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Potato Potahto Review — An Insightful Look Into What Makes Relationships Tick Which Masterfully Subverts Society’s Black And White Gender Stereotypes

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Shirley Frimpong Manso’s latest masterclass, ‘Potato Potahto’, has been causing waves around the world, winning awards and being met with rave reviews. The movie recently swept the stakes at the Toronto Film Festival, picking up four awards, and watching it one can see the reason why its such a darling and guaranteed to break box … Read more

PHOTOS From 2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival in Accra | Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Joselyn Dumas, Adjetey Anang, OC Ukeje, Joseph Benjamin & Others

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2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival
2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival

On 8th and 9th January, 2016 at the Accra Mall’s SilverBird Cinema, Sparrow Productions served African movie lovers the first dose of its Sparrow Entertainment Festival—screening two of its latest productions; an enthralling political drama series titled ‘SHAMPAIGN’ and a one-of-a-kind movie thriller titled ‘REBECCA.’
They promised a two-day soiree of up close and personal interaction with cast, crew and movie stars from all around the continent, red carpet pictures, interviews, autograph signing and behind the scenes gossip—which was duly delivered.
The 2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival was a success and therefore we expect it to take on an annual cloak.
The red carpet was celebrity packed; various movie stars and industry persons from Nigeria and Ghana attended—notably; Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Joselyn Dumas, Adjetey Anang, OC Ukeje, Joseph Benjamin, Fred Amugi, Akorfa Edjeani Asiedu, Ken Attoh, Zynell Zuh and others.

READ ALSO: ‘REBECCA’ Review: Betrothed by Parents But Found Connection through Great Conversation

2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (9)
2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (10)
2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (11)
2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (12)
2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (13)
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2016 Sparrow Entertainment Festival (15)
Flip to the next pages for more photos…

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PHOTOS From the Premiere of ‘WHEN LOVE HAPPENS’ in London | OC Ukeje, Weruche Opia, Kene Mkparu, Seyi Babatope & Others

When Love Happens' London Premiere
When Love Happens’ London Premiere

The much talked about Nollywood movie-When Love Happens was premiered last night in London at Greenwich Odeon Cinema—and has also been released in selected UK cinemas so you can still watch it if you missed the premiere…

The well attended premiere had some of the stars of the movie- OC Ukeje and Weruche Opia leading those behind the film-Kene Mkparu, Seyi Babatope and others on a red carpet—shortly after which the first light was thrown on the big cinema screen.

In Chris-Vincent Agyapong Febiri’s review of the movie; he admits that “‘When Love Happens’ is an exciting attempt to repackage the African love story for a diverse audience on the big screens. It’s the Nollywood we’ve long waited to see—evoking genuine laughter on the solid premise of a relevant storyline.”

YOU CAN READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE.

The movie which is directed by award-winning film-maker-Seyi Babatope features talented Nollywood actor-Desmond Elliot, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Weruche Opia, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright and others.

This romance flick comes from those (Future Gate Pictures, Phebean Films and FilmOne Distribution) who brought us successful box office smash hits-Half of a Yellow Sun and October 1.

Kene Okwuosa and Kene Mkparu (of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution) are the Executive Producers.

When Love Happens’ is currently showing in these selected UK cinemas;

Odeon GREENWICH
Sept 4 to 10 – 19.00pm and 21.30pm

Odeon STREATHAM
Sept 4 to 10 – ‎18.50pm and 21.20pm

Odeon MANCHESTER Printworks
Sept 4, 5, 6 & 8 – 19pm

Odeon BIRMINGHAM Broadway Plaza
Sept 5 and 6 – 19.15pm

Check below for photos from the premiere…

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PHOTOS from the Premiere of ‘LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT’ in London | Shirley Frimpong Manso, John Dumelo, Joselyn Dumas, OC Ukeje & Others

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OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas and John Dumelo at LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT Premiere in London

Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s ‘LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT’ was premiered last night in London, at the Odeon Cinema, Greenwich—and the attendance was great.

Despite the cold, several Londoners left their heavy jackets at home and came out in style for the red carpet premiere.

Director-Shirley Frimpong-Manso led her cast-Joselyn Dumas, John Dumelo and OC Ukeje onto the red carpet to the excitement of the many fans who had gathered—and as usual, John Dumelo stole greater part of the red carpet attention.

I’ve already written a review on the movie-LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, so I am not going to look at that again. CLICK HERE to read my REVIEW of the movie

Check below for photos from the premiere…

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FOR THOSE IN GHANA: ‘When Love Happens’ Starring Desmond Elliot, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya & Others Starts Showing Tonight at the SilverBird Cinemas in Accra

When Love Happens
When Love Happens

Award-winning director-Seyi Babatope’s film-‘When Love Happens’ which features talented Nollywood actor-Desmond Elliot, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Weruche Opia, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright and others will start showing tonight-Friday, 28th November, 2014 at the SilverBird Cinema, Weija and Accra Mall-6:20pm and 8:30pm—you shouldn’t miss it if you are in Accra.

