Directors: Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal, Canada 2008. 75 minutes. Rated 12A

The festival kicks off with a panel discussion featuring industry insiders, followed by a screening of the Canadian documentary feature Nollywood Babylon, which captures the Nigerian film industry in its social and political context. A great ‘beginners guide’ for people new to Nollywood.

The launch night panel discussion, chaired by the festival director, included:

• Alfred Soroh, Managing Director of Nollywood Channel (Sky 329)
• Dr. Gareth Stanton, Head of Media and Communication at Goldsmiths, University of London
• Adekunle Detokunbo-Bello, Nigerian actor, film-maker and academic
• Moses Babatope, Odeon Cinemas’ special projects manager for Nollywood

Nollywood Now panel discussion 6 Oct 2010 by phoenixworld

Director: Kingsley Ogoro, 2003. 105 minutes. Starring: Nkem Owoh. Rated 12A

One of the biggest and best loved Nigerian comedy movies ever. When he inherits his brother’s fortune, Osuofia (Nkem Owo) swaps village life for the bright lights of London. The jokes are mostly on him, but he’s smart enough to spot a scam when he sees one. Not to be missed!

Introduced with a talk from the film’s co-producer Dr Kola Munis.

Tickets for sale on the door.

Director: Tade Ogidan, 2004.  Starring: Ramsey Noah, Danielle Moubarak, Stella Damascas, Sola Shobowale. Running time 135 minutes. Rated 15

Nollywood megastar Ramsey Nouah plays a double role as twin brothers. The quieter twin convinces his brash Lagos-based brother to go to London and pretend to be him and get his British wife pregnant. Drama, violence and betrayal follow.

Introduced by Elizabeth Obisanya, film-maker and lobbyist. Screenwriter of Cashback Paper or Plastic, Death by Witchcraft and Moll Flanders Saved By Grace.

Tickets for sale on the door.

Director: Izu Ojukwu, 2008. 100 minutes. Starring: O.C. Ukeje, Joke Silva, Rita Dominic. Rated PG

A tear-jerking teen sports romance. Melvin may be a bit slow, but he can run faster than anyone on the university athletics team. Will he make the championships and get the girl? Or will he withdraw into himself – with only a fish called Loneliness for company?

Introduced by Dr Gareth Stanton, African film academic and head of the Department of Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Director: Tunde Kelani, 2009. 95 minutes, Yoruba with English subtitles. Starring: Segun Adefila, Bukola Awoyemi, Peter Badejo. Rated 12A

Music, dance and teenage romance, set against a background of ancient tradition – and corruption. Star director Tunde Kelani takes on tradition and modernity, as symbolised by the Arugba – a virgin who carries the sacrificial calabash during the annual Osun Osogbo festival.

Introduced by Dr. Oluyinka Esan, Senior Lecturer in Media and Film Studies, Winchester University.

One man. One woman. One house. These simple elements create a scorching comedy melodrama about conflict, insecurity and distrust within a marriage. Will there be a happy ending? You’ll have to watch the film to the very end.

Produced by and starring Saidi Balogun and Doris Simeon. Directed by Daniel Ademinokan.
Yoruba with English subtitles. 92 minutes. Certificate U.

Introduced by Adekunle Detokunbo-Bello, Nigerian actor, film-maker and academic.

Buy tickets on the door.