TheNewsGuru

Tag: Documentary

  • FG backs N1.1bn film, documentary on Nigeria 1914

    FG backs N1.1bn film, documentary on Nigeria 1914

    The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the educational film and documentary on Nigeria, it was learnt.

    The film and documentary “Nigeria 1914” is an educational film of the story of how Nigeria was formed into a country.

    The release of film which has reached 40% is expected to coincide with Nigeria’s 60th anniversary in October 2020.

    Nollywood legends already cast into the movie include Pete Edochie, Joke Silva, Magaji Mijinyawa, Asabe Madaki, Yemi Blaq, Pateince Ozokwo, Bimbo Akintola and Osuofia. Other cast from UK and France are expected to come in.

    The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) have endorsed the film, which Grand unveiling ceremony has been scheduled for 26th April 2020.

    Representatives of both government agencies promised to support the project which is seen as a very important educational instrument for the teeming youth of the country.

    Speaking at the weekend, Mr. Ejike Joseph, Director, Research and Library Services, NFVCB said the agency is solidly behind the educational work, which is aimed at projecting the country and strengthen the bond of unity despite the numerous challenges confronting the country.

    “It is good that we are part of this project from inception,” he added.

    On his part, the representative of the Director General of NTDC, Chief Ody Anamba, called for national support for the brain behind the project.

    He also said that the agency will do everything possible to help market the project even beyond the country.

    The film which is inspired by the American classic movie, “Roots,” and ‘Australia”, according to the Project Director, Interfora Initiative, Mr. Akin Laniyi, exposes the unknown truth about the country’s formation and also offers the young ones to understand the country an incredible platform to showcase potential to the world.

    He added, “We will be showcasing this highly educational work on a global tour of several countries. Set in the lush and diverse Nigerian landscapes as backdrop to this large movie and documentary, ‘Nigeria’ 1914’ takes us to the mood in 1914, exposing the majesty of unknown aspects of the Nigerian story and way of life that will resonate and touch the hearts and consciences all over the world unforgettably. The story runs from the formation of the country to the golden era of her founding fathers.

    “Nigeria 1914’ is inspired by the American classic movie, ‘Roots,’ produced to educate and touch the moral conscience of Americans and the movie ‘Australia,’ produced based on the Australian history to promote inter-racial understanding between white Australian settlers and aboriginals natives and more importantly to market Australia’s culture, tourism and economic diversity to the world for even a greater future for Australia.

  • Rihanna’s anticipated documentary sells for $25m to Amazon

    Amazon, an American multinational tech company, has procured global rights to Peter Berg’s documentary about Rihanna, a Barbadian R&B star, for $25 million.

    The firm, which specializes in cloud computing, digital streaming, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence, purchased the project shortly after Apple’s similar $25 million deal with Billie Eilish, a US songwriter.

    According to the Hollywood Reporter, the project would offer “an unfiltered look” into Rihanna’s life” and provide a glimpse into her evolution as one of the world’s most well-known pop artists in a video spanning more than 1,200 hours.

    Recounting the experience working on the project, Berg was quoted to have said, “To go travel with Rihanna around Europe, and Rihanna is surrounded by girls. We were in France. She was going to do a concert on Bastille Day.

    “And that truck driver who killed all those people plowed through them right in front of our hotel. So even in me trying to do something light, I had a very, very front-row seat to something that horrific.”

    The American producer’s forthcoming project with Rihanna would be coming after the duo had previouslywork on Universal’s ‘Battleship’, a military science fiction action film that is loosely based on the board game of the same name.

     

  • Aretha Franklin documentary set for release

    Aretha Franklin documentary set for release

    Queen of soul, Aretha Franklin died in August after battling with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a lengthy catalogue of timeless music
    A documentary shot in 1972 by Oscar-winning director, Sydney Pollack, will finally be released.
    Titled ‘Amazing Grace’, the documentary was supposed to complement Franklin’s 1972 gospel album of the same name, which is the highest selling gospel album of all time.
    The biopic follows Franklin, then 30, for over two nights as she performed at a church concert in Los Angeles. Its release was delayed for 46 years by technical issues arising from a mistake made during the film’s shooting.
    In 2007, the movie was digitally restored. It was then set to premiere at the Toronto and Telluride film festivals in 2015 but the late Franklin’s lawyer’s blocked it through a court injunction, even though Franklin liked the documentary.
    Sabrina Owens, niece and executor of Aretha Franklin’s estate, says the film captures “the heart and soul of Aretha Franklin”.
    “This film is authentic and is my aunt at her core. She was a daughter of the church, she loved gospel music, and she always incorporated some form of sacred music in her concerts,” she said.
    The documentary, set to be released on Monday, has already been entered for an Oscar and is seen as a high contender for the award in 2019.

  • Defamation: AIT apologizes for Buhari documentary

    Defamation: AIT apologizes for Buhari documentary

    DAAR Communications Plc, the owners of Africa Independent Television, AIT, has apologised to a former aide de camp of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mustapha Jokolo, over a defamatory documentary it aired.

    In January 2016, the TV station broadcasted a documentary entitled, ‘The Real Buhari’, in which it alleged that Jokolo cleared 53 suitcases suspected to contain cash, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, for Buhari in 1984 when he was Head of State.

    Jokolo, who is the Emir of Gwandu, then filed a libel suit against AIT, however, the case was eventually settled out of court.

    One of the conditions for settlement, was that AIT must retract its story and tender a public apology.

    “DAAR Communications Plc states that in airing the said documentary, it had no intention whatsoever to embarrass or diminish the high reputation of Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo whom it holds in very high esteem,” the retraction read.

    “DAAR Communications Plc hereby retracts the said documentary on the television station (AIT) titled ‘The Real Buhari’ aired on 24 January 2015 which was broadcast on its television station (AIT).

    “DAAR Communications Plc hereby tenders unreserved apology to Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo for the broadcast of the said documentary on its television station (AIT)”‎, the statement read.