Genevieve, Onyeka, Chimamanda and others at the premiere of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ movie [PHOTOS]

Half of a Yellow Sun movie, an adaptation of Chimamanda’s novel with same title premiered yesterday at the Toronto International Film Festival. (Check the trailer here). The movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Genevieve, John Boyega of Attack the Block fame and others. 

The financiers of the movie led by Yewande Sadiku and Muhktar Bakare were also present, as well as director Biyi Bandele and producer Andrea Calderwood.

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Jennifer Hudson was scared to play Winnie Mandela

Actress-singer Jennifer Hudson had admitted that she feared playing Winnie Mandela in a film.

The 31-year-old will be seen in the role of the wife of South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela in the upcoming film "Winnie Mandela", reports contactmusic.com.

"I was very intimidated because she's such an iconic figure," Hudson said.

"Once I got to Africa, I was like, 'Wow, she's a national treasure ... I have to take this seriously'. And I thought, 'If I'm not going to hop in at 100 percent, maybe I should go home'. I actually had that moment where I was contemplating, 'Can I handle this?' and if I'm going to do it: 'Jennifer you have to be all in'," Hudson added.

Pornography makes our movies real – Benson Okonkwo

In a recent interview, Enugu based actor, Benson Okonkwo was reported to have said there is nothing wrong in Nollywood releasing films that embraces nudity – to him, such scene make viewers believe what they watch.

Here is how he puts it;

“My dear, it’s only a movie and make-believe, you know. We watch movies like that in Hollywood. Nigerians are hypocrites. I think pornography makes our movies more real. And for that reason I am in support of it. If you take a good look at Hollywood movies for example, you will notice that it is rampant and it means nothing to them.

Leila Djansi Releases Trailer for new movie 'And Then There Was You'

Ghanaian/American film maker, Leila Djansi has released the trailer for her latest film  ‘And then There was You’ starring  Leon Robinson, Garcelle Beauvais, Lynn Whitfield, Brian White, Trilby Glover and Nollywood bad boy, Jim Iyke.  Garcelle Beauvais, who played the role of Natalie resorts to picking up the pieces of her life after her husband leaves her for the family he has outside. She falls in love with Darrell, but he has secrets of his own.

Check it out:

PHOTOS: Yvonne Nelson on set with Akon, Djimon Hounsou and Viva Bianca for new film “Road to Redemption”

Yvonne Nelson is pictured with Senegalese singer, Akon on the set of a new Jeta Amata movie, titled Road to Redemption (aka The Curse). The upcoming movie also stared Djimon Hounsou of Gladiator and Viva Bianca of Spartacus.

The film is currently being shot on the Rene Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch in California.

Check out some photos:

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Tunde Kelani Reveals Full Cast for 'Dazzling Mirage'

About two weeks ago, we brought you info that the poster for 'Dazzling Mirage' has been released.

Yesterday, veteran director Tunde Kelani revealed on his Facebook page the newly-built website for his upcoming adaptation of Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare's Dazzling Mirage, as well as the film's full starring cast.

Here is his post:

I am happy to reveal the full list of the principal cast of Dazzling Mirage. Dazzling Mirage is the story of a talented, beautiful young sickle-cell sufferer who overcomes

Movie Director Leila Djansi Blasts Nigerian Actors, says they are Insecure

Call her controversial, that won’t stop the Director of “I sing of a well” and “Sinking Sands”, Leila Djansi from speaking her mind whenever she wants to. In her recent post, the 32-year-old American/Ghanaian filmmaker took a swipe at Nollywood and Ghollywood stars – she described them as being materialistic, having awkward diction and that they embark on needless vacation just to cover their insecurity.

Here’s her unedited post:

"Do quote me anywhere on this. It’s about time someone said this. My fellow film industry folks in Ghana and Nigeria, especially actors. Enough with the cars, shoes, bags, clothes and needless vacations. You don’t do these cos you deserve them but cos of the need to show off and that’s some high level of insecurity you need checked. You spend money you make from doing some crappy material on designers who take that money, go on vacations with their fellow men, whom they have married and have sex with or fellow women… (None of my business tho. Just sayin’). Instead of sitting

Tinsel is Nigeria’s best TV production — Victor Olaotan

Victor Olaotan plays the lead role as the character of Fred Ade-Williams in popular television series, Tinsel. He speaks with Joan Omionawele on his childhood, journey through life and career. Excerpts

You were a broadcaster for a while before you moved into acting. Why the u-turn?
Well, I have always been an actor. I had my first breakthrough in acting in 1959. My official professionalism was shown in 1974. It was entitled Candle in the Wind and it was the first television movie on Nigerian television.

