80% Of The Budget For 'Half Of A Yellow Sun' Came From Nigerian Investors

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• WOW | August 2, 2012 9:09 PMReply

  GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY! From the early, early morning till the early, early night, BLACK FOLKS sure like to ball. Good Golly Miss Molly, y'all sure like to get it on. When you're rocking and rolling, can you hear your mama call... "GET IN THIS HOUSE GIRL... AND STOP SHOWING YOUR ASS!". But where is Courtney (the author of this post) when we need him? All the man said was "I believe this blog has championed for a long time - and that is the idea that together, as BLACK PEOPLE, we have the resources and ability to finance the development of our own projects much more often than we do current outside of the traditional Hollywood system" ~Courtney . But nooooo, somebody who had the nerve to use the moniker "BlackPeople", OH SUSANNA (WITH A BANJO ON HER KNEE), Noel and Anon (yeah, a nondescipt kneejerk ) all dropped in to flip the script and show their ass (as if they were really say something of significance. It got so good to the script flippers that DL (not D.L. Hughley) stood up and said the dumbest shit of the week__- "Now we know funded by nollywood there was absolutely NO EXCUSE for them to have a biracial foreign lead to play a 100% BLACK nigerian". WOW! But wait, NAIJA4LIFE wasn't done. She had the gall to ask another commenter "Why do you care? And if you don't, why comment?". WTF! After 60 comments, she now asks that question? Good Golly Miss Molly, sit yo ass down. And Courtney, PLEASE CALL HOME.

• NAIJA4LIFE | August 2, 2012 7:17 PMReply

  @BondGirl -- I take what Suzanne said as a simple observation of what Nigerian investors would support, not necessarily as downing african american culture. However, @BlackPeople carried on with some tripe, to which Noel naturally responded with equal antagonism. And you jumped in with the very unhelpful suggestion that the movie won't make any money. Why do you care? And if you don't, why comment?

• bondgirl | August 2, 2012 10:00 PM

  If I said, "Intelligent and rich Black millionaires are not going to support Nigerian culture, and will only back AA filmmkers", Africans wouldn't be offended? Of course they would. The subtext was obvious. Suzanne's observation was simple-minded, not simple. It was a swipe at Black American culture, and even when given the opportunity to clarify, she declined. She has also done this before. Suggesting that AA's weren't supporting a play about Fela, because the "sad reality" is that we need white people to lead us by the nose, is an observation? That was another swipe at who we are, and she eroded the essence of the post, which was black unity. Nobody is tolerating her bullshit just because we are all black. Even the fact that you are addressing @BP, instead of the others, says that you have drawn a line in the sand alongside her. @Black People brought a gun to a knife fight, however, the knife shouldn't have been brandished in the FIRST place. She knew the impact of her words, which is why she got the reaction she sought. Like I said before, my advice is to educate YOUR people of their ignorance, while you are correcting someone else. Just so you know, I ALWAYS care if a film will make money especially a black one. Who works 18 hrs on a set so a film can become a measly tax write-off? PROFIT is king. It seems as though this film is marketed to Africans (no casting of AA's, no "name" producers/director of color) which is fine, but it means there's a longshot that high numbers of people in the US will be interested.

• NAIJA4LIFE | August 2, 2012 7:12 PMReply

  I mean seriously, Thandie Newton is biracial... big deal? Using colloquial notions of heritage, Thandie is African through. The relevant thing is an important story is being told and, for those who care, with a largely Nigerian cast.
  
  Only folks who've never lived in Nigeria don't understand that in Nigeria biracial people are just simply... Nigerian. Naomi Harris makes no sense whatsoever over Thandie Newton. Thandie Newton has starpower. You're ten dollars and goodwill alone will not make the movie successful.

• WOW | August 4, 2012 1:34 PM

  "How does thandie have star power she hasnt been in a sucssesful film for almost 10 years?" @ DL, please tell us you're being kidnapped or have been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly and stupid? Only a person under extreme duress or a zip fool would make such a claim. Thandie has star power simply because she is a star. However and whenever she reached that status does not matter. Naomi Harris has never reached that plateau. Com'on DL, 3 strikes and you're out.

• DL | August 4, 2012 11:33 AM

  How does thandie have star power she hasnt been in a sucssesful film for almost 10 years a la crash whilst naomi harris is starring in the new James BOND! a guaranteed HIT. Plus, no one in this movie is a household name anyway so that point is irrelevant. Yes, she is half african so? shes from zimbabwe NOT from west africa so stop making excuses for the casting directors its getting pretty pathetic.

• DL | August 2, 2012 12:48 PMReply

  @suzanne to be honest I wouldnt have minded naomi harris at LEAST she is black although of jamacian ancestry or at the very worst sophie okoneado not perfect but she's half nigerian and fits the character alot more -physically at least. To not even BOTHER to get someone black OR nigerian was lazy casting. Thandie is a leech and a hypocrite; note her complaints about angelina jole playing a biracial woman (in a mighty heart) but it's ok for her to play a black african woman or aa woman 24/7 eh?

• justsaying | August 1, 2012 7:25 PMReply

  Nollywood is NOT the ONLY option for Black American filmmakers/stories/directors/producers etc. There is money right here in the USA outside of hollywood that can get the work done. The potential is still there - so the film industry devoted to Black American film is not doomed. Now, I don't agree with all this Black people in America Vs Black people in African countries nonsense that has been dominating this ENTIRE THREAD, but change will come. I do agree that Nollywood is on the rise :) but no one source is the answer. Gotta tackle this from all angles ends etc!! Keep "them" guessing!

