Lagos State Government has promised to nurture and support talents in the film industry in order to keep encouraging Nigeria youths. The Commissioner, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson Awoyinka, disclosed this at the weekend, in Lagos, during the graduation and awards ceremony of 117 filmmakers produced by EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA) in partnership with the state government.

Represented by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Adebukola Agbaminoja, the Commissioner said the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment for aspiring filmmakers in Lagos.

She said: “The Lagos State Government is committed to creating an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and growth within the film industry”.

According to her, the state government has invested in the creative industry in order to add value. “We recognize that the success of our state’s film industry is dependent on the success of talented individuals like you.
“That is why we have invested in programs like the EbonyLife Creative Academy, to provide aspiring filmmakers with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in this competitive industry, ” said the Commissioner.

She applauded the efforts of the graduating students saying the Academy has given them all it takes to pursue their dreams.

“This momentous occasion is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion for the art of filmmaking. As wholly state-sponsored students, you have been given a unique opportunity to pursue your dreams and own your craft under the guidance of industry experts at the EbonyLife Creative Academy.” She added.

The 117 filmmakers have undergone three months extensive training in various aspects of film making like Scriptwriting, Screen acting, Producing, Visual Post Production among others.

Head of School, Drikus Volschenk, expressed anticipation for witnessing the graduation of the 2023 student cohort today, noting that they have instilled discipline and decorum in them, empowering them to excel in their chosen careers.

“They have been trained using the world standard measure so that they can fit in anywhere they find themselves, they are well trained and qualified professionally,” he said.

During the award segment, the Best Location Sound Award went to Sanni Dolapo and Kelvin Evie while Agunmaro Isaac and his team received the Best Original Score Award.
One of the trainees, Timothy Ekele, said the training was a rare privilege that should not be taken for granted.