TOBI Gets New Premiere Date

As U.S-based producer arrives in Nigeria

Buoyed by his quest to consolidate on the standard set by previous Nigerian movies shot on foreign soil, Nigeria’s emerging producer, Emmanuel Ijeh has revealed that the premiere of the movie, TOBI (a Nigerian movie shot in New York and New Jersey) has been rescheduled for May 18, 2012.

It would be recalled that the premiere of the movie had earlier been set for April 13, 2012 but coming on the heels of a deliberate move to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the best of both Nollywood and Hollywood, the date of the official premiere of the film was inevitably shifted to May 18.

Here in Nigeria, the movie already has the blessings of a cross section of entertainment figures, showbiz personalities and many others who have expressed their eagerness to see the movie finally arrive in Nigerian cinemas.

Some of those who have openly given a nod of approval to the movie include Mr. Nigeria 2007, Bryan Okwara, popular singer, Muma Gee and the Most Outstanding Runway Model, Nigerian Models Achievers Awards (NMAA) 2011, Ejiro Jalogho also known as Crozz; even as the list continues to grow.

Interestingly, the producer, Ijeh recently arrived in Nigeria (precisely March 4, 2012) to ensure that plans are in top gear for the premiere of a movie that would further edge the face of the Nigerian movie industry on the rocks of brilliance and recognition.

The dark-skinned film maker further revealed that the movie TOBI was born out of his conviction that Nigerian stories should no longer be confined to the walls of Nollywood as he strongly believes that the bridge erected by movies like Ije, Mirror Boy and a host of others should be extended and strengthened by consistently keeping the oils of creativity and originality greased through hard work, commitment and dedication.

TOBI is a movie that captures the pillars of our individual choices, the height of sacrifice, the priceless nature of a sound education, the curse of nemesis and how we must all understand that when sorrow comes, they come not as single spies but in battalions.

The suspense-filled movie explores the consequences of what happens when 21-year-old Tobi (Mark Williams) tows the thin line between goodness and malevolent evil. In a flash, a simple life gets filled with gang pressure, violence, loaded weapons, bloodshed, murder, drugs, parental challenges and a flurry of conflicting voices.

On a flip side, the essence of love, family and the thematic colour of sacrifice also swim into perspective.

Meanwhile, the director, Bethels Agomuoh further bridges the gap between the Nollywood and Hollywood by shooting a Nigerian picture in the United States with a healthy blend of American and Nigerian cast.

TOBI has been scheduled to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on May 18, 2012 and will feature a red carpet premiere in Lagos.

The movie is proudly supported by Ozone Cinemas, Silverbird Cinemas, Nigeria Films, Blue Pictures, Emani Studios, City Mall, Moonfaceonline Magazine, Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, DSTV, Acada Magazine, Showbizhub247, Simply Samad MEDIA, Xi Concepts, Swish Interactive and a growing list of others.

Synopsis

This drama explores the story of 21-year-old Tobi (Mark Williams) and the pillars of his individual choices, the height of sacrifice, the priceless nature of a sound education, the curse of nemesis and how we must all understand that when sorrow comes, they come not as single spies but in battalions.

Cast

Mark Williams                          (as Tobi)

Chet Bashari Anekwe               (as Tobi’s father)

Chisom Oz-Lee                        (as Tobi’s mother)

Jimmy Allen                              (as Tobi’s brother)

Producer – Emmanuel Ijeh

Director – Bethels Agomuoh

Review

Not the kind of story that would instantly fire up the bolts of momentary anticipation but the dramatic twists, suspense and sterling interpretation of roles by some of the cast scores high on the pages of a dramatic epic. Ironically, in place of the main story, the theme of blood bonding between brothers and the cards of sacrifice and selflessness touch a more sensitive cord.