LAGOS – The inaugural edition of The Film Gala®, hosted by Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade,  2010 Miss Black USA Pageant winner and acclaimed actress, and by Toni Tones, singer, songwriter and actress, at the Wings Tower, Victoria Island, and presented by Filmhouse Cinemas, in partnership with Moët & Chandon, was held on the 26th of January, 2019. Filmhouse Cinemas, the premiere movie/film platform in Nigeria and Moët & Chandon, the official champagne of the Golden Globes, collaborated to bring to the forefront of the Nigerian film industry bodies of work that are breaking the norm in contemporary Nigerian cinema and inspiring really creative pieces of art. And as such, it was no surprise that the theme of the night was “Married To The Arts.”

Gracing the purple carpet of The Film Gala was the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. The likes of Ngozi Nwosu, Chinedu Ikedieze, Shaffy Bello, Dakore Egbuson, Alex Ekubo, Kemi Adetiba, Iretiola Doyle, Oyeka Udoka, Waje, Omawumi, Abimbola Craig and Timini Egbuson were among the celebrities in attendance. Many more A-list industry stars, music luminaries and the upper echelon of Lagos society made their way to the gala in the most elegant fashion.

The Film Gala was curated to celebrate and honor the works of our game changers and groundbreaking members of our ever-blooming film industry. The gala featured the best of Nollywood and various initiatives that left strong imprints in the industry, and society as a whole. Most importantly, it was an event that reflected the continuity of support, promotion of opportunity and growth that the community has given to Nigeria’s growing film industry. In that same vein, the Film Gala awarded Michael Akinkunle Akinrogunde, an AFP Alumnus and filmmaker with Accelerate TV,  with a One Million Naira cash prize from VISA and Filmhouse Cinemas, a distribution deal on his first feature-length film, and with The Lady®, its official statuette, for his short film, “Penance.” The young filmmaker was voted ‘best short film director’ and his film voted ‘best short film’ by the audience via live visual audience votes after his film and other incredibly outstanding shorts, carefully selected and nominated, were viewed.

Seyi Tinubu, CEO of Loatsad Promomedia, presented the award to Michael Akinrogunde, while the representatives of Filmhouse Cinemas, Lolu Desalu and of Moët & Chandon, Elizabeth Oputa, addressed the audience on this groundbreaking artistic partnership that will ultimately redefine award season in the industry and the film industry as a whole. Moët & Chandon has a long-standing affair with cinema and this innovative partnership with the foremost cinematic platform in the Nigerian industry, Filmhouse Cinemas, is sure to make luminous the magic in all the budding talent and art within the industry.

The team behind the gala, Filmhouse Cinemas, and Moët & Chandon, definitely brought the theme of the event to life with the decor and ambiance that depicted classical art and opulence. They also presented fine dining to their guests through the exquisite and sumptuous dishes of chef extraordinaire, Chef Eros. Guests were served a four-course meal consisting of Lobster Bisque, Duck Salad, Poached Chicken and an assortment of desserts. All the meals were paired with the finest selections of champagnes within the Moët & Chandon’s range.

The post-gala after party followed immediately after this exclusive event, which was held by the waterside of the Wings Tower, a specially extended section outside the main auditorium the gala event was held in. It began with an explosion of fireworks as guests danced and mingled, popping Moët and Chandon champagne and Hennessy bottles, reveling in the magic and grandeur of the lit night sky. And what a beautiful night it was!

About Moët &Chandon

Recognized for its quality and prestige, Moët & Chandon is the champagne of choice for celebration in both big and small moments. The venerable house has captured the attention of the brightest stars since the birth of the film industry. Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon contributed to introduce champagne to the world by offering a range of unique wines for every occasion. Moët & Chandon celebrates the thrill of living. With a bottle of its champagne opened every second around the globe, Moët & Chandon knows that every second is an experience, and every experience is a #Moetmoment to live now.

About Filmhouse

Filmhouse Cinemas Limited is a dynamic film exhibition company with a vision to be the no. 1 cinema brand in Nigeria.

The company management team has over 100 years combined cinema operation and development experience gained in England, Italy, USA, Spain and Nigeria. Filmhouse has a clear and well-understood organisational structure and strives to appoint employees with requisite skills, knowledge and experience for the roles they undertake.

The Cinema designs and operation style largely incorporates complimentary multifarious features including games arcade, ice cream café, food concession, toys shop, digital cinema, 3D cinema and kid’s club. Filmhouse success is driven primarily by a strong experienced management team, innovative marketing activities and impressive guest service standards.

