Idris Elba and African media mogul Mo Abudu are joining forces to launch a film and TV joint venture that will back new projects and up-and-coming talent from Africa and the African diaspora.
The partnership between Elba’s Green Door Pictures and Abudu’s EbonyLife Media, announced Thursday, aims to “empower and uplift talent from Africa and the Diaspora” by backing a development slate of film and TV projects and, by supporting up-and-coming creatives and executives from those communities, to “build capacity and foster authentic representation” in the international industry, to give “stories from Africa and its Diaspora” the same “level of attention and respect as other cultures and communities.”
Elba and Abudu said their production slate would focus on “authentic, Afro-centric stories” that can resonate with audiences around the world. Projects, ranging from feature films to series for television or streaming partners, will be set up as co-productions between...
The partnership between Elba’s Green Door Pictures and Abudu’s EbonyLife Media, announced Thursday, aims to “empower and uplift talent from Africa and the Diaspora” by backing a development slate of film and TV projects and, by supporting up-and-coming creatives and executives from those communities, to “build capacity and foster authentic representation” in the international industry, to give “stories from Africa and its Diaspora” the same “level of attention and respect as other cultures and communities.”
Elba and Abudu said their production slate would focus on “authentic, Afro-centric stories” that can resonate with audiences around the world. Projects, ranging from feature films to series for television or streaming partners, will be set up as co-productions between...
- 3/16/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The weeks leading up to a world premiere of a movie are typically a time of celebration and anticipation for the filmmakers, particularly when that premiere is taking place at the Toronto Film Festival. But for the team behind “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman,” which is produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films and Netflix and screened in the festival’s Special Presentations section Sept. 10, there will be a long shadow cast across the red carpet on opening night.
Just weeks ahead of the film’s world premiere, director Biyi Bandele died in Lagos, Nigeria. His sudden, tragic passing on the eve of what would have been his crowning achievement as a filmmaker sent shock waves through the film community, particularly in Africa and across the African diaspora.
When the news broke, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey paid tribute to the director, writing in a Twitter post: “Biyi Bandele was...
Just weeks ahead of the film’s world premiere, director Biyi Bandele died in Lagos, Nigeria. His sudden, tragic passing on the eve of what would have been his crowning achievement as a filmmaker sent shock waves through the film community, particularly in Africa and across the African diaspora.
When the news broke, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey paid tribute to the director, writing in a Twitter post: “Biyi Bandele was...
- 9/10/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Biyi Bandele, the renowned Nigerian novelist, playwright and filmmaker behind 2013’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and upcoming film “The King’s Horseman,” has died. He was 54.
Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, Temi Bandele. A cause of death was not given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” Temi writes in the post. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele had recently finished his latest film entitled “The King’s Horseman.” Inspired by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s anti-colonial play “Death and the King’s Horseman,...
Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, Temi Bandele. A cause of death was not given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” Temi writes in the post. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele had recently finished his latest film entitled “The King’s Horseman.” Inspired by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s anti-colonial play “Death and the King’s Horseman,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Biyi Bandele, the Nigerian playwright, novelist and writer-director known for his adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun,” died Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria. His daughter Temi Bandele announced the news of his passing on Facebook. He was 54.
No cause of death was revealed.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote on Bandele’s official page. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
The post continued, “He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.
No cause of death was revealed.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote on Bandele’s official page. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
The post continued, “He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.
- 8/9/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Biyi Bandele, the pioneering Nigerian novelist, playwright and filmmaker who directed the 2013 adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, has died. He was 54.
Bandele died Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, his daughter Temi Bandele announced on Facebook. No cause of death was given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele was completing postproduction on his latest movie, The King’s Horseman, a drama inspired by the acclaimed anti-colonial...
Biyi Bandele, the pioneering Nigerian novelist, playwright and filmmaker who directed the 2013 adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, has died. He was 54.
Bandele died Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, his daughter Temi Bandele announced on Facebook. No cause of death was given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele was completing postproduction on his latest movie, The King’s Horseman, a drama inspired by the acclaimed anti-colonial...