How and why were you chosen for the lead role in Tinsel?
It was just grace. I understand over 500 people auditioned for the role, but I was chosen. I was surprised because I am an actor that does not jump all over the place to get my face seen, and I had left the industry for over 20 years sojourning in the United States. I have been in the industry for a while. A reporter was talking to me sometime ago and asked ‘Don’t you consider yourself lucky? You just came into the industry and you are at the top!’ I said, ‘Is that so?’ It has nothing to do with me being a fantastic actor or being special. 

Andrew Dosunmu Release Trailer for New Film 'Mother of George', stars Bukky Ajayi, Angelique Kidjo [VIDEO]

Andrew Dosunmu's seductive immigrant drama Mother of George will be released by Oscilloscope Laboratories on September 13, 2013 - likely in a limited release to start.

The visually-stunning drama is about Brooklyn’s Yoruba community and it stars Danai Gurira as Adenike, who weds the charismatic Ayodele (Isaach De Bankolé), the owner of a small Nigerian restaurant in Brooklyn. Their traditional wedding culminates in a ceremony where Adenike is named for her yet-to-be-conceived son, George. But as the months pass without pregnancy, Adenike faces uncomfortable and unfamiliar choices in her desperate struggle to save her marriage.

Other casts are Yaya Alafia, Tony Okungbowa, Bukky Ajayi and Angelique Kidjo.

Dosunmu is a Nigerian born fashion photographer and filmmaker; he is the director of the 2011 drama film, Restless City which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Watch David Oyelowo Interview at ‘The Butler’ Premiere [VIDEO]

Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo and other Stars shine at “The Butler’s” premiere [PHOTOS]

Nearly every big name in Hollywood was at the NYC premiere of The Butler last night, including David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey, who dressed up her arm cast with a studded leather sling. Other stars at the premiere included Naomi Watts, who walked the carpet to show support for her husband, Liev Schreiber, who plays former President Lyndon B. Johnson in the historical film; Minka Kelly, who plays Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; and Forest Whitaker, who portrays the title character and former White House butler, Cecil Gaines.

Check out the red carpet photos;

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Tonto Dikeh and Nonso Diobi Rocks Blonde at ‘Torn’ Movie Premiere [PHOTOS]

Nollywood actor Nonso Diobi and actress turned singer, Tonto Dikeh were spotted rocking blonde at Torn Movie Premiere.

Is this the new trend?

Ace Filmmaker Tunde Kelani Reveals Poster for new film ‘Dazzling Mirage’

Veteran Director, Tunde Kelani has released the poster for his forthcoming movie, Dazzling Mirage; the filmmaker also revealed the casts which include Kunle Afolayan and Yomi Fash-Lanso. The new film is an adaptation of a novel with same title written by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare, and Kelani has commissioned award-winning London-based Nigerian screenwriter Ade Solanke to adapt the book.

Dazzling Mirage is a love story marked by acts of betrayal and loyalty such as in the life of a typical sickle cell person.

Kelani hinted that the film is presently at the final stage of pre-production while filming will start on August 14, 2013.    

Julius Aghahowa’s 11 year old daughter makes Nollywood debut

Former Super Eagles player Julius Aghahowa’s 11 year old daughter, Isabelle Aghahowa has made her acting debut in Nollywood, playing the role of identical twins separated at birth and given to two different mothers in Uche Jombo’s new movie ‘Unconditional’. Isabelle plays the dual role of Dakore’s daughter and Uche Jombo’s daughter in the movie.

I’ve found another love — Ayo Adesanya

Ayo Adesanya is not a new face in Nollywood. She has acted alongside veterans like Regina Askia, Liz Benzon, Ucharia Anunobi and many others. The University of Ibadan graduate of Communications and Language Arts, like many of her peers, ventured into movie production. She spoke with Ajibade Alabi recently on several issues in the industry.

