9th edition of the Nollywood Film Festival in Germany

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The 9th edition of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany, alongside its sister event, the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA), brought together a remarkable assembly of notable figures from Nigerian communities across Europe and beyond. 

The vibrant and distinguished attendees marked a dream come true for the organizers, making the event a resounding success.

The festivities were officially declared open by the new Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Frankfurt, Ambassador Yakubu Dadu, PhD. In his opening address, he expressed his enthusiasm for meeting such a significant cultural initiative in Frankfurt.

 He committed to partnering with Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V to promote Nigeria’s image globally, emphasizing the power of Nollywood in projecting Nigeria to the world positively. "Isaac Izoya, thank you for making our job easier. 

We will capitalize on this platform and bring even more stars to next year's event," Ambassador Dadu declared before declaring the festival open.

The Nollywood Film Festival Germany 2024 and NEGA Awards Gala Night, held at the iconic Pupille Kino at Goethe University in Frankfurt, were eagerly anticipated by Nollywood fans and film industry professionals alike, and the event did not disappoint. 

Organised under the watchful eyes of the esteemed event director Isaac Izoya of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, the event left a lasting impression, with memories and discussions continuing to resonate.

Day one featured the screening of “OFFSHOOT,” produced by award-winning creative producer Toyin Adewumi, who was present at the event. Directed by Ayeny T. Steve and distributed by Cinemax, the film follows Modesire Mbakwe, a wife and mother who becomes the Acting Head of Operations and General Investigation at the National Drug Agency (NDA). 

The film delves into issues like drug trafficking, corruption, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields. Its cinematic brilliance lies in its seamless blend of love and family themes, keeping the audience captivated. 

The storyline also showcased a new sense of poetic justice in Nollywood, emphasizing that actions have consequences, as seen when the character Dike Mbakwe, played by Kelechi Udegbe, is arrested at the order of his wife Dee (Kehinde Bankole).

The second screening of the day was “IYEOBA,” directed by Dr. Henry Emeka Obidi, who also attended the event. Iyeoba was one of the most eagerly awaited films centered on the Benin Kingdom, particularly for its cultural and historical narratives tied to the ongoing campaigns for the return of Benin artifacts from European countries. 

The film features prominent stars from Nollywood, the United States, and the United Kingdom, such as Alex Usifo, Ngozi Nzeonu, Nosa Rex, and Maria Bessa, showcasing Nollywood’s diversity and global appeal.

Day two featured the screening of “A COUNTRY CALLED GHANA,” which captivated audiences before the main event—the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards NEGA Gala Night, an annual gathering of society’s elite. The event was a dazzling display of African culture in the heart of Frankfurt, Germany.

The event attracted distinguished personalities from various fields, including the host, Ambassador, His Excellency, CG Ambassador Yakubu Dadu PhD, who marked the opening with a minute of silence in respect of the great Nigerian singer Onyeka Onwenu, who had recently passed away after a stage performance in Nigeria. 

Other notable attendees included senior staff of the Nigerian Consulate General in Frankfurt, Valery Lapang, Ismail Ahmed, and Mr. Solomon Enejoh, along with the Nigeria ruling party Assistant National Treasurer and the former Edo State of Nigeria Ex-Commissioner of Arts and Culture - Hon. Omorede Ekogiawe Osifo from Abuja, Nigeria, and Prof. Stephania A. A. Alofuokhai-Ghogomu (JP) Berlin.

Some of the top A-List Nollywood filmmakers and NEGA Awards recipients included the president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Dr. Ambassador Queen Blessing Ebigieson, director of "Iyeoba" and producer of "Offshoot" Dr. Henry Emeka Obidi (NEGA award of Merit for Directing), Toyin Adewumi, British-born Nigerian star Kalu Ikeagu (Outstanding Legend Award of the Year), and legendary Felix Duke (Living Legend Award of the Year). 

The event was graced by numerous musicians, actors, and key figures who have contributed to the growth of the Nollywood industry.

The NEGA Awards (Nollywood Europe Golden Awards) is a prestigious platform that honors Nollywood stakeholders, stars, comedians, musicians, and outstanding politicians and businesspeople who have directly or indirectly impacted Nigerians worldwide and the industry. 

This significant event in the Nollywood calendar marks the end of the Nollywood festival, often showcasing the best of Nollywood and celebrating those who have made important contributions to the industry. It is a platform that recognizes talent and promotes the growth and development of the Nollywood industry.

The organisation has been able to pull the crème de la crème of industries across the globe to Frankfurt for its annual events in the past. Among the notable figures who have graced the event are Senator Donzella James of Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Hollywood filmmaker Queen Blessing Ose Itua, Ph.D.; award-winning Development Advocate and recipient of President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Service; and His Excellency, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany now Minister of Foreign Affairs, to name a few.

Event director Isaac Izoya expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Consulate General in Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Cultural Office for their unwavering support, particularly in securing visas for star guests and securing the iconic event venue.

He also appealed for sponsorship to help carry the growing responsibilities associated with the event.

The 2024 Nollywood Film Festival Germany and NEGA Awards Gala Night were marked by vibrant fashion, endless entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities, leaving attendees with memories to cherish for a long time.