Anambra Government flags off Maiden Film Production Training in Awka

Anambra Government flags off Maiden Film Production Training in Awka

By Mimi Chiadikobi 

In line with Governor Prof Charles Soludo's vision to equip every youth in the state with skills through the "One-Youth-Two Skill Programme," the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism is targeting to train approximately 1000 young individuals in film production and the creative industry. 

This initiative aims to create "Anawood," which will be an umbrella and identity for those producing films in Anambra State, as well as enhance the socio-economic well-being of the state and tell the true story of the Igbo people.

The training will take place at the Anambra Film Village, located within the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) premises. It will cover approximately 24-25 courses, including cinematography, props and set management, script writing, entrepreneurship, acting, make-up, directing, sound management, online content creation, costume and fashion designing, among others.

During the flag-off event, Mr. Don Onyenji, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, emphasized that the training aims to provide youth with the opportunity to join the global movement by equipping themselves with skills in content creation, film production, cinematography, editing, post-production, marketing, among others, that will help to promote and market the true Culture and core values of the Igbo people.

He highlighted that besides agriculture, the creative industry is a major source of employment and with the rise of social media, many individuals are earning money from various sectors through content creation.

"In Nigeria, our people were instrumental in the formation of Nollywood through its first film, "Living in Bondage," which broke new ground and propelled Nigerians into film production. Today, Nollywood has earned billions of naira, and Nigerian films are making waves throughout Africa.

"As part of the One-Youth-Two Skills initiative, this program offers multiple skills, and I thank Mr. Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, for providing the opportunity for you to gain functional and productive training in film production," he said.

He then called on the students to be disciplined, obedient, serious, and creative, noting that the training would officially start on Monday.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Film Village, Mrs. Chinyere Ozoh-Okoma, stated that the training will run for four months, focusing more on practical skills. "What we are doing here is One-Youth-Two Skills in filmmaking, and we will train them in all aspects of film production so that they will understand the entrepreneurial part of filmmaking. We will also create a platform for them to upload their works and collaborate on content creation.

"We want to ensure that filmmaking in Nigeria, especially those that concern Ndi Igbo, reflects our culture of hard work, honesty, and brotherhood. We aim to teach them to tell our stories in a way that promotes our rich cultures and core values, steering away from the portrayal of rituals and the quick-money syndrome, which is not representative of our culture."

One of the students, Menje Innocencia Chukwuamaka, a graduate of Adult Education from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, expressed gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo for allowing them to be trained in film production. She stated that she opted for costume, make-up, and entrepreneurship.

She then called on every youth in the state to seize every opportunity to learn new skills and develop themselves instead of being idle.