Ten young filmmakers have emerged winners in the ‘pitch, win and shoot’ competition organized by the Edo Creative Hub, an initiative of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) in collaboration with the Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE) program.
Organizers said at the weekend that their successes followed an intense training in the art of filmmaking under Edo Creative Hub.
The winners are to benefit from a distribution deal with IrokoTV and Kada Cinemas brokered by the state government and MADE, which ensures that the movies shot by the filmmakers are not only commercially viable but also meet the highest production standards.
At the event to mark the completion of the training program, Edo State Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Dorcas Idehen, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harness the huge potentials in the state’s booming creative industry and open up the state to opportunities and investment in the sector.
The governor said his administration will not relent in providing the needed support to encourage the growth of the entertainment industry, adding that the six thematic pillars by his administration to ensure sustainable development in the state provides the development of the Arts, Culture and Tourism sector.
Obaseki disclosed that the government was leveraging on the potential of the state as a cultural hub to create job opportunities for youths in the state, which resulted in the brokering of the distribution and exhibition deals with IrokoTV and Kada Cinemas.
Renowned film director and culture activist, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, praised the state government for encouraging filmmaking in the state, adding, “This is a means to engage citizens in productive activities and create jobs in the state. The purpose of the project is to engage youths to discourage illegal migration and human trafficking.”
Imasuen said he was ready to assist the young filmmakers and ensure the movies are aired on Africa Magic and Iroko TV, among others, noting that some migrant returnees are already interviewing with Iroko TV for placements.
Senior Investment Manager, MADE, Mr. Mansoor Rajim, noted that the project was conceptualized to discourage irregular migration in the state and also encourage beneficiaries to put in more efforts in developing the state’s film industry.
Among the beneficiaries are Ojeaga Charlotte, Onohi John, Okhomina Joseph, Osaigbovo Eriamiantoe, Okao Aimalohi Ihinosen, Blessed Omoregie, Eriyo Michael, Billy Kings and Edwin Irabor.
