Ghana's Goddess, Haillie Sumney, Dazzles At The AMVCA 23

It was a celebration of the rich African movie culture and entertainment, acknowledging the best of the best, as the 9^th African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The event was televised live on all Africa Magic channels throughout Africa.

Haillie Sumney

Among the celebrities was Canadian-born Ghanaian actress Haillie Sumney, who made her first appearance at the AMVCA as a nominee in the "Best Original Comedy Series" category with the drama series "Co-Habits.” She crashed the red carpet of the event together with other famous and influential celebrities from around the world and made sure she left a mark.

Haillie Sumney at the AMVCA 23

Haillie Sumney, one of Ghana's best-known actresses, has demonstrated over the years that she is a great woman who understands fashion and knows how to dress elegantly for any occasion.

Haillie Sumney at the AMVCA 23

She is a booster of the renowned Ghanaian fashion business in addition to her talent and passion for African elegance, which is unquestionably an influential factor in the fashion sector.

Haillie Sumney at the AMVCA 23

Using customised African designs and other textiles; the fashion star exhibited her exquisite fashion sensibility, made an amazing impression at the 9th AMVCA, and stood out from the crowd.

Haillie Sumney at the AMVCA 23

Due to her outfit, admirers and online users are appreciating her eerie photographs, which have recently attracted an abundance of interest.

Choba Academic Research Initiative (CARI) 2023: A Successful Retreat for Advocating Collaboration, Healthy Living, and Academic Excellence

The Retreat of Choba Academic Research Initiative (CARI), which was held from Friday, May 19th, to Sunday, May 21st, 2023, at Owerri, can be appraised as a resounding success. The retreat was well attended by members of the organisation, who came together to discuss key issues affecting the organisation and chart the way forward.

 

One of the highlights of the retreat was the extraordinary plenary session, which was presided over by the Chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, who facilitated a productive discussion on issues concerning the welfare of members. During this session, members unanimously agreed on a number of issues, including the need to establish an investment blueprint that will benefit members in the long run. This decision was informed by the recognition that investment is a critical aspect of achieving long-term sustainability for the organisation. The session also facilitated a productive discussion on other key issues relating to the overall mission of CARI.

 

Another significant feature of the retreat was the "Walk for Life" event, which underscored the organisation's focus on promoting the health and well-being of its members. Participants in the event walked for miles to raise awareness about the importance of physical fitness and healthy living. The "Walk for Life" event was a highly commendable initiative that demonstrated the organisation's commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle amongst its members.

 

The retreat also received tremendous support in the form of special donations from Mr. Joe Cole, Prof. P. C. Mmom, Mr. Innocent Ekwulo, Prof. Otu Ekpeyong, and Dr. Josiah Hart. These donations are a testament to the value that the organisation is bringing to the academic and research communities and the positive impact it is having. These contributions reflect the level of commitment shown by members of the organisation’s community towards promoting academic research.

 

Additionally, it is worth noting that the former Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. B. C. Didia, graced the event, adding to the significance of the Retreat of Choba Academic Research Initiative (CARI).

 

Overall, the Retreat of Choba Academic Research Initiative (CARI) was a great success. Through the retreat, the organisation demonstrated its commitment to fostering collaboration, advocating for healthy living, and promoting academic excellence. The commitment shown towards investment and a focus on long-term sustainability ensure that the organisation will continue to deliver impactful research to the community. The retreat was an important moment for CARI, and its accomplishments will serve as a launching pad for more innovative and ground-breaking research initiatives in the future.

 

Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo

 

Convener

 

 

Kachville Productions Starts Filming "WTWFB" on Location in Lagos

2023 is already shaping up to be another monumental year for Nollywood movie and TV production as filmmaker Kachie Elvis and his Kachville Production cast and crew hit location for the filming of a new family feature, When The Wind Finds Branches, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Kachie Elvis

Lagos is a well-liked destination for filmmaking, especially for television and movies, and Kachville Productions, which just extended its production space, will begin producing multiple films each quarter in 2023.

 

The main plot of Kachville Productions’ When The Wind Finds Branches revolves around Ufuoma (Mary Lazarus), a hardworking event-planning specialist who specialized in staging high-profile wedding and corporate events for the rich and mighty in society, and her failing marriage to a drug-addicted husband, Andrew (Mofe Duncan), who is hell-bent on causing her pain and selling whatever belongs to her all in the name of marriage.

Mary Lazarus & The Symphony Crew

This plot-twisting and intriguing family movie features Mary Lazarus, Mofe Duncan, Kachie Elvis, Amaka Chukwujekwu, Elizabeth Chibueze, Isokoh Edirin Stanley, and Chinedu Ani Emmanuel (Nedu Wazobia). Among the others are renowned actors Ejike Asiegbu, Ebun Oloyede, aka Olaiya Igwe, Aaron Garvey and Ken-Sele Okogbenin.

 

The title When The Wind Finds Branches has caused local controversy as some akin film enthusiasts have taken it to be biblical ranges comparing the wind as it often represents the fleeting and transient, the elusive, and the intangible to humanity.

Amaka Chukwujekwu and Mary Lazarus

When the Wind Finds Branches, with a screenplay by Kachie Elvis, produced by Wisdom Nwankwo, and directed by Perekeme Odon wrapped up preproduction between December 2022 and March 2023. Principal photography and filming began in April in Lekki, Lagos, and other towns in the state. It is projected to be released in theatres nationwide and distributed on several unspecified global online platforms.

 

According to the producer, "The wind symbolizes the raw and brutal power of nature. The wind god is a symbol of might and strength. One cannot see the wind, but everyone has seen how it makes the tree's leaves and the branches sway."

