Igbinedion University takes Nollywood to the world

IT is good news for aspiring film makers and actors who are longing to attend the prestigious New York Film Academy to horn their crafts, as Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, has taken up the challenge to establish a similar film school in the country to stem the tide.

Established in collaboration with Nollywood Project 101, owned by popular film director cum producer, Lancelot Imasuen, the film school called, Benin Film Academy, according to the vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, is being set up to strengthen the professional capacity and deliverability of the country’s blossoming film industry.

Speaking at a brief ceremony preceding the signing of the memorandum of understanding, MoU, between the institution and the popular film director, which incidentally collided with the 48th matriculation ceremony of the institution, Prof. Osaghae boasted that through the academy, the institution will take Nollywood and indeed, African film sector to the rest of the world. “ He said, “In the coming days, you will hear of a film festival you have never dreamt of. You will hear of a film village, you will also behold distinguished fellows of the academy and of course, you will know that something great has happened to our film industry.”

Practical exposure The academy, located along the Airport Road, Benin City, will be offering practical training in all key areas of film making including acting, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting and screening among others. It hopes to actualize these goals through tuition and practical exposure, leading to the award of professional diplomas and certificates, summer institutes, film festivals and collaboration with leading film academies and institutions across the world. Commenting on the new initiative, veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, who was appointed as a member of the Board of Fellows of the Academy described the initiative as a “welcome development.”