Filmone – So.ME

FilmOne Entertainment, Zeb Ejiro Productions and Dioni Visions, Partner to make the Sequel of Domitilla

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:33:15 +0000

– Lagos. Monday, 21st June 2020

Three renowned film production companies; FilmOne Entertainment, Zeb Ejiro Productions and Omoni Oboli’s Dioni Vision, have signed a partnership to produce the sequel of the Nollywood classic – Domitila. The project is a response to recent demands by the huge fan base of the first Domtiila, which was a favourite on home screens in the ‘90s. Production of the film is set to kick-start later in the year, while its release in cinemas is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.

The Crime/Drama film tells the story of a young Domitila Junior, who gets into adventurous romantic escapades for survival. She and her gang of prostitute friends are unfortunately caught up in the mysterious death of a politician and must do everything possible to prove their innocence.

Speaking about the project, Co-founders of FilmOne Entertainment Mr. Kene Okwuosa and Mr. Moses Babatope were enthusiastic, “We are happy to once again, bring magic to the big screen by producing this breathtaking movie. In Domitila, we have identified an entertaining and artistic masterpiece that would appeal to different generations of film lovers; and to know we are partnering with great professionals in Zeb Ejiro and Omoni Oboli is soothing. Thus, we look forward to a phenomenal accomplishment.” they said. Veteran director and CEO of Zeb Ejiro Productions, Mr. Zeb Ejiro said, “When we first made Domitila, it was a story inspired by societal challenges that have over time, proven to not only be akin to the ’90s, but trans-generational; and so, in recognition of its relevance in these times, we have decided to make a sequel to the story, factoring recent socio-cultural advancements.”

The initial Domitila released in 1996 starred A-list actors such as Anne Njemanze, Sandra Achums, Kate Henshaw and Enebeli Elebuwa, to mention a few. As such, the sequel is set to be a showcase of an artistic harmony between veterans and younger actors. Speaking about the project, ace Nollywood actress and director Omoni Oboli, who is the CEO of Dioni Visions was excited, “When I was a teenager, I auditioned for Domitilla but I didn’t get any part; perhaps, I was too tiny. Today, I’m proud to be one of the stars, executive producers, producer and creative director of the sequel. It’s going to be a very exciting ride and I can’t wait!” she said.

FilmOne Entertainment is a leading film production and distribution company, responsible for blockbusters such as The Wedding Party & The Wedding Party 2, Merry Men 2 and recently, Sugar Rush, to mention a few. Dioni Visions are the makers of blockbusters such as Wives on Strike, Okafor’s Law, Moms at War and recently, Love is War, amongst others. Zeb Ejiro Productions were behind the making of classic home video hits such as Domitila (1996), Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Sakobi: The Snake Girl.

Baby Mamas: The Movie – Four women share all their experiences on the joys and woes of being single Moms, while still searching for true love.

Admin — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:53:47 +0000

“Our generation is fortunate to have the privilege of being able to tell our story ourselves, so the first thing I’m going to do is always to tell the other side of our unique African story.”

Baby Mamas, the first ever South African film to show in Nigeria is set to premiere in Lagos on the 1st of March, 2019 at all Filmhouse Cinemas’ locations.

Baby Mamas follows the daily lives, loves, and drama of four professional women – who are all in different stages of their own real baby mama drama. The term “Baby Mamas” is a term that has now been permanently included in pop culture and colloquial language to mean a mother who is not married to her child’s father or is not currently involved with her child’s father. As the four women explore the many dynamics of being baby mamas, they open themselves up to pain, healing, sorrow, joy, friendship and indeed, love.

The writers and director of the movie, both South African women (Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese) are passionate about changing the narrative! As young black women, they are able to bring to the forefront topics in their films that are relevant to society, in a fun and unique way, and in this way, they have developed into storytellers who are bringing to the forefront stories that are both entertaining, thought provoking and compelling.

With an ensemble female cast of Salamina Mosese, Thembisa Mdoda, Dineo Ranaka, and Kay Smith, with Stephina Zwane in the director’s seat, the film makes a strong case for sisterhood, female empowerment, and pure black girl magic. Many of the themes explored in the film are the journey to motherhood, the stigma, and shame that comes with pregnancy out of wedlock, the pain of dealing with a failed relationship, the courage to leave an abusive situation and of course, dealing with the absence of a child’s father. A sisterhood develops among these four very different women, as they find in each other the strength and courage it will take to navigate the treacherous waters of the relationships, good and bad, that they have with the men in their lives

These various themes explored in the film thus birth incredibly honest and vulnerable performances that are really relatable, heartwarming and quite moving.