- 8/9/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Netflix on Tuesday unveiled its slate of African originals, presenting a showcase of local-language series, feature films and non-fiction projects produced in Africa that will roll out across the streamer’s global service later this year and in early 2023.
Highlights include The King’s Horseman, the hotly awaited film adaptation of Noble Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s acclaimed anti-colonial play Death and the King’s Horseman. Adapted and directed by Half of a Yellow Sun helmer Biyi Bandele, the Yoruba-language drama will have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
On the series side, Netflix will premiere its first-ever Afrikaans-language drama, Ludik, on Aug. 26. The six-part actioner stars South African-born Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy) in the title role as Daan Ludik. Rob Van Vuuren, Diaan Lawrenson and Zane Meas co-star.
Nigerian actor/director Akin Omotoso will launch The Brave Ones,...
Netflix on Tuesday unveiled its slate of African originals, presenting a showcase of local-language series, feature films and non-fiction projects produced in Africa that will roll out across the streamer’s global service later this year and in early 2023.
Highlights include The King’s Horseman, the hotly awaited film adaptation of Noble Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s acclaimed anti-colonial play Death and the King’s Horseman. Adapted and directed by Half of a Yellow Sun helmer Biyi Bandele, the Yoruba-language drama will have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
On the series side, Netflix will premiere its first-ever Afrikaans-language drama, Ludik, on Aug. 26. The six-part actioner stars South African-born Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy) in the title role as Daan Ludik. Rob Van Vuuren, Diaan Lawrenson and Zane Meas co-star.
Nigerian actor/director Akin Omotoso will launch The Brave Ones,...
- 8/2/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix historical drama “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman,” will become the first Yoruba-language film to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films and Netflix, the film — which will play in the Special Presentations section — is based on real-life events in Nigeria in 1943, and set in the Oyo Empire, in which the King’s horseman, Elesin Oba, must commit ritual suicide to follow his deceased king into the afterlife.
However, his best intentions are derailed by his sexual desires, which leads to catastrophic consequences and ends in a deadly clash with the British rulers of the day. The horseman is unable to fulfil his ultimate commitment to the king, leaving his spirit to roam the earth, spelling doom for the land and its people.
The film is based on the stage play “Death and the King’s Horseman,” which was written by Wole Soyinka,...
Produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films and Netflix, the film — which will play in the Special Presentations section — is based on real-life events in Nigeria in 1943, and set in the Oyo Empire, in which the King’s horseman, Elesin Oba, must commit ritual suicide to follow his deceased king into the afterlife.
However, his best intentions are derailed by his sexual desires, which leads to catastrophic consequences and ends in a deadly clash with the British rulers of the day. The horseman is unable to fulfil his ultimate commitment to the king, leaving his spirit to roam the earth, spelling doom for the land and its people.
The film is based on the stage play “Death and the King’s Horseman,” which was written by Wole Soyinka,...
- 7/28/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has released the trailer for its first original TV show out of Nigeria, “Blood Sisters.”
Produced by leading Nigerian production company EbonyLife Studios, founded by Mo Abudu, the four-part crime thriller directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang will launch globally on the streaming service on May 5. The show is Abudu’s latest project for Netflix as part of her multi-title deal with the platform.
Set in Lagos, “Blood Sisters” follows a Nigerian wedding where the bride — who is fed up of being beaten up by her partner — accidentally kills the groom the night before their big day. The show tackles themes of intra-family relationships, physical and substance abuse, love, commitment and relationships.
An official description bills “Blood Sisters” as “an ode to life in the city [of Lagos] as it brilliantly juxtaposes the various socio-economic divides in Africa’s most famous commercial and social hub.”
EbonyLife Studios CEO Abudu said:...
Produced by leading Nigerian production company EbonyLife Studios, founded by Mo Abudu, the four-part crime thriller directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang will launch globally on the streaming service on May 5. The show is Abudu’s latest project for Netflix as part of her multi-title deal with the platform.
Set in Lagos, “Blood Sisters” follows a Nigerian wedding where the bride — who is fed up of being beaten up by her partner — accidentally kills the groom the night before their big day. The show tackles themes of intra-family relationships, physical and substance abuse, love, commitment and relationships.
