Entertainment
Villafest Film Festival Lights Up Imo
The quiet city of Owerri, the Imo State capital recently had an army of film makers, painters, sculptors and culture enthusiasts who stormed the maiden edition of the village arts and film festival, Villafest.
The festival which climaxed with a colourful awards night held at Beland Hotel signalled a revival of the moribund culture activities in the heartland state.
The film and arts festival held between December 16 and 18 at the states Centre for Arts and Culture opened with the screening of films from eight countries including Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and the United States.
The event also witnessed art exhibition, workshop, networking and master classes. It continued the following day with many aspiring filmmakers and stars taking advantage of the event to sharpen their crafts. There was also an Art exhibition which spiced up the event and helped to discover some of the untapped artistes at the grassroots who are begging for a space to showcase what stuff they are made of.
Film industry veterans like Francis Duru, Andy Boyo, among others took turns to train the participants on script writing, editing and directing. The festival climaxed with an awards nights which left many memories in the minds of those who graced the occasion. The night was stolen by the beauty queens in the state who graced the event.
At the end of the show, participants walked home with trophies for their contributions to the film industry across Africa. Andy Boyo walked home with the Best Director Award for his film, ‘Secrets of the Gods’, while Cameroonian, Kang Quintus won the Best Actor Award for his role in the film, ‘Fisherman’s Diary’.
Others that won awards on the night were Naboth from Uganda (Best Documentary Short), Firka Chanya from Tanzania (Best Narrative Short) and Oyentakuko from Nigeria (Best Original Sound track). Best Documentary Future went to Senegal while Cameroon and Nigeria took home the award for Best costume and Best Screen play respectively.
Speaking after the show, Eke who is also the founder of the annual The African Film Festival (TAFF), in Dallas Texas, the United States of America expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the festival. He described the festival as a great success, saying it came with great challenges, but everyday for three days, we had a great turn out of the young people, participating in art, exhibition and in film screening.
According to the founder, Villafest seeks to celebrate Africa’s culture and vibrancy through indigenous arts and films for the preservation of the people’s culture.
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.
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