The romance flick comes from those (Future Gate Pictures, Phebean Films and FilmOne Distribution) who brought us successful box office smash hits-Half of a Yellow Sun and October 1—and as such, you should expect this to be another good movie.

In ‘When Love Happens’ Moduroti Bankole –Smith is a twenty eight year old events planner who has always been unlucky with love. She is reminded at every turn how wonderful love is with proof to substantiate the case.

Her parents who are madly in love cannot also stop nudging her to find someone.

Events take a bizarre turn when she is hired to plan the upcoming wedding of a long timw friend. This ignites a change and chain reaction in Moduroti who sets off, determined to open her self to new ways of exploring the dating world and finding romance.

An old flame returns to town to further complicate her plans. Unknown to her, her close friend Tobe secretly harbours affection for her and that starts to reverberate as an under current that will reach a tipping point—a point that will either end badly or for the better.

Moduroti will have to find the natural balance of love as she hopes it to be or as most people experience it.”

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It’s Happening Tonight | Shirley Frimpong Manso Premieres Her Movie-‘LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT’ in London…GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Love or Something Like That
Love or Something Like That

The VIP tickets for the premiere of Shirley Frimpong Manso’sLOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT’ have already been SOLD OUT and there are just some few standard tickets left—so BUY YOURS ONLINE NOW or they will all be gone soon.

Tonight at the Odeon Cinema in Greenwich, London, the cast members of the movie- Joselyn Dumas, John Dumelo, OC Ukeje and others—including the director-Shirley Frimpong Manso together with other celebrities will bring glamour to the red carpet as Londoners gather to watch the much talked about LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, HIV/AIDS themed move—which comes just few days to 1st December’s World Aids Day.

In my review of the movie, I rated it 8/10—you have to come and see why the movie scored 8/10. Rating the movie, I wrote; “For me, the movie tackles the most important questions concerning HIV/AIDS—thus from awareness/education on protection to stigma and the fact that, your life is not cut short even if you’ve made a mistake—there is a brighter future for everyone as long as you are ready to do what it takes…

Therefore, giving the movie 8/10 for carefully telling a story that many African film-makers failed to impress us with over the years is not an act of generosity—rather, a well deserving mark for excellent work done!”

‘LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT’ tells a poignant story about moving on when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. In the movie, a young surgeon’s chance meeting with her ex-boyfriend throws her world into absolute chaos when she makes a horrible discovery about her past and what could be the end of a great career, and beautiful marriage.

Tickets are selling QUICK online so you better grab yours NOW before it sells out. Remember it’s the movie every African movie lover outside Ghana has been waiting to see so the earlier you book your seat, the better…

buy tickets

Standard tickets are being sold for £15 and the VIP tickets are all GONE…Ticket Hotline/Enquiries: 07837576037

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Trailer + ‘WHEN LOVE HAPPENS’ Starring Desmond Elliot, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright & Others Set for Cinema Release in Accra on 28th November, 2014

When Love Happens
When Love Happens

Future Gate Pictures, Phebean Films and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian-based companies credited with successful box office smash hits-Half of a Yellow Sun and October 1, are set to take over the SilverBird Cinemas in Accra from 28th November, 2014 with the release of their latest romantic comedy-When Love Happens.

The romance flick which is directed by MTV and Channel O Music video award-winning director-Seyi Babatope (Ikechukwu’s ‘Wind am well’ ft Dbanj and Don Jazzy, Tinsel and Ojos in the house) features talented Nollywood actor-Desmond Elliot, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Weruche Opia, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright, Bassey Keppy Ekpeyong, Helen Paul and Shaffy Bello.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdm1h9HojFU

In ‘When Love Happens’ Moduroti Bankole –Smith is a twenty eight year old events planner who has always been unlucky with love. She is reminded at every turn how wonderful love is with proof to substantiate the case.

Her parents who are madly in love cannot also stop nudging her to find someone.

Events take a bizarre turn when she is hired to plan the upcoming wedding of a long timw friend. This ignites a change and chain reaction in Moduroti who sets off, determined to open her self to new ways of exploring the dating world and finding romance.

An old flame returns to town to further complicate her plans. Unknown to her, her close friend Tobe secretly harbours affection for her and that starts to reverberate as an under current that will reach a tipping point—a point that will either end badly or for the better.

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Nigerian Actor-OC Ukeje Who Starred in ‘Love or Something Like That’ & Other Ghanaian Movies is Getting Married…

OC Ukeje
OC Ukeje

For those who fell in love with the great performance of Nigerian actor-OC Ukeje and the many female admirers, the Nollywood star is said to be getting married this Saturday, 8th November, 2014—and we think we should let you know.

Both the traditional and white wedding will take place on the same day—and the star is reported to have kept his guest list really short.

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My Thoughts on Shirley Frimpong Manso’s New Movie-LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT | A Failed Or Successful Attempt at Telling the HIV/AIDS Story?