An official description bills “Blood Sisters” as “an ode to life in the city [of Lagos] as it brilliantly juxtaposes the various socio-economic divides in Africa’s most famous commercial and social hub.”
EbonyLife Studios CEO Abudu said:...
- 4/7/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Though “Muhammad Ali” is debuting well after “The Last Dance,” it’s hard not to think of it as a sort of spiritual prequel to ESPN’s propulsive docuseries. “The Last Dance,” which detailed the rise of Michael Jordan as both a superstar athlete and unstoppable global brand, immediately became a sensation upon its April 2020 premiere. With Jordan on board as a subject, source and producer, “The Last Dance” told the story of a man, but also the story of the time and place in which he thrived. As an ever-charismatic Jordan gave his interviews from inside a seemingly palatial home, cigar and Scotch constantly at the ready, he made it easy to understand how he’d become such a colossal figure in sports and culture alike.
Co-directed by Ken Burns, David McMahon and Sarah Burns, “Muhammad Ali” never mentions Jordan in its reconstruction of Ali’s career and impact on the world writ large,...
Co-directed by Ken Burns, David McMahon and Sarah Burns, “Muhammad Ali” never mentions Jordan in its reconstruction of Ali’s career and impact on the world writ large,...
- 9/19/2021
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Mo Abudu attempted to crack Hollywood for years, but her steely belief that the world needed to hear African stories was met with resounding silence. Emails went unanswered, leads from a trip to Los Angeles quickly went cold. Abudu, a megastar in Nigeria with her own chat show and TV network, grew frustrated.
Then, one day, her Lagos office got a call from a Sony Pictures Television sales executive wanting to sell Abudu’s network, EbonyLife TV, an international television format. It proved to be her Sidney Lumet moment. “I said to my head of programming, ‘Tell him we’re not effing interested in any bloody format! I’m sick and tired of someone trying to ram all these stories down our throats. You tell him, we’ve got stories we want to sell to the world.’ I was really upset,” she recalls.
Her anger proved to be a turning point.
Then, one day, her Lagos office got a call from a Sony Pictures Television sales executive wanting to sell Abudu’s network, EbonyLife TV, an international television format. It proved to be her Sidney Lumet moment. “I said to my head of programming, ‘Tell him we’re not effing interested in any bloody format! I’m sick and tired of someone trying to ram all these stories down our throats. You tell him, we’ve got stories we want to sell to the world.’ I was really upset,” she recalls.
Her anger proved to be a turning point.
- 7/11/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has signed a multi-title deal with prolific Nigerian producer Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife to create two original series. Multiple branded films and a series have also been licensed to the streaming service.
Among the highlights will be a film adaptation of “Death and the King’s Horseman,” a play by Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, and a series based on Lola Shoneyin’s best-selling debut novel, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.” One of the unnamed projects will premiere on the platform in 2020. Further details about the rest of the EbonyLife slate will be revealed at a later date.
Since becoming a household name in the 2000s with her daytime talk show “Moments With Mo,” Abudu has risen to become one of the most trusted names in Nigerian entertainment. After launching EbonyLife as an upscale TV network in 2012, she moved into feature film production with slickly produced titles like “The Wedding Party,...
Among the highlights will be a film adaptation of “Death and the King’s Horseman,” a play by Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, and a series based on Lola Shoneyin’s best-selling debut novel, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.” One of the unnamed projects will premiere on the platform in 2020. Further details about the rest of the EbonyLife slate will be revealed at a later date.
Since becoming a household name in the 2000s with her daytime talk show “Moments With Mo,” Abudu has risen to become one of the most trusted names in Nigerian entertainment. After launching EbonyLife as an upscale TV network in 2012, she moved into feature film production with slickly produced titles like “The Wedding Party,...
- 6/12/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is reaffirming its commitment to original African content, signing a multi-title deal with prolific Nigerian producer Mo Abudu.
Through the partnership, Abudu — via her production company EbonyLife — will create two series and multiple films for the streamer. Among them will be the adaptations of Lola Shoneyin's bestselling debut novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives and 1986 Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka's 1975 play Death and the King's Horseman. One of the film is expected to land on the Netflix later this year.
"Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling ...
Through the partnership, Abudu — via her production company EbonyLife — will create two series and multiple films for the streamer. Among them will be the adaptations of Lola Shoneyin's bestselling debut novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives and 1986 Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka's 1975 play Death and the King's Horseman. One of the film is expected to land on the Netflix later this year.
"Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling ...
- 6/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix is reaffirming its commitment to original African content, signing a multi-title deal with prolific Nigerian producer Mo Abudu.
Through the partnership, Abudu — via her production company EbonyLife — will create two series and multiple films for the streamer. Among them will be the adaptations of Lola Shoneyin's bestselling debut novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives and 1986 Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka's 1975 play Death and the King's Horseman. One of the film is expected to land on the Netflix later this year.
"Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling ...
Through the partnership, Abudu — via her production company EbonyLife — will create two series and multiple films for the streamer. Among them will be the adaptations of Lola Shoneyin's bestselling debut novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives and 1986 Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka's 1975 play Death and the King's Horseman. One of the film is expected to land on the Netflix later this year.
"Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling ...
- 6/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Once again, highlighting the continent's best and the brightest, New York African Film Festival will present 25 feature-length films and 27 short films from 26 countries, bringing another thrilling and multifaceted selection of African films from the continent and the Diaspora to New York audiences. Marking the 50th anniversary of Ousmane Sembene's Black Girl, this year's festival is presented under the banner of "Modern Days, Ancient Nights: 50 Years of African Filmmaking." This year's selections include Tanna by Bentley Dean and Martin Butler (Opening Night Film), Price of Love by Hermon Hailay (Centerpiece) and closes with Negritude: A Dialogue Between Wole Soyinka and Senghor by Manthia Diawara and a shorts program on New York African Diaspora. The screenings of the 2016 New York African Film...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/4/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Constance Cummings: Stage and film actress ca. early 1940s. Constance Cummings on stage: From Sacha Guitry to Clifford Odets (See previous post: “Constance Cummings: Flawless 'Blithe Spirit,' Supporter of Political Refugees.”) In the post-World War II years, Constance Cummings' stage reputation continued to grow on the English stage, in plays as diverse as: Stephen Powys (pseudonym for P.G. Wodehouse) and Guy Bolton's English-language adaptation of Sacha Guitry's Don't Listen, Ladies! (1948), with Cummings as one of shop clerk Denholm Elliott's mistresses (the other one was Betty Marsden). “Miss Cummings and Miss Marsden act as fetchingly as they look,” commented The Spectator. Rodney Ackland's Before the Party (1949), delivering “a superb performance of controlled hysteria” according to theater director and Michael Redgrave biographer Alan Strachan, writing for The Independent at the time of Cummings' death. Clifford Odets' Winter Journey / The Country Girl (1952), as...
- 11/10/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep is set to narrate Shout Gladi Gladi, a feature documentary about women’s health in Africa. Co-directed by Adam Friedman and Iain Kennedy, it focuses on fistula, a common, debilitating that turns once-healthy women into outcasts. The film also features appearances by Melinda Gates and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wole Soyinka. Streep, whose 19 Academy Award nominations is more than any other actor, most recently starred in Into The Woods…...
- 2/27/2015
- Deadline TV
The multiple Oscar winner has come on board to narrate the documentary about fistula, a debilitating condition that turns healthy African women into outcasts.
Adam Friedman and Iain Kennedy co-direct the documentary, which is being made in collaboration with The Freedom From Fistula Foundation run by the film’s executive producer Ann Gloag.
Friedman will produce through his company Vertical Ascent.
Shout Gladi Gladi also features appearances by Melinda Gates and Nobel Peace laureate Wole Soyinka.
“This powerful film attests to the igniting power of one woman, Ann Gloag, to set in motion hundreds of helping hands, doctors, nurses, caregivers, family and friends, to resuscitate the health and status of victims of fistula, and to give them back their lives,” said Streep.
Adam Friedman and Iain Kennedy co-direct the documentary, which is being made in collaboration with The Freedom From Fistula Foundation run by the film’s executive producer Ann Gloag.
