Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong Honoured by WOW Divas Int’l

Delectable Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda and prominent producer Emem Isong have both been distinguished and specially honoured for their “outstanding contribution to raising awareness, understanding and hope to those affected by autism spectrum disorder and advocating for them.” The two major Nollywood players, who recently took part in the production of the first film on Autism ever produced in Nigeria, were awarded by WOW Divas, an international network of professional women, at their second Autism Awareness Conference held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Four Point by Sheraton in Lekki Lagos.

Speaking on the award, Monalisa Chinda and Emem Isong said: “It feels great to be honoured and encouraged to do more. Though we deal in different fields, we have something in common, and that is helping people to improve themselves and live a meaningful life.”

Speakers and special guests at the event included Dr. Abiodun Aluko, Dr. Bosede Askhia, Dr. Yinka Akindayomi, Adeola Holloway Oduyemi, Dotun Akande, Mrs. Udo Maryanne Okonjo and Honourable Jerry Alagbaosa, member of the Imo State House of Rep amongst others. Parents and caregivers, who filled the hall to the brim, were eager to receive more information on Autism which is affecting more and more families in Nigeria. The conference which also saw the launch of The Nigerian Autism Directory emphasized key messages, one of which includes,“Autism is
not a death sentence! With early diagnosis, intervention and therapy, the child can recover without a trace.”

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A-LISTERS SET TO STORM UYO FOR INI EDO & EMEM ISONG

Come the 24th of September 2011, the Banquet Hall, in the City of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State will stand still as the smash hit movie 'I'll Take My Chances', jointly produced by Ini Edo and Emem Isong berths there with top of the crop celebrities in tow.

Billed to be a superlative event with movie stars such as Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Jackie Appiah, Genevieve Nnaji ,the duo of Aki and Paw Paw as well as Patience Ozokwor aka ‘Mama G’ and a host of others in attendance.

The premiere which is being supported by Akwa Ibom State government will form part of the events lined up for the celebration of the Anniversary of the state’s creation. In line with this, dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside the state cutting across different professions such as media, entertainment, politics and the banking sector will all be part of the epoch making event.

Engaging the audience with his wits will be no other than the talented Basorge Tariah Junior who will compere the event. Also thrilling the guests will be the music sensations; Wande Coal and J-Martins.

According to one of the producers, Emem Isong, the dance-themed movie which parades stars like multiple award winning actress and new face of Noble Hair, Ini Edo, ex Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, Jide Kosoko, Biola Williams, Lilian Ikpe, dance sensation, Ashleigh Clark and the late Nollywood veteran, Sam Loco Efe will go to Uyo first because most of the film was shot there and depicts culture from that area and also as a show of harmony with the accommodating and supportive people of Akwa Ibom.

Also star actress Ini Edo had this to say on her role in the movie; “I had to work very hard to get into character because this is the first time I’m playing this kind of challenging role where virtually everything you do is dance and act at the same time. Aside that, as an executive producer, Emem and I did not leave any stone unturned. We gave it our all and I can confidently say, this is the biggest movie we’ve ever done in terms of budget, depth, and production inputs”.

Directed by one of the best from Nollywood, Desmond Elliot, the movie which is a medley of drama, suspense, dance and love will excite those passionate about dance as well as movies. I’ll Take My Chances is dedicated to the memory of the late Sam Loco Efe and the Premiere will also feature a short documentary on him.

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I'll Take My Chances Premieres!

‘I’ll Take My Chances’ – The Movie Premieres this September!

Lagos, Nigeria (September 13 2011) – ‘I’ll Take My Chances’ the much anticipated block buster, is premiering in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on September 24th 2011!

The movie which stars talented actress, Ini Edo and hot new heartthrob Bryan Okwara and lovely dance sensation, Ashleigh Clark is being premiered in Uyo for the world to see. The movie which was shot in early February has been in post production is finally ready to be revealed to the world. The movie features a stellar cast that includes a retinue of dancers, as well as respected actor Jide Kosoko, Lilian Ikpe, Biola Williams and the late Sam Efe Loco in a spectacular tale that involves drama, suspense, dance and love. The movie was produced by Emem Isong & Ini Edo and directed by Desmond Elliot.

According to Emem Isong, co-producer of the film: 'We decided to premiere the movie in Uyo as a show of solidarity with the good people of Akwa Ibom because most of the film was shot there and depicts culture from that area. We also received much support while shooting so it will be great for them to see it first. September also happens to be the month Akwa Ibom state was created so I think its very apt for it to be shown during that period. It is poignant for me to release this film because this is possibly one of the last most recent films acted by Uncle Sam and he was outstanding in his performance! The film is infact dedicated to him'.