• Justsaying | August 3, 2012 5:21 PM

  There is infrastructure here in the US. We don't need a hollywood lot. Give those filmmakers the money they need- and the work will get done! I said there is money. As long as there is money, there will be potential... to battle to get your film done. A filmmaker would have to prove a film is worthy of being made to any investor whether they are American, Nigerian, etc. I'm saying that potential is still present in the US. And I agree that there is potential present in Nigeria too. So let's keep them guessing! This has nothing to with fear or pride as far as I'M concerned...and if you notice, I said OUTSIDE of hollywood...lol This thread is BEAST.

• anon | August 2, 2012 12:56 PM

  @justsaying Nollywood is the ONLY option they have the infrastruture AND the money to invest in black hollywood its a win win situation for both they get the technical knowhow from the yanks and you get the money- why can't people see this? Who else has that amount of money swimming aroud there are afropolitians who just love the arts and culture who would kill to invest in an american film and boast to their high class friends about it. You guys are missing out on a HUGE opportuinity for what? out of pride or fear? If there are so many opps in america why are these movies not being made? How long are you gonna wait for hollywood to give you crumbs i guess with people like spike lee a lifetime eh? Wake up black america! At LEAST approach these people -what are you so scared of? Because believe me if you wait too long the doors will be SHUT firmly closed.

• anon | August 1, 2012 6:31 PMReply

  @black people. Perfect example of why the black american film industry is DOOMED youve been trying to get funding for films for 50 years what makes you think its ever gonna happen? swallow your pride and accept that nollywood is possibly the ONLY option for black america and btw uk/ american projects are VERY COMMON british film industry doesnt have as much money as hollywood therefore hollywood foots the bill and invests everyone makes money and is happy people like you have no IDEA how business works. This movie may not be a huge film in hollywood but who cares? it will sell overseas and will make money so they can invest in even more high budjet films america is not the be all and end all in international markets you know.

• bondgirl | August 1, 2012 7:50 PM

  @Anon: You're full of hyperbolic comments, aren'tcha? Love how all the Africans have so much to say to @Black People, but NO ONE has 2 words for Suzanne or Noel who set it off. Come get your people!

• LeonRaymond | August 1, 2012 7:08 PM

  @ANON -You tell em, Sweet!!!

• dl | August 1, 2012 6:22 PMReply

  Now we know funded by nollywood there was absolutely NO EXCUSE for them to have a biracial foreign lead to play a 100% BLACK nigerian woman.

• Suzanne | August 1, 2012 11:24 PM

  @ DL - I share your sentiments, but on the flip side, name an internationally recognized black Nigerian actress who can carry a film. There really aren't any. Most female African entertainers who have crossed over are biracial (i.e. Thandi Newton, Carmen Ejogo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Shirley Bassey, Annie Ilonzeh, and Sade). Hope Olaide Wilson is on the rise, but too young to play opposite Chiwetel. The simple fact that Thandi was casted signifies that the audience they are going for isn't limited to just Nigerians. They wanted to make this a worldwide production or affair. On the contrary, full blooded African men who look like the prototypical black male have done well in their careers like Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo, Seal, Adewale Agbaje, John Boyega, and Gbenga Akinnagbe. They have always found work. It's not the same for their more darkskinned female counteraparts. Genevieve Nnaji wouldn't work because she's not an international face. I guess the financiers wanted someone whose face is known worldwide. Even though I don't agree with choosing Thandi, I understand the reasoning behind it. If they were going to go there, they should have at least reached out to Carmen Ejogo or Megalyn Echikunwoke...at least they are half Nigerian and look somewhat Igbo.

• ANON | August 1, 2012 6:18 PMReply

  I've been saying this on shadow and act for YEARS to complete and utter SILENCE nobody got it but now suddenly people are waking up to the power house of NOLLYWOOD! I always said its not about doing a movie ABOUT nigeria but getting FUNDING DUH so you can do a movie about ehat the hell you want no more begginfg hollywood for money but get in there quck guys as the door wont be open for long.

• SalvadorSamba | August 1, 2012 12:16 AMReply

  Crabs in a barrel. We as black people no matter our ethnicity should be proud to have our stories represented in our own voice funded by our own dollars. It's so sad to see the inter-cultural hatred that keeps us from moving forward as a people. I pray one day we learn to embrace our commonalities and respect our differences so we can truly become spiritually whole from the wounds of slavery and colonialism.

• Emil B. Garuba | August 1, 2012 9:14 AM

  Here, here!

• Olu | July 31, 2012 11:55 PMReply

  As usual black folk whether african or african in diaspora sit and just yak. All of you get to doing so that our race can progress.

