The cinema of Nigeria, often referred to informally as Nollywood, consists of films produced in Nigeria; its history dates back to as early as the late 19th century and into the colonial era in the early 20th century. The history and development of the Nigerian motion picture industry is sometimes generally classified in four main eras: the Colonial era, Golden Age era, Video film era and the emerging New Nigerian cinema.
Joseph van Vicker, better known as Van Vicker, is a Ghanaian actor, movie director and humanitarian. He is the chief executive officer of Sky + Orange production, a film production house. Van Vicker received two nominations for "Best Actor in a Leading Role" and "Best Upcoming Actor" at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.
Majid Michel is a Ghanaian actor, model, television personality, evangelist and a humanitarian. He received nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2017. He eventually won the award in 2012 after three previous consecutive nominations.
Black Magic Tim is an American filmmaker working mostly with music videos, EPK's, commercials and independent feature films. He has directed, filmed and edited productions for clients such as Blackground Records, Tommy Boy Entertainment and TVT Records. As well as, EPK's for national artists and book authors like " Naughty by Nature "," Tank ", "Kimberly Scott (singer)" and Motivational Speaker "Valorie Burton". He has received several awards and film festival nominations for his work on the short Sci-Fi film "Apple Crumb Panic".
Chet Anekwe is an actor and filmmaker who was born in Nigeria and raised in New York City. His work spans Hollywood, Nollywood and the New York Theater.
Sinking Sands is a 2010 Ghanaian drama film written, produced and directed by Leila Djansi, and starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ama Abebrese, Emmanuel Yeboah A. and Yemi Blaq. The film received nine (9) nominations and won 3 awards at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards, including the awards for Best Screenplay & Best Makeup.
Koby Maxwell, is a Ghanaian musician, singer, actor and producer who currently resides in Washington, D.C. in the United States. He says that his goal is to maintain the authenticity of African music, while incorporating the sounds of others. In June 2010, he became a film producer and executive producer when he hired a US film production company to produce his first Nollywood feature film, entitled Paparazzi Eye in the Dark.
Susan Peters is a multiple award-winning Nigerian actress with over 50 credits in Nollywood (Nigerian) films. She is a star on Nigerian TV, a successful model, interior designer and beauty salon owner. Recently, she won the 2011 Afro Hollywood Best Actress (English) Award for her role in Bursting Out, NAFCA Awards North Carolina Nigerian Oscars: Best Actress in Supporting Role 2011 the BON Best Supporting Actress Award 2011, and the Actress of the Year 2010 and Most Stylish Actress 2012 Awards from City People Magazine. In 2011, she made the December cover of the creatively acclaimed, arts and culture magazine, Zen.
Crystal Dionne Porter, professionally known as Syr Law is an American actress. She has performed in leading roles in a variety of films ranging from romantic comedies and dramas to science fiction. She received a WMIFF nomination and a win at the Nollywood Film Critics Award (NAFCA) for her performance in "Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark". This same film opened the door to other American actors, as she was the first African-American Actress to successfully cross over into all African genres and win several awards and nominations worldwide.
One Night in Vegas is a 2013 Nigerian comedy drama film directed by John Uche. It stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, John Dumelo, Yvonne Nelson, Sarodj Bertin, Van Vicker, Michael Blackson and Koby Maxwell. The film focuses on a Ghanaian Couple who attempt to better their relationship by taking a trip to Las Vegas. The film was created by the same team who introduced Paparazzi Eye in the Dark in 2011. Budgeted with a low six-figure budget and filmed over the course of 19 days, the film has been known in the Nollywood USA market as the film poised to raise the bar of African films by utilizing a more western approach to production quality and standards. Notably employing the experience of an American Filmmaker to serve as Cinematographer and Editor. The film's official release in Ghana was one of the largest turnout outs ever in the history of Silverbird Theater in Accra Mall.
Nuella Njubigbo is a Nigerian actress and scriptwriter, model and television personality. She joined the Nollywood family in 1999 and was nominated for Rising Star Award category at the 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards.
The 2012 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards was the maiden edition of the ceremony to reward excellence in African cinema. It was hosted by Jim Iyke.
The 2011 Ghana Movie Awards was the second edition of the ceremony to reward film practitioners in the Ghana Film Industry. The event was held at Accra International Conference center on 25 December 2011. Winners included Kimberly Elise, Majid Michel, Somewhere in Africa. Ties That Bind had 21 nominations and eventually won 9 awards to top the winners list. Olu Jacobs received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards is an annual award that rewards film practitioners in the African continent. It has been held in the United States since its maiden edition on September 17, 2011.
Eddie Nartey is a Ghanaian actor, director, and film producer. His supporting role in Frank Rajah’s Somewhere In Africa earned him a nomination at the Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards (NAFCA), and Ghana movie awards. He was nominated in the best actor category for Kiss Me If You Can., He got his first opportunity to do his directorial debut entitled Could This Be Love where he co-wrote the movie with Evelyn, which cast Actors like Majid Michel, Kwadwo Nkansah, Nana Ama Mcbrown, Fred Amugi, and Gloria Sarfo.
Maami is a 2011 Nigerian drama film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It is based on a novel of the same name, written by Femi Osofisan, and adapted to screen by Tunde Babalola. It stars Funke Akindele as Maami, along with Wole Ojo and Olumide Bakare. Though the film was a commercial failure, it was generally met with positive critical reviews.
Busted Life is a 2014 drama about two African immigrants, Femi and Uzor, whose friendship is tested while living in the United States. The film is based on a true story by the producer Austin Chima and depicts a tale of a drug cartel. The film's principal photography began in early 2010 but as of 2014 has completed post production. Black Magic Tim served as cinematographer and has been involved with the success of several other Nollywood USA films. The film is making its festival and limited theatrical releases across the globe.
Chief Enyinna Nwigwe is a Nigerian actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for playing Nonso in The Wedding Party 2, and playing Tamuno in Black November.
Tchidi Chikerelisten, is a Nigerian movie director who is also a movie producer, scriptwriter, actor, music video director and singer. He has over 100 films and 2 music albums to his credit.
Our Jesus Story, is a 2020 Nigerian religious drama film directed by Tchidi Chikere and produced by Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche for O.J Production. The film stars Frederick Leonard in the lead role as Jesus the Christ, whereas Zack Orji, Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi and Adjetey Anang made supportive roles. This is the first biblical African new interpretation for the Jesus the Christ story with an all-black African cast and crew.
