Entertainment
Nollywood in 2023: From the Oscars to the closure of NetNaija, a look back at a landmark year for the Nigerian film industry
This year has been marked by several highlights in the Nollywood film industry. From sending Mami Wata to the Oscars to shutting down download site NetNaija, here are the moments that marked the year.
First, Mami Wata’s sending to the Oscars broke a two-year stretch without Nigerian submissions. This black and white film, directed by CJ Obasi, tells the story of an African mermaid in a village facing chaos. The film’s Oscar selection was hailed as a victory for the Nigerian film industry and recognition of Pidgin English as a foreign language.
Another notable moment was the release of the film The Black Book on Netflix. Directed by Editi Effiong, this big-budget thriller attracted attention thanks to its international star cast and high production cost. This success has sparked discussions about the future of film productions in Nigeria.
When it comes to box office receipts, epic indigenous language films have dominated. Orisa, directed by Odunlade Adekola, broke the record for the highest Nollywood box office opening and became the highest-grossing film of the year. Kesari, directed by Ibrahim Yekini, also performed well, as did Afamefuna in the Igbo language. These successes showed the potential of films in indigenous languages.
However, the year also saw some tough times, including the shutdown of download site NetNaija. The fight against piracy has been a major area of concern this year, and the closure of NetNaija was seen as a victory in this fight.
Finally, Nollywood has been represented in several renowned international festivals. Films like Orah and I Do Not Come To You By Chance were picked up and won major distribution deals. Additionally, the short films Her Perfect Life and Iyawo Mi, directed by Mo Abudu, were screened at festivals and contributed to the international visibility of the Nigerian film industry.
In conclusion, the year 2023 has been full of highlights for Nollywood. From sending Mami Wata to the Oscars to shutting down NetNaija, box office success and international representation, the Nigerian film industry continues to make its mark on the global stage.
Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.
“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.
The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.
Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.
His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.
Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.
However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.
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