CONCUBINE - The Movie

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The Concubine, one of the classic novels of modern African literature has been made into a film. The Concubine was written by Elechi Amadi and the film was directed by the accomplished Nollywood movies director Andy Amenechi.

We hear that due to fear of piracy, the movie is to be privately promoted, after which it will be available to the public. Sources say over N30 million (i.e over $250,000) was invested in producing the movie.

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Elechi Amadi’s The Concubine now in movies
By TOSIN AJIRIRE
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Sun News Publishing
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/blockbuster/2007/jan/20/blockbuster-20-01-2007-004.htm

An epic movie adapted from the classic, best selling novel, "The Concubine" written by Elechi Amadi would soon hit the big screen. Shootings have been completed and it’s now at the editing stage.

"The Concubine", a film touted to have the largest cast so far –700 and with a standing budget of about N30 million, is set to surpass the feat of "Things Fall Apart," another epic novel by Chinua Achebe, also adapted for a movie.

Shot in Uno Ugwuogo, Enugu State, the film features top shots in Nollywood like Bob Manuel, who plays Ekwueme, the male lead character and Chiege Alisigwe, who interprets convincingly the role of the lead female character, Ihuoma. Other stars on parade are Zulu Adigwe, Offia Mbaka, Tome Njemanze, Ebere Okaro, Chinyere Winifred and Larry Briggs.

Produced by the trio of Razor Gabriel Aguwa, Steve Eboh and Chinedu Okeke while the duo of Joe Dudun and Oby Kechere assisted as directors. Other top crew members are Mohammed Abdullahi, director of photography, Phillip Okpokoro, camera man, Jude Odoh, head of make-up, Chinasu Nwaigwe, location manager, Sele O. Sele, propery and set; and of course Raymond Zino, the sound man.

The renowned author, Elechi Amadi was also on ground as a consultant to make sure the interpretation of the characters was flawless. Efforts were made as much as possible to recreate the exact setting of the village, created in the book – from mangrove thicket to raffia roofing and low buildings.

"The Concubine" may be the biggest thing to come out of Nollywood in recent times as the Executive Producer, Uche Simon Chikendum, CEO of Chescana Global Links Production did all to ensure a perfect job. It was learnt he paid a whopping N7 million to secure the rights of the book and get the author to work on set.

According to the producer, his outfit has decided to work on adaptation so as to provide students with educational materials. "I have noticed sadly that students, especially secondary school students are lazy readers. While we are not trying to substitute books with movies, I believe it will prime their interest and make it easier for them to understand. I am equally doing it to set a new standard in Nollywood," he said.

When reminded that the activities of pirates may not make his venture worthwhile, he posited that though, "my primary reason for going into this business is not just profit, I have mapped out strategies to be ahead of pirates and I won’t reveal them just yet. We are also targeting international markets outside exploring other avenues."

Commenting on the movie, the lead male character, Bob Manuel Udokwu said thus: "this is one of the movies I have been opportuned to do. It is the first time I am acting a book that has been adapted into a movie and I am sure it will add another feather to my cap. In fact, it will take me to the next level." Will it? Only "The Concubine" can tell.