Showbiz
Heritage Bank Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Entertainment Sector
By Dipo Olowookere
The importance of the showbiz industry to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) cannot be pushed aside and as a result, Heritage Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the country’s creative industry.
In an assessment of the industry’s performance done recently, Nollywood defied recession and had grossed an amazing N1 billion from a record 50 indigenous movies in 2016- its best box office returns ever.
Group Head, Corporate Communications at Heritage Bank, Mr Fela Ibidapo, in a chat with journalists after the viewing of part one of a movie titled: A Soldier’s story return from the dead at Genesis Cinemas in Shoprite, Lekki, Lagos recently as part of activities to herald part two of the movie, noted that the bank prided itself in its ability to hand hold different sectors of the economy in order to nurture them and help them to grow, remarking that the bank’s participation in the recent Nigeria’s creative summit has further given it a boost as it is now more committed to supporting the entertainment industry.
Mr Ibidapo noted that the creative industry is one of the major contributors to the country’s GDP and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of the country’s heritage.
According to him the bank is proud of the entertainment industry and will continue to stand by operators in it by supporting them and watch them grow.
“We had worked with Mekloss Production & Frankie Ogar Film to produce the first edition of the movie -A soldier’s story return from the dead- and we are also committed to work with them in the production of the second edition of the movie,” he said.
He remarked that the Nigerian entertainment industry has come of age as there were now more exposures with many of them now showing in cinemas.
Producer of the movie, Mr Martin Gbados said they got support from Heritage Bank to make the first edition and they also felt they should still involve the bank in the production of the second edition which would involve a leading American movie star, Eric Roberts and other international and local stars such Akin Lewis and Segun Arinze among others.
Roberts is a Golden Globe Award three times nominee as well as two times nominee of Academy Award for his supporting role inRunway Train (1985) as well as a prolific film producer in the US.
Mr Gbados said the entertainment industry needed support from the Federal Government and investors to be able to produce films in the country so that much of the money that goes into film production could retained in the country.
The central theme of the A soldier’s story return from the dead is about the sacrifices that soldiers and other security agents make in the cause of carrying out their duties.
The film producer noted that, “We often limit the sacrifices to them but what about their wives, kids and families that they need to take care of in the home front otherwise they won’t be able to concentrate on their core assignments.”
So the overriding objective of the film is to bring the sacrifices of the people in those institutions to the fore so that people can appreciate and respect them.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government had commended Heritage Bank Limited for its commitment to the development and growth of the creative industry at the recently concluded two-day creative Nigeria summit with the theme: Financing the Film, Television and Music Industries; which was co-sponsored by the bank.
Economy
From Courtrooms to Chaos: Suits LA Brings Hollywood’s Power Struggle to Your Screen on Showmax
In Hollywood, reputation is everything, and for entertainment lawyer Ted Black, keeping the biggest names in showbiz out of trouble is his full-time job. Suits LA takes the high-stakes legal drama of the original series and raises the bar, moving the action from New York’s corporate towers to Los Angeles’ power circles, where one bad deal could mean the end of a career.
Led by Teen Choice winner Stephen Amell (Arrow), Suits LA follows Ted as he navigates a cutthroat industry where billion-dollar contracts, scandalous lawsuits, and celebrity egos collide. The legal drama also features Gabriel Macht reprising his fan-favourite role as Harvey Spectre, alongside appearances from real-life Hollywood elites. With its gripping storytelling, the Suits franchise expands into new, high-stakes territory that’s already one of IMDb’s Most Anticipated New TV Shows of 2025.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
But while Suits LA brings power struggles to the courtroom, here are other must-watch titles that explore the battle for control, survival, and dominance in different ways:
Yellowjackets S1-3 | New Episodes Saturdays
What happens when survival instincts take over, and the line between humanity and savagery blurs? Yellowjackets tells the gripping tale of a high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashes deep in the wilderness, leaving them to fend for themselves. As the story unfolds in two timelines, the past, where their descent into chaos begins, and the present, where the survivors struggle with the haunting aftermath, dark secrets and unsettling truths come to light.
Starring Emmy nominees Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, and Juliette Lewis, alongside Yellowjackets breakout star Sophie Thatcher (also seen in Heretic), the series masterfully blends psychological horror, mystery, and drama. Described by The Guardian as “a chilling mix of Lost and Lord of the Flies,” Yellowjackets keeps audiences on edge with every twist.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The White Lotus S3 | New Episodes Monday Nights
Far from Nigeria’s mystical past, another world of power and deception unfolds in Thailand, where the guests of The White Lotus resort check in for what they believe will be a luxurious escape. Instead, their secrets, ambitions, and betrayals set off a chain of events that none of them could have foreseen.
Winner of 15 Emmys, the critically acclaimed series returns with a new cast, including Emmy nominees Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, and Walton Goggins, alongside BAFTA winner Aimee Lou Wood. As TimeOut puts it, “Much as we’ll all miss Jennifer Coolidge, RIP Tanya, the third run of The White Lotus should be February’s most talked-about telly.”
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Heretic | Now Streaming
The fight for survival takes an even darker turn in Heretic. Two young missionaries knock on a door, hoping to share their faith, but instead, they step into a nightmare. What follows is a chilling test of belief and endurance as they become trapped in a house where nothing is as it seems.