• NAIJA4LIFE | July 31, 2012 8:57 PMReply

  @Black People____Here's the skinny. Unfortunately for you, your point of view is obsolete. The numbers of Nigerians/Africans/Carribeans will only continue to increase resulting in an even more complex "black" dynamic. It's as certain as every other prior demographic shift._____
  
  So unless you're going to run for immigration office soon, I'd suggest you find like minded people in these groups to build with. Otherwise you may find yourself left out. As it is Nigerians/Nigerian-Americans are fully vested and incorporated in the "black" template. They are your athletes, professors, doctors, ivy-leaguers and evrything else. Likewise, AfAm culture is continuing to spread its wing and embodies youth culture in not just here, but Africa and everywhere else._____
  
  This is not a threat to either group. Civil rights leaders and anti-colonial fighters dialogued. AfAm folks put their necks on the line to get some Africans to the U.S. back in the day. And made it possible for Africans and every other immigrants to be here. It's all love (or should be). _____But your anti-Nigerian sentiment does you no good. White Americans stand on their own exclusive of other whites, true, but they are almost 300 million of them and they pull all the strings. Africans in latin countries barely have any racial awareness and Afro-europeans are largely African or caribbean descended anyways. Food for thought.

• Naija4life | July 31, 2012 8:36 PMReply

  cosign @ Laura.
  
  @black people -- you had a lot pent up inside, huh? lol. Clearly, you have an issue with Nigerians. Your experiences with particular Nigerians/Nigerian-Americans are not reflective of every such person. You should also know that many (yours truly) consider you a brother, one and same. I point this out because your comments, with all respect, make you sound like an uninformed dolt.
  
  The article simply suggests filmakers should broaden options. You conflate Nollywood and Nigerian investors. Nollywood is a fledgling industry that even many Nigerians consider whimiscal. Nigerian investors are real individuals with (many times, a lot of) real money. The "purchasing power" you cite simply speaks to the strength of the Dollar, irrespective of community -- it includes the individual buying a McDonalds dollar meal to a banker (all of which are inclusive of Nigerians and others). Dollar meal buyers are not financing any movies. It so happens Nigeria has a lot of top heavy wealth. So the article is saying filmakers look there as well as the U.S. Indie movies are financed for very little. Even $500k can represent a significant fraction of total financing. If you don't think so, survey kickstarter...
  
  There are 160 million Nigerians. The number of Nigerians in the U.S. is less than 1% of this number. No, Nigerians are not leaving in droves. This is a fact.
  
  I am a big advocate for promotion and confidence of AfAm culture. But you don't have to be bigoted to do so. Nigerians control the biggest industries in the country. To wit, a Nigerian is the richest black person in the entire world (commodities industry) as are other notables (telecoms industry). Same for the energy sector and other businesses. Indians, Arabs, Chinese, Green Men do not control Nigeria. Nigerians do. Respect Nigeria.
  
  Nigeria/Africa lacks pre-slavery history? You would do well to visit a museum, son. That's all on that.
  
  Slavery sucked. Colonialism sucked. Only a fool would play with that. And no slavery does not exist in Africa (or Asia), no matter what CNN in an attempt to undermine the impact of transatlantic slavery tells you. Child trafficking sucks too, but it ain't no slavery.
  
  Nigeria is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Africa. Its population matters. The scientists, lawyers, doctors, purchasers and workforce it produces matter. The largest black run economy matters. So yes, it matters.
  
  And hopefully, this film gets seen. Not just by Nigerians, the diaspora or AfAms but by everyone. If only for the (apparently foolish) reason that it is a good story. Thankfully, very few AfAms think like you much like Suzanne speaks for herself only.

• Phil | July 31, 2012 6:47 PMReply

  Cool. Can't wait to check it out.

• Alex | July 31, 2012 5:22 PMReply

  Wait: I don't see that this article is saying anything profound or even interesting...41 comments of bull? How on earth did it turn in to an African American v African debate?
  
  Wow. This is a serious problem here people. You.

• Corey | July 31, 2012 10:45 AMReply

  This African vs Black American shit needs to stop. Its Stupid and does nothing for any of us.

• Emil B. Garuba | July 31, 2012 3:34 AMReply

  I feel it’s a lack of infrastructure to support the arts from the government and fellow Nigerians who only look out for number one (sometimes based on ethnic divisions) and what they can get in return for their "investment." It's a selfish state of things where on one hand we love movies and entertainment in general, but no one wants to take a risk investing in a movie project that could potentially put the spotlight on the country as a serious player in global cinema - especially in terms of quality! We need visionaries on both sides of the fence - the creative side and the business side - to work hand in hand to foster in a new age of Nigerian filmmaking. Most times, things get so wrapped up in pointless discussions over "what is truly a Nigerian production" that we miss the overall goal. Should it really matter if the director is Swedish, or the lead actor is Ghanaian but 80% of the crew is Nigerian? Maybe, maybe not. Are Nigerians the only ones that can tell a Nigerian story? I'll leave that up for debate. What I care about is working within a system where all these things shouldn't matter and where there's support for filmmakers from people home and abroad who truly have the best interests of the movie industry in mind. ALSO to see some great stories come out of Africa's most populous nation. With that many people, surely there are a lot of stories to tell :)

• noel | July 31, 2012 7:24 AM

  I learned about nollywood in 1995 when I frist returned to nigeria. It wasn't called nollywood then. The visual quality of their movies was questionable but their story telling was rich. I was made to understand the founders of the industry took the back bench due to piracy and the creative part had long phased out since 2004. Now, I can attest that creativity is coming back. With Baby steps but I believe an industry created with no support whatsover from government or private equity investors will make great industry with what might be stippened in the west. Their practitioners acquire training now, infrastrutures sprung up now and then and a lot of us look into investing. Nollywood have an audience in africa, africans in diaspora and the carribean so it won't be so long before they become a force to reckon with. Read this http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93547:film-distribution-outlet-hits-gold-from-boi&catid=74:arts&Itemid=683

