NOLLYWOOD GREETS HOLLYWOOD WITH NEW FILM RELEASE 

"THE AMAZING GRACE"

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BLACK HISTORY FILMS OF THE DECADE

Hollywood, CA - December, 2007 - On January 22, 2008, at the onset of Black History Month, film history will be made.  This is the date "The Amazing Grace" a new DVD release from RockCity/ Codeblack/Vivendi Visual Entertainment (the video division of Universal Music Group Distribution)  will hit stores and the internet nationwide.  "The Amazing Grace" is not only a momentous occasion, as it represents for the first time ever, the children of slaves telling their version of the African slave trade, but it is also the first Nigerian/Nollywood film to be distributed widely throughout North America.

Wilson Ebiye, CEO of RockCity Entertainment and executive producer of "The Amazing Grace" is the driving force behind this vision and offering. Nollywood is Nigeria's booming film industry, the third largest in the world, behind Hollywood and India's Bollywood, generating $250 million annually.  It is Ebiye's vision to shatter the stereotypes about Nigerians while contributing culturally to Black people around the globe. As the producer behind "HipHop Story: Tha Movie," which featured stars the likes of Tupac Shakur, P. Diddy and Jay Z,  Ebiye is no newcomer to Hollywood.  As a native Nigerian, he has combined his talent and connections to bring both worlds together.

"The Amazing Grace" is the true to life tale of the story behind the world's most famous spiritual hymn, "Amazing Grace."  "Amazing Grace" was originally an African song sung often in the land and later on the ships.  The English verses were later composed by slave trader John Newton, as a reflection of his redemption after retiring from the heinous slave trade business. 

Written, directed and produced by Jeta Amata, a Nollywood mainstay, and starring Nick Moran ("Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels") as the slave ship captain and hymn composer, John Newton, the film is highly emotive and authentic in production.  The shackles and chains used in the film are the actual remnants of slavery, borrowed from the Slavery Museum in Nigeria.  Shot on location in Nigeria and London, the scenery and photography are breathtaking.  The horrors of human trade are brought to life as never before. 

"Our goal was to tell a uniquely African story with universal appeal." explains Ebiye.  "As the direct descendents of this world tragedy, it was important to us to utilize high production standards in conveying this important history lesson.  Our film is authentic and conveys elements of our history never fully explored on film before."

"The Amazing Grace" can be pre-ordered at  www.Amazon.com   and will be available in all major stores nationwide on January 22, 2008.  It is the perfect viewing for Black History Month and beyond as one man's slave inspired song of redemption has perpetuated  throughout the centuries.

Note to Media: For interviews and / or review copies, forward your name and media outlet (and mailing address for DVD maling)  to makeda@jazzmynepr.com .