This film comes at just the right time because of the many conversations in recent times, and the director of the film believes we need to take control of the narrative!!

This film highlights the fact that none of us are really that different; we generally go through the same things and it’s important that we remember to connect as human beings and be kind to one another for we are all struggling to make it through each day.

When asked why she wrote this story, and why it’s important for such stories coming out of Africa to be told, Stephina Zwane says “our generation is fortunate to have the privilege of being able to tell our story ourselves, so the first thing I’m going to do is always to tell the other side of our unique African story.”

She says of the film’s four female lead characters. “I’m tired of images that don’t celebrate me as an African, and instead shows me constantly lacking and struggling. This is not all that we are”.

We urge you to join in the conversation by following @filmoneng on Instagram . “Baby Mama’s” is out at cinemas across Nigeria on March 1^st 2019

Watch the Trailer below

https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_WMOmFoJGw

About FilmOne Distribution and Production:
FilmOne Distribution and Production Limited is the leading West African independent distributor of filmed entertainment. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, we distribute a wide-range of mainstream, commercial pictures including international and indigenous titles. Since its foray into production, the company has also become one of the leading production houses releasing crowd pleasing hits such as The Wedding Party Series, My Wife and I, New Money, Lunch Time Heroes and the upcoming Merry Men: The real Yoruba Demons. Further information on FilmOne can be found at www.filmoneng.com

FILMHOUSE AND FILMONE CO-FOUNDERS BAG/GET HARVARD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD IN LAGOS

Admin — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 04:29:15 +0000

FILMHOUSE AND FILMONE CO-FOUNDERS BAG/GET HARVARD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD IN LAGOS

Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution, and Moses Babatope, Group Executive Director/MD FilmOne Distribution & Production.

In the world of film, it’s often the actors that hold the limelight. A number of Directors and producers have carved out a niche and brand for themselves. However, the rarest mentions are the executives and entrepreneurs that comprise the very lifeblood of the industry; those whose sacrifice and ingenuity have laid the very foundation upon which the infrastructure is built.

Two of such names stand out in Nigeria’s bustling film industry. Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution, and Moses Babatope, Group Executive Director/MD FilmOne Distribution & Production.

The two have added jewels to their respective crowns in the form of a prestigious award from the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria. They were named honoured recipients of the 2018 Leadership Award for Entrepreneurship on Saturday 8th December 2018 at the Association’s Annual Black Tie Event. This award recognises individuals for significant entrepreneurial contributions in their corporate fields and/or exceptional leadership in their respective business careers.

During his acceptance speech, Babatope alluded to the fact that he and Okwuosa were “just a bunch of lads who grew up in South East London who had a dream to make an impact on the Nigerian film industry”. He also added that their initial inspiration was borne from “noticing our parents and family members order a lot of DVDs and VCDs of Nollywood film. We wondered what it would be transporting their experiences to a cinema environment and 10 years later that dream is now what is Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution and Production”.
Okwuosa had this to say on his acceptance of the Award:
“We are extremely grateful for this recognition of our modest efforts in the film industry but none of this would have been made possible without the invaluable contribution of our over 512 employees spread across 7 states in the country. They are indeed the true super heroes in the Filmhouse and FilmOne story. We would also like to pay homage to our co-founder Kene Mkparu whose contribution to the birth of both companies we are grateful for”.

Under such exceptional leadership, neither Filmhouse nor FilmOne appear to be taking any breaks or slowing down as the companies have already set a number of milestones for 2019 including but not limited to – Membership of the newly formed Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria which will shortly be pioneering the integration, collation and release of box office date for the Nigeria and English West Africa Territory
3 high tech cinema sites including the second IMAX theatre in West Africa, a 4D screen and state of the art sound;
High profile international co-productions and establishing international frontiers for the export of Nollywood films.

ELFIKE FILM COLLECTIVE’S THE WEDDING PARTY 2: DESTINATION DUBAI TO BE RELEASED ON iTUNES

Admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:38:47 +0000

Digital release of The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai for lovers of Nollywood the world over on September 28.

Lagos, Nigeria –.

The ELFIKE Collective is happy to announce that on the 28th September 2018, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai will be available for the first time ever on digital platforms across the globe. It is a source of pride and joy that this ELFIKE film collective production will be the very first Nollywood title made available on iTunes.

With its international release in a groundbreaking twenty four countries worldwide, the Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai is the highest grossing Nigerian cinema release of all time. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai represents a triumph of ambitious Nigerian Filmmaking.

Fans of Tinuade (Sola Sobowale), Bamidele (Alibaba), Dunni (Adesua Etomi), Dozie (Bankole Wellington), Felix (Richard Mofe-Damijo) and Obianuju (Ireti Doyle) will be able to catch up with them and with all the other great characters you know and love as we traverse the global from Lagos to Dubai.