• Black People | July 30, 2012 3:19 PMReply

  Feel free to fact check but these all pretty accurate to the spending and purchasing power in America and Africa. America GDP- 15 Trillion (White America- 12.5Trillion, Black America- 1Trillion, Hispanic American- 1.1Trillion, Asian Americans- half a trillion) Population 315million
  Africa GDP- 1.8 Trillion Population 1.3 Billion. Translation- Black Americans are not struggling and do not need resources. Now before anyone tries to dismiss this and say that other black immigrants and migrants contributed to this, let me add this by saying so did all the Europeans contribute to White Americas GDP, as did all of Asia for Asians and all of South America and Spain for Hispanics. But continue to call Black Americans poor and slaves . We keep on moving regardless who hates us. Including Africans.

• noel | July 30, 2012 6:24 PM

  You feel africans hate black americans. Why? Not clear nor makes sense to me. I feel most closed minded black americans hate africans. Why? They might be holding onto the past. I care? Hell no! You care? Heck no! Good grief. We are settled and am done for real. Enjoy the rest of your rants on GDP et al.

• Laura | July 30, 2012 3:41 PM

  Let it go brother. Just. Let. It. Go.

• jeanettesdaughter | July 30, 2012 1:32 PMReply

  there is so much that is not true in these posts, i don't know where to begin. actually, i was looking for some commentary on the casting of half of a yellow sun from sober heads like the people who subscribe to shadow and act. (silly me.) there is already a lot of interest in this film because of the book (brilliant and brave) and because of the against type casting of thandie newton. bollywood, nollywood, forty acres and a mule, danny glover's in development of Toussaint (bound to be a global hit for all the reasons left out of these rants!! and partially financed by Venezuela): bring them all on. the nasty jibes about low budgets and poor quality films are extra. some of the best indies have been made on very low budgets with hand held cameras, i.e., you practically have to starin to see and hear what is going on. but for us it's the writing and the talent, the "story" that matters here (to borrow a phrase). writers and filmmakers whether we intend to or not, make our literature (and film to me is a visual lit) for all readers, anyone who will read and see the finished work. works by black artists of whatever nationality or ethnicity may resonate with a particular audience or region but if it stands up at all, it can resonate with anyone interested in kno2wing more, seeing more, feeling more. human experience is universal. what one man can do, another one can do. that is all. support your local film-makers people and help them go global. by the way - whomever said hollywood or white people on television (whatever) show only their own movies -- not true. recently busted down from the middle class, video on demand is now where i see global movies from europe from asia and occasionally from africa, and many shorts and other pieces by and about african american fantasies and experiences. there is also an africa channel. how is it that black people always end up arguing and throwing shade wherever we are from. geesh!

• Miles Ellison | July 29, 2012 11:26 PMReply

  I'm curious. What kinds of films would this flood of Nigerian money produce? Would they be different or better than the films that are currently popular? Would they be films that black people would actually watch?

• BluTopaz | July 29, 2012 11:02 PMReply

  I have noticed whenever these online convos come up, it's inevitable that a biased African person shows up to attempt throwing shade on Black Americans. The irony is that they are often posting from the very country that has their panties twisted instead of the wonderful Motherland. Or from Europe-lol. With that said, while Courtney sure meant well I don't agree with her suggestion of Black filmmakers reaching out to Nigerian investors, or anyone else just because they are Black. It's a nice thought, though.

• Black People | July 29, 2012 12:29 PMReply

  @Suzanne- One last thing. As far as mentioning the last thing the Africa needs is black people. You go ahead tell yourself that, while Africans leave Africa in droves for a better life and the Chinese swallows Africa whole and devours their resources even greater than the Europeans. Yeah Africa doesn't need black people, it's better with Arabs, Indians, Chinese, and Europeans. LOL. Black people in Africa, not even Africans want to be there. But feel free to insult Black Americans, if that helps you feel better about the current state of Africa. But I have a better idea for Africans. Why don't get financing from the Chinese for their films. They already own the continent.

• noel | July 30, 2012 6:07 PM

  @black people, err what a name.....while I ponder that I'd leave you to ponder what state black americans like you will be if they were cast away from America donkey years ago and created their own country. Would they be better than Hiati? Barbados? Can you face what you state you black americans will be in and would most of you still be yapping shit about africa with bizzare governance because you are benefactors of good governance by white people? Ponder that mr. I grew up in London, have lived in Chicago for two years and is enjoying living in Lagos now. Tell me what you know about me.

• Black People | July 30, 2012 2:34 PM

  @Noel- Last thing Noel. I'll leave you to ponder your alleged African elitism vs. us lowly Black Americans. Now I understand why Black Americans and Black Europeans don't own resources in the West, but how come the Europeans, Indians, and Chinese own yours? Why is it the poorest of nations have the tyrannical elitism? Can't face reality in your continent? Our are just enjoying life in Europe or America?

