Ukeaja Chioma Rose Hits Film Location With Slap of Destiny

(Lagos, Nigeria) – After a lengthy wait, Nollywood filmmaker and actress Chioma Rose Ukeaja's Sparkling Rose Production has finally arrived on location for the filming of "Slap of Destiny," a compelling family drama about destiny at work in the life of an orphan girl. The film is already receiving excellent reviews from critics, and this is the production house's first time filming in Ajah, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Ukeaja Chioma Rose

"Slap of Destiny," an intense and high-voltage drama, leads us to the fairly classic love story of a young orphan girl, Peace (Ukeaja Chioma Rose), who has lived with various families and works as a maid in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oluchi Kalu, but is always maltreated by Mrs. Kalu, who has an amorous soft spot for her male servant, Obi (Nosa Rex), owing her childlessness to Mr. Kalu.

The producer and CEO of Sparkling Rose Production, Ukeaja Chioma Rose, believes in spreading love, even to lonely orphaned kids. She is the leading actor and has not shied away from playing the orphan girl who works in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kalu (Tony Umez and Mercy Aigbe).

During a visit to Kalu's home by his boss, Alhaji Altharu, an event occurs in their kitchen that leads to his wife, Oluchi (Mercy Aigbe), assaulting Peace. He finds out she is an orphan and decides to take her into his home to help him since his wife has died.

Alhaji Altharu requests that Mr. and Mrs. Kalu allow Peace to live with him so she can help him care for his home. Mrs. Kalu was overjoyed because she would be living alone with Obi, who is also interested in peace. He married Peace and sent her to the States to study. After a few years, she returns and takes over management of his company, eventually becoming Kalu's employer.

Peace's ex-boyfriend, Fred Aminu (Tolu), seeks to reclaim her love, but Obi (Rex Nosa), who desperately needs a job, goes to visit Peace in her home following Alhaji's death to distract himself from his frustration. He proposes to Peace after falling in love with her. They get married and live happily ever after.

The new film stars Ukeaja Chioma Rose (Peace), Nosa Rex (Obi), Felix Ugo Omohkodion (Dave), Tony Umez (Kalu), Mercy Aigbe (Mrs. Oluchi Kalu), Ejike Asiegbu (Alhaji Attahiru), Florence Sunday (Mrs. Rakiya Attahiru), and other well-known actors and actresses to pull it through.

Mercy Aigbe On Set

"We are absolutely thrilled that Rose Ukeaja and her team chose Unity Estate, Ajah, for her new movie," said an estate resident. "Unity Estate is on the rise as a location for film and television production and proves that no matter what kind of set location you're looking for, be it cityscapes, suburbs, beaches, or farms, you can find it in Ajah."

According to the film's director, Perekeme Odon, "The truth is that God seems pretty concerned about orphans across generations and cultures. Family Story brings people together, and with its unparalleled diversity of cast and raw talent, it is an ideal film to watch any day. A happily ever after story does the viewers a favour: It confirms that the story has come to an end. There was a huge conflict, which was resolved, and these characters never had another major disagreement. We are incredibly proud to have been a part of its creation, look forward to its imminent release, and hope to host many more film productions by Sparkling Rose Production."

 

The "Nemesis From Genesis" producer, Rose Chioma Ukeaja Rose Chioma Ukeaja affirmed "The Nigerian movie industry has without doubt evolved over the years. With new technology and ideas in movie making. So from the moment we conceived of this film, it was clear the story was going to be a success since we were going to use high-tech cinematic cameras and gadgets to film in order to evoke the grit and authenticity we needed. We have a lot lined up for next year, some of which I'm really excited about but can't talk about yet. As they say in TV land, "stay tuned."

Ejike Asiegbu, Florence Sunday & Nelson Obot

"Slap of Destiny" has a very simple storyline with a simpler subplot that allows for fantastic acting and cinematography with experienced industry professionals and craftsmen like Jerry Okpana (writer), Isaac Martyns, and Ugochukwu Ubani (Director of Photography), Wisdom Nwankwo (assistant director), Ngozi Obasi (costume), Jennifer (Make-up), Chima Emmanuel (production coordinator), Jacob David (gaffer), Nelson Obot (script supervisor), Bisade Philips (editor), Izuchukwu Onyekwere (sound), Bright Nwachineke (production manager), Perekeme Odon (director), and Ukeaja Chioma Rose (producer).

