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#AFRIFF2017 Day 3: Connecting Africa through film
The excitement continued Tuesday, as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) entered its third day, opening with a lighting design masterclass facilitated by the Embassy of The United States. The six-hour long session which was held at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos, had interested delegates converge under the mentorship of veteran, Christian Epps. Delegates, following the money trail, gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites for a high powered business clinic on co-financing and co-production opportunities with South Africa, facilitated by ‘Tango with Me’ director, Mahmood Ali-Balogun. Presentations were made by Zama Mkosi, Chief Executive Officer of South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation, as well as representatives from the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission as both countries explored avenues for smoother collaborations. It was a British takeover at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, as the British Council presented the Film Connections, a project that seeks to increase partnerships between Nigeria and the UK. Nadia Denton, who curated the films selected for the showcase, had the audience spellbound as she presented useful tips for filmmakers, preparing their strategies for hitting the international festivals circuit. Victoria Thomas facilitated an interesting clinic on packaging and pitching African stories to the global film market, a topic no doubt close to the heart of many attendees, considering the recent strides Nollywood has been making. There was also a session by academics from the Universities of Portsmouth and Greenwich on recording sound and producing for television. The British Council Film Connections was headlined by the documentary, WHITNEY, can I be me, the latest from acclaimed British director, Nick Broomfield. A tour de force on the life of beloved singer/superstar Whitney Houston who passed away under tragic circumstances in 2012, the documentary was warmly received in its first Nigerian screening. Other films in the Film Connections selection include BAFTA winner, ‘Under the Shadow’, ‘The Hard Stop’, ‘A Moving Image’, ‘Robot & Scarecrow’, ‘Tower XYZ’ and ‘Mrs Bolanle Benson’. Over at the Afrinolly studios in Oregun, the acting, screenwriting and Canon DSLR classes continued with mentors; Hilda Dokubo, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa and Leke Alabi-Isama. At Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, the ultraviolent Haitian short film, ‘Kafou’, a bloody, depiction of gang life and jungle justice in inner city streets got positive responses. So did the Moses Inwang directed Omotola Jalade Ekeinde star vehicle, ‘Alter Ego’. ‘The Whale Caller’ (South Africa), the big screen film adaptation of Zakes Mda’s fantastical novel also screened. The cautionary tale, ‘Las Gidi Vice’, about a lady sexually molested by an acquaintance and feel good drama, ‘Armstrong, hoisted Nigeria’s flag in the shorts category at the Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island. Mozambique’s Oscar hopeful, ‘The Train of Salt and Water’ was screened alongside the France/Mali collaboration, ‘Wulu’, both films sharing a survival-in-spite-of-dismal-ci rcumstances theme running through them. Mildred Okwo, Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi, Lala Akindoju, Omoye Uzamere Abba T. Makama and C.J Obasi are some of the famous faces who participated. AFRIFF is an annual weeklong, all-encompassing world class showcase running from 29, October to 4, November 2017. About 200 carefully curated feature lengths, shorts, documentaries and student films will be screened this year. The festival also encompasses talent development classes, industry workshops and inspiring creative discussions. Photo credit: Adeolu Adeniyi photography @adeoluadeniyiphot ography]]>
People & Lifestyle
In Photos: How Osu celebrated ‘Dade Tutswaa’
On Saturday, August 5, the town of Osu was alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of a special event. This festival, known as the Dade Tutswaa, took place over two exciting days. It’s a meaningful celebration that happens just before the famous Homowo festival in Osu. The Dade Tutswaa Festival is a way for the people of Osu to come together, show their pride, and honor their ancestors. It’s a special time that brings the community closer and sets the stage for the even bigger Homowo celebration.
Background
The Dade Y3l3yeli Shifoo and Asafo Tutswaa, affectionately known as Dade Tutswaa, stands as a vibrant annual festival that resonates deeply within the heart of Osu, one of the seven traditional Ga-Dangme paramountcies in Ghana. This captivating festival is a tribute to both the military prowess of the Osu people and their ancestral deity, Dade, revered for its historical role in ancient warfare.