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Shirley Frimpong Manso’s New Movie-Love or Something Like That

After my usual weekend Kung-fu movie, I had the opportunity to watch the new Shirley Frimpong Manso movie-LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT and I will start by saying; that it’s a significant story of life that is well tackled.

I am not a keen proponent of the assumption that every story has been told—but I certainly believe that, a story is only good when the storyteller is exceptionally passionate about the subject matter and has priceless cause of telling that particular story—which is to make a realistic impact.

I have long predicted and in a way hoped for a change in the improbable manner the African HIV/AIDS story has been told by many African film-makers. Interestingly, Shirley Frimpong Manso has taken up the challenge to tell the story in a way that is pulsing to the heart—and captivating to the mind in her latest movie-LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

I am yet to meet a single person who is not a party to the general consensus that education on HIV/AIDS in Africa, though has improved over the years, continues to be largely ineffective—and apart from blaming certain religious teachings such as “Aids is bad but not as bad as the use of condoms” for the ineffective outreach, the architecture employed for the purpose of mass education on this diabolical disease seems not to be working.

Many movies and documentaries have taken up the subject of creating HIV/AIDS awareness and in doing so; have failed to make impact with their messages simply because of the manner in which the stories are told—without substantially taking into consideration the societal changes and mannerisms that cannot be ignored in order to bring the story to the hearts of the receivers.

The Storyline & the Pace

Though the theme of the script is set on ‘HIV/AIDS’, the film brilliantly tells the story in such a way that, it does not only steal the best part of your emotions—and it doesn’t do so by invoking ‘sorrowfulness’, but by making you consider the fact that there is unimaginable value in being self conscious when it comes to sex.

Just like most well put together HIV/AIDS stories or films which take the bold approach into exploring the issues of life-threatening diseases like Cancer, the film is filled with emotions. In fact, the film which at large is themed on HIV/AIDS faintly deals with Cancer, without necessarily losing sequence and direction.

I’ve seen several African film-makers and even those outside Africa taking up the HIV/AIDS story from different angels and worldview, but this knocks me at home and presents a far better realistic way of how events unfold when the unwanted subject of HIV/AIDS finds its way into an African marriage/relationship.

Without giving much away, I must say the film starts on a very slow note—which I believe was deliberately set to pull viewers into seeing the existing love, affection and sense of belonging that existed between John Dumelo’s character-Mr Walker and his wife-Joselyn Dumas (Kwarley Mettle).

Soon as the foundation of love and bond between the above two are visibly established, the film begins to speed up—but not as much as I would have preferred. Surely, watching the movie immediately after a Kung-fu movie may have caused a heightened adrenaline, probably, the reason why I found it slow.

Music

It is obvious Shirley Frimpong Manso and her team understood the nature and emotions involved in the story being told. Sparrow Productions’ films have always made good use of a collection of African songs but mostly, these songs compliment scenes or add that extra bit of entertainment to the movies while pulling back your attention.

However, the songs used in LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT went beyond the usual, the songs stabilized the emotionally filled story—-bumping up the pace and dropping in the needed energy intermittently.

I’m not the type to hear a track and jump up to dance but even though I was fully submerged in the ‘rough emotional journey’ the film was taking me, when the songs which were from the likes of Raquel, Okyeame Kwame and Efya were dropped, I caught myself immersed in the music—for a minute, and then the story hits back to the emotion.

To me, the interruption of the emotional ‘downs’ by these carefully selected songs make the viewer stay put as a viewer and not become a sympathiser, thereby, taking in the lessons and education/awareness the story is creating. If that is what the film-makers wanted to do, then it was perfectly achieved. If that wasn’t it—-I would proudly say, so was the effect for me.

Acting

When you have A-listers like John Dumelo, Joselyn Dumas and OC Ukeje championing a story and delivering their lines, backed by many years of experience under the directorship of a multiple-award winning director-Shirley Frimpong Manso, you should not expect less—because you won’t even get that if you wished for it.

The acting was outstanding—and I say this because none of the scenes throws a taint at the story, which would make you question any part of the delivery.

When emotions were involved, Joselyn Dumas was great at showing that, and it could just be that she was living her role—as she seems naturally emotional.

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PHOTOS: Shirley Frimpong Manso, Joselyn Dumas, John Dumelo, OC Ukeje, Christabel Ekeh & Others At The Premiere of LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

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Shirley Frimpong Manso

Last night, Shirley Frimpong Manso and her Sparrow Productions team premiered their latest movie-LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT at the National Theatre in Accra.

The premiere was attended by the stars of the movie-Joselyn Dumas, John Dumelo, Christabel Ekeh OC Ukeje and others…

Love or Something Like Thattells a poignant story about moving on when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. In the movie, a young surgeon’s chance meeting with her ex-boyfriend throws her world into absolute chaos when she makes a horrible discovery about her past and what could be the end of a great career, and beautiful marriage.

The movie is produced by Ken Attoh and directed by Shirley Frimpong Manso…

Check out the below photos from the premiere

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