(l-r) Nosa Rex, Ukeaja Chioma Rose & Perekeme Odon

(l-r) Perekeme, Ejike, Rex Nosa, Mercy Aigbe, Isaac Martyns

(L-R) Nelson Obot, Perekeme Odon & Mercy Aigbe

(l-r) Isaac, Wisdom, Perekeme, Felix & Nelson Obot

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Felix, Nelson, Isaac Martyns & Ugo Ubani

(l-r)Ejike Asiegbu,  Perekeme,Tony Umez & Mercy Aigbe

Wisdom Nwankwo & Perekeme Odon

(l-r) Felix, Perekeme, Wisdom Nwankwo & Isaac Martyns

NCAC Lagos Zone Hosts Staff Send-Off Party

By Perekeme Odon

It was a colourful moment no one would forget in a hurry as three staff of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, were honoured during a send-off ceremony on Monday, November 20, 2022, to mark their retirement from the council's services.

The event, which saw friends and well-wishers gather at the NCAC Red Brick at the National Theatre to bid them farewell into retirement, was a joyous occasion. Welcoming staff and the retirees, among whom were the former Head of Lagos Zonal Directorate, Mr Dotun Victor Omoniyi; Head of Accounts Department, Mrs Emimie Christiana Ogbolu; and Mr. Anthony Anietie Etukudoh, to the event, the Acting Head of Lagos Zonal Directorate, Mr Edwin Ezenobie, commended the retirees for their dedication and commitment over the years.

 

Mrs. Christiana Ogbolu, who began her career at  the Council in 1987 as a Visual Arts Assistant in the Visual Arts and Crafts Department and progressed to become the head of the finance and accounting department, was showered with accolades. Prior to her employment, Mrs. Ogbolu was opportune to engage extensively in the frontlining of various art exhibitions at NCAC and outside functions. She was the Treasurer of the NCAC Co-operative from its formation and later became the President in 2016 till her retirement after 35 years of service.

Mr. Victor Omoniyi & Mrs. Christiana Ogbolu

Speaking at the event, Christiana Ogbolu expressed gratitude for the outpouring of praise, saying, "I am gladdened and surprised by the accolades showered on me. "This event today sincerely whispered that we are one family. I want to thank everyone who contributed to putting smiles on our faces. A lot happened. Some were retrenched, and a few died along the way and never saw their retirements. You will not die in service, as I pray for your retirement in the future the way I am retiring.” She stated.

 

Mr. Ezenobie described the former Head of Zone, who, until his retirement, was a Director and Head of Zone of the Council, as a good man and a gentleman. He commended him for dedicating 32 years of uninterrupted service and loyalty to the Council. He urged the staff of the Council to imbibe the spirit of truthfulness, vision, diligence, hard work, and teamwork that these dedicated servants had exhibited in performing their duties in the Council.

Mr. Omoniyi Receives His Award From Mr. Ezenobie

Mr. Omoniyi was employed at the National Council for Arts and Culture as a Research Officer II in 1990, and during his 32-year sojourn in the Council, he variously served and supervised the development of various projects in different capacities at the NCAC headquarters in Abuja before becoming a Director.

 

The retired Council Director thanked the attendees for their cooperation and support in carrying out his Council duties. According to him, “I thank God that we are all ending well. Today is a day of sober reflection, because uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. As the leader of a company, you see a lot and say little. As long as you’re in the civil service, you must stay within the rules and work within the rules. I thank the peacemakers and those who supported me during my tenure as Zone Head in the cause of my service."

Mrs Ogbolu Receives Her Awards From Mrs Akwara

He also advised staff to cooperate with Mr. Edwin Ezenobie, whose baton falls on the mantle of leadership as the Acting Head of Zone at NCAC Lagos. “Mr. Ezenobie had been so supportive to me. We’ve had lots of quarrels, pains, and disagreements that made us fall apart and come back together, and I pray for him to rise to the peak of his career. You people should not put him in a situation that would make him behave or work otherwise.” He advised.

 

It is indeed a truism that the world stops when people of integrity and good leadership are celebrated! This was the case for the former Head of Zone, NCAC Lagos, Mr. Dotun Victor Omoniyi, Head of Accounts Department, Mrs. Emimie Christiana Ogbolu, and Mr. Anthony Anietie Etukudoh. The management and staff of NCAC will surely miss their leadership and also wish them well in their future endeavours.

