Igbinedion varsity, Lancelot Imasuen establish Benin Film Academy

THE nation’s film industry was received a boost with the inauguration of the Benin Film Academy at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

Established in collaboration with Nollywood Project 101, owned by  film director and producer, Lancelot Imasuen, the academy, according to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, is being set up to strengthen the capacity of filmmakers.

At a brief ceremony preceding the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the partners, Professor Osaghae said that through the academy, the university would take Nollywood and indeed, the African film sector to the rest of the world.

According to him, “In the coming days, you will hear of a film festival you have never dreamt of, you will hear of a film village, you will also behold distinguished fellows of the Academy and of course, you will know that something great has happened to our film industry.”

Located along Airport Road, Benin City, the Academy will be offering practical training in all key areas of filmmaking, including acting, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting and screening among others.

Speaking on the initiative, veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, who was appointed as a member of the Board of Fellows of the Academy, described it as a “laudable project,” adding that the academy will be one of the avenues through which they will train and retrain practitioners in the movie industry.

Other Nollywood players appointed as  Fellows of the Academy, were Desmond Elliot, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Jos-based filmmaker, Sani Mu’ azu and Victor Okhai among others. The academy, which will be coordinated by Imasuen, will commence activities in April.