Entertainment
ION Film Festival: Dream ComesTrue – Nollywood Stars
The ION International Film festival has come and gone but it has provided a lifetime experience for the entertainment world particularly practitioners in the Nigerian Movie Industry called Nollywood. Most of them who witnessed the event expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, who hosted the festival for the first time in Africa as it gave them the opportunity to interact with movie makers and actors all over the world including celebrated Hollywood actor Giancario Esposito, Malcom X and Bollywood acclaimed actress Makhija Masumeh.
It was also an opportunity for Nollywood faithfuls to have a glimpse of some of their celebrated stars such as Genevieve Nnaji, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Rita Edochie and Rivers State- born, former Miss World Agbani Derego. Others include Sam Dede, Francis Duru, Gentle Jack as well as seasoned movie producers like Dickson Iroegbu, Kingsley Ogoro, Lancelot Imasun and Engr. Reginald Orlu among others.
The Nigerian music industry was not left out as most of the artistes attended the event among whom are, Rivers State born singer, Duncan Mighty, Wande Coal, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, Anambra born music sensation Nneka and Bayelsa State born rare of the moment, Timi Dakolo.
Apart from showcasing some of the over 82 films nominated for award in the various categories such as Animation, Documentary, Narrative feature, short films, student short films, music videos and youths project in which Nigeria won most of the awards, there were opportunities to participate in panel discussions with accredited industry professionals on movie financing.
This provided opportunity for the discussants to brainstorm on issues bordering on film value chain and the different models to attract finances to film production and the roles of different stakeholders in ensuring that funds were channeled into film production and the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Some of the discussants include representatives of World Bank and other Nigerian banks, firm Managers, consulting films, regulators, producers and distributors.
Another important event was the panel discussion on distribution to explore the best distribution for Nollywood content to ensure profitability. This was ably handled by the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr. Emeka Mba, who spoke extensively on the board’s new distribution frame work aimed at ensuring effective distribution of Nigerian movies to curb the menace of piracy in the industry as well as discussions by accredited producers and actors who discussed the possibilities of co-production with Nigerian producers that can provide stories for a wide market appeal.
It is therefore no gainsaying the fact that the festival held in Port Harcourt between 9th and 12th December 2009, is one of the best things to happen to Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. Apart from exposing the state to the world, it has brought countless opportunities which if properly harnessed would lead to rapid development of the nation’s movie, music and tourism sectors of the economy as well as boost the revenue base of the state.
Though, some Nigerian artistes who spoke in an interview with The Weekend Tide complained of alleged marginalisation by the organisers as they were not carried along, most of them are of the view that it is a dream come true and big plus to the entertainment industry in Nigeria, stressing that, it has provided a rare opportunity for them to interact and partner with top celebrities and professionals from Hollywood and Bollywood, the world’s first and second movie industries in the world respectively.
For Ibinabo Fiberesima, Chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Rivers State chapter, the purpose of the event is to promote our film industry. It is a wonderful experience and a dream come true, we thank Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his efforts in bringing the film festival to Port Harcourt.
She said apart from providing job opportunities to many, it is an opportunity to prove to the world that Rivers State is a peaceful and hospitable state and not a state where militants, kidnappers and other miscreants hold sway as people erroneously tag the state, so it is a big plus to our image it has given us projection as a state where peace and tranquility reign.
“I personally want to meet the big stars in Hollywood and Bollywood, I am even more honoured that this is happening, it has made the world to know that AGN exists in the state and I am even more honoured that this is happening especially when I am the chairperson.”
Engr. Reginald Orlu, Chairman, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Rivers State Chapter, said the film festival provides a great opportunity to meet movie producers from Hollywood, Bollywood and other movie industries in the world. It will also create an enabling ground for the distribution of movies. For all the states in Nigeria, God knows why Rivers State is chosen, it is a sign that the world appreciates our peaceful environment and legendary hospitality. It will showcase our works and various locations for movie making.
According to Francis Duru Chairman AGN Abuja, the ION Film festival is the biggest thing to happen to Nollywood and Port Harcourt, the heart of creativity and it is a good thing especially this period, when people are talking about peace, co-existence and cohabitation. The challenge now is to make good use of the opportunity the event has accorded us to get it right and improve on our standards so that we can compete favourably with Hollywood and Bollywood which are the leading film industries in the world.
According to Alaso Wariboko; a Rivers State born Nollywood actor, he is very happy for the event because it is a great opportunity for Nollywood to get to the neight of movie making. He, however, observed some sloppy arrangements stressing that most of them were not informed and they feel slighted.
He said here in the state, there are good artistes that have all the potentials to rule the movie world. The ION festival is a very big event and the artistes in Port Harcourt are on ground to work with them but we are not properly informed or carried along.
For Gentle Jack, The spirit of welcoming ION should not be dampened, everybody especially the artistes should see themselves as part and parcel of the event, it is only then that they can benefit from the opportunities the event provides.
Jacob Obinna
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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