Screen Nolly by Jimi D Baldheaded Guy

29/01/2025

BRITISH NIGERIAN ACTORS - A list of actors Blending Heritage and Talent to Captivate the Global Stage

British Nigerian actors are making a significant impact on the global entertainment scene, celebrated for their exceptional talent and captivating performances. Born and raised in the UK to Nigerian parents, these stars embrace a rich blend of cultural identities. From proudly speaking Igbo or Yoruba to savouring Jollof rice and dodo, they remain deeply connected to their Nigerian roots while thriving within a British upbringing. This unique cultural fusion enriches their personal stories and fuels their creativity, enabling them to shine in the competitive world of film and television. Their journeys illustrate the power of embracing heritage while achieving excellence on a global scale.

From blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed dramas, British Nigerian actors have become household names. John Boyega, best known for his standout role in Star Wars, and Cynthia Erivo, an EGOT nominee celebrated for her portrayal of Harriet, exemplify this star power. Chiwetel Ejiofor, a BAFTA-winning actor recognized for 12 Years a Slave, continues to inspire with his versatility—having landed a pivotal role in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad while still in drama school. Similarly, David Oyelowo, celebrated for his performances in Selma and The United Kingdom, has earned an OBE for his contributions to drama. Rising stars like Wunmi Mosaku, Wale Ojo, and Bukky Bakray—who became the youngest-ever recipient of BAFTA’s Rising Star Award for her powerful debut in Rocks—are further enriching the industry with their authenticity and compelling narratives.

These achievements not only celebrate their heritage but also pave the way for the next generation of talent. Rising stars such as Damson Idris and Tosin Cole, cast in Paramount’s highly anticipated adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, demonstrate the innate talent that sets British Nigerian actors apart. Meanwhile, Deborah Ayorinde continues to showcase her range with standout roles in Riches and Them.

There are many more and this is what SCREENNOLLY profiles with this curated list of British Nigerian Actors who continue to shine while honouring their roots

Read the full feature article
https://bit.ly/3WGambE

23/01/2025

PARAMOUNT PICTURES UNVEILS STAR-STUDDED CAST FOR CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE ADAPTATION

Paramount Pictures has officially announced the principal cast for the much-anticipated adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s acclaimed young adult novel, Children of Blood and Bone. The film will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, renowned for her work on the 2022 historical action epic The Woman King.

The main cast will be led by Thuso Mbedu(Woman King), Damson Idris (Farming) Amanda Stenberg ( The Hate U Give) and Tosin Cole (SupaCell)

Additionally, an impressive supporting cast has been confirmed, featuring Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor while negotiations are also underway with Regina King, Diana Babnicova, and BAFTA youngest Rising Star Award recipient, Bukky Bakray for additional roles.

Filming is set to commence in South Africa, with Prince-Bythewood expressing excitement about the project, stating, “This incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora.” Furthermore, an opening casting call has been announced to include Nollywood actors in supporting roles, emphasising the film’s commitment to authenticity and representation.

This cinematic adaptation of Adeyemi’s best-selling novel marks a significant step in bringing the richly imagined world of Orïsha to life on the big screen in January 2027

- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy

23/01/2025

Osas is a 2012 comedy-drama written and produced by Mercy Aigbe, who also stars as the titular lead. The film follows the story of an ambitious young woman from Benin who moves to Lagos to pursue her university education. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn as she stumbles into a glamorous world leading to a series of misadventures.
Directed by Muyideen S. Ayinde, Osas features an ensemble cast, including Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham, and Kayode Akinbayo, with appearances by Kelvin Ikedua, Muyideen Oladapo, Henrietta Kosoko, and more.

Streaming in four-parts on Youtube

22/01/2025

Sandra Okunzuwa ’s movie, Sister Peninah, presents a compelling narrative centred around Peninah, a devoutly religious woman whose zealous beliefs ultimately cost her a hard-earned job. Ironically, it was these same beliefs that propelled her to break barriers and secure lucrative contracts for her company—contracts they had long struggled to win.

