‘Roberta’ gets BoI support, commences filming

‘Roberta’, another Bank of Industry (BoI) supported Nollywood film has commenced filming in Lekki, Lagos. This is coming after a successful opening of Jadesola Osiberu’s ‘Isoken’ in Nigerian cinemas. Monitoring the progress of production, a team of BoI officials were on location to interact with the cast and crew last Friday. Led by the Group […]

‘Roberta’, another Bank of Industry (BoI) supported Nollywood film has commenced filming in Lekki, Lagos. This is coming after a successful opening of Jadesola Osiberu’s ‘Isoken’ in Nigerian cinemas.

Monitoring the progress of production, a team of BoI officials were on location to interact with the cast and crew last Friday.

Led by the Group Head, Creative Industry Group, Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka, Mr. Okey Madu, Assistant Manager and Toyin Oyekanmi of the Corporate Communication Department, the team said it was satisfied with the level of work so far.

“What we have seen is very impressive so far. We can only hope for the best box office record when it eventually hits the cinema,” said Nwuka.

Produced by Steph Nora Okere and directed by Ema Edosio, ‘Roberta’ is among the series of more than a dozen film projects which has received support from the development bank under the BoI Nollyfund (BNF) scheme.

Speaking on her involvement in the project, Edosio said she decided to direct the movie because of the strong and diverse characters represented in the script. “It has a message of hope that I think can speak to every Nigerian. We live in a society where things are a bit tough and dreams almost impossible to achieve. The movie sends a clear message of hope. You can be whatever you want to be irrespective of your past or challenges. I feel privileged to be a part of this amazing journey.”

‘Roberta’, which stars Kalu Ikeagu, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Wale Ojo and Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy will, according to Edosio, “wow Nigerians.”

Asked if it will make as much box office record as some of the comedy films witnessed in recent times, she said: “I think we underestimate the Nigerian audience when we say that every movie needs comedy to break the box office.  I believe that Nigerians are hungry for well told stories that they can relate to. Stories that would not just make them laugh but inspire them and I believe that this film can inspire and appeal to every Nigerian, and this I think would translate box office breaks.”

Box Office: ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Rides to $5M Thursday

Rebecca Ford , Mia Galuppo 

The third installment in the intelligent ape franchise will battle with holdover ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ for the No. 1 spot. 

Caesar and his clan of intelligent apes rode back into theaters Thursday night, with War for the Planet of the Apes earning $5 million in previews at 3,251 theaters.

The second installment in Fox and Chernin’s franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, earned $4.1 million in previews in July 2014 on its way to a $72.6 million domestic debut (it eventually earned $710.6 million worldwide). The first film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, debuted in 2011 to $54.8 million and eventually earned $481.8 million globally.

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ is tracking to launch to $55 million or more, which would put it in a tight race with holdover Spider-Man: Homecoming. Sony and Marvel Studios’ Spidey reboot starring Tom Holland could falls only 50 percent in its sophomore outing, which would mean weekend tally of $58.5 million. But if it declines 55 percent or more, it will land in the low $50 million range.

The threequel sees Andy Serkis returning to play the ape leader Caesar, and stars Woody Harrelson as a military leader determined to take down the intelligent apes. As the survival of his kind continues to be threatened, Caesar attempts to move his clan to safety.

Also opening wide this weekend is horror film Wish Upon which, according to tracking, is tracking to debut to less than $5 million. From Broad Green Pictures and Orion, the movie stars Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Elisabeth Rohm, Ki Hong Lee and Shannon Purser. The story centers on a young girl whose every wish comes true after she’s given a music box by her father, along with terrifying consequences.