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Morgan Freeman Plays Nelson Mandela in Movie "Invictus"
A Touch of Good South African Grace
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Freeman would play the 91-year-old former South African president in a Clint Eastwood-directed film that debuts on Friday and also stars Matt Damon.
Mr. Freeman the Academy Award winner for his role in Eastwood's boxing drama "Million Dollar Baby" has portrayed many characters over the years, but rarely one who is alive and important to so many people as Mandela.
The former South African President was jailed for 27 years due to his militant work to end apartheid in South Africa before being released in 1990 and In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. "Invictus" tells of how Mandela brought the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship to his nation, utilizing the South African team around which to rally his countrymen and ease racial tensions between black and white citizens. "I didn't have any agenda as it were in playing the role other than to bring it as close to reality as I possibly could," Freeman said. "The biggest challenge I had, of course, was to sound like him." The actor had six months to muscle up for the role, and critics so far says its "a very good story very well told.
Zain Corp To Support Film Festival
Film Festival Idea is Aligned With Zain Core Values
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Mobile Telecommunication Company, Zain has thrown its weight behind the up coming Ion International Film Festival, holding in Port Harcourt, River State capital. The festival, which will be taking place on an African soil for the first time since inception, will open on December 9 through 12, with notable filmmakers from different parts of the world expected in the Garden City.
Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to announce the support, the Chief Commercial Officer of Zain Nigeria, Shamel Hanafai informed that the company is extremely proud to be associated with the film festival due to its significance and value addition to the development of the film industry in Nigeria. "In many respects, the ideals of the film festival are alignment with Zain's core values of radiance, heart and belonging. Our brand philosophy of 'a wonderful world', is clearly in sync with the theme of this year's festival, which is about promoting peace in the Niger Delta and indeed, in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
Jennifer Hudson Set To Play Winnie Mandela in a Film
A Film About Nelson Mandela
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Hollywood actress Jennifer Hudson is to play Nelson Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie, in a film about her life, reports say. Ms Madikizela-Mandela played a vital role in freeing her husband after 27 years in jail but has since been linked to a murder and convicted of fraud
Hudson is the second international actor set to play a South African icon in recent months. Ms Madikizela-Mandela is still known as the "mother of the nation" Hollywood is also preparing to release Invictus, a Clint Eastwood film about Mr Mandela in which US actor Morgan Freeman will play South Africa's first black president. Nelson Mandela and Ms Madikizela-Mandela were divorced in 1996 just four years after his release from Robben Island.
Her role in the release of her ex-husband is celebrated by many South Africans and she is still known as the "mother of the nation" but she is no stranger to controversy. She was implicated in the kidnap and murder of young activist Stompie Seipei, who was believed to be an informer for the apartheid government - although she has always denied the charges. She was convicted of theft and fraud in 2003.
Silverbird Media Entertainment To Push Quality African Movies
Titilayo George
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Silverbird Entertainment, a private Media conglomerate, has embarked on promoting quality African movies to upgrade the current low grade of most African Movies. A statement signed by Brooke Nuwati, media relations officer for Silverbird, said that any poor quality movie produced would not be shown in their chain of cinemas that span from Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa, to encourage local movie producers to improve on their quality production. The statement said Shirley Frimpong’s “Perfect Picture” was screened for over six weeks, its quality production was a hit at the box office. In fact quality African movies are profitable, and do make the investment returns.
There is a high demand for quality African movies, contrary to the common notion in the industry today, and Silverbird with a position in the industry is poised now to encourage movie producers, to see the economic advantages in improving the quality of the entire industry. The African retail entertainment Big boy, wants to enforce copyright and intellectual property rights, to ensure quality and security of what is put out there on the silver screen, so this will set the stage on the right track for increase quality in the entire Film industry of African Movies.
Bongos Igwe is Still Searching For True Love
By Oyiza Adaba
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Maverick social change crusader and Nigeria’s best known Soul and
Country crooner, Bongos Ikwue insists his desire to stage a comeback
to the Nigerian music business is informed by what he has to do for
the industry more than what he can benefit from it! Bongos Ikwue has
been in the news quite frequently lately after it broke that he was
back in the studio working really hard to release another album of
songs twenty or so years since his last! If one might recall Still
Searching, What’s gonna be’s - gonna be, My Pretty Baby, the highly
controversial Mariamma, Cock crow at Dawn, etc, one would understand
how so very much Bongos Ikwue and his special style have been missed
in the last twenty years! Bongos Ikwue brought a special feel to the
Nigerian Music scene in the late 60s through to the early 80s and
inspired the entire African continent with his elitism and intellect.
