Kene Okwuosa – 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.

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.