New York: The Nollywood Producers Guild USA (NPG, USA) recently held its official inauguration event in New York. The event also witnessed the recognition of some individuals and organizations that have been contributing to the growth of the Nollywood and African film and entertainment industries in North America. According to the President of the Guild, Hon. Oliver O. Mbamara, “There are many African stories to be told, and many histories and cultures to be safeguarded through the African perspective. Nollywood offers both a voice for our people in today’s dynamic socio-economic environment and a bed of investment opportunities to be explored and enjoyed.” He urged all “to be ready and willing to partner with the Guild so as to take advantage of these investment opportunities and to help the Guild make these stories and cultures stay alive for the younger and future generation.” See full text of the address by Oliver O. Mbamara.
In attendance were many dignitaries including Mrs. C. A. Okorie-Haidara, Consul/Head of Chancery Nigerian Consulate representing the Ag Consul General of Nigeria in New York and the Deputy Mayor of Newark, Hon. Ugochukwu Nwaokoro.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The event commenced in earnest with the showing of clips from the members of the Guild including a trailer of the movie shot by a collaboration of the members titled, “It Takes A Man.” The host of the event, Regina Askia Williams was introduced by the VP Bethels Agomuoh, and she invited the President of the Guild who welcomed the guests before inviting Judge Mojgan Sobhani to swear in the officers and to induct the members of the Guild. Among the officers sworn in were, Oliver O. Mbamara (President); Bethels Agomuoh (Vice President); Chisom Oz-Lee (Public Relations Officer), Sir Felix Nnorom (Treasurer), Monica Omorodion Swaida (Financial Secretary), and Dr. Clarice Kulah (Asst. Secretary). After the swearing in, the panel of Prof Jon Haynes, Prof. Yusuf Juwayeyi, Dr. Sylvester Okere, Bollywood’s Kanti Pandya, and Nollywood’s Uche Jombo were invited to the stage for a lecture and conference session related to filmmaking and the growth of Nollywood which included a question and answer session involving the audience. See full text of Dr. Okere’s Lecture.
There was a break for refreshment followed by the presentation of awards. The Nollywood Producers Guild USA Merit award was presented to ~Iman Drammeh of the Drammeh Institute, Dr. Vicotor Olatoye of NAFCA, Emem Isong, Nollywood Producer, and the Nollywood USA film titled 30 Days in Atlanta was also recognized for making it into the Guiness Book of Records 2017 as the highest grossing film in Nigeria. The film was directed by a member of the Nollywood Producers Guild USA, Robert Peters, produced by AY, and co-produced by another Nollywood Producers Guild USA member, Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah. There were also recognition of Community members who have been supporting Nollywood and African filmmakers in North America. They include Dr. Christopher Adubor, Dr, Oluyemi Badero, and Esther Obioha.
The award ceremony was followed by entertainment and performing artist presentations capped by the World premiere of Koleurz’s new hit single “Better Naija,” before the enthused crowd headed to Tropical Grill Spot for the After party. Pictures by African Events Inc. More Pictures Under The Slide Screen
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