He was usually referred to as Africa’s answer to Kenny Rodgers and Don
Williams – his flawlessness especially in his achievement of the
industrial standards that such productions as Cock Crow at Dawn and
Still Searching were are indicated to underline this!
Nollywood scores high as Africa Magic celebrates
The Africa Magic channel pays tribute to some renowned acts in the Nigerian Movie industry as it celebrates four years of transmission of its programmes in the African continent.
Nkem Owoh and Bukky Ajayi are some of the artistes who will star in some of the movies expected to be on air this month. Her fans can see her in action in the movie titled “The Barrister” which will be aired on December 18. In continuation of the special month, Osuafia in London and Conspiracy will be on air on Christmas Day. Ayaji’s fans should watch out for their idol exhibiting her acting skills in Widows’ Cot on the 16th and A Brighter Sun on New-Year’s Eve.
Also lined up are children’s series Story Time With Auntie Norma. Broadway, Ghana and Papa Ajasco return, as Kenyan film festival also come on the screen.
Other programmes expected are Dawa Ya Deni, She is my sister and By Any Means Necessary.
Audiences can tune in to Africa Magic’s very own TalkShow, Africa Awake, hosted by Thandeka Zima and Kunle Ayo.
Other highlights include Celebrity Takes 2 and the unforgettable performances of the top ten on Idols West Africa.
As the festive period gets closer, the channel features shows like Christmas in Africa, Musical Special and the 4th Noel Christmas Musical Special among others.
Still in the spirit of Christmas, M-net has introduced loads of movies on her holiday channel, this commences from tomorrow, Monday.
Some of the movies includes, season two of the tense Wentworth Miller escapee drama Prison Break and America Ferrara’s breakout hit Ugly Betty, which co-stars an unbeatable Vanessa Williams as divinely dangerous Wilhelmina Slater!
Fans of the medically themed, romance fuelled Grey’s Anatomy can also catch episodes of the series, as interns Meredith, Christina, Izzie, Alex and George navigate the halls of the Seattle Grace Hospital where medicine, marriages, and mayhem are all part of a day’s work!
The compelling Without A Trace hunts up clues in a race against time to track down people who’ve mysteriously disappeared with no warning for friends and family. Timelines merge with evidence as investigators work to piece together the truth.
In addition, the crime-fighting forensic team of CSI is also in action on the channel, using high tech science, computer driven lab work and meticulous details to track down those who break the law!
Other series on the channel are the ladies of Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives plus the dramatic Rome , the emotional Friday Night Lights, the laugh out loud War At Home and Debra Messing in The Starter Wife amongst others
Segun Fayose the Public Relations Manager for MultiChoice told Glitterati that it will be a season of stars galore on Dstv this festive season
I was not in Big Brother for romance — Ofunneka Molokwu
New subtitle Nigeria’s representative at the just concluded Big Brother Africa 2, Ofunneka Molokwu, is, no doubt, an intelligent, self confident young woman, attributes which saw her through the BBA house for 98 days. Though she did not get the $100,000 cash prize, Ofunneka is, however, set to explore the world outside BBA. In this interview, the Chemistry graduate from the University of Ibadan speaks candidly on her stay in the house, her relationship, the sexual assult issue and more.
What did you think about BBA before you entered for it.?
I liked watching it and I told myself that if it comes on the next time, I wouldn’t mind doing it.
You did not think about the bathing scenes and all?
In life, you take risks and it was a risk I was willing to take because I knew there were more opportunities taking the risk than not. I was able to tell people that this is who I am, and what I can do and I am sure many people will be getting in touch with me as to what I can do with them. So, I weighed the pros and the cons and I thought the pros were more than the cons, and I decided to do it.
For the bathing issue, it was just a bath, just like we were cooking but, 48 countries or more were watching us cook, were watching us become friends, were watching people in relationship, that is what everybody do in their normal lives, but, fortunately or unfortunately, lots of people in Africa were watching, that was the difference. We were just being ourselves.
The gift you got to watch the 2010 world cup in South Africa, do you think it was worth all the troubles? Do you have any regrets?