With the intervention of a supportive friend, Peninah finds a new opportunity working for her flirtatious boss, Justin (TooSweet Anan), as a childminder to his daughter, Angel, brilliantly portrayed by child actress Michelle Oluwafemi
The romantic comedy perhaps with a religious theme leaves a lot to be desired in all significant areas of delivering a good production.

Nevertheless, Okunzuwa who played the lead role was able to engage the viewers with her brilliant interpretation of Sister Peninah. Wouldn’t have expected less since she developed the story, financed and produced it, and its even streaming on her YouTube channel, TV

P.S.
Notice the shift in her voice and tone during the closing scene when she received the Midas Touch.
Hmm, Sister Peninah!

15/01/2025

NOLLYWOOD HIGHEST GROSSING BOX OFFICE RATINGS 2024 - What's Fair and What's Misleading

The various 'Highest Grossing Box Office' ratings for directors, writers, DOPs, and editors compiled by Film One Entertainment for 2024 seem superfluous and misleading.

Although the criteria stated that “An editor/DOP/Director/Writer of one or more films released in 2024 and grossed over 20 million each as of the 31st of December 2024”, the ratings should have been confined strictly to the financial performance of the movies themselves. Any additional ratings for directors, DOPs, editors, or writers beyond the box office figures can be considered sensationalised, superfluous, and potentially misleading.

The appropriate method for inferring the creative team's success should directly align with the movie's position on the box office list. For instance, as Ajosepo ranks fifth on the highest-grossing box office list, it naturally follows that the associated director, DOP, writer, editor, and producer share in that recognition, reflective of the movie's standing.

However, complications arise when individuals are attributed ratings based on cumulative achievements across multiple films. For example, if an editor worked on two separate movies that are both highly successful at the box office, it is incorrect to aggregate the box office earnings of both films to ascribe a new, combined rating for the editor. Each movie should be evaluated on its own merits, and the professional's contributions should be recognised within the context of each film.

The 'Highest Grossing Box Office Editor' list shows a clear case of this misrepresentation. Editors Adeyemi Shomade and Kayode Aransiola were credited for their work on Farmer’s Bride, and All is Fair. Additionally, Shomade received a higher rating for his work on Aburo. However, since All is Fair and Aburo did not make the official list of highest-grossing movies, the ratings attributed to Shomade and Aransiola based on these films are inaccurate.

Understandably, they deserve to be recognised for their significant contributions, but it is crucial to restrict such acknowledgement to the films themselves, using standardised financial performance as the sole metric. Recognising individual contributions should be inherently tied to the film's success without artificially inflating ratings through cumulative achievements. This approach ensures clarity fairness, and reflects the industry's accomplishments.

The awards systems are better suited to celebrate the worth of these creative professionals more appropriately and accurately

- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy

15/01/2025

NOLLYWOOD HIGHEST GROSSING BOX OFFICE RATINGS - What's Fair and What's Misleading

The various 'Highest Grossing Box Office' ratings for directors, writers, DOPs, and editors compiled by Film One Entertainment for 2024 seem superfluous and misleading.

Although the criteria stated that “An editor/DOP/Director/Writer of one or more films released in 2024 and grossed over 20 million each as of the 31st of December 2024”, the ratings should have been confined strictly to the financial performance of the movies themselves. Any additional ratings for directors, DOPs, editors, or writers beyond the box office figures can be considered sensationalised, superfluous, and potentially misleading.

The appropriate method for inferring the creative team's success should directly align with the movie's position on the box office list. For instance, as Ajosepo ranks fifth on the highest-grossing box office list, it naturally follows that the associated director, DOP, writer, editor, and producer share in that recognition, reflective of the movie's standing.

