NAN-ELS-12
Film
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, May 23, 2017 (NAN) Dr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) says more zonal offices will be opened across the country for desired impact and closer collaboration with stakeholders.
According to a statement by Mr Brian Etuk, Head, Public Affairs of the corporation, on Tuesday, Madueke said this when he received members of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) led by its newly elected president Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano Usman to the in Jos.
He said the intention was to enhanced training and capacity building for film practitioners in the country.
“The NFC has stepped up its training and capacity building programmes for industry professionals and upcoming practitioners.
“The approval for the training of 450 practitioners in all aspects of motion picture production by the Government of Kano State should be emulated by other state governments.
“The dearth of statistical data for the industry will also be addressed when the registration and documentation of film festivals, markets, schools, academies and film production companies commence soon,” he said.
Maduekwe further assured that the Corporation was not resting on its oars, as it has initiated actions towards addressing funding, and other challenges within the sector.
The panacea, he said, was the establishment of the Nigerian Film Development Fund and the passage into law of the Nigerian Film Commission Bill currently at the National Assembly.
“With these in place, complimenting other extant legislations, the incidences of piracy, intellectual property theft, unstructured film industry, unprofessional conduct by practitioners will be adequately addressed.”
The NFC boss commended them on the visit and described it as a sign of commitment and show of solidarity for the decision of NFC to step up the activities that will ultimately propel the Nigerian film industry to greater heights.
During the visit, Usman promised to partner with the NFC and support the Nigerian Film Commission bill.
He also reeled out his road map for the association, to be accomplished within the shortest possible time.
Usman listed standardisation of the film industry through capacity building and training, fight against piracy and the mounting of a film festival, as some key components of its roadmap for the Nigerian motion picture industry. (NAN)
CMY/EAL/
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi