Category Archives: Film

New Music Video Alert – African Nostalgia

Hello Tribe and Friends,

Hope this meets you well.

Here’s presenting the latest video to one of my favorite songs from my Organically Singing Debut Album – ‘African Nostalgia‘ . I have always had an affinity for anything nostalgic, classic or vintage.. I know there are many songs out there that talk about ‘Home’ from ‘homesick’ artists and musicians based in the diaspora, this proves that it’s a general feeling that is easily  relatable for those who live abroad and not just only them, but everyone in general, within or outside the continent, with memories of throwbacks. It is our job as music healers to make this feeling manageable (or incite-able) through our art. There have always been songs on this subject and there will always be in the future. As a diasporan artist,  I particularly have a strong default passion and deep emotion towards the concept of our “roots” and inclination towards “home longing songs”  and I have a lot of memories that guide me on this creative path, this is what also led to my songwriting and storytelling of the ‘African Nostalgia’ song. Click video below —:::

The African Nostalgia music visual is basically a musical imagery and storytelling of some experiences of my childhood and activities I observed growing up in my Grandma’s house in Abeokuta city, Ogun State, Nigeria ; from the sounds I heard, to the people I saw and my environment in general. You’ll have to listen to grasp it and maybe you can recognize a thing or two if you are from a similar background. This video was shot on a hot sunny day, while hiking miles up the Kennesaw mountain in Georgia. I wanted that picturesque green scenic scene that reminded me of the lushness of the African continent, I was not glamorously dressed or anything like that, typical of a music video; it was just simple, an everyday capture and I was comfy (apart from the bugs and sweat :)) ) within my environmental element.

I love Nature. I love Africa. I love Music. I love Art. I love Nature. Oh I think I said that already :). I am definitely a nature’s girl and I believe it’s a God given therapeutic environment which we should use more of, and also conserve and treat kindly.  You should try having nature walks when you are stressed. I (and Lloyd the videographer) were sweating like Christmas goats, climbing up the mountain, huffing and puffing, I had a couple of wardrobe malfunctions but we still tried to pull it off 😀 so just like the album title, this is as raw and organic as it comes 🙂 and I hope you enjoy it.

I want to particularly thank two musical powerhouses who collaborated with me on this song, who I’ve not met but we connected across borders to bring this to life. The talented Ivorien bassist Arnaud N’Gaza  based in Morroco and Daniel N’Guessan, percussionist/drummer also from Cote D’Ivoire. My gratitude goes to Zambian Photographer and budding Filmmaker, Lloyd Mackayi, who I met at TERRA COTTA ATL, who shot the video. Despite being independent and on a shoestring budget, I’ve been blessed to attract, albeit virtually, and connect with fellow talented and beautifully spirited, understanding creatives and  individuals who come across my creative path and space. For this I am grateful. And I hope to come across more in my lifetime.

I hope you appreciate and enjoy the video, or in one way or the other, in some way, relate to it. Please feel free to like, share and comment and subscribe to my new TosingerVEVO channel where I intend to release bit by bit, concept videos of my musical body of work.

Stay purposeful, healthy and relevant.

Love, Peace and Beautiful Music,

Organically Yours, Tosinger

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The Visuals to the Audio: #MusicVideo for Soldier By Falz @falzthebahdguy Featuring Simi @SympLySimi

Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz is a Nigerian rapper and funny guy. Falz describes his style of music as “Wahzup music” a fusion of comic lyrics with the contemporary hip-hop in a faux lispy Yoruba accent. Falz, a lawyer by education, called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from the Nigeria Law School, Abuja  is the son of popular Nigerian human activist and lawyer Femi Falana. 

Falz aka Falz the bahd guy. He currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records

Falz  just released the official video for his hit song  ‘Soldier’ featuring sweet singer Simi , one of Nigeria’s fast rising female artistes with a sonorous, smooth and soulful voice. The song ‘Soldier’ off his Stories That Touch album released late 2015 is a musical narrative of an army official trying to win the heart of a beautiful village sweetheart. The visuals for ‘Soldier’ is in form of a short film and it stars Falz, Simi, Actor Deyemi Okanlawon, Oluwasesan Salami, Efa Iwara and Morenike Alausa and was directed by Clarence A. Peters.

simi

‘Soldier’ is a short musical film, shot By Clarence Peters, and taken from ‘Stories That Touch’ – the second studio album by Falz TheBahdGuy. Written by Clarence Peters and Chioma Onyenwe, scored by Oluwasesan Salami, with music by Oscar Ackah.

