By Adeogun Ayodipupo
The recent invitation to students of the Department of Mass Communication of Crescent University, Abeokuta from the organizer of the Zuma Film Festival an Initiative
of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Abuja early this year will go down as another endorsement by key industry bodies to the contribution of the private university towards thought leadership and professionalism in film production in Nigeria and beyond.
In a letter dated 31st March 2022 the Department was invited to the famous film festival specifically to be part of the 11th edition of SHOOT INTERNATIONAL FILM TRAINING WORKSHOP, a critical activity during the 7-day long assembly of local and international Movie producers, marketers, investors, scholars, regulatory Agencies, scholars and students.
According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Corporation who doubles as the Chairman of Zuma Film Festival Central Planning, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, the broad objectives of the Zuma Film Festival have been: “To provide a platform for film networking between Nigerian filmmakers and their counterparts from other film countries, explore, expand, film co- production opportunities beneficial to Nigerian filmmakers, recognize and reward cinematic excellence, entrench professionalism, boost export potentials of Nigerian films and, herald Nigeria as Africa’s tourism and film destination hub.”
The leadership of the Mass Communication department of Crescent University sees the invitation extended to the institution as a huge confirmation of its unrelenting efforts toward producing well- groomed professionals for different fields associated with Mass Communication. “We received the invitation with appreciation and excitement. We see this as a good opportunity for our students to learn more from the best brain in the industry beyond what they learn here. This also shows that our contributions to the industry are well noted by individuals and organizations within and outside the country,” Dr Kola Adesina, Head of Department, Mass Communication, Crescent University.
Speaking on the Festival, the leader of Crescent University delegation to the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja and Head of the Broadcast Unit of the department, Dr Ayo Odetoyinbo described the experience as eye-opening, exciting and engaging for him and other participants from the University, had said.
Dr Odetoyinbo whose penchant for professionalism in broadcasting and film production can be described as very high recalled how he engaged panelists and teeming industry participants, which includes notable Nollywood Actors at the festival on key areas Nollywood has to pay attention to if it must compete globally.
As part of the festival, some eminent Nigerians were honoured with the lifetime achievement Awards. Some of the recipients are Mrs Hilda Dokubo, Professor Bankole Sodipo, Chief Adebayo Salami, Hajia (Dr)Ramatu Tijjani, Sir Adesola Olusade, Dr (Mrs) Ijeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku, Hon Segun Odebunmi, Professor Kalu Uka, Mallam Sule Umar and Late Justus Esiri.
The closing event which was characterised by glitz and glamour. The international conference centre, Abuja which was the venue for the closing ceremony of the event tagged “show the money” drew the attendance of dignitaries from the Government, entertainment, foreign diplomats and business sectors.
In his remark, MD of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe said that 350 creative/film students were simultaneously trained during the film festival, with the key objective of strengthening the connection between veteran filmmakers and upcoming and digital creative minds. Disclosing additional successes recorded during the 12th edition of the film festival, Chidia said the week-long event provided a platform for film entrepreneurs to harvest returns on investment opportunities available in film production. He said this year’s edition, like past ones, provided impetus to drive some particular and peculiar aspect of the film production chain.
Amongst the notable dignitaries were; Honourable Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Hon Minister for state, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu; Permanent Secretary FCT, Olusade Adesola; Managing Director/Chief Executive Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa amongst others.
The 12th edition of the Zuma Film Festival organized by the Nigerian Film Festival was done in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
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