Nollywood veteran, Wale Ojo, is set to direct a new film, This is Not a Nollywood Movie, the actor announced in a social media post on August 17, 2024.

“Presenting my second directorial feature, ‘This is Not a Nollywood Movie.’ This satirical film is an explosive comedy that promises its way to your hearts through joy and laughter,” he wrote in the caption of the video.

Ojo began his acting career as a child actor in the UK television series, Othello. He came into the limelight in 1995 for his role in The Hard Case.

In 2012, he won the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actor for his leading role in Phone Swap. He’s also popularly known for his comedy series, Meet the Adebanjos, which bagged him a nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2018.

Ojo has featured in several movies ever since, including Half of a Yellow Sun, Big Man, A Letter from Adam, When Love Happens, Ojukokoro, Lara and the Beat, and Breath of Life which earned him a Best Lead Actor award at this year’s AMVCA.

He founded the New Nigeria Cinema project, an initiative aimed at improving the quality and global reach of Nigerian films. Ojo is also a dedicated advocate for education and the arts, often participating in workshops and mentoring young talents.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan wrapped up their visit to Colombia on Sunday by participating in a forum on the challenges facing women of African descent as they participate in politics.

The couple also met with young people as part of a traditional music festival in the Pacific coast city of Cali.

The tour by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex began Thursday at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez, Colombia’s first Black vice president. The visit has been defined by cultural and social causes, in line with the couple’s support of the Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Surrounded by the Afro-influenced sounds of drums, saxophones, marimbas and poetry, the couple sat in the front row hearing reflections from Black leaders at a forum called “Afro Women and Power.”

“I can feel this embrace from Colombia. It is incredible, thank you very much,” the Duchess of Sussex said in Spanish to the forum of Afro-Colombian women and leaders, revealing that she learned the language 20 years ago.

The role of leaders implies working “to reduce inequality and poverty” in Black communities, panelist Ana Granja said in describing challenges for female leaders in Colombia. She said the struggle of Black women to participate in politics is more complex because of racism and discrimination.

“Our living conditions make us strong, brave women,” Colombia’s vice president added. Márquez asked the couple to generate financial support and strengthen social programs for women affected by gender violence and youth.

The event’s objective was to show the work “to restore dignity to ethnic peoples” and promote actions for the development and welfare of women, children and adolescents, the vice president said.

A day earlier, Harry and his wife visited two towns recognized for preserving their African roots. They met with communities and their leaders in towns like San Basilio de Palanque in Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of “Friends” sitcom actor Matthew Perry on October 28, 2024.

According to reports, the charges were announced by the U.S. attorney’s office on August 15, 2024, during a press conference in Los Angeles. This comes after investigators stated that they uncovered an underground network of drug sellers and suppliers allegedly responsible for distributing the ketamine that killed the actor.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said the defendants “took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues.” According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, said defendants included two doctors, Perry’s live-in personal assistant and a person referred to as “The Ketamine Queen.”

Three of the five charged have reached a plea agreement and the other two defendants, namely Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, were indicted on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Plasencia pleaded not guilty to charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation. He was held on a $100,000 unsecured bond and surrendered his DEA license, which allowed him to prescribe controlled substances, on an order from Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. His trial has since been set for October 8, 2024.

Sangha pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.

Matthew Perry was a beloved actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom, Friends. He died on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. Perry was found floating face-down in a stand-alone jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home. After investigations, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy report revealed that the actor died as a result of “acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning.

Doyinsola T. Ajayi is an emerging filmmaker whose introduction to filmmaking started in 2023 after the Accelerate Filmmaker Project.

In an official statement, she revealed that her all-Indian film, Where Tides Meet, will be screening on the opening night of the Mississauga Fringe Festival which will be held from August 19 to August 25, 2024.

“Breaking glass ceilings and entering new territories. I directed a film with an all-Indian cast! Screening at the opening night of the Mississauga Fringe Festival.”
On handling the language barrier, Ajayi shared how she was able to navigate throughout the film’s production.

“Someone asked, “How did you manage the language barrier? Truth is, when I got this opportunity, I never saw race or language as a barrier. It was a beautiful challenge to test my skills as a director. From the beginning of the project, I was clear about what I wanted and how I wanted it and I was privileged to work with a cast that listened to me and gave me their best performance.”

Having worked in the marketing space for almost a decade, Ajayi thought it was time to explore a different career path.

Her first two short films Do or Die and Maki have been selected and nominated local and international film festivals, including Toronto International Nollywood Festivals.

In a relatively short period, Ajayi has made significant strides in the film industry, demonstrating good skill and vision, a template for other emerging female filmmakers. Her journey reflects a promising future ahead.