However, complications arise when individuals are attributed ratings based on cumulative achievements across multiple films. For example, if an editor worked on two separate movies that are both highly successful at the box office, it is incorrect to aggregate the box office earnings of both films to ascribe a new, combined rating for the editor. Each movie should be evaluated on its own merits, and the professional's contributions should be recognised within the context of each film.

The 'Highest Grossing Box Office Editor' list shows a clear case of this misrepresentation. Editors Adeyemi Shomade and Kayode Aransiola were credited for their work on Farmer’s Bride, and All is Fair. Additionally, Shomade received a higher rating for his work on Aburo. However, since All is Fair and Aburo did not make the official list of highest-grossing movies, the ratings attributed to Shomade and Aransiola based on these films are inaccurate.

Understandably, they deserve to be recognised for their significant contributions, but it is crucial to restrict such acknowledgement to the films themselves, using standardised financial performance as the sole metric. Recognising individual contributions should be inherently tied to the film's success without artificially inflating ratings through cumulative achievements. This approach ensures clarity fairness, and reflects the industry's accomplishments.

The awards systems are better suited to celebrate the worth of these creative professionals more appropriately and accurately.

- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy

10/01/2025

Daniel Etim Effiong stars in two comedy-dramas exploring the complexities of marriage. In Cuffs & Curves, he plays a husband navigating the challenges of a wife, portrayed by Onyii Alexx Alex, who becomes a religious fanatic in her quest for a child. In Make or Break, Effiong portrays a man grappling with a childless marriage, where his wife, played by UCHE JOMBO Jombo, emerges as the family's breadwinner. Effiong's performances are compelling and nuanced in these films, both available for streaming on YouTube.

09/01/2025

The 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, held in Kwara State on Sunday, November 2024, was a night of glitz and glamour.

Femi Adebayo clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in Jagun Jagun, while Wunmi Dada took home Best Actress for her role in Unknown Soja. The film Unknown Soja also earned Darasimi Nadi the award for Best Child Actress. The Best Director award was jointly won by Adebayo Tijani and Sodiq Adebayo, with Jagun Jagun also receiving Best Indigenous Picture. A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the iconic Kanayo O. Kanayo.

The unforgettable night at Sugar Factory Film Studios was hosted by a superstar actress and producer, Toyin Abraham

08/01/2025

ACTORS TO WATCH IN 2025

2024 has been a dynamic year for the Nollywood industry as it captivated audiences worldwide with its deep storytelling and evolving artistry. Most of these flicks improved tremendously in cinematography and editing, while some even successfully introduced VFX and elaborate camera shots to enhance their narratives.

However, major compliments are given to the brilliant actors who have successfully interpreted the demanding roles that have helped the movies to various critical acclaims.

Screennolly highlights actors who delivered standout performances in 2024, taking the lead or significant supporting roles in films released for UK cinemas and global streaming platforms. Our selection intentionally excludes actors starring in lead roles in their productions, focusing instead on those whose talents were sought by independent filmmakers trusting their ability to add value. These rising stars and established names are poised to make even greater strides in Nollywood, especially in 2025

Read the full feature article
https://bit.ly/4fNyek3

05/01/2025

SCREENNOLLY TOP MOVIES 2024

As the curtain falls on 2024, it’s time to celebrate the cinematic gems that have captured audiences in the UK and beyond. The entertainment landscape was graced with an extraordinary mix of movies and drama series showcasing the best of global storytelling. SCREENNOLLY, a UK-based digital platform promoting Nollywood and African cinema, proudly presents its curated list of Top Movies and Drama Series for 2024. These selections spotlight titles that either screened in UK cinemas or streamed across popular platforms, reflecting the growing appreciation for diverse narratives that resonate with a global audience. From captivating cross-cultural dramas to groundbreaking Nollywood blockbusters, these stories have left an indelible mark on viewers and critics alike.

Read full feature
https://bit.ly/3PoFF6H

27/12/2024

20/12/2024

Omowunmi Dada Vs Yvonne Jegede.