Watch the well produced video below:


Here is another collaboration by both artistes that is very enjoyable. A previously released song by Simi “Jamb Question”. The two surely have some good musical chemistry going on.



Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing

Tosinger

Retelling the Stories of : ROOTS, Madame C.J. Walker (#BlackHistoryMonth)

There are stories that need to be told over and over again. Havard Business School  has just released an audio commentary of the story of the entrepreneurship and progressive success of the historical hair business icon and philanthropist, Madame C.J. Walker aptly titled The Amazing Life of One of America’s Earliest Black, Female Entrepreneurs

Madam C.J. Walker

Culled: Though not everyone may know her name, Madam C.J. Walker helped invent what have become staples of our modern country and economy: national sales forces, corporate social responsibility, and, yes, even basic hair care. Orphaned at age 8, married at 14, and widowed at 20 with a daughter to raise, Walker went on to become a millionaire entrepreneur in the Deep South at the turn of the century, against all odds. Professor Nancy Koehn describes Walker’s inspiring real life story of making good on her own unique American dream.

Listen here

ROOTS, The MiniSeries

I remember watching and re-watching Roots in the earlier years on Nigerian TV, truly drawn in and deeply empathetic and affected by the horrific experiences of the  primary character Kunta Kinte (played by LeVar Burton) and his kin.

Roots: The Saga of an American Family is a novel written by Alex Haley and first published in 1976. It tells the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century African, captured as an adolescent and sold into slavery in the United States, and follows his life and the lives of his descendants in the U.S. down to Haley (via Wiki).

Kunta Kinte LeVar.jpg

“Roots opened up the minds of Americans of all colors and faiths to one of the darkest and most painful parts of America’s past.” – Publisher’s Weekly

PBS states that Roots is one of the most-watched miniseries of all time, Roots captivated its audience over eight consecutive nights in January 1977. The award winning series followed the multi-generational account of author Alex Haley’s family line from enslavement to liberaton. For the first time, America witnessed on film the horrors of slave ships, the mistreatment of slaves and human cost of slavery. Roots has since become a part of American cinematic history and cultural consciousness.

Fast forward to 2016, Roots has been remade. IT PROVES SOME STORIES ARE WORTH TELLING AGAIN, ISTORY® premieres “Roots” on Memorial Day 2016, airing over four consecutive nights at 9 p.m. beginning Monday, May 30, 2016. The four-night, eight-hour event series developed by HISTORY, from A+E Studios, is a historical portrait of American slavery recounting the journey of one family and their will to survive and ultimately carry on their legacy despite hardship.

“Roots” will be simulcast on A&E and Lifetime, in addition to HISTORY. The stellar cast includes Academy Award® winners Forest Whitaker (“Fiddler”) and Anna Paquin (“Nancy Holt”); Academy Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Laurence Fishburne (“Alex Haley”); Golden Globe Award® winning and Emmy Award® nominated actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers (“Tom Lea”); Tony Award® winner Anika Noni Rose (“Kizzy”); Grammy Award® winner Tip “T.I.” Harris (“Cyrus”); Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Belle”); Matthew Goode (“Dr. William Waller”); Mekhi Phifer (“Jerusalem”); James Purefoy (“John Waller”) and introduces Regé-Jean Page (“Chicken George”) and Malachi Kirby (“Kunta Kinte”).

Watch the trailer and stay tuned for the series::

 

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing,

Tosinger

THREE 2015 MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR — #Africa

This blog brings you the best and latest of African talent and art; on the continent and in the diaspora. Here are 3 movie finds that would be worth checking out-

thE CeO

Synopsis: TransWire Communications is a global phone network with major operation in Nigeria. The CEO, an expatriate, has retired hence the Global Chairman has decided to send five nominees amongst his most senior level staff across Africa on a Leadership course in order to determine which one to appoint as the new CEO of Nigeria.

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, on Thursday in a press conference unveiled the full details of his next movie, The CEO. The film showcases a cross-selection of African & international cast and crew members with diverse talents and backgrounds.

The cast includes Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, entertainer and activist from Benin, Angélique Kidjo; Haitan actor and model Jimmy Jean-Louis, best known for his role as The Haitan on the NBC television series Heroes;  actor and founder of the New Nigeria Cinema movement, Wale Ojo; French-Ivorian actress and model, Aurelie Eliam; South African actor and presenter, Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos; Nigerian actress, Kemi Lala Akindoju; Moroccan star, Fatym Layachi; Kenyan actor Peter King, and Nigerian actress, Hilda Dokubo among others.