In addition to iTunes, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai will be rolled out on other digital platforms which include Amazon Prime, Microsoft Video, Google Play, myFilmhouse, EbonyLife ON and the Nigerian Government’s satellite based SVOD platform, InView.

ELFIKE Film Collective is an alliance of Africa’s leading studios – EbonyLife Film, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios.

This unprecedented move by an indigenous studio does not only cement the Filmhouse/FilmOne group’s position as an all-rounder in the industry, but also satiate fans of The Wedding Party franchise who have eagerly awaited the opportunity to own a copy of the sequel, and continually re-live the magic of the film.

Mo Abudu, the Managing Director of EbonyLife Films said

“This is an important milestone for our content and for us to tell our stories and put forward our perspective. We are very proud of our achievements in film and movie making, we consistently work to ensure we provide the best content for our audience.”

Managing Director of FilmOne Distribution & Production, a member of the ELFIKE Collective and the distributor of the film, Moses Babatope had this to say:

“Distribution doesn’t end in the cinemas. It starts there. There’s always an avenue and an experience that the fans are looking for. We just fulfil that need. FilmOne wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is without the support of its sister companies: Filmhouse Cinemas and myFilmhouse. It’s a thing of pride to see all three of these arms working in perfect sync and capturing markets at home and internationally”.

As a value-add for the audience, FilmOne is making special discount codes available to online consumers of the movie. These will be customised to the film’s star-studded cast and pushed out via their social media handles.

Ink Eze, Emmanuel Ikubese, Mawuli Gavor, Sasha P, Yaw, Michelle Dede, Osas Ighodaro Sharon Ooja step out in style and colour for The Exclusive Screening of Crazy Rich Asians at Filmhouse Cinemas – Lekki

Admin — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 09:14:26 +0000

Nigeria is never left behind on global trends! This week’s highly anticipated opening of the Crazy Rich Asians movie was preceded by an oriental-themed private showing of the movie on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th August, 2018 at IMAX Filmhouse, Lekki.

It was a festive, colourful and elegant celebration of achievement, supported by Airtel and Courvoisier Cognac. And also quite unexpected, for a work night, a list celebrities and newsmakers coming in their numbers to join in the fun.Akin Faminu

Onyeka Udechukwu & Ugochi Ihueze

Already number 1 in the United States for 2 consecutive weeks, Crazy Rich Asians is commanding rave reviews from Nigerian film critics, movie buffs and celebrities who attended the screening. The movie officially opens on Friday, August 31^st at Filmhouse Cinema’s across Nigeria!

A bit about Crazy Rich Asians

New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. Not only is he the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. So, what happens when two completely different worlds collide? Crazy Rich Suspense!

Tola Odunsi, Akin Akinkugbe

Sharon Ooja, Osas Ighodaro

Ugochi Ihueze

Valentine Onu

YAW

About FilmOne Distribution and Production:

FilmOne Distribution and Production Limited is the leading West African independent distributor of filmed entertainment. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, we distribute a wide-range of mainstream, commercial pictures including international and indigenous titles. Since its foray into production, the company has also become one of the leading production houses releasing crowd pleasing hits such as The Wedding Party Series, My Wife and I, New Money, Lunch Time Heroes and the upcoming Merry Men: The real Yoruba Demons. Further information on FilmOne can be found at www.filmoneng.com

Crazy Rich Asians Hits Cinemas on Friday the 31st August.

Taje Prest & Nowe Isibor

Oge Agu

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade

Powede Lawrence

Ric Hassani

Titilayo Adelagun

Inkblot, Dioni Visions and Film One Partner on Moms At War

Admin — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 13:26:17 +0000

Inkblot, Dioni Visions and Film One Partner on Moms At War

Fresh off the box office hits New Money, Wedding Party 2, and Wives on Strike 2, Inkblot, Dioni Visions and Film One announce the August release of Moms at War a dramedy starring Funke Akindele, Omoni Oboli, Yul Edochie, Eucharia Anumobi and Yul Edochie.

Moms at War tells the story of Olaide and Ebubechukwu two mothers who would do anything for their children. Omoni Oboli stars as Ebubechukwu, a posh career woman who was born with a silver spoon and expects her only daughter to follow in her footsteps. Funke Akindele stars as Olaide, a self made woman who built herself up from nothing to raise her son and give him the life she did not have.

With their children competing for a place in a prestigious scholars program, everything starts to derail as the mothers go head to head to ensure that their own child wins.

