The Nollywood Producers Guild USA held its official inauguration event
recently in New York.
The event also witnessed the recognition of some individuals and
organizations that have contributed and continue to contribute to the
growth of the Nollywood and African film and entertainment industries.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Guild, Hon. Oliver O. Mbamara,
said “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.”
The event which was hosted by former Miss Nigeria and Nollywood A-List
actress, Regina Askia was widely attended by industry professionals as
well as other dignitaries including the Ag Consul General of Nigeria in
New York represented by Mrs. C. A. Okorie-Haidara, Consul/Head of Chancery
Nigerian Consulate in New York and the Deputy Mayor of Newark, Hon.
Ugochukwu Nwaokoro.
The event featured a lecture conference session and panel featuring such
high profile speakers as Professor Jonathan Haynes, Professor Yusuf
Juwayeyi, Dr. Sylvester Okere, Bollywood’s Kanti Pandya, and Nollywood’s
Uche Jombo, dealing with Nollywood and filmmaking related topics. The
topics were well recieved by the audience.
The officers of the Guild were sworn in by Judge Mojgan Sobhani who also
inducted all 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). The trailer of the movie titled, “It Takes A Man.” which was
shot by a collaboration of mostly members of the Guild was showcased at
the beginning of the event. Among other highlights of the event was the
world premiere of Koleurz’s new hit single “Better Naija.”
Those who received the Nollywood Producers Guild USA Merit award were
~Iman Drammeh of the Drammeh Institute, Dr. Vicotor Olatoye of NAFCA and
Emem Isong, Nollywood Producer. The Nollywood USA film titled 30 Days in
Atlanta also received Guild’s Merit Award 2016 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.