Fans from across the nation and respected names in the film business such as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of CW Television Network, John Maata; and Mike Ajakwe, writer/producer/director were some of the guests that attended the premiere of Nollywood A-list Actress Stephanie Okereke’s film “Through the Glass.”
Excitement filled the air as the premiere held on October 18th, 2008, at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood, opened to a packed, diverse and very receptive audience. There were lots of laughter, cheers, and at times sounds of empathy as the audience reacted to the screening.
“I did not know what to expect,” said Ajakwe to Ladybrille. “I was pleasantly surprised,”he added. “It was unexpectedly good,”remarked one American guest after viewing the premiere. “I really liked it” said Maata.
L-R: Mike Ajakwe, Uduak and Actress LaTamara Smith, “The Lion King”
The above were not the only ones impressed with Okereke. Prior to the screening of “Through the Glass,” Okereke along with her audience were surprised when she was awarded two certificates of recognition for her work on her film. One was from the California Legislature Assembly, signed by Assembly Member Curren D. Price Jr. of the 51st Assembly District and the other from Mayor Jim Dear of the City of Carson.
After the premiere, and with gift bags that included goodies from Stephanie’s fashion label S.O. Collections and Clear Essence [one of her sponsors], guests headed to the very upscale restaurant and bar lounge, Tanzore. Tanzore was on fire with a red carpet VIP lounge, a fashion show debuting Okereke’s S.O. Collection by Stepahnie Okereke, free drinks and food, and lots of dancing to some of the top singles from Nigeria’s hip-hop and R&B artists.
Speaking to Ladybrille after the show, Okereke said. “I am just overwhelmed. I was really proud. I was so proud when I looked at the faces of Nigerians who were present.”It looked like they were waiting for something like this for a long time.”
First photo: Ladybrille’s Editor-in-Chief Uduak Oduok with Nollywood A-List Actress Stephanie Okereke at the Tanzore VIP Lounge.
**Ladybrille captured all the excitement and we will bring to you, soon, more pictures and our Ladybrille TV coverage of the event. To hear directly from Stephanie on the making of “Through the Glass” film, click here.
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
HATER!
I begin to get angry when you guys start to color the news. It cannot surprise Stephanie to get an award of recognition because somebody from her fold must have applied for it unless they kept it from her during the application process. Any citizen especially one that votes can make an application and get ths citation. If they wanted, the mayor of LA could have declared it Stephanie Okereke Day as well. LadyBrille please dont start the Nigerian kind of Journalism where they try to make a mountain out of a molehill. Congrats to Stephanie for making this film, look what going to actually study for something can get you. This was part of project at her film school and see what she has achieved with determination. That is what we should be applauding not that piece of paper from the California Assembly… please spare me
uhmmmm…there is constructive criticism and there is plain heting! This one is plain hating and this goes out to the first anonymous comment!The French don't apologize for their accent, neither do the Chinese and Portuguese etc…Only in naija have I seen folks sooo all about this person speaks with an accent etc. Y not? Y shd she speak differently just because she is in Hollywood…Have you heard Arnold Schwazzenegger or Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruz??? Give me a freaking break! Don't hate…celebrate! And that goes out to all black people who are so into tearing down other people's achievements!More power to you Steph and as you rise, they will keep watching from the sidelines! My 2 cents!
Why is your concentration on her make up, and whether or not she's Hollywood? The woman produced and directed a movie. You should've bee there to support her not to judge menial things such as her make-up.She was able to afford to use two wonderful locations in Hollywood and Beverly Hills so uhm…I guess she is Hollywood after all.
I agree with Sandy on the way she speaks. I think she can use some good classes. Her make-up looks jack up in this picture though, ooops. Let's be real. Sandy you need to give her some props though she tried. They say she's Hollywood superstar..very funny how every local artist wants a piece of Hollywood. Stephanie..my sis, please stop trying soo hard. I love you but hmm…