• Black People | July 30, 2012 2:29 PM

  @Noel- Africans have no history, except the slave to the Middle East and the New World. If it wasn't for Europeans banning slavery Africa would still be doing it. Also, slavery still exist in Africa. So what's the excuse now? Also colonialism was slavery over the people, land, and country. Most African countries were named by Europeans, run by Europeans, and are still controlled by Europeans. Do you really think Black Americans, Black Caribbeans, African-Latins, and Black Europeans are fighting to go to Africa? Africans are fighting to get out. But feel free to call Black Americans slaves, after all Africans are the true slave owners till this very day. So what does this say about Africans? African oxymoron- Call Black Americans slaves from Europe or America, while their own country languishes? So if Black Americans and African-Middle Easterns were forced to leave and Africans are leaving on their own free will, who got the better deal? Africans calling Black Americans slaves. LOL. What do you call colonialism?

• bondgirl | July 29, 2012 9:49 PM

  @Noeal: Suzanne instigated this thread turning into a black "West Side Story" with her erroneous generalizations of Africans vs Black Americans. You are simply pouring gasoline on a fire, and it's about to get reeeal ugly up in here. Cool heads will prevail.

• noel | July 29, 2012 6:15 PM

  Yeah right, chinese own Africans and you are the product of a slaves from AFRICA. America history is so much accurate without black america but Africas history stands without the chinese.

• Black People | July 29, 2012 12:05 PMReply

  @Suzanne- Why would African-Americans need financing from Indians and Nigerians? Indians won't even finance films for their own people who are from a different religion, lower caste, and darker skin. As for Nigerians, they can barely finance themselves. Bollywood is for Indians. Nollywood is for Nigerians. Nobody around the world cares for their market except their own people. As far as your hatred of African-Americans in the Hollywood, we have our own films, studios, and television channels. We finance ourselves and we did need resources, Nigeria would be the last place on earth we would turn too. Nigeria does not produce high-quality films period. That movie budget for the movie Legacy was only $500,000. You call that finance? Spare me. As far as your assumptions about profitable films, Nigeria has none. In fact no film outside of Hollywood is profitable on a global scale. As far as the India goes, Slumdog Millionaire was a one and done film. Nobody in America has heard from India since. So spare me the India Films and Nigeria Films are global. These two countries produce films for their own people, nothing more. Just like every group of people on planet earth. Nigeria can barely support their own films. Nobody in America needs financing from Nigeria. What an entire film industry in Nigeria can finance, one person in America can easily produce. I'll say it again, why figure out how to blow Nigeria's horn. Nobody needs Nigeria. Nobody asked for their help. African-Americans are just fine. Hispanics have theirs, as do Asians. Who can Nigerians help anyway? Not even themselves. It's already been discussed around the world that Nigerians produce the most films. But few of quality. Get of your high horse of Nigeria. Only Nigerians care about Nollywood, like its supposed to be.

• Laura | July 29, 2012 9:59 AMReply

  @ Black People. I see you don't like Nigerians. This website is dedicated to the Cinema of the African Diaspora. Last time I check Nigerians are part of the African Diaspora. It is ironic that you would disparage this article and say its pointless because of Nigerian nature of the film when the founder of this blog is Nigerian-American. @ Suzanne I see you have nothing for contempt for American Blacks, I don't know what Black Americans have done to you to tie your knickers in a knot. It's obviously you do not understand current climate of film financing. Everyone is going international. And no one finance films because they want to "support someones culture" "...successful Nigerians who are educated and wealthy are not looking to support Black American culture..." People finance films because they want a ROI --Return on Investment. Also one of the reason why American filmmakers go over seas is because of the incentives (i.e. tax, cost of labor)offered by various countries. So if you going to disparage the Black American film makers **by the why who and what is Black Hollywood? --I say is a bunch of actors, and film people WAITING to become stars, give examples. Some Black actors and film people who work in the film industry, have production companies. They are getting international financing. Check out Don Cheadle's production company and the film "The Guard".** So Suzanne before you go on a hate filled rant, inject some actual knowledge so people won't see it for what it is -a hate filled rant.

• Dean | July 28, 2012 9:48 PMReply

  You got that right: "together, as black people, we have the resources and ability to finance the development of our own projects much more often than we do" currently. And that sentiment applies to more than film production.

• Black People | July 28, 2012 8:14 PMReply

  This article is pointless. A Nigerian film, about a Nigerian story, written by a Nigerian, starring Nigerians, filming in Nigeria, is financed by Nigerians. Who else was going to finance it?

• Ojieking | July 29, 2012 10:46 AM

  Nigerian films are watched over the world mister or miss. Granted, they mgh

• AllAfrikan | July 28, 2012 7:51 PMReply

  @Black People, give me a break and get a clue. Comments like yours are what keeps US (all Black people no matter where we are) segmented. You truly believe that there is a difference, and that's exactly what the white folk in hollywood want you to think. WE need to get together and stay together and make films that work in the best interest of Afrikans everywhere. Know Thyself. Once you do, you won't make comments like that anymore. Try reading Carter G. Woodson's "The Mis-education of the Negro". And whatever you do.....don't EVER put t. perry out there as an example of what is good for US.

• Curtis | July 28, 2012 7:38 PMReply

  I think some of you may be missing the overall point, if I may speak for the writer. As a filmmaker myself, I'm reading this and thinking that I should broaden my horizons when I'm looking for funding for my films. I shouldn't only look within the USA because there may be money outside the USA that I can get that I won't know about if I don't make the effort to look for it, especially in a country like Nigeria which is one of the largest film producing industries in the world, and there are people with money looking to invest overseas, just like any other country. As far as I'm concerned, money is a universal language. People understand profit and if you can make them believe that your project can be profitable and make them money, they are more likely to invest in your project, no matter where you are or are from. Does it guarantee anything? No. But you have to at least make the effort to find out.