Friedman will produce through his company Vertical Ascent.
Shout Gladi Gladi also features appearances by Melinda Gates and Nobel Peace laureate Wole Soyinka.
“This powerful film attests to the igniting power of one woman, Ann Gloag, to set in motion hundreds of helping hands, doctors, nurses, caregivers, family and friends, to resuscitate the health and status of victims of fistula, and to give them back their lives,” said Streep.
- 2/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
This Instagram picture happened. It's pretty astounding. What do you suppose Madonna and Bono talked about at this little soiree? Our guess is below. Madonna: Paul! Little Irish Paul? Paul: Madonna! Sometimes Mexican Madonna. A pleasure to see you. Madonna: It's been so long! How's life? Bono: Life? Great... great... Madonna: ... Bono: ...Unless you live in Africa. Madonna: Indeed, Paul. Indeed. Bono: [Let's out a pained howl.] Madonna: Ever been to Malawi? It's a poor African country I invented. Stella McCartney made them a flag out of a mitten and skort. They use complimentary copies of 'Mdna' for currency. Bono: Yes. I just gave a Ted talk about how that's destroying their society and livelihood. Madonna: Touche. Gwyneth and I often give Ted talks to the children. She's quite devilish, Paul. And a songbird in her own right. She was on that show 'Glee.' No accent on either 'e'.
- 8/8/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Stage and screen actor known for playing battle-axe aunts, village gossips and servants
When Mel Brooks visited the film set of Up at the Villa (2000), in which his wife, Anne Bancroft, was starring, he proclaimed Barbara Hicks, who has died aged 89, the funniest woman he had ever met. This stalwart character actor, always lodged some way down any cast list as if to prove the truth of Stanislavski's dictum that there are no small parts, only small actors, was a fund of stories, many of them unprintable. And Hicks, though slight of build, with a long face and asymmetrical features, was certainly not a small actor.
As another admirer, Alan Bennett, once told her wistfully: "When you go, Barbara, there'll be a terrible hole in Spotlight." And so there is, for since first appearing on television in 1962 playing Miss Print, a comedy sidekick to Richard Hearne's popular Mr Pastry,...
When Mel Brooks visited the film set of Up at the Villa (2000), in which his wife, Anne Bancroft, was starring, he proclaimed Barbara Hicks, who has died aged 89, the funniest woman he had ever met. This stalwart character actor, always lodged some way down any cast list as if to prove the truth of Stanislavski's dictum that there are no small parts, only small actors, was a fund of stories, many of them unprintable. And Hicks, though slight of build, with a long face and asymmetrical features, was certainly not a small actor.
As another admirer, Alan Bennett, once told her wistfully: "When you go, Barbara, there'll be a terrible hole in Spotlight." And so there is, for since first appearing on television in 1962 playing Miss Print, a comedy sidekick to Richard Hearne's popular Mr Pastry,...
- 11/7/2013
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
The director of Broken will suceed Nicholas Hytner from April 2015.
The National Theatre has appointed Rufus Norris to succeed Nicholas Hytner as director of the National Theatre with effect from April 2015.
Norris called the appointment “a great honour” and said he was “thrilled at the prospect and challenge of leading this exceptional organisation”.
After training as an actor, Norris came to prominence as a theatre director, winning Olivier awards for his revival of Cabaret in 2006 and receiving five Tony nominations for his 2008 Broadway production of Les Liasons Dangereuses.
He made his directorial debut in 2009 with short film King Bastard. His debut feature film, Broken, opened Critics Week at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 and won the Best Film Award at the British Independent Film Awards earlier this year.
Norris has been an associate director at the National Theatre since 2011.
John Makinson, chairman of the National Theatre, described Norris as “an exciting choice, someone who will...
The National Theatre has appointed Rufus Norris to succeed Nicholas Hytner as director of the National Theatre with effect from April 2015.
Norris called the appointment “a great honour” and said he was “thrilled at the prospect and challenge of leading this exceptional organisation”.
After training as an actor, Norris came to prominence as a theatre director, winning Olivier awards for his revival of Cabaret in 2006 and receiving five Tony nominations for his 2008 Broadway production of Les Liasons Dangereuses.
