“We are set to light up Frankfurt, Germany, with NFFG/NEGA” – Isaac Izoya, Cultural Ambassador
Three days to go:The founder of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V., Curator of the Nollywood Film Festival, Germany (NFFG) and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards, (NEGA), Isaac Izoya, has assured guests and movie buffs of maximum entertainment in the up coming event.”We are set to light up Frankfurt to entertain you,” he assured.
As part of his stride and collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in Germany, to promote the Nigerian culture, the cultural ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the new Consul General of the Nigerian Consulate in Frankfurt. He was warmly received by His Excellency Ambassador Yakubu Dadu and senior staff members, including Enejoh Solomon, Consul for Cultural Matters, and Valery Lapang, Trade Officer.
In his introductory speech, Mr. Enejoh Solomon briefed the Consul General on Izoya’s immense contributions in promoting Nigerian culture beyond German borders, over the past two decades. He highlighted Izoya’s efforts in exposing Nigerian artists through roadshows across European countries and the annual Nollywood Festival in Frankfurt, which the Mission has always supported. Additionally, Solomon noted Izoya’s role as the head of the Nigerian/German street festival, emphasizing how his experience has greatly aided the Consulate General in organizing this event since its inception two years ago.
Izoya, while addressing his host, expressed his gratitude to the Mission for their ongoing support of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V activities. He asked His Excellency, Ambassador CG Yakubu Dadu to continue the tradition of his predecessors by helping to lift the cultural torch higher. Izoya stressed the importance of cultural exposition projects to change the negative narrative about Nigeria, emphasizing that entertainment is a powerful tool in this regard. He also pointed out the global success of the Nigerian movie and music industries as evidence.
In his response, His Excellency, Ambassador CG Yakubu Dadu, PhD, expressed his joy at meeting Izoya. He described Izoya as an extraordinary Nigerian to be proud of and assured him of continued support. The Ambassador promised to attend the Nollywood Festival opening ceremony as the Host Ambassador and to be present at the Gala-Nite with all Consulate members. He also requested a list of invited guests from Africa to be submitted to immigration at the airport for easy passage. Ambassador Dadu pledged to do everything possible to support Ehizoya’s organization and its future cultural endeavours.
Giving an update on the up coming event, especially the award, Izoya explained that this year witnessed an unprecedented number of film submissions, making the selection process incredibly challenging for the screening committee.
“We are thrilled by the global response from filmmakers. Submissions came from as far as China, America, Iran, Germany, and various African countries. It’s gratifying to see our festival gaining international recognition, a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team, he explained.”
The cultural ambassador also expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from both the Hessen State Ministry of Arts and Culture in Frankfurt am Main, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Frankfurt, the German Embassy in Abuja, and the German Consulate General in Lagos during the visa processing for invited guests.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is its strategic location at the iconic Pupille Cinema and Event Center of Goethe University Frankfurt Am main. This venue boasts of a 24-hour public transport network and is surrounded by hotels, making it ideal for attendees outside the Germany.
“Frankfurt’s sightseeing locations define it as the most beautiful city in Germany, and we’re excited to fly the Nollywood flag here this year,” Izoya added.
Another exciting development is the arrival of the new ambassador, His Excellency CG Yakubu Dadu, whom they expect to uphold the tradition of being the host ambassador, offering a rare opportunity for many Nigerians to meet him for the first time.
The festival will kick off on August 2nd with the screening of two films:
“OFFSHOOT”
Director: Ayeny T. Steve (Uganda)
Starring: Kehinde Bankole, Kelechi Udegbe, Suleiman Ibrahim, and Bimbo Manuel
Producers: Oluwatoyin Adewumi and Benjamin Abejide Adeniran (Nigeria)
“IYEOBA”
Director/Producer: Dr. Henry Emeka Obidi (Nigeria)
Starring: Alex Usifo, Ngozi Ezeonu, Nosa Rex, and Maria Bessa.
On August 3rd, at 2:30 pm, the festival will feature the screening of the Ghanaian blockbuster
“A COUNTRY CALLED GHANA”
Directed by Frank Fii Gharbin and starring Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awrum, Victor Osuagwu, and Tony Hans, produced by Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin.
The festival will culminate in the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards NEGA-GALA-NITE on the same day at 9 pm. This gala night will showcase leading Nollywood celebrities and musicians, who will receive awards and offer live entertainment on stage, which will be complemented by performances from Europe-based artists.
Some of the guests expected to be in attendance include: His Excellency Ambassador Yakubu Dadu, Nigerian Consul General, Ms. Svetlana Svyatskaya, Frankfurt’s Ministry of Arts and Culture representative, Chief Mike Itua from Hannover, Elder Engr Jacklyn Imade Iyamu and Elder Ajibola Antonio.
President Association of Movie Producers – Ambassador Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Nollywood icon Kalu Ikeagwu, New Nollywood sensational actress Sarah Martins, Cynthia Agholor, Julius A. Amioje, Dr. Henry Emeka Obidi – Director/Producer of Iyeoba, Ayeny T. Steve – director of Offshoot, Oluwatoyin Adewumi – producer of Offshoot, Frank Fii Gharbin – director of A Country called Ghana and Tony Haas, Edo State Ex-Commissioner of Arts and Culture Mrs. Osifo Ekogiawe Omerede, Felix Duke, Founder of Nigeria Creative Industry and renowned traditional Afrobeat artists UK based 24Bits and his “Edo Sons Of Legends,” Nigeria base crew: Great Ojo Orobosa, Newman Ugbo. Eddy Donbraye, Yande Idahosa, and Edes Okojie.
The two – day event which will take place on 2nd-3rd August will hold at Pupille Cinema and Event Center of Goethe University Frankfurt Am main.