At its core, the Dade Tutswaa Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together all four divisions of Osu: Kinkanwe, Ashinte, Alata, and Anorhor Guided by the Kinkanwe Asafo, the festival’s grand procession travels through each division, then final ending at Kinkanwe. This captivating journey meanders through the heart of Osu, paying homage to traditional homes and sites of significant historical importance.
As the procession weaves through the community, the revered flags of Kinkanwe: Antoa and Akonfode lead the way, accompanied by the Asafoiats3m3i (the Asafo captains), traditional leaders and community members. The procession goes into the Osu Castle, which has various traditional elements within that predate the building of the castle. It also visits ancient homes throughout the traditional area of the township. In every division that the procession arrives, the leading men and women offer drinks to the procession, the diety, and the Asafo.
Central to the festival are the captivating displays of musketry and traditional dances, symbolic of the revered Asafo culture of Osu. These dances, uniquely Osu’s, are a testament to the community’s cultural distinctiveness. The traditional colors of the celebration are red and white. On Saturday, the dominant color is red with a touch of white, and on Sunday, the dominant color is white with a touch of red.
Prior to the grand Saturday procession, the Asafo Company sends forth drinks as messengers of celebration to the leading traditional homes. This not only announces the festival’s arrival but also invites these homes to prepare for the Asafo warriors and the revered deity’s visitation. The lead figures of the festival, led by the Nii Shippi Nkpa (the battlefield commander), Dzaase Asafoats3 Nii Tempong Sarpei III (senior captain), alongside Asafoats3 Brenya under the Antoa flag, and Asafoats3 Dzahene under the Akomfode flag, ensure the festival’s seamless celebration.
Setting the stage
With the successful celebration, the commemoration and a testament to its unifying prowess. The festival has not only honored the valiant warriors of yesteryears but has also reinforced the bond that ties the community together. Through its captivating displays, vibrant colors, and deep-rooted traditions, Dade Tutswaa stands as a timeless testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Osu and sets the stage for this year’s Homowo scheduled to take place a few weeks from now.
People & Lifestyle
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Photos: Red carpet fashion from the 2022 People’s Choice Awards
The 48th People’s Choice Awards took place in California on Tuesday night, with stars of music, television and fashion turning out for the occasion.
Among those in attendance at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica were Ryan Reynolds, who was honoured with the People’s Icon Award; Lizzo, who received the People’s Champion honour; and Shania Twain, who was named this year’s Music Icon.
Twain wore an attention-grabbing custom look by Rodarte for the occasion, featuring a leopard hood, mesh panelling and black velvet skirt.
See how more photos of the stars on the red carpet.
Photos
Ijekimora activates new single “Fire” with intimate concert in Accra at Tunnel Lounge – SEE PHOTOS
Ijekimora – The Nigerian Afrobeats Singer has activated her new single “Fire” in Ghana with an intimate concert held on Friday, November 25, 2022.
“Fire”, her latest single which features South African Heavyweight, Busiswa, had a first time performance before audience at the plush restaurant located at Airport Residential Area, same premises as Silver Fox Ghana.
The night saw Ijekimora serenading audience to not just her latest single “Fire” but as well as her previously released songs “Sexy Papa”, Temptation” and “Stand By Me” (which featured Seyi Vibez). The night was also used to highlight her upcoming EP titled “Kimorality”.
The gig was steered by her Management as part of plans to fully activate her here in Ghana and the West African Region. Ijekimora is a Nigerian by birth but stayed in Dallas, USA, for a long time before relocating to Nigeria to pursue her music career. The Singer who has a soft spot for Ghana says she sees Ghana as her second home. Ever since she decided to go mainstream, she always does a Media Tour in Ghana prior to her releases.
Stream “Fire” here on Digital Stores: https://azuri.lnk.to/Fire
Listen on Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/ijekimora/song/fire
Watch “Fire” Official Video featuring Busiswa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIKUm9dlks
Below are some exclusive images from her activation concert at Tunnel Lounge:
Connect with Ijekimora on social media via her handles below:
Facebook – Ijekimora
Instagram – @ijekimora
Twitter – @ijekimora
Snapchat – @ijekimora
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