Culture

Netflix puts Nigerian thriller, ‘The Black Book’ on world map

Published

7 months ago

October 19, 2023

Nigerian blockbuster movie, “The Black Book”, is now ontop of global streaming platform, Netflix’s charts around the world, and is currently ranked among the three most-watched films in countries like South Korea, Brazil and the US.

According to a release by the platform on Thursday, the Nollywood thriller has been the most-watched movie worldwide for the past one week, marking a historic achievement for a Nigerian film ever.

The director of the hit movie, Editi Effiong had earlier told the BBC he had been blown away by the response to his film. With this worldwide acceptance, his action thriller has not only captivated audiences, but also reshaped the perception of Nollywood, as Nigeria’s film industry is known.

“The Black Book”, which stars legendary Nigerian actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, alongside other super stars like Sam Dede, Alex Osifo, Iretiola Doyle, Patrick Doyle, Femi Branch, Olumide Oworu, Bimbo Manuel, Boki Ofodile, Nobert Young, Shaffy Bello, and a host of others, “traces the inevitable scourge of corruption amongst top officials of oil and gas in the metropolitan city of Lagos and Kaduna,” according to Effiong.

“The film delivers a powerful message about police brutality and government corruption, issues which sparked Nigeria’s #EndSars protests of 2020,” the director said, adding that though an entirely Nollywood film, “The Black Book” had a “Hollywood face” which had made it a film for an international audience.

Effiong went on to explain that the film was produced with a budget of $1 million through 100% Nigerian financing, showcasing “the power of belief and self-reliance”, he said.

“We don’t have to wait for someone to bring us money. We don’t have to wait for handouts. We can do this.”

Related Topics:Featured Netflix Nollywood Movie The Black Book

Click to comment

Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

23 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.