ACTRESSES CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES IN NOLLYWOOD

It was an exhilarating, exciting two days of deliberation as women in Nollywood came together to discuss the way forward in film in Nigeria. In a two day workshop held on the 16th and 17th of June at the Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi, and organised by the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) in collaboration with Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (which is owned by veteran Actress, Joke Silva) the women came together and discussed spiritedly and passionately on topics that were presented in various papers at the event such as; 'Telling Women's Stories, presented by Dr. Abena Busia of Rutgers University, Dr. Bunmi Oyesan, 'Saints, Whores, Nags & Witches: the four Nollywood stereotypes presented by Emem Isong and moderated by Funmi Iyanda,'Talent , Opportunity & Versatility' by Kate Henshaw who was unavoidably absent but still sent in her paper that was read by Joke Silva. Discussants were Dakore Egbuson, Omoni Oboli and others. Also present at the event were Her Excellency Mrs Abimbola Fashola (The wife of the Governor of Lagos State) Mrs Bisi Adeleye-Falemi (Exec. Dir. AWDF) Amaka Igwe, Tunde Kilani, Sandra Obiago, Mahmoud Ali-Balogun, Ope Banwo, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Monalisa Chinda,Nse Ikpe-Etim, Uduak Oguamanam of Royal Arts Academy,Bola Aduwo of Nollywooduncut.com and many others from the film and television world.

It was a delight to see practitioners from the different strata of the media come together to rub minds on the way forward. The kernel to be got from the event was that Nigerian actresses are tired of being portrayed as 'Saints, Whores, Nags and Witches' in Nollywood films. They clamoured for not a perfect portrayal but a more rounded portrayal of who they really are; which is strong, supportive, intelligent and hardworking. (Are the men listening?) All in all, it was a great time as the women aired grievances and generally bonded over coffee and later lunch! Kudos to Joke Siva and AWDF for that very timely programme.

Big Premieres to Hit 7 Cities around the World!

Its that time again when the big premiere hits and it doesn't get any bigger than when the troyka of Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot and Uche Jombo want to do something. This time its the 4 countries, 7 city tour of the movie premieres for two hit movies, 'Holding Hope' and 'Bursting Out". The movies star Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jombo, Desmond Elliot, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli, Nadia Buari and a host of others.

Starting from the 31st of July to the 11th of September, the world is going to sit up and take notice as yet another earth-shaking event by the Troyka sets sail! The cities to be hit are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Accra-Ghana, London-England, Houston and New York in the United States.

Royal Arts Academy opens with great fanfare!

It was all fun and fanfare at Royal Arts Academy when celebrities, press, wellwishers and students converged at the venue to felicitate with Emem Isong on the opening of the Academy. The attendance which read like a who is who in the entertainment industy had celebrities like Zik Zulu Okafor, Paul Obazele, Desmond Elliot and his wife, Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Chioma Chukwuka, Susan Peters, Nse Ikpe etim to name a few. Joke Silva and Amaka Igwe also came in to towards the end to show their support for the school. The opening proper was compered and declared open by Zik Zulu Okafor. A cake was cut and shared round, along with small chops, cocktails and drinks. Generally it was a great time for all who attended.

New Movies Coming soon from Royal Arts!

Royal Arts Academy the Media Academy and production company is set to change the way films are told and shot in Nollywood. We have in the stable ready for release in the nearest possible future, the following films: Do make sure you BUY a copy when it comes out! No patronising of pirated copies or downloading for free on the internet, please!

OPENING WEEK SO FAR!

This has been quite a week! Starting from Monday, the work at the school has been at a fever-pitch! It has been great... brilliant! Big ups to the stars that came to speak to the students during the Opening week... Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Zik Zulu Okafor, Lancelot Elliot, Felix Odion and Bola Aduwo. They came to share with the new entrants on various topics ranging from what it takes to make it in the industry, Tips to staying power in the industry, acting tips, writing tips and so much more. The students were really encouraged and several were glad to have taken the decision to join the school. They have not seen anything yet! So much more is being planned for the school.... what else can I say? To God be the Glory!