• Suzanne | July 28, 2012 10:28 PM

  You said, "People understand profit and if you can make them believe that your project can be profitable and make them money, they are more likely to invest in your project, no matter where you are or are from." I agree with some reservations. I still believe people of Nigerian or Indian culture will invest in their own films, films about them by others (like a FELA biopic produced by a Jewish director or Slumdog Millionaire) or mainstream, blockbuster films BEFORE they give a dime to Black Hollywood. Look at Anil Ambani's masssive 50% investment into Spielberg's Dreamworks. Unless you have an international black star headlining a black ensemble like Will Smith or Eddie Murphy, I just don't see these Nigerian or Indian investors coming out of their pockets. You have to look at the rate of return on the average black American film. These investors are looking for a much higher return than Black Hollywood could offer. The best bet would be to focus on films that have a broad audience, which usually means mainstream film.

• noel | July 28, 2012 7:26 PMReply

  Dear black american filmmakers reading this, do not take a plane to nigeria to seek film funding. Nigerians will invest in their stories and natives alone, nothing more. Thomas ikimi is a british nigerian from a high class background. Don't get it twisted. Black hollywood don't care about Nigerian's nollywood or Africans. That the reason they don't reached out for any collaborations so they better no reach out for funding. We got pride too. Tambay and others write about some African talents and most time they get no appreciation here. Countless of them. Maybe when white hollywood appreciates and reach out to this very same talents black hollywood will begin to support them and reach out to them.

• bondgirl | July 29, 2012 11:01 AM

  @Suzanne: "As for this statement, "Maybe when white hollywood appreciates and reach out to this very same talents black hollywood will begin to support", it's a sad reality. It took Jewish producers of FELA on Broadway to partner with black American choreographer Bill T. Jones to bring this work to life. It wasn't until later that Jay-Z and Will & Jada Smith decided to either lend their name or give up some cash for top billing."<<---WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!! Completely irresponsible for you to attack Jay-Z, Will, and Jada like that by dispersing inaccurate information. I can imagine how many folks have already repeated it. Additionally, I feel like this was raised in a past post before. Not only was it an Af-Amer man (Questlove from The Roots), who loved and blogged about the play, then initially got Jay-Z interested but he became so emotionally invested in his colleagues (he intentionally targeted wealthy friends) seeing it that he would send repeated email blasts to them nagging them to go see the musical. THAT'S how Jay-Z came to be involved, not the Jew. You can tweet/DM him and ask him yourself. I'm going to see the play as well, so I challenge the notion that you've canvassed the theater and only saw Africans, as if you can differentiate them from AA's. I'm proof that you can't. Also, I guarantee you that if Oprah decided to produce a film, Nigerians would invest. So they are just like the so-called "co-opting whiteness" AA filmmakers you sniff your nose at. It goes both ways..how many Nigerian financiers/filmmakers/actors are reaching out to Spike Lee or Antoine Fuqua to partner up? Lee has been squealing about lack of funding for his latest film, and I doubt he's adverse to working with Nigerians considering his latest protege (Dee Rees) profited off his name recognition. I would agree with the culture clash is the main divider b/t both groups, but there's more to this issue that no one's willing to discuss.

• Suzanne | July 28, 2012 11:36 PM

  @ NOEL - You say "Black hollywood don't care about Nigerian's nollywood or Africans" and that may be true, but they have been forced to change a bit because now you have black American actors who have no choice but to diversify their options and visibility since they can't get work here in the U.S. There are less black films being produced and sitcoms are practically non-existent. You have the Hollywood Black Film Festival starting a Nollywood edition because they recognize that Nigeria is a force to be reckon with. All of a sudden, people are waking up now and want to partner and set up up shop in Nigeria because they want that Nigerian money (and connections to the next Forbes billionaire). Dick Parsons once said to a group of business school alumni, "Africa needs a lot of things, but more black people is not one of them." I concur. It's all quite comical now.
  
  As for this statement, "Maybe when white hollywood appreciates and reach out to this very same talents black hollywood will begin to support", it's a sad reality. It took Jewish producers of FELA on Broadway to partner with black American choreographer Bill T. Jones to bring this work to life. It wasn't until later that Jay-Z and Will & Jada Smith decided to either lend their name or give up some cash for top billing. I've seen the play four times with Lillias White and Patti LaBelle playing Fela's mother. Each time, the attendance was still dominated by Africans and white tourists before the Tony Awards. Like you said, why does it take white approval or appreciation before we support and reach out? Better yet, why didn't one of these rich black entertainers produce the play primarily by themselves before some non-black person did?