Rehearsal Session With Mary, Kachie & Elizabeth

Magic Lantern Production, headed by Michael Anakpa, whose footsteps and knowledge of the pioneers of modern film editing have been commissioned for the entire postproduction, from editing to grading to sound mixing and mastering.

 

The director stated, "The Nigerian motion picture industry has found itself in a transitional stage, where the younger generation has attached itself to art, music, and film and has grown up with movies and meticulously studied them." Soonest, these young directors would be breaking box office records."

Line Reading With Mofe Duncan

When The Wind Finds Branches would showcase and display cinematic photography from veteran experienced industry practitioners and craftsmen like Isaac Martyns, Ugochukwu Ubani (directors of photography), Wisdom Nwankwo (assistant director), Ngozi Obasi (costumes), Jonathan St. Joe Emenike (production manager), Ajani (gaffer), Queen Praise Enemali (script supervisor), Izuchukwu Onyekwere (sound), Michael Anakpa (editor), Kachie Elvis (associate producer), Wisdom Nwankwo (producer), Kachville Productions (executive producer) and Perekeme Odon (director).

Ejike Asiegbu

Kachie Elvis & Mary Lazarus

Ejike Asiegbu & Aaron Garvey

Isaac Martyns & Queen Praise Enemali

(l-r) Queen, Elizabeth, Kachie, Mary and Wisdom

Star Girl Mary Lazarus

Perekeme Odon and Isaac Martyns

 

Ebun Oloyede, aka Olaiya Igwe & Perekeme Odon

Rehearsal Time With Wisdom Nwankwo & Mofe Duncan

 

Perekeme Odon and Amaka Chukwujekwu

 

Amaka Chukwujekwu

 

Wisdon Nwankwo & Mofe Duncan

Elizabeth Chibueze and Friend

 

Aetting Up With Mary Lazarus

(l-r) Mafe Duncan, Mary Lazarus & Ngozi Duru

Kachie Elvis

(l-r) Ejike Asiegbu, Aaron Garvey and Perekeme Odon

Perekeme, Wisdom, Ugo

Amaka Chukwulekwu & Mary Lazarus

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Ugochukwu Ubani & Isaac Martyns

Director of Photography, Isaac Martyns

Mofe Duncan and Elizabeth Chibueze

Mofe Duncan and St. Joe Emenike (PM)

Ebun Oloyede, aka Olaiya Igwe & Isaac Martyns

Perekeme Odon and Ejike Asiegbu

Our Location Exterior

Ugochukwu Ubani and Perekeme Odon

Setting Up Time

Kachie Elvis

Kachie Elvis and Mary Lazarus

Mary Lazarus and Perekeme Odon

Ugochukwu Ubani, Queen Enameli &Isaac Martyns

Ebun Oloyede, aka Olaiya Igwe & a Fan

Kachie Elvis and Mary Lazarus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actors and Filmmakers Unite in Support of Desmond Elliott in State Assembly Elections

By Perekeme Odon 

Prominent actors and groups within Nollywood have thrown their support behind the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott, who is contesting to represent Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly elections, scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott

In a statement, the Nollywood Mandate Group and Code Door2Door Initiative commended Elliott for his leadership skills, commitment to social justice, empowerment of actors, selfless service, and community development.

 

"We are proud to endorse Desmond Elliott to continue the good work he is doing representing Surulere Constituency 1". Francis Onwochei, a veteran Nollywood actor, stated. "He is a talented, selfless, and dedicated leader who has demonstrated his commitment not just to our industry but to his community time and time again. He is an outstanding public servant, and we are confident that he will continue to push for improved quality of life for residents in Surulere constituency 1."

 

Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco), Coordinator of the Code Door2Door Initiative, also affirmed that Elliott's candidature is a testament to the growing influence of the Nigerian film industry on the political stage. "Desmond Elliott is a role model for many actors, producers, and directors. He has represented us well and carried everyone along. He has also shown that with talent, hard work, and dedication, you can achieve great things both in and out of the film industry. We are thus excited to see him take his leadership skills to the next level and make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. It is a unanimous decision among actors, especially those in Surulere Constituency 1, that he should continue the good work he is doing."

 

Francis Onwochei, Coordinator of the Nollywood Mandate Group, opined that Desmond is always eager and willing to drive entrepreneurship in the constituency and, aside from providing training opportunities, has empowered over 1500 Surulere residents to register their businesses free with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), facilitated free medical health insurance coverage for about 1000 residents, and ensured the provision of 300kVA and 500kVA new transformers to various communities in Surulere.

 

Onwochei noted that education is paramount to him, as scores of secondary schools in his constituency have been trained and equipped with digital technology skills. "Desmond appreciates the power of education to transform lives and is always present and willing to lecture both registered and unregistered members on free-acting training organised by the industry’s guilds and associations. He also rebuilt the Itolo girls' school at Itolo off Eric Moore Road, in addition to his involvement in other school activities around the constituency.

 

"As part of his efforts to reduce the threat of flooding, he consistently strives to ensure that the canals and major drainages in Surulere Constituency 1 are cleared before the rains begin." 

 

Not only that, but as Chairman of the AGN COVID-19 Committee, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott delivered relief items to over 1000 constituency members, including actors, during the height of the global epidemic. He was a major advocate for the vulnerable, who had been severely impacted by the pandemic, and he also pushed for health workers, who are on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic.
 

Therefore, as the State Assembly and Governorship elections draw closer, the coast is clear for the performing Desmond Elliotts to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly. According to Francis Onwochei, "Surulere is the headquarters of Nollywood in Lagos, and all actors, including groups and heads of key associations, are fully behind Desmond Elliott. I can tell you that the coast is clear for him.

 

The Nollywood Mandate Group and Code Doo2Door Initiatives are known for their ability to mobilise the grassroots and influence public opinion. Their endorsement of Desmond Elliott is a significant development in the political ecosystem.