 

Synopsis – The CEO tells the story of TransWire Communications, a global phone network with major operation in Nigeria. The CEO, an expatriate, has retired; hence the Global Chairman has decided to send five nominees among his most senior-level staff across Africa on a leadership course in order to determine which one to appoint as the new CEO of Nigeria. The process that started relatively smoothly suddenly climaxed in a game of an intriguing death.

(Trailer not yet released) To stay updated, follow on Facebook here or follow the hashtag #theceomovie on social media

FifTy

'FIFTY': Official Trailer - In Cinemas from 18th December 2015

Hot off its selection for the 2015 BFI London Film Festival, EbonyLife Films today released the official trailer for its highly acclaimed feature film, Fifty. The movie stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omoni Oboli and Nse Ikpe-Etim.

Directed by Biyi Bandele and executively produced by Mo Abudu, FIFTY, captures a few pivotal days in the lives of four Nigerian women at the pinnacle of their careers. Tola, Elizabeth, Maria and Kate are forced at midlife to take inventory of their personal lives, while juggling careers and family against the sprawling backdrops of the upper middle-class neighbourhoods of Lagos.

The trailer is a sneak peek into this tender but unflinching exploration of love and lust, power and rivalry, life and loss in twenty-first century Lagos. The four lead characters, six-inch heels, partying hard and loving strong, with courage and fortitude, navigate life’s unending curveballs.

Fifty will premiere in a special grand Lagos ceremony on the 13th of December 2015 at The Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and will be released in cinemas nationwide on the 18th of December 2015.

In the meantime, for more information, visit the website: www.fiftythemovie.com  or follow on Twitter: @Fiftythemovie; Instagram: @fiftythemovie or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiftyTheMovie

beAsTs of No NaTioN

The powerful new film starring Idris Elba recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and will screen at the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, and London Film Festival. Beasts of No Nation, A Netflix Original Film.

Synopsis – When civil war tears his family apart, a young West African boy is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transform into a child soldier. Available in select theaters and on Netflix October 16.

Written and directed by Emmy Award winner Cary Fukunaga (“True Detective,” Sin Nombre) and starring Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (“Luther,” Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), Beasts of No Nation will debut Friday, October 16, 2015, the same day in Landmark theatres in the U.S. and worldwide on Netflix in all territories where the world’s leading Internet TV network is available.

Beasts of No Nation is based on the highly-acclaimed novel by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala, bringing to life the gripping tale of Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in the civil war of an African country. Newcomer Abraham Attah gives a stunning portrayal of Agu, while Elba dominates the screen in the role of Commandant, a warlord who takes in Agu and instructs him in the ways of war.

The film is produced by Amy Kaufman and Cary Fukunaga (who previously worked together on Sin Nombre), Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker and Dan Crown for Red Crown Productions, along with Elba. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King are executive producers for Participant Media; Donna Gigliotti is executive producer for Levantine Films; Elizabeth Koch and Kristina Kendall are executive producers for New Balloon; and Bill Benenson, Laura Bickford and Todd Courtney are also executive producers.

View Trailer

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing

Tosinger

Organically Singing the new album, click here to download and sign up for updates

Tempting Fate The Movie (@TFateMovie1) Coming to Cinemas on July 17

Tempting Fate, the Movie, comes to African (Nigerian + Ghanaian) Cinemas on July 17, 2015. Directed By US Based Nigerian Filmmaker Kevin Nwankwor of KevSTel Group and Theatrical Distribution for West Africa handled by Silverbird Distribution Company, Tempting Fate is a ‘Hollywood meets Nollywood’  riveting film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, scene by scene. Starring RAMSEY NOUAH as UGO and ANDREW ONOCHIE as EDU , two brothers, one of deep faith and the other buried in a life of crime who have their worlds torn apart when the wrong one goes to jail and the other commits an unforgivable act.

Synopsis

Two brothers share the same blood but walk parallel paths. Tempting Fate is the story of two brothers ; Edu and his older brother Ugo Okoye. Edu is a talented singer, he is calm, reflective and peaceful. He relies on his spirituality and the love of his wonderful girlfriend Tracey to help him combat a life threatening illness.

