The Department | |
---|---|
Directed by | Remi Vaughan-Richards |
Written by | Chinaza Onuzo |
Produced by | Uduak Oguamanam Chinaza Onuzo |
Starring |
|
Cinematography | Ayoola Ireyomi |
Edited by | Niyi Akinmolayan |
Production companies | Inkblot Productions Closer Pictures |
Distributed by | FilmOne Distributions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
Country | Nigeria |
Language | English |
The Department is a 2015 Nigerian romantic crime action film directed by Remi Vaughan-Richards, starring Majid Michel, OC Ukeje, Desmond Elliot, Osas Ighodaro, Jide Kosoko, Seun Akindele, Somkele Iyamah, Funky Mallam and Kenneth Okolie [1] [2] The film which is the first feature film from Inkblot Productions and Closer Pictures, [3] [4] produced by Uduak Oguamanam and Chinaza Onuzo. [5]
The film tells the story of a secret department in a business conglomerate, as its gang members blackmail top executives into selling their companies to the leader of the conglomerate (Jide Kosoko). Two lovers (Majid Michel and Osas Ighodaro) however opt out of the organization, but the group wants her back for one last job. She accepts against her husband's will, who consequently decides to sabotage the department in order to save their marriage.
A theatrical trailer for The Department was released on 29 December 2014. [6] [7] The film had a press screening on 20 January 2015 at Filmhouse Cinemas in Surulere, Lagos; it was reportedly well received by the critics at the event. [3] [8] [9] [10] It premiered on 25 January 2015, [11] and was theatrically released on 30 January 2015. [12] [13]
Nollywood Reinvented rated the film 62%, praising the story and the performances, but noted that the film lacks emotional connection with the viewers; it commented "With a stellar cast and its not-the-usual storyline, The Department aspires to so much and achieves a lot but it does not achieve it all. The movie did great work with the little details, however, together the finished work falls flat and will probably be forgotten by your next breakfast". [14] Folasewa Olatunde praised the performances in the film, but talked down on some unrealistic parts of the film. She concludes that the film is "intriguing and suspense filled". [15]
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is a Nigerian Actor, Director, and politician. He was elected as a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency, in the 11 April 2015 Nigerian General Elections. Elliot competed to become the ambassador for the Face of Hope Project, a "volunteer-based non-profit, non-religious, non-political organization established to give hope to the hopeless", in which he will work toward fixing "child illiteracy in Nigeria and Africa at large" should he emerge. He won best supporting actor in a drama at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and was nominated for best supporting actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
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.
Okechukwu Ukeje, known as OC Ukeje is Nigerian actor,model and musician. He came into prominence after winning the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show. He has received several awards including Africa Movie Academy Awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Nollywood Movies Awards, Best of Nollywood Awards, Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards. He has featured in several award-winning films including Two Brides and a Baby, Hoodrush, Alan Poza, Confusion Na Wa and Half of a Yellow Sun.
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Gidi Up is a Nigerian television and web drama series starring OC Ukeje, Deyemi Okanlawon, Somkele Iyamah, and Titilope Sonuga in lead roles. The series was created by Jadesola Osiberu and executively produced by Lola Odedina. It is produced by Ndani TV and sponsored by GTBank. Owing to unknown reasons, the show was not picked up for a third season. The show was cancelled after two seasons. Episodes are first aired online through Ndani.tv web channel, and the first episode was aired on 20 February 2013.
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...When Love Happens is a 2014 Nigerian romantic comedy film co-produced and directed by Seyi Babatope. It stars Weruche Opia, OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Oreka Godis, Gideon Okeke, Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot, Wale Ojo, Keppy Ekpenyong and Shafy Bello. The film tells the story of Mo, a successful events planner whose job is to help other people plan their weddings, but finds it hard to get into a relationship.
Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington commonly known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerian actress and entrepreneur. She debuted her film career with Knocking On Heaven's Door (2014). Since then she has starred in several films and many awards. Amongst them is the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
The 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Wizkid won the most awards while Olamide received the most nominations with three across 39 award categories. Kiss Daniel won the Best New Act to Watch award while Praiz won the Best R&B Act award after he toppled the likes of Banky W, Chidinma, Seyi Shay, Timi Dakolo and Shaydee. The award was held at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, U.S.A. and was hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Ice Prince.
Road To Yesterday is a 2015 Nigerian road romantic drama film directed by Ishaya Bako. It stars Genevieve Nnaji and Oris Erhuero in lead roles, with Majid Michel and Chioma 'Chigul' Omeruah in supporting roles. The film, which is co-produced by Genevieve Nnaji, is the actress' first effort as a producer.
The 2015 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards was the 4th edition of the ceremony. The event was held on October 17, 2015 in Houston, Texas. It was hosted by Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun.
Titilope Sonuga, also known as Titi Sonuga, is a Nigerian poet, civil engineer, and actress who spends her time between Lagos, Nigeria and Edmonton, Canada.
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Niyi Akinmolayan is a Nigerian filmmaker and director and one of Nollywood’s most successful hitmakers. Five of his films rank in the top 50 highest grossing Nigerian films:The Wedding Party 2 (2017) Chief Daddy (2018), Prophetess (2021), My Village People (2021), and The Set Up (2019). He is also the founder and Creative Director of Anthill Studios, a media production facility. In January 2022, Anthill Studios signed a multi-year deal with Amazon Prime Video to become the exclusive global streaming home for Anthill’s slate of cinema releases following their theatrical runs in Nigeria.
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