Tribe Nation Pays Courtesy Visit To DGN Executives

By Perekeme Odon

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) paid a courtesy visit to the newly sworn-in executives of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) on the 28th of July 2023, to discuss the way forward in ensuring effective and efficient collaboration that will benefit both parties.

(l-r) Lillian Amah-Aluko, Dr Victor Okhai & Anita Edward

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) is a mainstream entertainment company focused on the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content, with a distribution network that spans cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa. 

 

While welcoming the TNTD members to DGN, the President, reiterated the need for synergy between TNTD & the guild to achieve common goals. In his word, “We met, we spoke and what I heard was too good for my ear, but it’s not about what I hear but for what will benefit the guild. We need to improve our symbiotic relationship to achieve a common goal and make everyone responsible and add value to the creative industry,”

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Lillian Aluko, Dr Victor Okhai, Anita Edward & Uche Agbo

In her address, the TNTD Founder and CEO, Anita Oritsegbubemi Edwards delivered a descriptive narrative on film distribution, theatrical distribution, film production, film marketing, film licensing, production values, partnership with the guild and primed audience on how they can collaborate with DGN by taking away the burden from the producer and the director. 

 

The TNTD CEO indicated that Tribe Nation assists producers to review their scripts as not every story is fit for the theatre or streaming, helps out with their casting and ensures they produce something fit for the market.  TNTD consult for free and does not charge a dime for talking to producers. As distributors, they look at the money a filmmaker spends and do not see any existing structure that can furnish you with your return.

 

“We are very humbled to be here to share our vision for our theatrical distribution plans. Our goal primarily is to create value as we have the production background. Nigerian films are not cheap and I can tell you from data. We have a movie coming out in the theatre from a September shot with roughly about N60m. You have people willing to invest, but how do they guarantee their return on investment? We have seen producers and directors in good faith go out to make films that were not made for the market. Part of our partnership with DGN is training sessions and it’s going to be absolutely free. We’re going to give you the latest information and it’s going to be a unique opportunity that DGN members would have access to.”

A Group Session of Tribe Nation & DGN Members

She further stated that “If you do distribution well, if your producer fails, you fail. We can't pay salaries if you take a movie to a theatre that doesn’t sell. That’s not something we are interested in doing. 

 

“As your distributor, it’s very demoralizing to tell your client you can’t make your money back. Most clients have failed due to bad financial decisions. So for that dream to be feasible, we need to be part of the creation of it.” She stated.

 

The Head, Co-Production & Special Events Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, Lillian Amah-Aluko appreciated the President of DGN for receiving the team and reiterated the guild’s partnership with TNTD to advance the creative works of members of the guild in the Nigerian movie industry. She appealed for a better synergy between the two organizations, particularly in the training and distribution of members’ films through their platforms.  She also advised filmmakers on having a business plan and to always vet their scripts no matter how passionate they are about the stories.

(l-r) Kingsley Omoefe, Uche Agbo & Chuks Ejiofor

“A robust relationship between TNTD and DGN will go a long way to enhance access to creativity.  We understand filmmakers’ passion for their stories, but at Tribe Nation, we always discuss and critique every script, rework it and fix the challenges before they hit location. A lot of clients are now becoming comfortable and interested in the idea due to the process and stages in fixing their scripts, coupled with making them a business plan to outline and know how much profit they can get on their return on investment in the future.”

 

She thanked the DGN for their creative prowess and advised filmmakers never to relent but to keep making films, even if they hit and miss. “We can continue the way we’re going. Keep making films, hit and miss. I’ve made my share of mistakes. It’s not because your story is not a good story, or you didn’t film it well. But different platforms are looking for different elements. If we want a difference in production, we need to sit down and do things differently. DGN is the primary guild for creativity and the home of the greatest directors this country has. There is a lot of creative energy in the room that is why we are here for partnership with the guild.” She declared. 

(l-r) Dr. Tony Akposheri, Lillian Aluko, Anita Edward & Perekeme Odon

In her closing remark, Anita Edward appealed to filmmakers to embrace knowledge and always be cautious and real before embarking on any project. She also advised the guild to look into the academic creative spaces to sieve out young talent who are eager to go into filmmaking.  “A lot of creative despise knowledge. They love to dream, but they don’t want to know. Assumptions are dangerous when you’re dealing with people’s money. We deal with a highly capitalistic market where creativity ends on set, and after that, everyone is in the jungle. The guilds must rise to the occasion to influence laws enacted that would protect the interest of the guild members. If you think like a victim, you will always be a victim.”

 

In his response, the DGN President expressed the commitment of DGN towards a better working relationship with TNTD and assured them of taking the visit a lot further by partnering with the guild since there is no emotion in the business of filmmaking and also thanked them for their willingness to train our members professionally. He promised to make his members know about TNTD and their intentions to the guild.