He made his directorial debut in 2009 with short film King Bastard. His debut feature film, Broken, opened Critics Week at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 and won the Best Film Award at the British Independent Film Awards earlier this year.
Norris has been an associate director at the National Theatre since 2011.
John Makinson, chairman of the National Theatre, described Norris as “an exciting choice, someone who will...
- 10/15/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The director of Broken will suceed Nicholas Hytner from April 2015.
The National Theatre has appointed Rufus Norris to succeed Nicholas Hytner as director of the National Theatre with effect from April 2015.
John Makinson, Chairman of the National Theatre, said: “In setting out to find a new Director for the National Theatre, the Board looked for an individual with a creative reputation that would command the respect and support of British theatre, and with the generosity of spirit that has characterised Nick Hytner’s period as Director. Rufus Norris has both those qualities in abundance. He is an exciting choice, someone who will build on the National Theatre’s present reputation as one of the most admired and innovative performing arts organisations in the world. We are fortunate that he has chosen to join us.
“I should like to thank all my Board colleagues, and in particular my fellow members of the Succession Committee, for the energy...
The National Theatre has appointed Rufus Norris to succeed Nicholas Hytner as director of the National Theatre with effect from April 2015.
John Makinson, Chairman of the National Theatre, said: “In setting out to find a new Director for the National Theatre, the Board looked for an individual with a creative reputation that would command the respect and support of British theatre, and with the generosity of spirit that has characterised Nick Hytner’s period as Director. Rufus Norris has both those qualities in abundance. He is an exciting choice, someone who will build on the National Theatre’s present reputation as one of the most admired and innovative performing arts organisations in the world. We are fortunate that he has chosen to join us.
“I should like to thank all my Board colleagues, and in particular my fellow members of the Succession Committee, for the energy...
- 10/15/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Thanks to our friends at Nollywood Mindspace, I've learned that a feature film based on the 1989 memoir of Wole Soyinka - the internationally-renowned prolific Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and critic, who was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, Titled Ake: The Years of Childhood, the memoir is described as a lyrical account of one boy's attempt to grasp the often irrational and hypocritical world of adults that equally repels and seduces him. It is told from the Pov of Soyinka's 11-year-old self. Here's a longer breakdown: Soyinka elevates brief anecdotes into history lessons, conversations into morality plays, memories into...
- 6/10/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Lagos, Nigeria — The documentary on a massive strike that paralyzed life in Nigeria features newspaper headlines, television news footage and other information widely known about a government gasoline subsidy that saw billions of dollars stolen by greedy companies and the nation's elite.
It also, according to Nigerian authorities, could spark violence and potentially threaten national security.
The 30-minute film called "Fuelling Poverty" has been online for months, but only recently Nigerian officials have refused its director permission to show it publicly in this oil-rich nation of more than 160 million people. While free speech is enshrined in this democratic nation's constitution, an ever-increasing drumbeat of complaints and critical articles about the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has seen authorities increasingly target journalists and others.
The film, sponsored by Soros Foundation's Open Society Justice Initiative for West Africa, focuses on the protests around Jonathan's decision to remove subsidies on gasoline in January...
It also, according to Nigerian authorities, could spark violence and potentially threaten national security.
The 30-minute film called "Fuelling Poverty" has been online for months, but only recently Nigerian officials have refused its director permission to show it publicly in this oil-rich nation of more than 160 million people. While free speech is enshrined in this democratic nation's constitution, an ever-increasing drumbeat of complaints and critical articles about the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has seen authorities increasingly target journalists and others.
The film, sponsored by Soros Foundation's Open Society Justice Initiative for West Africa, focuses on the protests around Jonathan's decision to remove subsidies on gasoline in January...
- 4/21/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Lagos, Nigeria -- Nigeria's iconic National Theatre rises out of the brackish swamps of Lagos near its islands, a massive concrete and marble structure resembling a military officer's cap and a reminder of when the West African nation had seemingly endless oil dollars to spend.
Today, the theater and its surrounding marshlands have become known more as a good place to dump corpses than to catch the latest play, something the officials managing it even acknowledge. Its massive bowl theater, which seats more than 5,000, has sat decrepit and unused since a stampede in 1994. Luxury purple espresso machines installed ahead of a major arts festival in 1977 only gather dust as footsteps echo hollowly down its massive hallways.