No I don’t, because I think I am getting more opportunities than I would have if I had not gone in. The money was one reason, but I needed to open doors for myself, whatever gift I got was a bonus. More so, I love football. So I don’t have any regrets.
You were the only one that didn’t flirt in the house, was that part of the strategy?
Flirting was not one of my objectives for being in the house. I was there to show what I have and I had to remain focused. I was not there for romance.
If you were to choose any of the guys in the house to date, who would that be?
No one because I was not attracted to anyone, so I can not choose any of them
No one was good enough?
Everyone had their qualities, but I wasn’t just attracted to any.
When you first got into the house, you seemed a bit reserved or timid, and then you seemed to loosen up after a while. Was that part of the staying on strategy?
If you recall, I was really sick when I first got in, I had cough and cold, that kind of hindered my movement. But, then again, I just got in the house with people from different countries and different backgrounds , so I needed to watch and know those I was dealing with and how to handle each one. I don't know if that was an advantage, I was just being Ofunneka.
The ‘Africanness’ you displayed in the house, the maturity and playing the role of a mother, was that really you or were you just fronting?
That’s who I am. One thing you have to know is that, if I was acting, how long could I have kept on acting, my true character would have come out. That was me.
What kept you going in the house, what actually gave you strength?
God gave me strength and my strong character, confidence in myself and my belief in what I was doing kept me going .
What do you intend to do about the sexual assult that was reportedly done by Richard?
I got a bit drunk on that day, so, I really could not tell what happened. I am sorry I let my guard down, I am only human. But I intend to handle the issue personally with members of my family.
Don’t you think you were robbed off the money? I felt you should have won coupled with what Richard did at the end?
No, the viewers made their choice. At the end of the day, I don’t think I was robbed off anything because there are so many things I can do out there. There are more opportunities open for me. I always pray that God’s will should be done and His will was done and there are many more roads for me to cross. Many more to do with my life, so I’m open to that. I am still a winner, am I not? The fact that I don’t have the money in my pocket doesn’t mean I am not (laughs). I entered BBA because I wanted to show the whole world that I had something to offer in terms of entertainment and my intellect and I felt BBA was a good platform to perform.
Any high moments while in the house?
My high points were being made the head of the house a second time, that was good. The jollywood we had, those were nice moments.
Low points?
The major low point was when I had issues with my relationship with Maureen. Having to realize the things that had happened and the way she was reacting. I think that was the only low point I had in the house. And, of course, when I was talking about my relationship, anything else, I sort of took it in my stride.
What would you say you took with you from the house?
I have learnt more things about myself and I've learnt about people from different countries. I learnt tolerance, I learnt patience. I learnt that no matter the situation you are in, it’s the ability to stand up and face all the challenges that makes you a better human being as opposed to just stay fallen and not wanting to stand up. And I learnt that if you believe in something, stick to it, it will take you as far as you want
Which of the house mate do you think you can build a good relationship with as a friend?
Tatiana, she has a lot of things in common with me and I can relate with her on a very good level. She is a strong independent woman, she is hard working and those are qualities that I think I also have and I think we can do lots of things together.
What were the challenges you faced while in the house?
Everyday was a challenge. I am not one to stay locked up in the house for one day and I was there for 98 days, it was a challenge. Everything we did was a challenge.
What are your likes?
I love to watch football and my favorite team is Arsenal. I love to read, go for long walks, I love music and love meeting people.
What do you think about the negative comments?
The thing is people are entitled to their opinions whether good or bad. It's just for me to be able to take it and move on with life. I can't change their opinions.
Who is your role model?
My mom. She is a strong woman, she made me who I am today, I totally love her. She is just all woman for me.
With Big Brother over, what’s next for you?
I intend to go into the entertainment industry, produce a show of my own and, probably, get into film making. I also intend to do a lot with youths too. I’ve always wanted to work with youths, guide them and all. There are so many youths out there that do not know the next step to take, apart from going through secondary school even university. You go through the university, graduate and, after five years, you are still looking for a job, no one is guiding you.
I was privilege to school abroad, where we had councellors. There’s no one councelling people in schools here, they don’t know where to go to in terms of career. In terms just being an individual, in terms of being a good leader, no one is guiding them and that is something am passionate about. I want to do it because I am also a youth.
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