Mr Isa Ozigi Receives Mr Etukudoh's Award

Mrs Chizoba Ikeh, Mrs Ogbolu & Perekeme Odon

(l-r) Mr Edwin Ezenobie, Mrs Ogbolu & Mr  Victor Omoniyi

Art Work Presented To Mr. Victor Omoniyi

Presentation Of Gift to Mr.  Victor Omoniyi

(l-r) Mrs Ngozi Chinelo Nnodibe, Mrs Ogbolu and Daughter

Mrs Nneka Akwara

J-Spring & Mrs Nnodibe

Mr Popoola of NICO

Mrs Franca Amuta Presenting A Gift To Mrs Ogbolu

Mrs Ngozi Okutuo Presenting A Gift to Mrs Ogbolu

Acting Head of Zone, Mr Edwin Ezenobie

Mr Alhaji

Mrs Christiana Ogbolu & Mr Edwin Ezenobie

(l-r) Mr Ezenobie, Mr Omoniyi, Mrs Sandra Kalu & Mr Samuel

Mrs Christiana Ogbolu & Mr Samuel Ebatamaehi

(l-r) Mrs Euphemia Ven, Mrs Nwobodo, Sandra, Mrs Ogbolu

(l-r) Mr Shola Abiodun, Ngozi, Mr Omoniyi & Pst Babatope

Ngozi

Mrs Chinelo Nnodibe, Mrs Nneka Akwara & Mrs Mario Okeke

Mr Kingsley Esho

(l-r) Euphemia, Toyin, Toyin, Omoniyi, Quadri, & Grace

Mr. Shola Abiodun, Mrs Nnodibe & Mr. Dotun Omoniyi

Mr Dotun Omoniyi & Mrs Christiana Ogbolu Making A Toast

Ene Ursula

Presentation of Gift To Mrs Christiana Ogbolu

Mrs. Chinelo Ngozi Nnodibe

Mrs Chioma Okere

Miss Ogbolu

Mr Shola Abiodun

 

ADF Appoints DGN President, Victor Okhai To Its Advisory Board

The African Diaspora Foundation (ADF) is pleased to announce the appointment and membership of Nigerian Dr. Victor Okhai as an Advisory Board member.

Dr. Victor Okhai

The appointment, which was approved by the ADF board of directors on November 13, 2022, went into effect on November 16, 2022.

 

Victor Okhai, who is the President of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN), is a seasoned documentary filmmaker, communicator, and a global resource person at different academic and professional institutions, as well as the head of jury for the 2022 Multichoice Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA).

 

The African Diaspora Foundation, a non-profit organisation conceived and informally organised in 1991, and incorporated in 2001 out of concern for people of African descent around the world, is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic cause with a heightened purpose to turn the tide of violence in African communities around the world. It simply works for and aspires for peace via education.

 

The African Diaspora Foundation (ADF) is dedicated to building a coalition of national and international leaders and organisations to address important issues relating to peace, nonviolence, and reconciliation in Africa. As a non-profit organisation, ADF has proposed to establish peace education centres in Los Angeles and in Africa, working in collaboration with American colleges and providing a curriculum focused at resolving problems that endanger survival in conflict-affected nations.

 

"The integrity and intellectual leadership with which ADF aims to deliver services to African and diaspora blacks is impressive," Victor Okhai stated. "As a future organisation, ADF must continue to adapt, build, and identify answers in real time. I am honoured to serve on its worldwide advisory board and to be a part of truly transforming the world."

Governor Bello Matawalle: A Step Too Far

The Zamfara state government has been condemned by the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) for shutting down various media outlets on Saturday, October 15, 2022, after their approval by the State Security Council.

 

The Guild's President, Victor Okhai, urged Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Bello Matawalle, to immediately reverse its decision to shut down licenced media organisations in the state, and pleaded with law enforcement agencies not to arrest and prosecute personnel of the affected stations found exercising their professional duties.

Mr. Okhai completely condemned the actions and said that we live in a country where freedom of movement and expression is guaranteed by the constitution. Every media organisation in Nigeria has the right to attend and cover any political rally held by any political party in any state.

