Showbiz

‘76’ To Be Screened At 60th BFI London Film Festival

Published

9 years ago

03/09/2016

76 movie

By Dipo Olowookere

The multi-million Dollar flick by Prince Tonye Princewill, ’76’, already scheduled to make a global opening at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival next week, has now been exclusively chosen to have its European premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival in October.

This is the first Nollywood film to be chosen by both Toronto and London film festivals back to back in the same year and is a major new milestone in African cinema. The film, a love story embedded in treason, intrigue, patriotism and faith is set in Ibadan, Nigeria.

It shows life against the backdrop of transition and the struggle for political stability after the civil war. It is inspired by the real life events that led to the assassination of the then Head of State, Murtala Muhammed in 1976.

The film, cast and crew recently received a major boost with a high profile endorsement from the Head of State who succeeded the then assassinated Murtala Muhammed at the time; His Excellency General Olusegun Obasanjo, then later went on to become a two term President making him both a military and civilian leader of the largest black nation in the world.

He described ’76 as “the best view of one of the worst times in our nations’ history. A must watch and an insight that was long overdue. Watching the attention to detail and hearing my own voice in February 1976, brought out both sweet and sour memories as Murtala Muhammed was not only my boss, he was my friend. I cannot attest to what went on in the homes as we were focused on the field, but this film gives even I, an insight into that.”

Set during the era of military assassinations and political unrest in Nigeria, the movie also had the full approval and endorsement of the Nigerian Army and the Murtala Muhammed family, and was shot inside the confines of a military base; another first in Nigeria’s cinematic history.

It comes 40 years after the actual events, and follows over six years of work by the multi award winning Director Izu Ojukwu and the production teams of Adonis Production and Princewill’s Trust, a brainchild of Prince Tonye Princewill and Adonijah Owiriwa who are the film’s executive producers. Africa Magic, a Multichoice subsidiary also signed on as partners.

“Our objective was to show audiences, amongst other things, what the wives of officers had to go through. Military coups were our legacy. In some ways, we are still trying to recover from this. Everyone sees and hears the perspective of the officers. But the woman’s story stays silent. We wanted to highlight the strength and the vulnerabilities of the typical African woman and to do so through the eyes of officers’ wives. This is a filmmaker’s tiny contribution to raising their volume.” the Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa stated.

The film stars renowned and respected Nollywood stars like Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Memry Savanhu, Daniel K Daniel (African best actor 2016), Debo Oguns, Adams Shuaibu and a host of other rising stars. At the centre of this very gripping romantic thriller is the charismatic, ‘Captain Joseph Dewa’, played by Ramsey Nouah who is indicted by the military for his alleged role in the coup.

The film will have its red carpet London premiere on October 15 and will be attended by all the key cast, crew and some very special guests. It will then have its African premiere in Lagos on November 13 before being released nationwide in African cinemas from November 25.

Showbiz

MTF’s Best Graduating Student Winner Achimugu Begins New York Film Academy NYFA Journey

Published

1 day ago

19/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.

Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.

These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.

The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.

Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.

This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.

As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.

Showbiz

Quickteller Celebrates African Creativity in Lagos With InsomniaQ

Published

4 days ago

16/12/2025

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.

This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.

Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.

The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.

The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.

More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.

“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.

“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.

“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.

Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.

InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.

Showbiz

Oyindamola Timothy, Steve Adeyemo, Others Win Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0

Published

5 days ago

15/12/2025

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.

They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.

The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.

The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.

This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.

“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.

“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.

“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.

As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.

An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.