by Michael Dibie, Abuja
Various professionals in the creative industry have called on Nigeria investors to help revamp and reshape the Northern film industry which they say is lagging behind. The call was made at the third Northern film summit held at the Korean Cultural center in Abuja.
According to a former Senator, representing Kaduna central, Senator Seun Sanni “It is a fact that the Northern film industry has been lagging behind compared to the south, and it is also a fact that the Northern film industry has been there longer than the South. However, the south film industry has grown to become a profitable enterprise” he said.
He reiterated that there are a number of factors militating against the film industry in the North which include: economy factor, cultural hinderances and lack of support for the industry. “There is no support from the institution of government which makes it impossible for the sector to grow”.
He said there is a need to address these issues for the sector to grow adding that a platform like the “Norther film summit” would help create the needed awareness for investors to put in their money and also help reshape the perception attached to the industry, where Women in the industry in the North are seen as worthless and stigmatized.
He explained that if the industry is given the right support, it will help in creating jobs and in wealth creation. “It is through movies and film you can promote culture and tradition and help tell the story of the people to others in faraway land”.
Also speaking, head of the Korean cultural center Jeon Ju Ho said they are grateful for the collaboration with the Nigerian film festival Association during the 13th Korean film festival, where the group partnered with the Korean to host a memorable and impactful film workshop. He added that Hosting the Northern film summit in their center is evidence of a growing partnership.
“We strongly believe in the power of storytelling to build empathy, innovation and global connection. Nigerian films especially from the North brings power, authentic narratives that deserves a global stage and we look forward to continuous exchange between our countries”.
Convener of the summit, Audu Kashim Israel said the aim was to celebrate partnerships that transcend distanc, adding that Films allow us to tell the world who we are and actors demonstrate that in their act. “Every film is a foot print; we are not just film maker but product of indentity”
Speaking on the challenges with the Northern film industry, he said that Most of the film producers from the North do not participate in film summit which is a challenge.
“It’s bbecause they do not have the means to produce good films in the north. The cinamatophray in the region are just very few, preventing good production in the region.
According to a Northern film producer, kika Ahmed, the Northerners have good stories to tell but need more support in order to be more productive and impactful. He said most times it is difficult to produce films because of lack of resources and technical labor involved. He therefore calls for more support from private individuals and the government to help strengthen the industry so it can be competitive and productive.