• noel | July 28, 2012 8:27 PM

  Nollywood is for nigerians, yes but nigerian films are not for nigerians. Films is art making and art is global, no restrictions. Half of a yellow sun is a nigerian film by international producers not nollywood. Try to find out what is nollywood before you say the film is for Nigerians. That's a direct insult. Nollywood reach out to work with carribeans and all sort of black people, not cause they need them I believe but for oneness. I find it funny that not one black filmmaker have reached out to nollywood actors to work with them and stand to be corrected. The quality of film they make aside they have very talented actors there. Joke silva is as good as Meryl streep. Bimbo akintola is a good enough actress like Viola davis. And Genevieve nnaji who is a total embodiment of an actor. What's wrong with black hollywood working with any of them or African Brazillians? Kimberly elise worked with an african director and said she will like to work with some more in an interview posted here so what's she looking for in africa please? They turn to us when they have no jobs? Am sure they will when and if white hollywood reach out to african talents black hollywood will follow suit or when they're are 1000 screens in nigeria they'd begin to look for ways to break in. How we lack oneness in our BLACKNESS is stupid. The whites dictates how we move ALL THE F-ING time! White hollywood cast white actors from europe and everywhere all the time but black hollywood can't cast africans? That's some shit. Now if nollywood actors or carribeans need to stay on their lane why do blacks american cry of lack of diversity in hollywood films? Some two faced stuff is going on here.

• Black People | July 28, 2012 7:47 PM

  Nollywood is for Nigerians. Black Americans, African-Canadians, African-Caribbeans, African-South Americans, African-Europeans, African-Turks, African-Iraqis, and Africans from the continent does not need Nigerians or Nollywood. People of African descent are not monolithic. The African diaspora does not need Nigeria under any circumstance. We all have own ideas and experiences to film. Just because Nigeria is the most populated African country doesn't mean anything. Nigeria has it's own problems in the economy and film industry. Black Americans should not want to work with Nigerians any more than it would African Brazilians or African Finnish.

• Emil B. Garuba | July 28, 2012 5:50 PMReply

  Not going to argue on who's right or wrong, but simply say that wherever you can get your funding to make your film, do so! It doesn't matter whether you are a native son or not, or your dad is the tribal chief – funding is a major issue for most filmmakers and you have to jump through some major hoops to get at it.
  
  Speaking from a Nigerian standpoint, it’s twice as hard to convince someone to support developing your film with their hard-earned money (especially when you don't know what they did to get it). They might be patrons of the arts and passionate about helping up-and -coming filmmakers achieve their dreams. Or they could be cutthroat business types who only want to see a reasonable return for their investment. Either way, I’m sure it’s the same around the world.
  
  With co-productions between domestic and foreign companies, private investors, and even the government, I feel the future looks bright for Nollywood. It just might take a while to get to a place we can say, “It’s okay now.” Hopefully Half Of a Yellow Sun, Doctor Bello, Black Gold, and a slew of other international collaborations will help us reach our goal and convince others that yeah, you CAN find investment possibilities in Nigeria and shoot a decent film that transcends the normal low-budget fare we churn out, whether or not it resonates with the Nigerian people.

• Suzanne | July 28, 2012 5:09 PMReply

  @ COURTNEY (author of this article) - In regards to your comment that "black filmmakers here in the USA really should consider looking at Nigeria as a potential source of funding," I think you are being presumptuous. To tell Black Hollywood to seek out "Adenuga", "Dangote" or "Fadeyi" for a dime is a bit much. Truth is, a lot of successful Nigerians who are educated and wealthy are not looking to support Black American culture. The reason why "Half of A Yellow Sun" is backed by 80% Nigerian money is because the filmmaker is a NATIVE SON. Nigerians have a lot of pride and support their own people; hence, the everlasting love for worldwide icons like Fela Kuti and native daughter, Sade Adu. Whether or not anyone wants to admit it, there's already a subtle culture clash between Black Americans and Black Africans, but you expect financing to come easy from Nigerians??? Yeah, right. Good luck. As a Nigerian American, I've heard both sides of the argument. One key factor hurting the black filmmaker today is the lack of cohesion in the U.S. We are so segmented now. There is some divisiveness in the community and it's affecting the way projects are marketed and received and the bottom line. "Half of A Yellow Sun" is a unique situation. How often is a film about Nigerians a co-production between continents and/or countries? This film has the potential for international box office reach in addition to stateside. I see potential for a US, UK, Brazil, Nigeria, and South Africa release. The average black film in America usually gets domestic distribution, and IF LUCKY, a UK release (i.e. Tyler Perry's work). That's all.

• bondgirl | July 29, 2012 10:24 AM

  @Suzanne: "Truth is, a lot of successful Nigerians who are educated and wealthy are not looking to support Black American culture.<----What does this mean specifically? What facet of the culture, and do you even know what AA culture is? Many Africans reduce it to rap music, b-boy fashion, and history of slavery. Btw, that is wishful thinking with Half a Yellow Sun making ANY money in the US...there's a difference b/t int'l release and int'l PROFIT. Tyler Perry stands a better chance releasing a Madea film in Zimbabwe.

• noel | July 28, 2012 8:50 PM

  @ black police, You are hitting a goal post. Never mentions white American showing films or tv contents produced in jupiter am talking about black hollywood them utilizing talents that look like them.....BLACKS in general not just black americans! Get the memo. You know what, its not important I only stated an observation. And hey, am friends with a cinema executive in nigeria and all things being equal before 2014 nigeria they will have at least 1000 screens and will reduce in takes of hollywood films. Hope by the business men like tyler perry don't export cheaper talents from nigeria or africa to utilize their market potential. Have a good one.

