Media Project Launches Search for its 50th Nigerian Face

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Los Angeles, CA – (October 1, 2010)

The producers of the commemorative documentary and complementary coffee table book entitled 50 FACES OF NIGERIA, are searching for their final 50th Face. Conceived of by Nigerian-American producer, Chika Chukudebelu, the project takes a look at Africa’s largest country through the eyes of its people both indigenous and abroad. Commemorating 50 years of independence for Nigeria on October 1, 2010, the project’s producers are launching a contest to find the final project participant. The filmmakers, Chukudebelu, director/producer Korstiaan “Kors” Vandiver and producers Faith Kakulu and Kim Vandiver, are preparing to launch an online video search for the 50th Face to be represented in the project.

A MacArthur “Genius Award” winner. A world-renowned journalist. An award-winning author-poetprofessor.A Hollywood studio exec. A world-recognized non-profit “Global Leader of Tomorrow.” Who are they and what do they have in common? They are Dr. Funmilayo Olopade. Adaora Udoji. Chris Abani. Pearlena Igbokwe. Ndidi Nwuneli. And these are just some of the names that make up the 50 FACES OF NIGERIA, a media project that is quickly gaining supporters for its efforts to commemorate Nigeria’s 50th anniversary of independence with profiles of 50 Nigerians changing the world through leadership in medical research, education, entertainment, sports, non- and for-profit sectors. One person short of 50 Faces, they are enlisting the public’s help. “Nigerians reside in all corners of the globe using their talents in every aspect of industry so these 50 names are by no means an exhaustive list,” says Chukudebelu.

“We want the community at large to own a piece of this project. So we want to know what Nigerians have inspired you? Who should the rest of the world know about?”
The project asks luminaries and average citizens alike the same question: “How can we get involved?”

The search reaches out to the Nigerian diaspora to spotlight a special someone whose work deserves recognition for affecting people’s lives in a positive way. Send us your videos telling us who you think should be our 50th Face. Contest details will be posted soon on the 50 FACES OF NIGERIA website at www.50FacesofNigeria.com.
“Nigeria has a quarter of the population of the African continent; that’s a lot of power,” says actress/philanthropist Megalyn Echikunwoke. In a global society where information is power, what little is known about Nigeria casts the negative shadow of corruption and political and social turmoil. Director Korstiaan Vandiver hopes to reverse that trend: “We want to shine a light on Nigeria by showcasing its
citizens and descendants who are impacting the world for good.” And their numbers abound. Additional participants include financial expert/philanthropist Wale Adeosun, World Bank’s Managing Director Dr.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, singer/songwriter Nneka, non-profit leader Afam Onyema and actor Gbenga Akinnagbe, best known for his role in the HBO series The Wire.
Copies of the coffee table book will be donated to schools in Nigeria and a percentage of the proceeds donated to charity. The project will be shot in various locations throughout the US, Europe and Nigeria.

Interested participants can check out www.50FacesofNigeria.com to find out upcoming contest details, to donate to the project and to find links to their Facebook and Twitter pages. Of the project producer Kim Vandiver offers, “The whole world is about to discover what these 50 faces already know; that Nigeria is a country brimming with talent, resources, and opportunity.”

Contact:
Faith Kakulu
Faith@50FacesofNigeria.com
5482 Wilshire Blvd, #183
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Ph: (818) 395-7874
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