Entertainment
Check Out Seven Best Selling Nollywood Movies, Short Films
So far, the year 2018 has seen quite a number of outstanding, good, average and mediocre film productions however, we still remember some of the blockburster movies that made waves in the Cinema houses in 2017 as viewers still remember and clamour for them including stand-out Nigerian short films among them are.
“Isoken”
In her debut feature, movie, Jade Osiberu tells the story of the universal and overwhelming pressure women and even men, face to get married, with Dakore Akande leading a star-studded cast. Despite being familiar and exhausted topic in Nigeria, “Isoken” still fleshes out the issue of marital pressure in all of its raw, hilarious, messy and complicated glory. The laughs are accompanied by insights into friendship, love, societal pressure, self confidence, courage and stereotypes.
“Isoken” explores lot of topical issues. Maybe not in-depth, but enough to kick off conversations on various social media platforms.
“Roti”
A tribute to those coping with the loss and effects of losing a loved one, Kunle Afolayan’s “Roti” is psychological drama that explores the pain and loss felt by parents who lose a child they waited 10 years to have. Kat Henshaw and Afolayan have great performances of grief-stricken parents on a journey of recovery, with Henshaw absorbing herself in the character, so much that her pain is almost real. Its treatment of a sensitive topic such as mental illness is applaudable. It takes away spiritualism and tackles mental instability in the best way possible.
“Ojukokoro”
Dare Olaitan’s “Ojukokoro” captures the brutality that comes with violence and still finds a way to play it simultaneously with funny scenarios and witty conversations. The movie features an ensemble cast that inadvertently merges together to give viewers a clear understanding of their different characters. Mixed with violence and humour, the comedy/crime-heist about a money-strapped manager of a shady petrol station who decides to rob his employers, but along the line, finds out in a sudden twist that he is not alone in his ambition, is an entertaining watch.
“Slow Country”
A hybrid of the romance and action genre, the Eric Aghimien movie follows the story of a homeless teenage mother, Kome, who finds herself trapped in prosititution and drug trafficking for seven years in order to secure a good life for her son. On the basis of stunts and special effects, “slow country” is a visual delight. It is rich with apt acting and stunning Cinematography. Not every movie has a moral lesson and “slow country” is one of those without one. It’s simply a well-made action thriller that highlights the plight of some single mothers and prostitutes.
“Hell Or High Water”
The Asurf Oluseyi’s short movie doesn’t justify, support or condemn homosexuality. It simply starts a necessary conversation about homophobia, sexuality and religion in Nigeria. Hell or High Water” tells the story of young married pastor, who is loved and adored by the members of his church. Things take a different turn for him when he has to confront his sexuality-an act that breaks him spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. Perfectly interpreted by Enyinna Nwigwe and Daniel K Daniel, the film avoids popular clinches that are usually seen in Nollywood movies with homosexuality themes.
“Bariga Sugar”
A short film set in the mid-90s in a ghetto brothel in Lagos. Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo’s “Bariga Sugar” is an emotional one that coveys the deep sense of humanity. The film tells the story of an 8-year old Ese, who lives in Bariga Sugar, a ghetto brothel owned by Madam Sugar in Lagos. One day, 10-year old Jamil and his mother Hanatu move into the brothel. Often neglected, lonely and socially awkward, Ese and Jamil begin an unlikely friendship. Its beauty is not in its ‘high quality’ production, but in its original story and setting.
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