IIFF: Stakeholders urge Gov. Uzodinma to explore film potential of state

As the maiden edition of the Imo International Film Festival, IIFF, ends in Owerri, Imo State, film stakeholders who were in the state for the event have called on Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to make Imo a veritable film destination via the IIFF platform.

This came to the fore as many of the participants toured the state to assess the beautiful scenery available in the state, which formed a major part of the 3-day long festival, founded by Nollywood filmmaker, Don Nkems Chikezie.

Savouring the picturesque in the state, a South African film producer, who attended the event, Bernard Nkosi, said Imo was a film paradise waiting to be tapped.

According to him, “The scenes here are marvelous, and I am just thinking what would happen if there is a little exposure about what this town can offer to African filmmakers, which is very possible if a festival like the Imo International Film Festival is given the attention and push it deserves.

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I hope to come around soon for a film project here. So much can happen here if fellow filmmakers in Africa know what they have here. I saw many great sites.”

The festival’s panel of jury was led by Dr. Charles Okwuowulu, a film scholar, film administrator and filmmaker. Other members of the jury are Dr. Gloria Ernest Samuel, an associate professor of Film and Media Studies – Imo State University, Owerri, Prof Atul Marewad, an Indian film critic, Sam Uche Anyamele, a filmmaker/scholar and Shehu Bello, a filmmaker.