Now, Nigeria's federal government has plans to make the theater as part of a new and sudden push to redevelop the area into a commercial property that could be worth millions of dollars – and...
Today, the theater and its surrounding marshlands have become known more as a good place to dump corpses than to catch the latest play, something the officials managing it even acknowledge. Its massive bowl theater, which seats more than 5,000, has sat decrepit and unused since a stampede in 1994. Luxury purple espresso machines installed ahead of a major arts festival in 1977 only gather dust as footsteps echo hollowly down its massive hallways.
Now, Nigeria's federal government has plans to make the theater as part of a new and sudden push to redevelop the area into a commercial property that could be worth millions of dollars – and...
- 4/4/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
It's titled A Name Is More Than The Tyranny Of Taste, and was delivered by Wole Soyinka - the Nigerian writer, notable especially as a playwright and poet who was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature. The address was delivered at the Codesria Guild of African Filmmakers Fespaco workshop on titled Pan-Africanism: Adapting African Stories/Histories from Text to Screen. In it, Soyinka touches on so much that we've discussed here on S&A (from Django Unchained, to Nollywood cinema, to the works of Ousmane Sembene, to even Big Brother Africa, Blaxploitation, film industries co-opting the name "Hollywood" to name their own industries - like Nollywood,...
- 2/27/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Everything from street hustlers and school teachers to Nobel prize winners and Islamist extremists in a feast of African film
We have selected eight films from five African countries to look out for in 2013 – the year of the 23rd edition of Fespaco – the bi-annual pan-African film and television festival of Ouagadougou.
Burn it up Djassa by Lonesome Solo (Cote d'Ivoire)
Labelled "a film by the people for the people", Burn it up Djassa is about a young street hustler in Abidjan looking for a break. After shooting his first feature, Lonesome Solo escaped the war torn Cote d'Ivoire and has not been seen since.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Biyi Bandele (Nigeria/UK)
The adaptation of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi-Adiche's Orange Prize-winning and bestselling epic, stars Thandie Newton and Chewitel Ejiofor. Nigerian investors contributed with 80% of the budget to fellow Nigerian director and writer Bandele's feature debut.
Jeppe on a Friday by Shannon Walsh,...
We have selected eight films from five African countries to look out for in 2013 – the year of the 23rd edition of Fespaco – the bi-annual pan-African film and television festival of Ouagadougou.
Burn it up Djassa by Lonesome Solo (Cote d'Ivoire)
Labelled "a film by the people for the people", Burn it up Djassa is about a young street hustler in Abidjan looking for a break. After shooting his first feature, Lonesome Solo escaped the war torn Cote d'Ivoire and has not been seen since.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Biyi Bandele (Nigeria/UK)
The adaptation of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi-Adiche's Orange Prize-winning and bestselling epic, stars Thandie Newton and Chewitel Ejiofor. Nigerian investors contributed with 80% of the budget to fellow Nigerian director and writer Bandele's feature debut.
Jeppe on a Friday by Shannon Walsh,...
- 1/23/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
A straightforward, eye-opening look at what it describes as "the culture of greed and corruption in Nigeria" with the "Fuel Subsidy Scam of 2011" as the backdrop. The film comes from Ishaya Bako, and was supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (Osiwa). The film, uploaded to the web earlier this month, has been stirring up lots of conversation about its subject- conversation that many hope will lead to action that will reverse trends. It has the blessing of celebrated and vocal Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright and poet, Wole Soyinka, who opens the film with a prologue. Watch and learn like I did (it's just under 30...
- 12/14/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Theatre director and playwright who became a campaigner for disabled people
In the 1970s and early 80s, Paddy Masefield, who has died of cancer aged 69, was one of Britain's most prolific playwrights, creating 30 performed works in 15 years. He also directed 75 stage productions, founded four theatre companies and ran Oldham Rep and the Swan theatre, Worcester. His consultancy reports included arts development strategies for St Helens, Lincoln and Peterborough, and he was described by Michael Billington in 1984 as the "doyen of arts consultants".