On the other hand, Ugo is hotheaded, impulsive and at times menacing. He finds himself wrapped in a life of robbery and crime which he knows will lead him down a path of destruction but it’s not an easy one to leave; a point his gang leader Scorpion (Dan Davies) has made clear. In an attempt to get money for a lifesaving procedure for his brother, Ugo triggers a chain of events that sends their worlds clashing, leaving behind a trail of hurts , deception and betrayal.
Does the walker choose the path or the path the walker ?

Watch the Trailer below

 

About Kevin Nwakwor
via IMDb
knn
Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) – Film Director

Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) has had a passion for film throughout his life. Born in Issele-Uku Nigeria, he has made persistent steps toward his dream of becoming an accomplished filmmaker, first writing plays for the children and adult ministries of his local church, while leading its drama group.

While he studied Project Management and ultimately earned a
Bachelor of Science degree from the Federal University of Technology (2000), the passion still burned brightly to make films and provide entertainment. While in college, he formed its first Christian drama troupe, The Heavenly Theater (also known as The Thevites), and wrote and directed such plays as “In The Den of Agbalakwem” I and II (1996) and “Ashes of Regret” (1998). Kevin also toured with his troupe around universities throughout the East of Nigeria.

Before graduation, he went on to star in Nollywood movies “Enemies” (1997) and “Heartless” (1997) with veteran actors Kanayo O Kanayo, Saint Obi and Eucharia Anunobi. He also created and produced live comedy show “Comedy Half Hour,” hosted on NTA Channel 5 Abuja.

In 2008, after relocating to Atlanta, Kevin earned an MBA degree in Marketing (2010). This was the next step toward his dream of becoming a well-rounded filmmaker. Two years later, he obtained a Masters of Fine Art in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. Today, that experience has led to the successful production a number of film works that showcase his faith with stories that move the soul. Kevin served as writer, producer and director for shorts films “Enemy Within” (2012) and “A Mother’s Love” (2012). The latter-based on a true-life event-was an official selection at Georgia’s Gwinnett Film Festival (July 2013) and Spain’s Marbella Film Festival (October 2013). His most current work is “Tempting Fate”

In addition, Kevin is CEO of faith-based entertainment company KevStel Group LLC, in Atlanta, where he resides with his wife Unoma, and their two children. The company’s mission is to provide quality content based on faith, hope and love through visuals and print.

A KevStel Production distributed by Silverbird Distribution

For more info about the movie

Website – www.temptingfate-movie.com
twitter – @tfatemovie1
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TemptingFate

To see full list of cast and crew, click here 

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

Tosinger

 

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT : New Music + Short Film by @BlitzAmbassador Out in April

Juju Girl is a Short Film/Music Video set in 1960s Ghana  from the latest project titled D I A S P O R A D I C A L the EP by the eclectic Afrocentric hip hop artist, Blitz the Ambassador coming out this April.  I have for a while now, admired Blitz’s brand and music and the way he so effortlessly fuses and delivers his talent in a musically  idiosyncratic manner. You can tell he knows and cares not just about the chops but also the message.  Lyrically and musically on point. Excellence. And his passion for the continent is infectious. Tops in my books. Here’s two of my favorites from him.

About Blitz 

Blitz is the conveyor of the Afrotronic-hop. A hip hop ambassador of African culture in the diaspora.

Samuel Bazawule known by the stage name Blitz the Ambassador, is a Ghanaian-American hip-hop artist and visual artist based in Brooklyn, USA. Samuel Bazawule was born in Accra, Ghana in April 1982. He is the third of four children and attended the renowned Achimota School. While in school he amassed awards for his visual art, but later developed an obsession with hip hop music after hearing his older brother play the classic Public Enemy album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Drawing on his love for history and social observation, he began to research and write historically-loaded rhymes for which he became famous in school.

Blitz (as he had come to be known) was first recognized by Ghanaian Ace producer Hammer of The Last Two. Blitz was asked to come to the studio the next day after delivering an impressive eight bars upon meeting Hammer, who wasted no time in putting him on wax. He recorded a verse on the song Deeba and – in the fashion of one of his idols, Nas, gained instant notoriety and received an award for best new artist at the 2000 Ghana Music Awards. Soon after, in 2001, he moved to the USA to study at Kent State University in Ohio. It was while studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration that he developed his skills as a live artist, performing at several live shows and opening for iconic rappers such as Rakim as well as recording a self-released album, Soul Rebel (2004), under the moniker Blitz.