Featuring Hugh Grant in a terrifying role alongside Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Chloe East (The Fabelmans), Heretic was named one of Rotten Tomatoes’ top horror films of 2024. Men’s Health raves, “Arguably [Hugh Grant’s] best performance from the last decade,” while Empire Magazine warns, “You’ll never watch Notting Hill the same way again.”
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire | Now Streaming
While humans fight their battles in courtrooms and luxury resorts, another kind of war is brewing beneath the Earth. Godzilla and Kong, once bitter rivals, must now unite against a powerful new enemy that threatens their very existence. Featuring BAFTA winner Rebecca Hall, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry, and Teen Choice winner Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), this film was among the ten biggest box office hits of 2024 and earned a Best Fantasy Film nomination at the 2025 Saturn Awards. With jaw-dropping action sequences and stunning visual effects, Godzilla X Kong delivers pure blockbuster spectacle.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
From Hollywood power struggles to high-stakes resorts and monster showdowns, Showmax has something for everyone. And with the Shikini Offer, you can stream it all for less.
Get Showmax Mobile for just ₦1,000 or enjoy the multiple-device plan for ₦2,000. Don’t wait—sign up now at www.showmax.com/deals to get started. or download the Showmax app to start watching today.
Title-chasing Arsenal will, on Sunday, host London rivals, Chelsea, in a Premier League clash of huge importance to both teams. The match, which kicks off at 2.30 PM, is available for live streaming on Showmax. Second-placed Arsenal, who trail league leaders, Liverpool, by a whopping 15 points, are convinced that they still can win the Premier League title despite the recent indifferent form.
The Mikel Arteta-coached side have won only two of their last five games, losing one and drawing two to leave them with a mountain to climb. A victory over Chelsea would narrow the gap between them and Liverpool, who do not play in the Premier League until April, to 12 points. Anything short of that is a further erosion of their already slender chances of the title.
Chelsea, who have been inconsistent after a bright start to the season, moved into the Champions League places last weekend on the back of a labored 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Leicester. They will have to be at their best against determined, even if injury-ravaged Arsenal, to get anything from the game and keep alive their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.
Another London derby is available on Sunday when Fulham host Tottenham Hotspur at 2.30 PM. On Saturday, Premier League defending champions, Manchester City, host the fearless Brighton, who have caused headaches for bigger teams this season under coach Fabian Hürzeler. The match is available for live streaming at 4 PM. The wheels have come off City’s campaign, as they sit fifth on the table and are at the risk of missing out on the Champions League if things do not improve fast.
Also available for live streaming at the same time are games between relegation candidates, Ipswich and implausibly third-placed Nottingham Forest; Southampton at home to Wolves as well as rejuvenated Everton at home to West Ham. The day’s diet of live games comes to an end with the impressive Andoni Iraola-managed Bournemouth hosting Thomas Frank’s often resilient Brentford side.
This season, Bournemouth, ninth on the log, have been impressive at home, beating Manchester City, Arsenal and smashing Newcastle 4-1 away from home. Their recent form has been dire with three losses and one win in five games. Brentford, who sit 12th, have no relegation worries. They have won two wins and two losses from the last five games.
The weekend games will end with the doomed Leicester City hosting the wretched Manchester United, who sit in an unfamiliar 14th position. Kick-off is at 8 PM. Fans can catch all the weekend’s action, live on Showmax Premier League mobile. Sign up at www.showmax.com.
A new Nollywood short film, Amira, is set to confront the realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. With some of Nigeria’s most prominent filmmakers backing the project, the film aims to shed light on an issue that is often shrouded in silence.
Acclaimed industry figures Imoh Umoren, James Omokwe, Remi Ibinola, and Obinna Okerekeocha have joined the production as executive producers, supporting the vision of director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie and screenwriter Osas Idubor.
According to writer Osas Idubor, Amira is not just a story—it is a reflection of a harsh reality.
“This film gives voice to those who have been silenced. FGM is not just a distant issue; it is happening in communities across Africa and beyond. We cannot afford to look away,” Idubor said.
A Rare Cinematic Approach to FGM
Despite its prevalence, FGM remains a sensitive and often overlooked topic in mainstream African cinema. Director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie says Amira takes an unflinching look at the physical and emotional impact of the practice.
“This is more than just a film; it’s about bringing a critical issue into public discourse,” Okolie stated.
Executive producer James Omokwe believes Nollywood can play a crucial role in shaping conversations about social change.
“Film has the power to challenge norms and shift perspectives. We want Amira to open up discussions that lead to real awareness and action,” Omokwe said.
A Widespread Issue, A Global Conversation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM globally, with millions more at risk. While the practice is illegal in several countries, it continues due to deep-rooted cultural and societal norms.
By telling Amira’s story, the filmmakers hope to challenge these norms and encourage dialogue about the long-term consequences of FGM.
“We are using storytelling as a tool for change. The more we talk about FGM, the harder it becomes to ignore,” said executive producer Obinna Okerekeocha.
Production and Release Plans
Filming for Amira is set to begin in April 2025, with the project expected to make its way to international film festivals upon completion.
While the film industry has often shied away from topics like FGM, the creators of Amira believe it is time for Nollywood to take on stories that not only entertain but also challenge and inform audiences.
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