Africa in Pictures
A sneak peak behind the scenes of Nollywood.
Commentary
Discussing cellphone filmmaking in Africa
Tutorial
Character development with Oladipo Agboluaje
On Mark of Uru
A look at an inspiring Nigerian animation.
With Emeka Mba
Director of NFVCB speaks on regulation.
The Figurine unveiled
Kunle Afolyan looks deeper into the film.
Spotlight Uganda
Kamya on her award wining film, Imani.
> Scene from Umeh's movie, Jozi Kings.
> Leading actor & co-producer, Anele Beke.
> Justice Umeh on set with leading actor.
What are your marketing and distribution plans for the film?
We are looking for distributors but it’s going to film festivals. You can see Jozi Kings trailer on facebook, youtube and on the website www.jozikings.com
What were the obstacles you faced during the making of the film? What were the highlights during the making of the film?
Obstacles faced during the filming?
Our lead actor almost fell off a twenty-story building while filming! Also there was the struggle of trying to get money while still filming.
[But] seeing the quality that came out of the camera made us sets our sight on a higher level.
About the filmmaker:
Who is Justice Umeh? How did you begin realising your dream as a filmmaker?
I am Nigerian but I have been living in South Africa since 1994, went to film school in 2000 in the UK, to study directing.
I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker, mostly a writer but my family kicked against it and it was because they wanted the best for me but the more they discourage me the more my love for it grew.
How would you define yourself as a filmmaker? What’s would you say is your trademark?
I see myself first and foremost as a storyteller, but in terms of my trademark, I think I am still looking for it. I am influenced by filmmakers like Spike Lee, Akira Kurosawa, Jean Luc-Goddard, Orssson Welles and on the African front Hurbert Ogunde, Ola Balogun, Eddie Igbomah and Ousmane Sembene.
Of all the projects you have done, which one has been your personal favourite and why?
I’ll say Jozi kings because I know all the characters in it. So if am watching the actors play the different parts, I see that character.
Also with all the characters in the film, there is a fuller and deeper story about them.
Do you have any projects lined up next?
I’ve got a comedy called Alex n2 KwaMashu, its about three brothers from one father but different mothers who have to travel together to go see their sick father, which we are still seeking funding. Also a film about the famous 419 scam issue which we still developing.
Watch Jozi Kings trailer here
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> Screen shot of Justice Umeh's hard-hitting film, Jozi Kings.
Interview by Chinaka Iwunze | Photos courtesy of Justice Umeh
'Jozi Kings rules!' - Filmmaker - Justice Umeh speaks on his new film