After graduation, Blitz moved to New York City to pursue his dream. In NYC, Blitz recorded another album, Double Consciousness (2005), discography after this includes 2009: StereoLive EP and in 2013: The Warm Up EP. Studio Albums: 2009: Stereotype, 2011: Native Sun, 2014: Afropolitan Dreams and more recently a 2015: Diasporadical EP. Drawing from his diverse musical background, he immersed himself in the project with explicit intent of changing Hip Hop forever. …via wiki

Blitz the Ambassador live in Switzerland (Full Show)

With a vision that embraces his personal West African past and a revolutionary future of Afropolitan cross-pollination, Blitz the Ambassador meshes African popular sounds, American vintage soul, and hard-hitting beats and lyrics with the help of an international cast of collaborators, including the elegant Angelique Kidjo and Afrobeat firebrand Seun Kuti.
But as always with Blitz, the album is about far more than the music. It’s about the Immigrants who made America, who shaped and molded it. Each person, each generation, each bearer of culture arriving on a boat or airplane has made an impression. Immigration is the chain that links the past to the present, the near to the seemingly far…Via his site for more info. 

#JujuGirl shots + storyboards. #Ghana1960s #BlitzTheAmbassador

Stay tuned for more news on the forthcoming Diasporadical EP (released on Jakarta Records) on Blitz The Ambassador’s page.

Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing..

Tosinger

FALSE PROMISES – A Short Film By Joe Adetona

In the wake of  February 14 (Valentine’s day of course), UAE trained Nigerian Filmmaker, Joe Adetona releases this very timely short film titled ‘False Promises’, a love story set within the 1958 Constitution Conference event in Nigeria ( Side Note- Coincidentally, Nigeria’s political elections takes place on the same date, Feb 14, 2015 ).  “False Promises’ short film features actors – Samuelson Jackson, Chinwe Adigwe, Joe Adetona and Fortune O. Ibrahim.

Synopsis

False Promises  – Breaking Up is Hard but Moving on is Harder. Set during  the 1958 Constitution Conference, ‘False Promises’ is about the protagonist finding hope in life and it reinforces the belief that true love is eternal.

View Trailer

 

About Joe Adetona

Joe Adetona is an award winning Nigerian Filmmaker/Director holding fort at his Production outfit – Luxury Pictures. His directorial debut was “Loni”, a fantasy film based on an imaginary story. Other works include 1959, Oko Ojokan, Best or Last, Apola among others.  Joe has created sleek cinematic music videos for various music artistes including  Reminisce, Ajay’P , Dare David, Ini, Dafidi, to name a few, totaling up to 1 million  views or more on YouTube.  He is also a successful photographer, graphic designer working editorials, album covers and other branding projects. All in all, Joe Adetona is multi-talented creative who has carved his niche in the media and film industry, both in his home country, Nigeria and internationally.

For more info and to check out more of his projects, click here 

Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing…

Tosinger 

FOR THE LOVE OF AFRICA – Photography + Dance/Film

Hello Friends,
Lovers of the Arts and Africa,

I am spotlighting two artsy fundraiser projects that are telling the African story to  dispel preconceived perception and media projections.

1.  Photography by Andre Washington –  AFRICA TRAVELOGUE

Africa Travelogue‘s mission is to share photographs and travel journals to tell the stories that showcase the intense beauty of Africa – in all its culture rich variety – in order to bring new insight valuable to seeing, understanding, and truly appreciating this magnificent continent.

The aim of this project is to magnify the importance of this kind of work that pertains to seeing Africa in a different light.

Andre Washington, Curator of Africa Travelogue says:

Andre Washington, Africa Travelogue

“Africa Travelogue urgently needs the help and support from friends, followers, and you in order to continue the work and mission of revealing the magnificent beauty of Africa.

I desperately need to raise these funds especially in a time when the entire continent of Africa will now face the lopsided stigma of the Ebola crisis. My work can and will provide an accurate balance in imagery and reporting”.

To learn more about Africa Travelogue and give your support by purchasing a limited edition gallery print or making a donation, here is the link and password to the private fundraiser for a limited edition print sale for Africa Travelogue:

http://www.fundafricatravelogue.weebly.com

Password: SupportAndreAfrica

You can also inbox or friend Andre Washington on Facebook for questions or more info to support.

Thank you so much for your support!

