Sahara Group sponsors young movie producers to London Film Academy

Sahara Group, an African energy conglomerate, has sponsored two movie producers to the London Film Academy.

In a statement, the company announced that Joseph Duke and Chinenye Balogun, the beneficiaries, emerged winners of a competition it organised.

The statement said they would undergo training in editing and cinematography.

“The competition involved the submission of 15-minute documentaries on the activities of Nigerian entrepreneurs by young film maker,” it read.

Unveiled in 2016, the competition flagged off Sahara’s unfolding corporate citizenship model tagged “extrapreneurship”.

The company said the model seeks to create a platform that finds, creates and connects young people with business interests in emerging markets.

“It still feels like a dream each time I think about how Sahara Group’s support has enhanced my career. I spent six dream months with Kunle Afolayan during which I learnt a lot and interacted with some of the best minds in the industry,” Duke said.

“Now, going to the London Film Academy is another experience I am looking forward to. In fact Sahara Group has changed my life and given wings to my aspiration.”

On her part, Balogun said the London Film Academy experience would further hone her skills in pursuit of her dream of ultimately becoming a successful film maker.

“I am inspired by what Sahara Group is doing in terms of helping people’s dreams come true and look forward to using my career and achievements to support young film makers,” she said.

Bethel Obioma, Sahara’s spokesperson, said the group is delighted to be “co-creating a future of excellence in the film industry with budding talents through its projects and interventions”.

“Sahara draws inspiration from giving individuals wings to achieve their dreams and aspirations. We are passionate giving all we can and working with like-minded stakeholders to promote sustainable development across the globe,” Obioma said.

Sahara is currently concluding plans for the next edition of the grooming film extrapreneurs project with an extended mandate of giving opportunities to young film makers in Africa to showcase their works.