Moms At War soars as a slam bang tale of friendship and motherhood which is stylish, subversive and strikingly funny. It is written by Naz Onuzo known for films such as Wedding Party 2, New Money and My Wife and I and directed by Omoni Oboli, the triple threat box office Queen responsible for such hits as Okafor’s Law and the Wives on Strike films.

Moses Babatope, CEO of Film One says “Having had many successful collaborations with Inkblot we were pleased to continue the partnership on Moms at War. We have worked with Dioni Visions and Omoni Oboli for many years and are happy to announce our first collaboration with her. Moms at War is the perfect film for women and everyone else as it cloaks in comedy the wars our mothers wittingly and unwittingly fight for us, everyday.”

Moms at War hits cinemas across Nigeria on August 17 2018

FILMONE AND FILMHOUSE EMPOWERS: OSAS IGHODARO-AJIBADE AND AFRICCANA WIN BIG AT THE OCEAN’S 8 MOVIE PREMIERE

Admin — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:13:11 +0000

FILMONE AND FILMHOUSE EMPOWERS: OSAS IGHODARO-AJIBADE AND AFRICCANA WIN BIG AT THE OCEAN’S 8 MOVIE PREMIERE

Making over 55 million Naira in the opening week of Ocean’s 8 in Nigeria, movie distributors Filmone Limited have announced Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade and Africcana as the winners of the cash prize for best dressed and best designer respectively at the Met Ball Glam themed Ocean’s 8 Movie Premiere courtesy of Diamond bank and Coca-Cola. It was a keenly contested match-up as everyone put their best foot forward, but Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade and Africcana, a fashion designer from Ibadan, came out on top. Africcana who styled Osas during the Broadway show of Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, took the spotlight with a black peacock dress.

The premiere was a night of glitz, glamour and style at Filmhouse Lekki. Attendees graced the red carpet looking their absolute best for the Met Gala themed premiere to win not only for themselves the cash prize of N250,000 from Coca-Cola as the best dressed but for their outfit designer who would win N500,000 courtesy of Diamond Bank for designing the dress.

Speaking on her inspiration for the design, Itunu of Africcana said all her designs are influenced by the environment. After being approached by Mrs. Ighodaro-Ajibade, Itunu knew she had to take her creativity up a notch as she was going up against other well known fashion designers and stylists in the industry for the prize.

Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Kene Okwuosa said that the organization thought it important to celebrate the release of such a star-studded movie with an extraordinary premiere, while at the same time making an impact. According to him, “this prize is significant because it allows us to put a spotlight on Nigerian arts and culture and give our designers a chance to showcase their talent. We are looking forward to collaborating with our partners to showcase more movies, both foreign and indigenous, bringing them to the forefront to make a remarkable impact on our society.”

Customer & Commercial Director Coca-Cola Nigeria, Peter Ekunkoya, presented Ighodaro-Ajibade with her prize of N250,000 and has promised to keep supporting talents and projects of the society.

Africcana was gifted with an Industrial sewing machine from Filmone as well as her prize of N500,000 from Diamond Bank. When asked what her prize money would be used for, she quipped, “I want to buy a generator for my shop”.

Style or Design The Look Of The Night and Stand the Chance To Win N500,000 From Filmhouse Cinemas At Ocean’s 8 Movie Premiere

Admin — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 13:13:44 +0000

Style or Design The Look Of The Night and Stand the Chance To Win N500,000 From Filmhouse Cinemas At Ocean’s 8 Movie Premiere

$150 million necklace up for grabs at the Met Gala on the 17^th of June happening at the Filmhouse cinema. Actually, we were referring to the movie Ocean’s 8 starring Sandra Bullock and Rihanna ready to pull the biggest heist ever and we really can’t contain our excitement for this amazing action chick flick! We know it’s football season, but the ladies are taking their own night on the town!

Anticipation is about to peak for the Lagos grand premiere of ‘Ocean’s 8’ MET ball gala.

With the MET Gala dress code for the extraordinary night, our VVIPs will be glammed up ready to strut the red carpet with all eyes on them at this exclusive invitation-only premiere.

The night will definitely be the most fashionable night of the year! Which is why one amazing stylist or fashion designer will win N500,000 for the most iconic red carpet look for the night courtesy Diamond bank.*

So, let your imagination go wild and floor us with your amazing designs to win big! #TakeYour8

A bit about Oceans 8

“Five years, eight months, 12 days and counting — that’s how long Debbie Ocean has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it’s going to take — a team of the best people in the field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweler Amita, street con Constance, suburban mom Tammy, hacker Nine Ball, and fashion designer Rose. Their target — a necklace that’s worth more than $150 million, and it all goes down at the Met Gala.”

*Terms and Conditions Apply