**************************************************************************

2. Film and Dance – #TDMP: The Dance Movie Project. Africa’s 1st AFRO BEAT Dance Film.

On October 6, Lexxistalking Production, a film production company based in New York City, announced the launch of an exciting rewards driven Indiegogo campaign for ‘#TDMP: The Dance Movie Project,’ a new drama film set in Lagos, Nigeria that is based on real life events about the richness of Africa’s dance culture, the prevalence of diabetes in Africa and encouragement of African elders to nurture its youth’s natural talents.

Alexander “Lexx” Ore, Creator of #TDMP  says:

“I wanted to create an attention-grabbing story that shows the world what’s going on in Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria where the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise. I also wanted to create a motion picture that would stimulate dialogue around the dance talents of African youths, particularly in ways that will exceed people’s preconceived notions about Africa . When completed, #TDMP will be the world’s first Afrobeat dance film.” – Alexander “Lexx” Ore

We hope that #TDMP will not only cultivate public awareness of the rich dance arts culture in Africa, but that it will also be the beginnings of a movement to inspire public health change. Additionally, when you support #TDMP’s Indiegogo campaign, you are proclaiming to the world that you believe that the raw talent of African youths should be developed and nurtured.

Watch video:

For more info, to support and stay updated on the project, please visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-dance-movie-project/x/390330

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing

Tosinger

CULTURAL CONFIDENCE BY @yorubaculture OPENS TONIGHT IN NEW YORK

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series presents: CULTURAL CONFIDENCE 

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is pleased to present its second annual forum, themed Cultural Confidence: Acquiring and negotiating authentic cultural identity in a globalized world. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Nigeria and 54 years of Nigerian independence, NDFS will screen world-class films of New Nollywood and host panel discussions on pertinent issues facing Nigerians at home and abroad. (Buy tickets) Presented in partnership with NYU Africana Studies and the Yoruba Cultural Institute, NDFS Cultural Confidence promises to be even more exciting than last year’s event.

With a line up of incredible minds and talents –actors, producers, writers and other key stakeholders—delving into issues of critical importance at this time in history, Cultural Confidence will build significantly on the conversation begun last year. With a larger and more improved film selection, increased opportunities for networking and increased dialogue, this year’s event will demonstrate and define cultural confidence through film, fashion and music; giving participants the opportunity to assess their individual level of cultural confidence and to receive the means of acquisition. – See more

ndfs5_5x8_5_eflyers_FIN

Watch Promo Video

Official Press Release

New Nollywood Rebrands Nigeria

2nd Annual Nollywood Forum to Focus on Cultural Confidence at NYU Oct 9-12

NEW YORK, NY – October 3, 2014 – The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series will host its second annual forum at NYU Kimmel Center next weekend, October 9-12. In commemoration of Nigeria’s centennial and 54 years of independence, NDFS will explore the notion of cultural confidence with film screenings and panel discussions featuring notable African filmmakers, actors, producers and designers.

In addition to the US premiere of critically acclaimed October 1 by leading Nollywood filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan–who the New York Times called an “African Scorsese”–special guests Adepero Oduye (Twelve Years a Slave, Pariah), Gbenga Akinnagbe (24, The Wire), Wunmi Olaiya and others will engage NYU filmmakers and the larger community on issues facing Nigerians, using film as basis to explore the role of the Diaspora in social change in Africa.  “Of special interest to us is the role that film can play in elevating the social consciousness of Nigerians and the image of Nigerians across the world,” says Ololade Siyonbola, NDFS founder.

On the theme of Cultural Confidence, Andrew Dosunmu, whose film Mother of George will screen at the mini-festival, said “Knowing oneself…it’s the greatest wealth one can have.”

In addition to Dosunmu’s film, the forum will feature Supreme Price, by award-winning filmmaker and Harvard lecturer Joanna Lipper, which highlights the legacy of Nigeria’s first democratically elected president—MKO Abiola—from the perspectives of his wife, Kudirat, leader of the pro-democracy movement, and daughter, Hafsat Abiola.

Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun and a number of short films will also screen. The forum opens with a reception Thursday October 9, followed with The Supreme Price screening on Friday and Half of a Yellow Sun, Mother of George and October 1 on Saturday with panel discussions to open the day. Cultural workshops take place Sunday October 12.