In 1986, aged 44, Paddy acquired a severe form of Me. He spent two years re-learning how to speak and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. This led to a new career as a campaigner for disabled people in the arts. In a lecture in 1999, Lord Puttnam described Paddy's persuasive powers on the Arts Council lottery panel, and his absolute refusal to compromise over the question of...
In the 1970s and early 80s, Paddy Masefield, who has died of cancer aged 69, was one of Britain's most prolific playwrights, creating 30 performed works in 15 years. He also directed 75 stage productions, founded four theatre companies and ran Oldham Rep and the Swan theatre, Worcester. His consultancy reports included arts development strategies for St Helens, Lincoln and Peterborough, and he was described by Michael Billington in 1984 as the "doyen of arts consultants".
In 1986, aged 44, Paddy acquired a severe form of Me. He spent two years re-learning how to speak and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. This led to a new career as a campaigner for disabled people in the arts. In a lecture in 1999, Lord Puttnam described Paddy's persuasive powers on the Arts Council lottery panel, and his absolute refusal to compromise over the question of...
- 7/24/2012
- by Allan Sutherland
- The Guardian - Film News
Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka shares memories of his native city of Lagos, Nigeria, as part of Newsweek International's series "The City."
City of Lagos, Nigeria, circa 1967
Related story on The Daily Beast: 20 Brainiest Cities in America
How does one translate Oge? Reluctantly, I had agreed to receive the newly crowned, new-generation Sisi Oge-Lady of Chic?-of Lagos. She wanted my advice on the social agenda for her year on the throne. With her "court" -photographer, chaperone, press secretary, etc.-she turned up in a small convoy of cars, head framed in a tiny coronet. As we sat in my home of dense foliage, any semblance of which had long vanished from most of Lagos, I listened to their dreams, wistfully pondering-were these young enthusiasts the hidden spirit of Lagos, a butterfly seeking to break free of its cocoon?
The Lagos of my childhood was a well-laid-out maritime city. The...
City of Lagos, Nigeria, circa 1967
Related story on The Daily Beast: 20 Brainiest Cities in America
How does one translate Oge? Reluctantly, I had agreed to receive the newly crowned, new-generation Sisi Oge-Lady of Chic?-of Lagos. She wanted my advice on the social agenda for her year on the throne. With her "court" -photographer, chaperone, press secretary, etc.-she turned up in a small convoy of cars, head framed in a tiny coronet. As we sat in my home of dense foliage, any semblance of which had long vanished from most of Lagos, I listened to their dreams, wistfully pondering-were these young enthusiasts the hidden spirit of Lagos, a butterfly seeking to break free of its cocoon?
The Lagos of my childhood was a well-laid-out maritime city. The...
- 3/14/2011
- by Wole Soyinka
- The Daily Beast
London — Celebrities including Robert Redford, Robert De Niro, and Sting have called on Iran to release a woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
In an open letter published Monday, more than 80 actors, artists, musicians, academics and politicians said that "Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has suffered enough."
Signatories include actor Colin Firth, artist Damien Hirst, Nobel literature laureates Wole Soyinka and V.S. Naipaul, British opposition leader Ed Miliband and former French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner. They say Ashtiani has already spent five years in prison and received 99 lashes.
They called on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to release her along with her son and lawyer, who are also imprisoned.
The letter was published on the front page of The Times of London newspaper.
Ashtiani, 43, was convicted in 2006 of having an "illicit relationship" with two men after the murder of her husband the year before...
In an open letter published Monday, more than 80 actors, artists, musicians, academics and politicians said that "Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has suffered enough."
Signatories include actor Colin Firth, artist Damien Hirst, Nobel literature laureates Wole Soyinka and V.S. Naipaul, British opposition leader Ed Miliband and former French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner. They say Ashtiani has already spent five years in prison and received 99 lashes.
They called on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to release her along with her son and lawyer, who are also imprisoned.
The letter was published on the front page of The Times of London newspaper.
Ashtiani, 43, was convicted in 2006 of having an "illicit relationship" with two men after the murder of her husband the year before...
- 12/13/2010
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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