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I saw the film at the African Diaspora International Film Festival in November, where it was the opening night film; and while I didn't love it, I appreciated the effort. Read my thoughts HERE.

In what is said to be an unprecendented theatrical release for a Nollywood film, Doctor Bello will open in for a 1-week run, (February 22 – 27) at AMC theaters in NYC, NJ, Philly, B-more, DC, ATL, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, Columbus (Ohio), Chi-town, Detroit and LA.

Of course, as is often the case, if the film performs well during that first week, it'll continue to play for another week, and so on…

Directed by Tony Abulu's, the Nollywood/Hollywood collaboration stars Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Bern Cohen, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke and Victor Browne.

The full story via press release below…

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Beginning February 22nd to 27th, 2013, "Doctor Bello", the latest Tony Abulu produced and directed film, will show exclusively at AMC Theatres®. "Doctor Bello" is the first film to be released under an exclusive theatrical distribution partnership between AMC Theatres and Black Ivory Communications, a multi-faceted media firm specializing in film production, entertainment, and tourism.

Coinciding with Black History Month, "Doctor Bello's" unprecedented theatrical release marks the first ever in the U.S. for Nollywood films — the bustling Nigerian film Industry. AMC Theatres has agreed to expand the film to a wider release if there is a strong performance during the critical make-or-break first week of its release.

Starring Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean-Louis and Nigerian superstars Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke Linus, "Doctor Bello" is the first in a new line of film products supported by the Nigerian government's $200 million intervention fund for the entertainment industry. The film's synopsis captivatingly states, "The cure for cancer has been found in the sky mountains of Africa, and an American oncologist will risk everything to get it."

"Showing a Nollywood film in American theaters not only proves the cross-marketability of the industry, but it clearly demonstrates that there is a niche market here, and we are pleased to partner with AMC to fulfill its demand," said Abulu, the award-winning filmmaker who also produced and directed "Crazy Like a Fox" and "American Dream."

"Having recognized Nollywood as a rapid growing industry, AMC is pleased to not only provide a platform for sharing more socially and culturally relevant stories, but to respond to the feedback from our diverse guest base," said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, vice president of alternative and special content.

The film will open at AMC Theatres across the United States in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, Columbus (OH), Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles.

For more information on specific theaters and screening times, please visit www.AMCtheatres.com, www.doctorbello.com or connect on www.Facebook.com/doctorbello.

About Black Ivory Communications

For the past 30 years, Black Ivory Communications has been at the forefront of African culture propagation worldwide. From producing several historical events in America including U.S. tours of the spectacular Nigerian National Troupe, the Africa Music Festival in New York, and international fashion extravaganzas, the outfit has also produced captivating films: "Back to Africa," "American Dream," and "Crazy like a Fox," which was nominated for Best Film in the Best Film category at the American Black Film Festival, 2008. Black Ivory recently established the Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, USA to protect the integrity of the African film Industry in the United States, and in furtherance of that objective FAN, USA recently organized the successful crackdown against illegal sales of pirated Nigerian films in the United States by the Brooklyn District Attorney's office. Visit www.fanmovieland.com for more information.

About AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 332 theatres with 4,804 screens primarily in the United States. The company operates 22 of the 50 highest-grossing theatres in the country, including four of the top five. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. Visit www.AMCTheatres.com for more information.

Tony Abulu

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