(l-r) Stanley Ajalaja, Dr Peter Fada, & Kingsley Omoefe

“There are no two standards in filmmaking, and it’s not an excuse to dump your baggage because you’re partnering with anybody. I think from what we’ve heard, we can see the willingness to partner with them in getting our members to consider them as a choice platform for distribution, both locally and globally. I want to also thank you for considering training our members to help them know those things that are required and help us in a better position to win almost every time whenever we go to the marketplace.” He affirmed.

 

It will also interest you to know that, Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution (TNTD) is an entertainment company focused on the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content. Their distribution network spans cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa. They also produce commercial filmed content and are committed to becoming the leading global supplier of wholesome feel-good entertainment.

 

DGN Vice President, Mr Uchenna Agbo, and National Secretary, Mr Perekeme Odon witnessed the occasion. 

 

Other guild members and filmmakers present are Mr Kingsley Omoefe, Dr Tony Akposheri, Dr Peter Fada Osiughu, Mr Chukwudi Ejiofor, Mr Stanley Stanfame Ajalaja, and Mr Cosmas O. Abasi

DGN Elects And Inaugurates New Executive, Sues For Peace

The heartbeat of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State, was agog for three days as film directors converged on the serene but culturally vibrant capital's penultimate week for the 2023 National Convention under the umbrella of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN), with the theme "Charting New African Narratives," from July 13–15, 2023, at the Victor Uwaifor Creative Hub.

A four-in-one National convention—election of a new national executive, induction of new members, ratification of a new constitution, and the DGN annual conference/launching of the first ever DGN Academy Journal by the DGN Academy Conference Team, led by Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu—which brought together filmmakers and practitioners, arts and culture administrators, culture enthusiasts, and thespians from across the country and beyond.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the convention, the DGN President, Dr. Victor Okhai, showed great appreciation to the Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, for his immense contributions to the creative industry and talent development, the Edo State Government through Edo Jobs, and the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub for hosting the august event. He also commended the Vice Chancellor and staff of Gabriel Igbinedion University, Okada, for the partnership.

Dr. Victor Okhai & Chief Gabriel Igbinedion

The DGN conference, anchored by Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, with Chief Andy Boyo, Mr. Paul Obazele, Prof. Sunday Ogunbiyi, and Mazi Ugezu J. Ugezu as speakers, saw the launch of the first ever volume of the DGN academic journal titled "Nollywood Practise," which documents the history of one of the world’s fastest-growing movie industries with an annual output of approximately 1,800 films. The journal, produced in partnership with Igbinedion University Okada, was presented to members of DGN at the guild’s annual national convention held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

The DGN President, in his opening remark, described the excitement with which papers for the journal were sent as unprecedented. He stressed the importance of documenting the history of the film industry in Nigeria and ensuring that "we tell our story", saying the journal was a means to achieve that pertinent goal.

Speaking at the ceremony, The DGN President emphasized the significance of documenting the history of the Nigerian film industry and making sure that "We tell our story", stating that the journal served as a tool to accomplish that important objective.

"Mungo Park was said to have discovered the River Niger, but our ancestors were already here before he came. That mistake will not repeat itself in our lifetime. We must tell our story, and the Directors' Guild of Nigeria must do the same," Okhai said.

Chief Andy Boyo, Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, Mazi Ugezu & Paul Obazele

An evening reception with His Excellency, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, saw a breathtaking feasting and carnival-like gathering with all the trappings of a cultural festival, from drum ensembles to cultural dance performances, and various gifts were given to members at the event.

The Esama was named patron of the guild and thanked them for the honour, stating that it is a source of encouragement for him to make arts and culture an intrinsic component of all activities in his domain.

An excursion was also taken to Osaretin Festus Isibor's Deep End Villa and Event Centre at Obagie Rd., off Benin Sapele Road, Benin City, and Deepend Hotels and Suites, opposite NTA, one of the leading hotels in Edo State situated in the heart of Benin City, as well as a tour of his multi-billion naira state-of-the-art 20th-century film studio and the horror hunted house.

Chief Igbinedion Conferred as DGN Patron

The 2023 conference concluded with the election, which saw Dr. Victor Okhai return unopposed with 65 votes to lead the guild for the next two years.

Uchenna Agbo, who ran unopposed, was elected Vice President with 64 votes.

Mr. Perekeme Odon was elected for the office of National Secretary with 65 votes.

Mazi Okoli, who received 65 votes, was declared the winner of the Treasurership contest.

Jeremiah Onoge was declared the winner after running unopposed for the position of Public Relations Officer for the guild.

Daniel Chukwueze and John Paul Nwanganga were elected as the new provost and Director of Social/Welfare respectively, and Gold Dappa was elected as the new Financial Secretary. Comrade Ofia Mbaka defeated Libby OfFem-Oke to win the position of Assistant National Secretary.

