Africa Film Academy Awards organises workshop in Enugu

The 2019 Africa Film Academy Awards held a workshop in Enugu state on Thursday.

According to the organsiers, the workshop. which had over 500 participants in attendance, achieved its aim of creating “a paradigm shift in the African film industry”.

Patience Ozokwor, the Aneke Twins, Ofiafuluagwu Mbaka, Steve Ebo, Afam Okereke were among the professionals who were at the event.

Different facilitators at the workshop offered tips on how to enhance creativity in the industry.

While speaking on thriving in the film business, and indeed any other business, Jim Jermanok, an award- winning writer, director, producer, author and speaker based in New York said to stop learning is to stop living.

“Life is a class and we all are students… to be successful is to call persistence to service. Don’t stop going when the going gets tough,” said Jermanok who won the grand prize at the Seattle International Film Festival and the Criterion International Inspiration Award.

Martin Gbados, producer of the award-winning film, “Solider Story” spoke to the students about distribution and contracts.

While he emphasised the legality of a contract, he went into issues to look out for when a contract is in place.

He, particularly, applauded the adoption of digital distribution channels, which have been on the increase.

Rita Mba, Enugu state commissioner for culture and tourism, was in attendance alongside 200 participants sponsored by the state government.

During a gala night which held on Friday, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Africa Film Academy Awards’ founder, spoke about the need for the filmmakers from the south-east and south-south to improve the quality of their films.

She said she hoped that soon, a film from Nigeria could go to Cannes, Berlin , or Toronto and win best Film at AMAA.

Ozokwor, who attended the Gala night, commented on the role AMAA has played in her career.

She said AMAA gave her the opportunity to give back to an industry that is the life of several people.

She also spoke about how AMAA gave her the opportunity of flying more than 20 people to South Africa.

The gala night had a lot of surprises with Africa Film Academy and Ethiopia Airlines announcing the partnership to fly Ozokwor to the US for an event.

Ethiopian Airlines gave gifts to stars like Ken Ugo, Rachael Okonkwo, the Aneke twins, Nnaemeka Charles Eze (Nani Boy).

Chima Obieze, Don. Sylvester Chinedu Nwaeke and Chief Kenneth Anike, received the Africa Film Academy special recognition for support to film industry.

Inducted in to the Africa Film Academy Gold Patrons Club were Amos Oshi, a politician, who is building a film village in Enugu, and Alexander Nwokeabia. Edwin Edeoga, a royal father, was also inducted into the Africa Film Academy platinum Patrons Club.

Edward Ubois, speaker, Enugu house of assembly, was inducted into the Platinum Patrons Club.

The club is a membership to individuals who support the advancement of the work of the Africa Film Academy programmes in Africa cinema, especially training and canvassing the inclusion of African cinema for all.