• Black People | July 28, 2012 8:04 PM

  @Noel- Thank you for proving my point to the teeth. White America does not show films, television, or music from Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or white South Africa (Boers/English). White America simply takes white people from those countries to use for their own film industry, simply because their cheaper than American actors. America shows it's content all around the world in other countries but never accepts media from other countries unless you come here and start your own channel. White America likes to project an air of whiteness all around the world, thus they need the Anglo territories for an endless supply of white people. But they white America only cares for white American media. The same thing should be true for Africans around the diaspora. African Columbians don't care for African-European films and why should they. Every group of people should produce their own content for their own group.

• noel | July 28, 2012 7:47 PM

  ****cause black are all talk and no money.

• noel | July 28, 2012 7:45 PM

  @black police, your rant is exactly why whites are better than blacks americans. They appreciate talents and don't create meaningless division. British and canadian white actors are scattered around hollywood while black americans won't hire africans cause they think they're what please? Am sure this film targets whites audience in america cause blacks are all talk and money. Black british are far ahead and sensed than most americans cause all you guys seemingly do is complain day and night. Half of a yellow sun will get american release and they'd be targeting white audience who I loved the book unlike closed minds like yours.

• Black People | July 28, 2012 7:18 PM

  Last thing. This is a film for Nigerians only. Why would the African diaspora care? Or any other race for that matter. There is no need to mention Black Americans. Let the Nigerians do their thing, the African diaspora theirs, and the Black Americans their own. I like also how you insult Black Americans, even though Tyler Perry can fund the entire Nigeria film industry. But why would he fund such low budget garbage?

• Black People | July 28, 2012 7:12 PM

  Give me a break Suzanne. Is there a culture clash between Africans from the continent and America. Yes. But also there is a culture clash between Caribbeans, African-South Americans who speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English (Central America), and African-Europeans. For starters, nobody cares for Nigerian films and Nollywood except Nigerians and Nigeria. Africans all over the world produce their own films for their own language and for their own people. Please don't insult American black films. We have plenty of movies, our own channels, and our own distribution. Hollywood is white for white people, therefore it only makes since that they would promote their own people. Secondly, when has the last time a Nigerian film had a worldwide release? Never. People all over the world has seen American Black films and experienced American Black music. This film may get released and seen in Africa and the UK, but that's it. Why nobody cares about Nigerian films. The only people that are supposed to watch Nollywood are Nigerians. Bollywood is not worldwide, and they produced far better films than Nigeria. The author simply made a statement. That's all. No Black American is seeking Nigeria's help making films. Just as nobody in the African Diaspora is seeking Nigeria's help making films. Please get off your high horse. This movie is strictly for Nigerians by Nigerians. This film will be big in Nigeria and that's all. Spare the wonders of Nollywood, when nobody cares but Nigerians. If Black Americans should need help in films, they should seek Africans from South-American and African-Europeans, as they have a similar experience like African-Americans.

• ojie king | July 28, 2012 3:29 PMReply

  Well, as a Nigerian born and bread, I have always dreamed that an attempt at making a film that would stand on the same value as Hollywood movies would be made and now I can say with happiness that this has happened. I believe that now, the world have begun to notice the immense talent that Nigeria has to offer and ha started to pay attention. It all starts with one and as Half of the Yellow Sum ha led the way, i am sure that many will follow. The truth is, a good film is a good film is a good film as well as a good story is a good story is a good story no matter which country. There are many films that I have watched with the likes of Volver, Apocalypto to name a few that were not in the English language and yet I was drawn in to the wonderful stories that they had to offer.

• anon | August 1, 2012 6:29 PM

  black people perfect example of why black america film industry is DOOMED youve been ntrying to get funig for films for 50 years what makes you think its ever gonna happen swallow your pridea dn accept that nollywood is possibly the ONLY option for black america and btw uk/ american projects are VERY COMMON british film industry doesnt have as much money as hollywood therefore hollywood foots the bill and invests everyone makes money and is happy people like you have no IDEA how business works this movi may not be ahuge film in hollyowwd but who cares it will sell overseas and will make money so they can invest in even more high budjest films america is not the be all and end all in international markets you know.

• Donella | July 28, 2012 3:11 PMReply

  "But black filmmakers here in the USA really should consider looking at Nigeria as a potential source of funding." I agree!

• alice | August 7, 2012 12:41 PM

  @Anon
  
  Shut up and go away...learn to spell and use correct punctuation also. Twat!

• Black People | July 28, 2012 2:56 PMReply

  The film Legacy by Thomas Ikimi only had a budget of $500,000. I hardly call that an investment. Anybody could have put that in. As far as investing $6.4 million for this, they could have shot a film that resonates with Nigerians. Most films in Nigeria are low budget and have yet to reach an international audience. This could have been this film instead of an American slave movie. Guess black people love slavery and colonialism.

• Miss Mimi | November 24, 2012 2:29 PM

  You are a complete fool. Why is it that so many Black Americans are angry and hell bent on slavery?
  GET OVER IT.
  Yes it was bad, but it happened, and there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Black people just have to move on for progress.
  Stop blaming White people and Africans for your failures.
  People like you will never have a positive solution for unity and progress regarding people of African decent.
  
  There is nothing wrong with blacks working together for positive outcomes.
  Get rid of the ugly angry attitude and open your mind

• Ladybug | July 29, 2012 3:57 PM

  A bit confused by your comment . . . "This could have been this film instead of an American Slave Movie" . . . are you speaking of Half of a Yellow Sun . . . if so it's not a slave film at all . . . you should look at old S&A posts . . . or are you talking about some other film . .