‘I’ll Take My Chances’ screens in cinemas nationwide in December this year.

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THE GLITZY PREMIERE OF ‘KISS AND TELL’

Anyone passing through the Ahmadu Bello way, Victiria Island, on June 20, 2011, could sense a mile away that something extraordinary was happening at the Silverbird Galleria. From the long traffic, to the filled Silverbird car park, to the large number of dapperly looking guests walking into the galleria and the red carpet stand that was flooded with stars, the event could not have been anything other than the premiere of ‘Kiss and Tell’.

The Kiss and tell premiere started at about 4pm with a red carpet event at the Atrium of the Silverbird Cinemas, which lasted for about four hours as against the two hours planned out. This was not surprising though, as the large number of paparazzi on ground could not have enough of the long list of stars on ground. The role call of stars in attendance include; Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong, Joseph Benjamin, Uche Jumbo, Lilian Bach, Susan Bash, Julius Agwu, Fred Amata and a whole lot of others.

At about 8pm guests moved into the hall for the premiere proper. The Nigerian comedian and radio presenter Yaw, who was the anchor of the event, came on stage and introduced the executive producer, producer and the cast of the movie who took a bow after a resounding applause from the audience.

Guests were taken through several crescendos of fun and laughter as the romantic comedy ‘Kiss and Tell’ came up on the screen. Executive producer of the movie Monalisa Chinda and producer, Emem Isong were all smiles after the movie as the standing ovation and applause they got after the movie signalled to them that they did a good job.

‘Kiss and Tell’ features A-list Nollywood actors like Desmond Elliot who also directed the movie, Monalisa Chinda, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Uche Jombo, Joseph Benjamin, Bhaira Mcwizu, Darlene Benson and others. It will start showing in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country from July 18.

In ‘Kiss and Tell’, Iyke (Joseph Benjamin), the ultimate player in the game of women runs Blue Quest with his friend Bernard (Desmond Elliot); their friendship however does not apply to their coy. Iyke, who prides himself as the ultimate player per excellence however met his match perhaps more than he bargain for in Delphine (Monalisa Chinda), a divorce lawyer who is a divorcee herself. Iyke is about to lose a bet, a controlling shares of Blue Quest. He has to win or lose all.

click to enlarge images

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MONALISA AND EMEM TO PREMIERE 'KISS AND TELL'

It is another combination of beauty and brains as nollywood screen diva Monalisa Chinda and wave making actor Joseph Benjamin put together stellar performances in another romantic comedy flick from the Royal Arts Academy titled ‘Kiss and Tell’.

Starring Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Nse Ikpe-Etim Uche Jombo, Joseph Benjamin, Bhaira Mcwizu, Darlene Benson and others, ‘Kiss and Tell’ is set to be premiered on June 19, at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos. As we have been informed, the classy premiere is to start by 4pm with a red carpet event and the premiere proper by 6pm.

The highly humorous movie ‘Kiss and Tell’ is set to crack the toughest ribs and it has Monalisa Chinda as the executive producer and one of the best in the field Emem Isong as the producer.

Iyke, the ultimate player, is best of friends with Bernard, except when it comes to Blue Quest, the firm they run together. When Delphine, a gorgeous divorcee who has sworn off men, walks into Iykes’s life, he makes a wager with his friend to sleep with her in ten days or sell his controlling shares in the company. What Iyke didn’t bargain for was falling for his Prey.
Iyke (Joseph Benjamin), the ultimate player in the game of women runs Blue Quest with his friend Bernard (Desmond Elliot); their friendship however does not apply to their coy. Iyke, who prides himself as the ultimate player per excellence however met his match perhaps more than he bargain for in Delphine (Monalisa Chinda), a divorce lawyer who is a divorcee herself. Iyke is about to lose a bet, a controlling shares of Blue Quest. He has to win or lose all.

Emem Isong speaking on the movie said, ‘it is a classy movie one that you watch and feel good about. We exercised a lot of caution in producing the movie so that the touch of class can be maintained. The script has a detailed touch of wit and humour and the director Desmond Eliot ensured that the cast brought the script to life. It took a lot of hard work to put the movie together but comments that we have gotten so far since the trailer has been released has made it all worth it’.

Tongues are however wagging that Monalisa might be telling her messy divorce story in the compelling flick. ‘Let me leave that to people who know me to judge’ she said in a release by Royal Arts reps, Bigsam Media. Kiss and Tell will be in cinemas in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country from July 18.

