Nigeria film stakeholders who attended the just-concluded Eastern Nigeria International film festival (ENIFF) in Enugu have all reiterated their resolve to continue their partnership to further build more capacity for the creative industry both in the southeast states of Nigeria in particular as well as in Nigeria in general.

The US Consul in Lagos Mr. Will Stevens, in an opening remark, stated that the United States will continue to support ENIFF because of the huge potential it portends for Nigerian creative economy.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs. Ugochi Madueke, urged the organisers to redouble their efforts as there is a clear positive impact from ENIFF on the citizens of Enugu and neighbouring states.

Also, speaking at the award night, the Chairman Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, expressed Governor Peter Mbah’s interest in ENIFF and commended the organisers for bringing the world to Enugu. She also declared that the Enugu state Tourism Board will support ENIFF by partnering with it in the next edition

Dr J Martins, Special Advisor on Entertainment to the Abia State Governor, brought news of Governor Otti’s affirmed interest in taking over the festival in 2024.

On his own part former Minister for Information and Culture, Chief Frank Nweke Jr, who delivered the keynote address at the opening of the festival and hosted the resource persons to a welcome gala, said Enugu is home to all Nigerians. He added that ENIFF continues to be a welcome event and a veritable platform for capacity building.

Also speaking one of the supporters and media partners of ENIFF, Founder of Afia TV and former DG of NFVCB as well as NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, described the festival as a window on the south eastern creative hub. He urged other stakeholders to join hands to harness the huge potentials from the festival.

On his part, Chris Obi Rapu, veteran film director credited for directing Living in Bondage, known as the first new Nigerian film, recalled his childhood years in Enugu. He commended the founders of ENIFF for giving the coal city something to look forward to every year. He also called for a new Naijawood to replace the word Nollywood.

Mr Femi Odugbemi, who delivered a masterclass, spoke on the importance of the pitch for any Nigerian filmmaker in particular and businessmen in general.

Nollywood iconic actress Ego Boyo also delivered a thought-provoking masterclass on film production and the core principles any film producer must know.

The facilitators of Lagos Book and Arts Festival, Jahman Anikulapo, spoke on the Nigerian creative environment, problems, and prospects.

In a chat with co-founders of ENIFF, Chris Odili and Ujuaku Nwakalor Akukwe, they summarised thus: “We at ENIFF are encouraged by these words by our diverse stakeholders and are propelled to do more. We have plans to take film training across the South-East states with capacity building masterclasses in Awka, Abakaliki, Aba, Owerri, and Enugu in the coming months.”

•L-R: Emeka Mba. Femi Odugbemi, Frank Nweke Jnr, Chris Obi Rapu, Jahman Anikulapo and J Martins

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