 

"The state government has no unilateral jurisdiction to restrict or suspend any radio or television station on the grounds of banning all political activities in the state for security reasons. As a result, journalists are expected to carry out their professional responsibilities as enshrined in Chapter 2 Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that "the press, radio, television, and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter (Chapter 2 of the Constitution) and uphold the government's responsibility and accountability to the people." He stated.

 

He said the governor has been sitting on a keg of gunpowder all this time, owing to the state's insecurity in addition to the brazen looting by foreigners and bandits of the resources and our collective patrimony in that state. I suppose he enjoys the state's veil of darkness so that evil can grow.

 

He hailed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for having categorically denounced the illegal action of the Zamfara State Government directing licensees of the Commission to cease operations in the state due to alleged violations of a government order.

 

The DGN President, implored the Commissioner of Police and Security Agencies in the state to disregard the request to prevent workers at the impacted stations from carrying out their proper tasks. Any aggrieved individual or institution that has a valid complaint about unprofessional conduct or action by any licenced broadcaster in Nigeria is advised to follow the procedures outlined in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

 

President Okhai recalled that the country is still reeling from the Buhari-led government's June 4, 2021 suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, as well as the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) recent decision to withdraw the licences of fifty-two (52) broadcast stations in August 2022.

 

"In a democracy like ours, which recognises the role of the mass media and freedom of expression for its citizens, for a state government to arbitrarily override a section of the Nigerian constitution and the National Broadcasting Commission-NBC code speaks volumes about the level of impunity the country has descended into."

Nigeria and the Academy Oscar Awards

In light of the recent media exchanges between the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) and Nollywood filmmakers, which have expressed concern among Nigerians over the country's lack of representation at the 2023 Oscar, Victor Okhai, President, Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN), has recommended filmmakers focus on making and creating wonderful films rather than engaging in any internal conflict that would distract from this.

When the first Academy Awards ceremony was held in 1929 to honour films released in 1927 and 1928, no mention was made of foreign-language films. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) created the Foreign Language Film category in 1956 and invited film industries across the world to submit their best films. Since then, the Academy has given the IFF Award to a feature-length motion picture produced outside of the United States that has 80% or more non-English dialogue.

 

 The Foreign Language Film Award Committee is in charge of overseeing the process and reviewing all films submitted. Following that, they vote by secret ballot to choose the five award nominees. The first recipient was the Italian neorealist film "La Strada," whose citation stated, "The high quality of this motion picture, brought to eloquent life in a country scared by war, is proof to the world that the creative spirit can triumph over adversity." The outstanding quality of this motion picture, brought to expressive life in a war-torn country, is testament to the world that the creative spirit can triumph over adversity," helped establish Federico Fellini as one of Europe's most influential directors. Similar awards were given out in subsequent years. In the following years, similar awards were given to seven other films.

 

During the early post-war era (1947–1955), eight foreign language films received special/honorary awards. Academy leader and board member Jean Hersholt argued, "An international award, if properly and carefully administered, would promote a closer relationship between American film craftsmen and those of other countries".

Eight foreign language films got special or honorary honours during the early postwar period (1947–1955). Jean Hersholt, a member of the Academy's board of directors, stated, "An international prize, if properly and carefully administered, would create a stronger interaction between American film professionals and those of other countries."

 

The International Feature Film award, in contrast to other Academy Awards, is given to the submitting nation as a whole rather than to a specific person (although the film's director does accept it on stage).

 

Since the Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi led Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as "The Oscar Selection Association of Nigeria," a cultural organisation whose aim is to recognise and promote the art of cinema by exhibiting Nigerian films and filmmakers to the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, for the category of Best Foreign Film, the committee has submitted two Nigerian feature films to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards.

 

The academy's board of governors agreed on April 23, 2019, that the category would be renamed Best International Feature Film, commencing with the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. It was stated that the term "foreign" was "outdated within the global filmmaking community," and that the new name "better represents this category, and promotes a positive and inclusive view of filmmaking and the art of film as a universal experience." This category will also allow animated and factual films.

 

Nigerian filmmakers approach their craft differently because they are all driven by the desire to win the Oscar rather than by the need to ensure that the films they are submitting to the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Academy Awards are technically and artistically up to par.

 

To be eligible for the Academy Awards, a film must also meet a number of additional requirements, such as being dominated by the native language of the country it represents, being released during the calendar period mandated by the Oscars, having appropriate English subtitles, and having been seen in cinemas or theatres for at least seven days in the nation it represents before being shown on streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and terrestrial television.

