show that it is possible in Nigeria today to create a movie that can entertain, sell and make money. We wanted to prove that it is possible to make money from all the value chains in the industry even in the midst of piracy threats, the producers looked at what the audience enjoys in cinema and we created a script of a topical issue that people can identify with and have fun identifying with those things”, he stressed.
The producer explained that although the movie was raking in huge returns for its investors, it was highly capital intensive. He therefore urged film makers to develop good scripts as business plans to attract financiers as adequate funding was logical to making sellable movies. It was gathered that the Wedding Party is a signature title by Elfike film collective, a partnership between Ebony Life Films, Film and Distributions Inkblot production and Koga Studios.
The Wedding Party 1 was premiered in cinemas across Nigeria in December 2016 and reportedly grossed N203 million in just two weeks topping the 2016 Nigeria box office. Sequel to the Wedding Party 2, Destination Dubai was then released in cinemas exactly one year after and it grossed N73 million within the first three days of its opening.
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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