Why acting and not practicing what you studied in school?
I have always liked acting; it is just inborn. Right from my childhood days, I knew I would end up being an actress.

How did you join the industry?
I went for an interview somewhere, where I met Ifeanyi. It was he who invited me for an auditioning, and in that auditioning I was given a waka pass role. That was my first role, and that was how the journey began.

But I had always wanted to be an actress. I had started right from when I was in nursery school. I acted also when in secondary school. I also acted in church. So, it has been part of me right from the beginning.

“Desmond Elliot Sponsored me to come to Nigeria for a Movie Production” – Botswana Actress

Obakeng B. Manowe, fondly called Yoko-Ono might not be a popular name in the make believe industry but she has earned herself a name as the first Botswana actress to land an acting role in Africa’s largest movie industry, Nollywood.

Yoko-Ono was asked in a recent interview how she managed to penetrate the highly competitive movie industry.

The Dramatic Arts student said it started in March this year when she was in Johannesburg, and then she met Nollywood’s actor, producer and director, Desmond Elliot.

“I could recognize Elliot’s face from the movies I always watched. I guess I was at the right place at the right time and I immediately asked if I could meet him and surprisingly I was given that opportunity. As soon as I made my way through I knew I had to use that chance to sell myself. Surprisingly, he seemed impressed and said I had a face for TV and we kept in touch ever since. He sponsored me to come to Nigeria for a movie production and that is how I landed the role,” she said.

Kiyoandfilo gathered that the actress plays the part of an international employer called ‘Betty’ in a new movie titled ‘Finding Mercy’; the film stars Desmond Elliot, Rita Dominic, Chioma Akpotha, Dabota Lawson and Uti Nwachukwu.

First Trailer For Film Adaptation Of 'Half Of A Yellow Sun' Released [VIDEO]

Half of a Yellow Sun is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s novel of the same name, which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2007. The drama follows twin sisters Olanna and Kainene as their lives are dramatically changed by the events of the Biafran War. As the trailer shows, it was an extremely tumultuous time. Weddings were interrupted by bombs going off. Along with the violence and destruction, the sisters also face personal troubles with their respective lovers.

The film is loaded down with talented names: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton and John Boyega (of Attack the Block), with acclaimed playwright Biyi Bandele at the helm.

The film does not have a release date yet, but it will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

David Oyelowo stars alongside Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker in ‘The Butler’

The Butler tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. It is inspired by the true story of Euguene Allen, a butler who served eight US presidents in the White House for 34 years.

Forest Whitaker stars in this historical drama as the main character the Butler, which also stars Oprah Winfrey in her first major acting role since The Color Purple.

Aml Ameen and David Oyelowo can also be seen in the film with Aml playing the butler in his younger years and David taking the role of the butler’s militant son.

Other notable actors in The Butler are Cuba Gooding Jr, Terence Howard and Lenny Kravitz – the film is directed by Lee Daniels. The film would hit theatres on August 16, 2013.

Check out the trailer:

Sam Mendes will direct the next James Bond film

Sam Mendes will direct the next James Bond film, which will be released in October 2015.

Mendes, who directed the last 007 film, Skyfall, had previously stated that the idea of directing the next installment of the Bond franchise made him feel "physically ill" but after talks between the director and producers, he said: "I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honour all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24. I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time."

Kunle Afolayan Release Poster for His Upcoming Thriller 'October 1'

Producer/Director Kunle Afolayan, who is currently in production of his next movie 'October 1' has released the first poster for the film.

The movie was scripted by Tunde Babalola – it is a psychological thriller detailing the activities of a northern police detective, Dan Waziri who was posted to the western region to unravel the mystery behind a series of female murders in the community. He soon discovers that the prime suspect is Aderopo, the prince of the community. Waziri however does not have plenty of time as he is expected to bring the Prince to book before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1.

The film, which is being produced by Kunle’s Golden Effects production company, will star Sadiq Daba, Kehinde Bankole, David Bailie, Kayode Olaiya, Nick Rhys, Fabian Lojede, and Demola Adedoyin.