For more information on the forum, visit http://nollywood.filmseries.co

Tickets: http://culturalconfidence.eventbrite.com

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cbZTUqRj0

October 1 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R7wJuPv_7o

NDFS Cultural Confidence is sponsored by VLISCO, Holland Textiles, Sonna Textiles, Africa Magic GO!, Yoruba Cultural Institute, NYU Africana Studies.

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is a platform created to rebrand Nollywood and bring international attention to New Nollywood, Nigerian cinema of international standards, which teaches about Nigeria’s cultures and peoples with authenticity, texture and beauty.

Media Contact: Ayodele St. Louis
917.426.6716
nollywood@filmseries.co

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Special Guests ADEPERO ODUYE, WUNMI OLAIYA,GBENGA AKINNAGBE, LOZA MALÉOMBHO, KUKUA ODOI, AWAM AMKPA, BUSAYO OLUPONA and KUNLE AFOLAYAN

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

7.30p.m @ NYU Kimmel Center.
60 Washington Square South.
New York

OCTOBER 1, the film everyone in Nigeria is talking about, will have it’s US debut at CULTURAL CONFIDENCE. This HISTORIC film is the epitome of what NDFS (Nollywood Diaspora Film Series) was created for — culturally relevant, world class storytelling.

BUY Tickets in advance here and tickets also available at the door

Q & A with Director Kunle Afolayan all the way from Lagos, Nigeria! Dont Miss out, Spread the word, Come one! Come All!

NDFS brings you a weekend Films, Panels and Networking. For full program of weekend activities from Thursday 9th Oct – Sunday 12th Oct visit: http://filmseries.co

 SPECIAL GUESTS: Adepero Oduye Gbenga Akinnagbe Wunmi Olaiya Joanna Lipper

FILMS: Supreme Price Half of a Yellow Sun More films TBA **A portion of proceeds benefits the Joyful Joy Foundation**

Connect with them on Social Media: #CULTURALCONFIDENCE October 9-12, 2014

Location: NYU Kimmel Center* 60 Washington Square S, New York City, NY 10012

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..

Tosinger

The Supreme Price – Trailer

Produced and Directed by Joanna Lipper, ‘The Supreme Price’ is a feature length documentary film that traces the evolution of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Nigeria and efforts to increase the participation of women in leadership roles. Following the annulment of her father’s victory in Nigeria’s Presidential Election and her mother’s assassination by agents of the military dictatorship, Hafsat Abiola faces the challenge of transforming a corrupt culture of governance into a democracy capable of serving Nigeria’s most marginalized population: women.

Hafsat Abiola   

About Joanna Lipper

Joanna Lipper
Joanna Lipper is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer and author of the nationally acclaimed book, Growing Up Fast. As a Lecturer at Harvard University, she teaches Using Film For Social Change. Her work as a documentary filmmaker has been supported by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation/Just Films, ITVS, the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Women Make Movies, IFP Spotlighting Documentaries, and Britdoc Foundation. 

In 2013, Gucci commissioned an extended trailer from her film The Supreme Price to launch their Chime For Change Campaign at TED 2013 and globally.

 In 2012, Joanna Lipper won the Gucci Tribeca Spotlighting Women Documentary Award for The Supreme Price. Previous films she has produced and directed include Inside Out: Portraits of Children, Growing Up Fast and Little Fugitive.

 Lipper’s book about teen parenthood, Growing Up Fast, was published by Picador in 2003.

 “Compelling and important…this book adroitly illuminates a social crisis.” (Publisher’s Weekly) Her photographic series, Seaweed Farmers in Zanzibar was featured in Economica: Picturing Power and Potential, a group exhibition presented by the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery and The International Museum of Women in Summer of 2010. This series along with a related multimedia installation was featured in a solo show at Photo De Mer in Vannes, France in 2011. ( Culled from her website http://www.joannalipper.com/)

Watch Trailer

The Supreme Price – Trailer from Joanna Lipper on Vimeo.

The Washington Post Press Review 

“….Some of the best documentaries tell inspiring stories of people overcoming the unthinkable… With an uptick in kidnappings and killings, the situation in Nigeria is looking bleak. How exactly did the country get to such a state? Joanna Lipper’s film looks at the pro-democracy movement in the corrupt African nation but also gives a helpful tutorial on Nigerian politics….” – The Washington Post

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DISTRIBUTOR (NORTH AMERICA)

Kristin Fitzpatrick   
Women Make Movies

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SALES AGENT (INTERNATIONAL)

Philippa Kowarsky
Cinephil

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For more info visit http://www.joannalipper.com

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing

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