19/12/2024

SCREENNOLLY THROWBACK - ASEWO TO RE MECCA

Asewo to Re Mecca (1992), starring Toyin Adegbola and Sola Sobowale, follows two young women, Kudirat Afolasade (Sobowale) and Kuburat Ajoke (Adegbola), who survive by relying on wealthy men. Seeking a fresh start, they secure sponsorship for a pilgrimage to Mecca, vowing to abandon their past lives upon their return.

Produced by Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) under the Awada Keri Keri banner and directed by Afọlábí Adesanya, the film became one of the first Yoruba home-video hits alongside Asiri Nla. Despite its success, it faced a ban from the censoring board for "abusing religious sensibilities."

The movie helped launch the careers of its leading actresses. Toyin Adegbola, nicknamed "Ajoke Asewo to Re Mecca," became the first female producer in the Yoruba film industry, while Sola Sobowale went on to star in major Nollywood productions.

Also featuring Oga Bello, Sunday Omobolanle (Papa Aluwe), and Jide Kosoko, the film remains a key piece of Yoruba cinema history.

Watch the full movie on YouTube!

18/12/2024

Happy Birthday to Nancy Isime Isime known for outstanding performances in movies like Obara'm, The Superstar, Kambili the whole 30 yards and hit series Shanty Town and Blood Sister, The star actress and fitness enthusiast turned 33 on Tuesday 17th Dec '24

Wishing her the best and more wins

17/12/2024

ROSE & IVY - Biodun Stephen Delivers a Captivating Drama Series on Prime Video

Rose & Ivy, starring Uche Montana Munachi Abii and Taye Arimoro, is a compelling drama from Biodun Stephen that delves into the intense bond between two sisters, whose unconditional love leads to unforeseen and life-altering consequences.

Read the full review
https://bit.ly/3ZNQSUa

And watch on Prime Video

12/12/2024

A scene from Funke Akindele's first blockbuster comedy, Jenifa.

Released 2008 and directed by Muyideen S. Ayinde, the movie marked Akindele's breakthrough and crossover and also earned her the 2009 AMAA award for Best Actress in a Leading Role alongside The 2008 three other nominations for Supporting Role, Best Original Soundtrack, and Best Nigerian Film.

Based on that success, she expanded it into a series of instalments, that includes a sequel, The return of Jenifa, TV series Jenifa Diaries, and two Web series ;Aiyetoro Town and Jenifa on Lockdown.

After a series of blockbusters releases that includes the phenomenal A Trybe Called Judah, Akindele returns to the screens in December 2024 for a global release of a Jenifa series, Everybody Loves Jenifa. The highly anticipated star studded movie will premiere and open to no less than 40 cinemas in Nigeria, Europe, The Caribbean and Canada from December 13th.

The UK premiere slated for the 20th December at the Odeon Cinema, Greenwich has already sold out too large room and a 3rd screen has been added.

Tickets for UK Screenings are obtainable online at the Odeon Cinemas https://bit.ly/ELJUK2024

Also read a special report on the remarkablejourney of the movie and its filmmaker by - Jimi D Baldheaded Guy
https://bit.ly/3ZNQSUa

07/12/2024

UNFAITHFULS : Love, Lies, and Betrayal unravels in Omoni Oboli’s Romantic Drama.

Starring Omoni Oboli Chioma Akpotha and Daniel Etim Effiong, Unfaithfuls is an intensely romantic drama packed with unimaginable deceits, infidelity, backbiting and scheming between friends, lovers and married couples

Though the 97-minute feature lacks good editing and cinematography, the cast, including Bimbo Manuel, Anthony Manjaro and Chy Nwakanwa, brilliantly interprets the roles and delivers a captivating narrative that keeps unfolding with layers of intrigue.

Recommended to watch on YouTube

Read full review
https://bit.ly/4fTBQSB