President Okhai stated in his address that there was no victor and no vanquished, and he urged all of his colleagues to assist him in taking the guild to a higher level.

 

Chief Peddie Okao & Dr. Victor Okhai

(l-r)Nelly, Chief China, Davidson & Love Best

(l-r) Davidson, Osaretin Festus Isibor & Dr. Okhai

(l-r) Prof Ogunbiyi, Fred Mayford, Moses Eskor, Andy Boyo & Mazy Ugezu

(l-r) HolySteve, Mathew Ajally, Emma, Peter & Amb. Cynthia

A Cross Section of Members

DGN Members in a Pose

Chief Igbinedion Presented with a copy of DGN Journal

 

Reel Rendezvous: Illuminating the Artistic Brilliance of UniPort's Finest

Reel Rendezvous, a three-day captivating and extravaganza festival hosted by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, exceeded expectations. The exceptional festival, held from June 28th to June 30th, 2023, showcased the students' outstanding talents, creativity, and artistic brilliance in filmmaking, acting, and special effects.

Dr Ovunda Ihunwo

The festival presented an impressive array of student works, featuring ten captivating short films that took the audience on emotional roller coasters, delving into various genres and exploring diverse narratives. Each film displayed a distinct creative vision, from thought-provoking dramas to experimental pieces pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. The student's ability to captivate and engage the audience through storytelling was commendable.

 

In addition to the compelling short films, the festival showcased nineteen mesmerizing screen monologues, allowing the students to showcase their acting prowess. These performances ranged from intense, dramatic soliloquies to comedic and lighthearted expressions, illustrating the versatility and depth of talent within the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. The actors displayed remarkable dedication, bringing their characters to life with raw emotion and impeccable delivery.

REEL RENDEVOUS

One of the standout highlights of Reel Rendezvous was the special effects showcase, where students unleashed their creative imagination and technical skills to produce visually stunning and awe-inspiring effects. The audience was treated to a visual feast of cinematic wizardry, with intricate makeup, prosthetics, and visual effects transporting them to realms of fantasy and wonder. The students' meticulous attention to detail and ability to seamlessly integrate these effects into their projects left the viewers in awe, demonstrating their mastery of the craft.

The presence of Prof. Owunari Georgewill, the esteemed 9th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, at the festival, added a sense of prestige and importance to the event. His presence underscored the university's commitment to fostering and nurturing the talents of its students. Prof. Georgewill, deeply impressed by the rare skills exhibited by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies students, delivered a heartfelt commendation, acknowledging their creativity, dedication, and hard work. His praise served as a source of motivation and validation for the students, encouraging them to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

 

Dr Ovunda Ihunwo, the visionary convener of Reel Rendezvous, expressed his profound pride in the student's accomplishments. He unveiled an exciting prospect for budding filmmakers, announcing that the best projects showcased at the festival would be submitted as entries to renowned international student film festivals. This opportunity allows the students to gain global recognition and positions the University of Port Harcourt as a leading institution in Theatre and Film. Dr Ihunwo's commitment to nurturing and promoting the students' talents and helping them gain exposure on an international platform further solidifies Reel Rendezvous as a launchpad for future success.

Students of UniPort Theatre & Film Studies

The festival also garnered the unwavering support and optimism of Prof. Faith Aminikpo, the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. Prof. Aminikpo expressed her utmost confidence in the students' projects, foreseeing a future filled with accolades and laurels for the university. Her unwavering belief in their abilities highlighted the commitment and guidance provided by the department, which has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in honing the students' skills and fostering their creative spirit.

 

The atmosphere during Reel Rendezvous was electric, as students, faculty, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts converged in celebration of the artistry and passion displayed by the students. The participants arrived in glitz and glam, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the event. The festival served as a platform for showcasing talent and facilitated networking opportunities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among those involved in the industry.

Students of Uniport Theatre and Film Studies

Reel Rendezvous has set a new benchmark for future festival editions, solidifying its place as a prominent event on the cultural and artistic calendar. Its success lies not only in the exceptional quality of the showcased projects but also in the impact it has had on the students themselves. The festival has ignited a fire within them, fueling their determination to pursue arts careers and driving them to achieve greater heights.

 

As the curtains closed on this year's Reel Rendezvous, anticipation and excitement for future editions lingered. The students, fully aware of the immense growth and development they experienced throughout the festival, eagerly look forward to upcoming iterations. Reel Rendezvous has become integral to their artistic journey, serving as a springboard for their dreams and aspirations. It has nurtured their talents, instilled great pride, and provided them with a platform to shine. Each year, Reel Rendezvous will continue to transcend boundaries, inspiring and empowering future generations of artists and cementing the University of Port Harcourt's legacy as a hub of creativity and excellence in theatre and film.