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Association of Movie Producers (AMP) in collaboration with the Lagos State government have, come up with what will henceforth be known as the AMP/Eko International Film Festival. The body powering and packaging the festival, tagged “Film, The Catalyst For Change: Positive,” at the The National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos from November 24 to 27.
Speaking on the objectives of the festival, Paul Obazele, the national president of the, AMP said that it would definitely bring about behavioural change, with respect to motion picture issues: “Especially, the micro issues in motion picture, distributing and marketing.
It will also help to effectively communicate film values and its impact on our tradition. It will assist immensely in the dissemination of information on emerging and new technologies that would ensure effective piracy management. It will also be a medium for operators in the film industry to promote their products and services. The festival will create employment opportunities for the youths”, he said.
While shedding more light on the motivating factors behind the coming festival, the Chairman of its Business Committee section, Mr. Fred Amata, explained that the absence of any such festival that promotes the culture and values of the people of Lagos, to the outside world, through Nollywood, was one of the reasons for their coming on board.
He further added that the growing awareness about Nollywood and its effect on the image of Nigeria to the outside world was another motivating factor. “You cannot rule out the importance of film, in the re-branding of Nigeria.Again, the prevalence of HIV infection, unhygienic practices and moral decadence among youths, can be reduced through films, which is a vehicle for communication and change,” explained Amata, a leading actor/filmmaker in Nollywood.
Also speaking, Mr. Emeka Ossai, a top actor and the Chairman of the Media Committee of the festival, disclosed that it would run for four days.As it will involve issues of interest, spotlights, interviews, presentations, movie screenings, awards and many more while the language of communication is English and Yoruba, so as to reach majority of the audience that will be attending”, Ossai stated.
As Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), endorsed their support for the forthcoming festival, which is currently serenading Tinsel town.

Culled :This daynewspaper