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I'll take my chances - Bryan Okwara, Ini Edo & others

This one was produced by Emem Isong and directed by Desmond Elliot. Preview clips from one of the movies CBEN Pictures was hired to shoot in Nigeria March thru May 2011 Shot with the New Sony F3 Camera.

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Ini Edo Gathers Stars For Movie Premiere

After enjoying a successful career in the movie industry that saw her emerge as one of the most sought-after and respected actresses, Ini Edo has achieved a new feat as she premiered her first movie, Memories of My Heart on Friday 15th October 2010.

The star studded premiere of the movie which had superstars and movie industry heavyweights like Richard Mofe Damijo, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Zik Zulu-Okafor, Desmond Elliot, Emem Isong, Uche Jombo, Tonto Dike, Monalisa Chinda, Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuruonye, Annie Macauley, Chidi Mokeme, Susan Peters in attendance commenced with interviews and photo snaps on the Red Carpet; then cocktails and networking followed suit. Guests were thereafter ushered into the screening room.

The event that started a little behind schedule with an opening prayer had the National Anthem performed by Stella Damasus.

Then, RnB star, Slam performed a special track where he sang a song incorporating Ini’s name.Ini swayed to the music with her parents, siblings and husband, Philip Ehiagwina joining her.

Stella Damasus then came up and did a beautiful rendition of a love song that heralded the audience into the screening.

After the screening, the movie received a thunderous applause. Ini then gave a speech thanking everyone and called up for curtain call and recognition.

'Memories of my Heart' which stars prominent actors and actresses like Ramsey Nouah, Ini (herself), Uche Jombo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Koffi Adjorlolo, Monalisa Chinda, Desmond Elliot tells the story of Halle who has attended several auditions but has been unable to get a role. She finally gets her chance when she claims to be Bankole Da Silva’s fiancée, an oil magnate she’s never met. She’s given the role on the condition that Bankole funds the movie. Halle now struggles to get out of the web she has spun for herself . Just as Halle gets Bankole’s attention, Bankole suffers a terrible accident leaving him with amnesia. Dr. Dammie nurses him back to health and into her waiting arms. As the relationship deepens, Halle re-appears on the scene throwing Bankole into a state of confusion.

With Desmond and Emem Isong behind the production of the new flick, Royal Arts Academy Production, a brain child of Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot and Uche Jombo has continued to prove that it is a movie production outfit of class with movies like Holding Hope and Bursting Out in its kitty.

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Notable Producer, Emem Isong speaks on "Memories of My Heart"

With over 15 years experience in movie making and blockbuster movies like ‘Hit and run’, ‘Emotional Crack’, ‘Games Women Play’, ‘Games Men Play’, ‘Behind Close Doors’, ‘Bursting Out and recently ‘Memories of my heart’ to her credit, Emem Isong speaks on her recent job ‘Memories of my heart’.

Divulging what to expect from the movie, Emem Isong who has lost count of the number of films she has produced said, “I am excited about the film, it is one of my favourites in recent times. It is a sweet movie that anyone would love to watch at anytime. It is just like ‘Bursting Out’. Let people look out for this movie because I think it is wonderful”.

Memories of my heart is produced by Emem Isong for Ini Edo, the Executive producer and it tells the story of Halle an aspiring actress who had attended several auditions without getting a role. She finally gets her chance when she claims to be Bankole Da Silva’s fiancée, an oil magnate she’s never met. She’s given the role on the condition that Bankole funds the movie. Halle now struggles to get out of the web she has spun for herself. Just as Halle gets Bankole’s attention, Bankole suffers a terrible accident leaving him with amnesia. Dr. Dammie, a female doctor nurses him back to health and into her waiting arms. As the relationship deepens, Halle re-appears on the scene throwing Bankole into a state of confusion.

Emem Isong whose movies always tilt towards the romantic genre said, “I always tell people that movie making is like writing a novel, you always know what to expect from each author, for example you know John Grisham writes about legal matters and law firms and some other authors about something else. So I don’t have to do action movies to convince people I am a good producer. Romance movies are what I like and I make no apologies for it.”

Memories of My Heart which has such A’ list acts like the executive producer of the movie herself , Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Uche Jombo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Koffi Adjorlolo (from Ghana), Monalisa Chinda, Desmond Elliot and many others as casts will be premiered on October 15th at 10A Ikoya Avenue, off Macpherson Street, off Bourdillion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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