Nollywood: The Making of “KATAKATA” and Stage 32 Collaboration
Introduction
Years ago, in 2014, six(6) years before the global epidemic, I was requested to talk with a group of 35 visiting Nigerian film directors, together with Kevin Shand, the former Colorado Film Commissioner (DGN). Stage 32 was referenced during my lecture at the Colorado Film School as an important platform that participants should be aware of.
The simplicity with which Stage 32 promotes internal and worldwide collaborations was one of the benefits I mentioned. Newton Barabara approached me after my presentation to chat about a project he was working on. Unacceptable was the title, and it dealt with the horrifying topics of child abuse and human trafficking. Are you on Stage 32 as well? he inquired. “I’ve been answering since 2011.”
“We worked to expand on Newton’s idea by setting the story in Nigeria, England, and the United States of America”, said Shand. Our revised logline reads; When a young Nigerian girl is rescued from a Drug Lord’s mansion in the Colorado Mountains, it triggers an international game of cat and mouse.
Statistically, despite their well-intentioned advances, most people who meet in a professional situation rarely reconnect. In our case, however, this was not the case. My Stage 32 membership and interest, as well as Newton’s curiosity and later membership, appear to demonstrate our dedication to world storytelling.
Seven Years Later
In 2021, Newton Barabara Studios LTD, a Nigerian film production company, successfully completed ‘KATAKATA,’ a Stage 32 member co-production with Main Man Films and Pedras Productions from the United States. With a Nigerian cast and crew, the film was shot entirely on site in Enugu, Nigeria.
Behind the Scene “KATAKATA”
“Coerced to disrupt a terrorist plot on a children’s school, two brothers must decide the value of character or risk losing their ultimate reward,” according to Newton Barabara, who also wrote and directed the film.
Main Man Films’ Arthur O. Thomas commented, “This project resonates well with our credo of stories bridging borders.” “We were pleased to cooperate with Newton on bringing this compelling and high-energy performance to the Nigerian and international market after chatting with him about his project,” said Kevin Shand, founder of Pedras Productions.
Stage 32 is the ideal setting for filmmakers such as Art and Newton to meet and collaborate. Despite the fact that they were separated by nearly 7000 miles and a 7-hour time difference, readily available video-chatting platforms (e.g., Google Meets, Skype, Signal) facilitated the connection between the two industry professionals, establishing common ground from the moment Katakata discussions began.
KATAKATA Features the following Notable Actors
Jibola Dabo is a multi-award-winning Nollywood actor, producer, director, screenwriter, and model known for his numerous film roles, remarkable on-screen performance, originality, and high-precision film role interpretation. He has won the Zuma Award for Best Actor, the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award for Most Prominent Actor, the Golden Icon Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in Nigeria, and the City People Entertainment Award for Best Actor of the Year.
Chiege Alisigwe is a multi-award winner who has won the Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Actress and the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Viewers Choice Award
Jerry Williams is a well-known Nigerian actor and producer who has appeared in over 80 films. He is best recognized for his performance in the film “The Chosen King,” although he has also acted in “Wind of Fire,” “Seven Books of Moses,” “Royal Struggle,” “Two Hearts,” “Love and Darkness,” “My Hidden Enemy,” and “I Will Be the King.” His epic, tragic, and romantic roles have made him famous.
“I was surprised to meet three twenty something Nigerian students visiting the United States who were excited to see Jibola Dabo and Chiege Alisigwe on the screen. They are stars in their home country,” said Gabriel Sanders from Main Man Films. “The professionalism and sincerity exhibited by my partners from the US show that film-making is really a universal language that brings unity across boundaries,” said Newton Barabara, director, writer, and producer of ‘Katakata’. Information about the film can be found at http://katakatamovie.com and on IMDb.
“I was startled to encounter three twenty something Nigerian students who were eager to see Jibola Dabo and Chiege Alisigwe on the TV while visiting the United States. They’re celebrities in their own country,” said Main Man Films’ Gabriel Sanders. Newton Barabara, director, writer, and producer of ‘Katakata,’ remarked, “The expertise and sincerity displayed by my US collaborators illustrate that cinema is truly a worldwide language that creates togetherness across boundaries.” http://katakatamovie.com and IMDb both have information about the film.
Stage 32 was the umbilical cord that nourished the creativity that resulted in their first of many collaborations, unbeknownst to them at the time of their first meeting. Stage 32, thank you for what you do.
About Newton Barabara Studio
Newton Barabara Studios LTD is a Behavioral Change communication firm situated in Enugu State, Nigeria, that was founded in 2006. Newton Barabara Studios employs narrative and films to bring about positive behavior change in the society, collaborating with international partners to build Nigeria’s creative film industry.
About Main Man Films, LLC
Established in 1999, Main Man Films (MMF) facilitates the telling of untold stories for unserved and under-served audiences. By creating compelling ideas, providing media consultation, and producing digital content, we successfully collaborate with clients and filmmakers from around the world to produce unique television, film, and music experiences – we call it “Stories Crossing Borders.”
About Pedras Productions, LLC
Founded in 2020, Pedras Productions, LLC is an international content creation company that delivers business acumen to the art of storytelling. By supporting independent creatives, we facilitate the bridging of ideas and culture.