The Company’s mission is to continue to create magical experiences through content that entertains and inspires.

Terra Kulture Arena provided a state of the art backdrop for the evenings fundraiser. Opening the event was singer, Precious Emmanuel, with a beautiful rendition of national anthem and a dance performance from ‘Squad 1 productions’. The host for the night, Chigul, kept the audience smiling and laughing throughout the entire show. The energy was high with comedy acts from Basketmouth, Bovi, Buchi and Kenny Blaq. The stage was then electrified with performances from 2Baba, M.I., Falz, MartinFeelz & GreyC. The audience was highly entertained with DJ Obi on the mix and the celebrity date bid featuring Don Jazzy, Falz, Dillish Mathews, Toni Tones, Sharon Ooja, Timini Egbuson, Lynxxx and Cynthia CeeC Nwadiora. It was such a successful part of the evening keeping the audience on their toes with shouting and screams of bids raising over N2 million naira collectively. The winning bidder had a date with the chosen celebrity at the Pearl Lounge in Eko Atlantic sponsored by Moet & Chandon.

In attendance included Shaffy Bello, Annie Idibia, Tola Odunsi, Uru Eke, Debola Williams, Dolapo Oni, Jimmy Odukoya, Michelle Dede, Alexx Ekubo, Kaylah Oniwo, Ebenezer Eno, Lilian Afegbai, Iyke & Florence Okechuckwu, Eniafè Momodu, Tiwa Works, BamBam, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mimi Onalaja, Jimmy the Entertainer, Tomi Odunsi, Kene Okwuosa, Moses Babatope, Melvin Oduah, Deyemi Okanlawon, Erica Okundaye, Regina Giwa, Rekiya Yusuf, Chinyere Adogu, Taje Prest, Olumide Oworu, Kanayo Ebi, Elizabeth Pam, Omowunmi Akinnifesi and many more.

Laughfest 2018 raised over 2 million naira through ticket sales, celebrity date bids and donations. The Joyful Joy Foundation is to have it set to hold the malaria outreaches throughout 2019. We are excited to prepare for ‘Laughfest 2019’ fundraiser event slated for December 19th, 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Laugh Fest symbolizes a variety show with a heart. Guests experienced a great time while knowing that their support will have a long-term impact on saving lives. JJF has been visiting vulnerable communities in Nigeria since 2013, and has positively impacted over 30,000 lives. JJF looks forward to impacting more lives in the coming 2019 year.

Joyful Joy Foundation sends a big thank you to their sponsors Access Bank, Jumia Travel & Moet & Chandon. Many thanks to our supporters and media partners: House of Tara, Angle Villa, MedPlus Pharmacy, Sweet Kiwi, Some Solutions, Link Deeds Company, Girl Hub Africa, Echo it Out, Byrd Lagos, Bailamos Dance Company, Squad 1 Productions, Nolly Nolly Popcorn, HipTV, Accelerate TV, Beat 99.9 FM, Bella Naija, PulseNG, FuzeNG, Ynaija, Aforevo, Africa Movie Channels

Connect with us: info@joyfuljoy.org  #JJFLaughFest #SpreadMoreJoy @JoyfulJoyFDN

Photo Credit- @rodofmoses @ajeimages

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/dxy91

This edition was designed for SME’s, young graduates, owners of small and medium businesses, aspiring digital entrepreneurs and media managers within corporate bodies who are interested in building a strong beauty brand in the digital space.

Facilitated by beauty enthusiast, Nowe Isibor, the event saw renowned digital beauty experts like Dimma Umeh and Kehinde Smith of My Extensionz, who shared their knowledge on how they have grown their brand using digital platforms and digital tools to keep their audience engaged. It was a fantastic opportunity for attendees, who learnt, had access to discuss and get tips to grow their brands. Online educator and author of ‘Find Your Gold” Stephanie Obi, educated the audience on ways to discover and maximize their true potential.

Attendees had the opportunity to mingle and network during the break which was catered by Krispy Kreme with doughnuts and champagne by Haute Couture which kept flowing.

There were giveaways from skincare products by Oriki, Hairfinity products, BNatural Spa vouchers, Mose store goody bag and Find Your Gold book during the sessions as attendees had to put to test knowledge gained from the speakers during the masterclass.