 

In 2019, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences caused a stir by disqualifying the first Oscar entry from Nigeria's massive film industry. The submission of the film was seen as a watershed moment for the country's film industry, known as Nollywood. It's a film called "Lionheart," which is Genevieve Nnaji’s first directing debut that met every other requirement, and it was disqualified from the International Feature category because the 95-minute film "Lionheart" is largely in English, with an 11-minute section in the Igbo language. The decision prompted widespread outrage and criticism in the Nigerian, British, and American film industries, like Ms. Ava DuVernay, director of "Selma and A Wrinkle in Time," with many blaming colonialism rather than Nigerian filmmakers. Others sided with the Academy, arguing that the rules for the best international feature film applications are well defined.

 

The Executive Committee for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars confirmed in January 2021 that Nigeria's official entry, "The Milkmaid," a Hausa language insurgency thriller produced and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, was eligible after submission in December 2020, along with other contenders for the 93rd Academy Awards. Nigerians' expectations, however, were dashed once more when it failed to make the first shortlist of the 15 foreign films chosen for the International Feature Film category.

 

In a sense, the fact that European films are already produced in foreign languages gives them an advantage, especially those in languages like German, French, Spanish, or Italian, even though they are currently not in very good shape because they don’t have the places to distribute the films. Unlike Nigeria, that has a clear open market.

 

The fact that Nigerian films are not eligible for submission at the awards ceremony is due to a number of factors impeding international attention, including a lack of funding for collaborations and technical support from foreign institutions. Meeting minimum tech specs and strict adherence to the requirements for qualification and submission instead of whipping up sentiments remain a basic challenge.

 

Prior to the establishment of the Nigerian Oscar Committee in 2013, Nollywood productions frequently failed to meet the technical requirements of a cinema film due to the emphasis on home videos. However, with the emergence of multiple streaming platforms, they appear to be more promising, but it remains to be seen how far and sustainable the current trend will last.

 

The Nigerian film industry is attempting to demonstrate that it can compete favourably with other developing film nations throughout the world. However, even if the quality of Nollywood productions improve, an Oscar nomination or win is not certain as we continue to drag ourselves out there, especially when the Oscars are coming up.

 

The Oscars are merely a marketing game in which anyone who can attract attention can win. The quality of films at the Oscars will not depreciate, as good films will always stand out. National interests should take precedence over personal interests, as the Oscar is not the beginning and end of the world. Nigerian filmmakers should focus on making good films and, as much as possible, avoid dragging ourselves before the Oscars.

 

Nigeria is not the only nation embroiled in controversy over the submission of an ineligible film. Film critics and other interested parties are also upset and perplexed about Egypt's failure to submit any movies for the International Feature Film Award.

 

In nearly 75 years, just three African films have won the Oscar for best foreign feature, and despite the enormity of Bollywood's film industry, India has never won the award for best international film. The category is dominated by Europe. The last time a film representing an African country garnered a nomination was Kaouther Ben Hania's "The Man Who Sold His Skin," which represented Tunisia at the 93rd Academy Awards earlier this year. After being nominated with "Yesterday" the previous year, the South African film "Tsotsi" won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, one of the few times the prize went to an African country. South Korea's entrant, Parasite, became the first international feature film winner and the first non-English film overall in 2020.

 

The fact that Nigerian films are not eligible for entry into the awards ceremony is due to a number of issues that prevent worldwide recognition, such as a lack of funding for partnerships and technical assistance from foreign organisations to give the film a global appeal following the subject it's treating and a lack of government support to fund the producers and directors to hit the international market. Making movies is an expensive endeavour, and like with any investment, a clear path to returns must be provided.

Few people are ready to accept the chance, especially given the abundance of safer ways to profit.

 

Can we begin by winning top film festivals, where we can compete on the global stage with the best? Can we focus solely on winning our at own top film festivals? The world, like our colleagues in music, accepted and applauded our stars before the Grammys. Quality comes first, followed by recognition. With the kind of production that has been coming out of the business in recent times, we are well on our way.

 

The Oscars will find us at the right time if we focus more on the work that we do. The recognition that we get from the work that we do is far more valuable than any validation that will come from any external source.