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In what is looking like a confirmation of its top-end status as Africa’s leading motion picture industry, Nigeria is set to play host to the first-ever Africa Cinematography Festival of Training, Production enhancement, Workshop Conference, Networking and Technology Expo.

The week-long event which comes up in the last quarter of the year in Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, will feature contemporary issues in filmmaking, networking, business opportunities and the general film economy which have impacted on the works of filmmakers, actors, film marketers, industry professionals, investors, viewers, cinema/studio owners/managers, the organized private sector, government agencies, art councils and funding agencies.

The Festival, which is in its debut year, is a platform designed to provide an overarching trajectory for relevant stakeholders in the filmmaking, entertainment and arts industry, to converge for the optimization of the inherent potentials and prospects through sharing of quality and insightful information and enhanced exposure on contemporary trends in filmmaking, networking for building of a more viable and competitive film business economy, exhibition of latest technologies in filmmaking, promotion of patronage and sustenance of cinemas and studios and driving a networking channel for the ease of acquiring modern technology for audiovisual and still productions.

Speaking about the Festival, the Project Consultant, Sunnie Odafe, disclosed that it is to provide a point of convergence for all stakeholders in the film industry spectrum with a view to creating specific platforms that will facilitate professional development for key players through knowledge sharing of trending expertise by renowned and inspiring industry leaders, enable hands-on workshop trainings and interaction with new film-making technologies and promote pitching for film content buyers and media brokers among others.

His words, “The Nigerian film-making industry has made tremendous progress, especially in the last decade. This is however a far cry from what is obtainable in the developed climes. The AfricaCinematographyFestival is designed to bridge this gap and make the industry comparatively competitive. It is an all-encompassing attempt to reposition the Africa film economy by promoting and providing support for professionalism and innovations while addressing head-on the technical, regulatory and financial ills that have plaqued film-making in the country through insightful knowledge sharing, bespoke workshop trainings, interaction with evolving film-making technologies and equipment and valuable network opportunities,” says Mr. who also is the COO of Tasy Yact Media.

The Festival will feature Conferences and workshops, exhibitions, open film expo, networking opportunities, film pitching, auditions for film roles, film unveiling and promotion, and film production funding.

Participants at the event will include filmmaking industry players such as directors, producer, students of Arts in Nigerian/African Universities, would-be young entrepreneurs, industry regulators, funding partners and investors and filmmaking equipment manufacturers and exhibitors.

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Governor Abdulrazaq Commits To Hosting 2025 BON Awards, Makes History As First To Host Consecutive Editions [PHOTOS]

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Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has announced his agreement to host the 2025 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in Ilorin, making him the first Governor in the event’s history to host it for two consecutive years. The Governor expressed his admiration for the 16th BON Awards, praising the event’s vibrant atmosphere and the engaging after-party that showcased the rich cultural and creative potential of Kwara State.

Held at the state-of-the-art Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, the BON Awards brought together top talents and stakeholders from Nigeria’s movie industry. Governor Abdulrazaq, who personally presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nollywood icon Kanayo O. Kanayo, commended the organizers for their professionalism and the remarkable success of the event.

“The BON Awards have shown the immense possibilities of Ilorin as a center for creativity and entertainment. I was thrilled by the energy, talent, and warmth that defined this year’s edition. The after-party further reinforced our vision of Kwara as a hub for the creative economy, tourism, and hospitality,” the Governor said.

Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized his desire for Ilorin to become the permanent venue for the BON Awards, citing the city’s unique blend of modern infrastructure, serene environment, and rich cultural heritage.

“I would be honored to host next year’s edition of the BON Awards and beyond. Ilorin is ready to offer unmatched facilities and an enabling atmosphere to support events of this magnitude. With landmark projects like the Sugar Factory Film Studio, Visual Arts Centre, and remodeled Kwara Hotel, we are poised to set a new standard for hosting creative events,” he added.

The Governor extended his appreciation to the Nollywood stars and stakeholders for their significant contributions to the Nigerian creative industry and their warm embrace of Kwara as a destination for film and entertainment.

“We invite the creative community to consider Kwara not just for future productions but also as a home for their endeavors. Together, we can build a creative hub that reflects our shared aspirations for excellence and innovation,” he concluded.

The 16th BON Awards, which featured celebrated actors such as Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, and many others, was a resounding success, with winners and attendees alike applauding the state’s infrastructure and hospitality.

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BREAKING: Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Dies At 91

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Quincy Jones, a renowned music producer and composer, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in California. He was 91 years old.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news without disclosing the cause of death.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him,” the Jones family said in the statement. “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.” he said in a statement.

 

More to come…

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Femi Kuti Names Obasanjo, MKO Abiola Family’s Enemies

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Afrobeat star, Femi Kuti has pointed out that his own ethnic group, the Yoruba, has been the biggest adversary to his family.

Speaking at the 2024 Felaberation Festival in Lagos, Femi specifically mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late businessman MKO Abiola as significant enemies of the Kuti family.

He acknowledged his father and grandmother as prominent Pan-Africanists, further emphasizing that his family was raised without tribalistic tendencies, drawing inspiration from Pan-Africanism.

Addressing the crowd, Femi stated, “Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity.”

He continued by saying, “We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

“Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends.

“One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies as you know are Yoruba people; Obasanjo or Abiola. We are not tribalistic in our family.”

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