The masterclass ended with a panel advising and answering questions from attendees on ways digital platforms has helped their brands and their digital journey. The panel consisted of Communication’s expert; Liz Osho, TV Personality; Idia Eisien, Beauty expert; Ezinne Alfa and Vlogger; Tuke Morgan.

Goody bags for attendees were sponsored by BlackOpal Nigeria, The Beauty Precinct, Kuddy cosmetics and My Extensionz.

Media partners at the masterclass were Guardian Life, Schick magazine, the blogger Point, Asoebi Bella, Business day, StyleMeAfrica, Glam Brand Agency Genevieve magazine.

More Dedicated to Digital sessions will be taking place across the continent and beyond in future years.

Follow us on Instagram @dedicatedtodigital

In what was arguably the biggest red-carpet event of the year, hundreds of A-list stars, celebrities, entertainment and fashion bloggers and leading socialites descended on the red carpet at the Grand Premiere of the Ocean’s 8 movie on Sunday, June 17, 2018, which took place at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos.

This top-notch celebrity and fashion event with a MET Ball theme, pulled in stars like Kate Henshaw, Osas Ighodaro, Toke Makinwa, Omoni Oboli, Shaffy Bello, Inidima Okojie, Linda Osifo, Mimi Onalaja, Jemima Osunde, Waje, Simi Drey and hundreds more with more than just eye-catching looks. The celebrity looks instantly began to draw a social media buzz even before the event was over, with everyone wondering who the look of the night would be. Recall that sponsors Diamond Bank had announced that the night’s best stylist would win 500,000 naira, while the designers muse would win 250,000 sponsored by Coca-Cola. The night was also therefore a sassy mix of excitement and, in a way, a style skirmish.

Long before the movie itself premiered, guests were treated to cocktails and light food, while granting interviews to the press pool eager to know what they were wearing and how they felt about the big night.

FilmOne and FilmHouse Cinemas also maintained that the Ocean’s 8 Premiere was much more than just coming to see a movie, rather it was about celebrating achievement and seeing leading women in a different light. Seeing brilliantly talented actresses like Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter on the big screen also had a way of inspiring the younger generation of women to be bold about going after their dreams.

The Ocean’s 8 Premiere was also an opportunity to bring together women of distinct backgrounds and professions, which informed the organisers’ choice of guests, social influencers and partners. With sponsorship from Diamond Bank, Zaron, Coca-Cola and others, the event was more fun and more complete.Afua Osei

Bolaji Chizoba Ayinde Emerald Iruobe and Waje Iruobe Funlola Aofiyebi Idia Aisien Jemima Osunde Mimi Onalaja Nowe Isibor

Chinonso Arubayi

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade

Shaffy Bello

Simi Drey Toke Makinwa Tracy Nwapa Ufuoma McDermott Vimbai Mutinhiri

Ocean’s 8 will be shown on all Filmhouse cinema’s nationwide from June 22^nd 2018

For more information visit. www.filmhouseng.com

Instagram @filmhousecinemas

Twitter: @filmhousecinema

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/FilmhouseCinemas/

Pr: So.Me Solutions

The Joyful Joy Foundation was founded in 2012 by Osas Ighodaro and Sioux Greaux. The foundation is an NGO registered both in the U.S and Nigeria. It was launched in Nigeria to fight against malaria, poverty and HIV/AIDS among children. The Joyful Joy Foundation supports the push for a healthier and malaria free Africa.

The foundation was launched in Nigeria on the 13^th of October 2013. The event was hosted by founder Osas’ Ighodaro’s now husband, Gbenro Ajibade and Zimbabwean actress and television personality Vimbai Mutinhiri. The launch also featured performances from various comedians and musicians.

The foundation holds a monthly outreach and this month it was held at Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. This month’s outreach/giveback took place on the 12^th of August. The reach was very impactful as the foundation was able to test, counsel and provide malaria treatment and long lasting insecticide nets to an estimate of 700+ people, including pregnant women and children.

“The Joyful Joy Foundation is truly a blessing and meeting its mission of “Spreading Joy, one community at a time” says it all. I’m grateful to be able to make an impact, small yet impactful.” The founder, Osas Ighodaro said during the outreach on Saturday.

Special thanks to the ALML group for their support of the initiative. @almlgroup #ALMLgroup .The next Joyful Joy event is to take place in October of this year. If you would like to support in any way possible please visit the foundation’s official website: www.joyfuljoy.org or follow on instagram @JoyfulJoyFdn