Ferdinand Ekechukwu
The transformative power of Nollywood cannot be overemphasised. This was echoed as the National Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) concluded the 5th Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation (PAO-NDCRC) Conference in Lagos on Wednesday, November 19.
Held in honour of the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker, entertainment executive, and cultural icon who passed away in 2023 at the age of 54, the two-day PAO-NDCRC conference brought together industry leaders and practitioners, including producers, directors, actors, and scriptwriters.
The conference themed ‘From Volume to Value: The Future of the Nigerian Motion Picture Industry in the Digital Age,’ was declared open by Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, who represented Hannatu Musawa, the Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
The Minister stated that emerging digital demands in film production have made it necessary for Nollywood to prioritise quality over quantity. She also highlighted her ministry’s plans to work with international partners to promote high-quality film production in Nigeria’s movie industry.
The minister, alongside the Director-General of the NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, and other industry leaders, urged Nollywood to focus more on producing high-quality films to improve regulation, boost digital growth, and support long-term funding.
In his opening remarks at the conference, Director-General of the NFVCB, Husseini, announced that the NFVCB has achieved significant success in fostering knowledge and innovation, positioning Nigeria’s movie industry competitively in global markets. The NFVCB also highlighted several challenges facing the board.
These issues, he noted, are hindering the effective enforcement of standards in film production and distribution across the country. The NFVCB boss also presented five industry awards and three special honours during the opening.
Speaking on the importance of the film sector, the royal mother of the event, the Queen of Ooni of Ife, Temitope Ogunwusi, urged filmmakers to prioritise nurturing young and creative talents, describing them as the lifeblood of Nollywood’s ecosystem, and the film industry as a source of healing, reflection and national identity.
Renowned filmmaker, Bolanle Austen-Peters, in her keynote speech at the conference, said Nollywood’s achievements have come despite persistent challenges in funding, infrastructure, and distribution. A major highlight of the first day was the special recognition of the culture connoisseur, Austen-Peters, for her contributions to the growth of Nollywood.
The award was received to a roaring applause from the audience. She was among nine honorees, including Joy Odiete, Femi Odugbemi, Funke Akindele, Moses Babatope, Chioma Ude, and production companies Cinemax and FilmOne, with the popular movie ‘Gingerrr’ also receiving an award.
The conference featured intensive panel discussions tackling critical industry issues. The opening session, which delved into the conference’s core theme, featured Busola Tejumola, Stephanie Linus, and Femi Odugbemi and was moderated by Steve Ayorinde.
Day two commenced with a keynote address by Naz Onuzo, CEO of Inkblot Studios, followed by sessions focused on ‘Growing the Film Audience At Home And Abroad’ and ‘Breaking Down Barriers: The Future of Gender Equitable Film Narratives’.
The conference culminated in a closing ceremony that honoured 23 veteran film practitioners marking their 50th and 60th birthdays this year. The celebrants included industry icons such as: Taiwo Adeleye, Saeed Mohammed, Ronnie Dikko, Seyi Siwoku, Aquila Njamah, Bond Emoruwa, Chimdi Chiama, Segun Arinze, Ngozi Ezeonu, Hafiz Bello. Lillian Ama-Aluko, Ahmad Sarari, Francis Onwochei, Princess Teju Agunlejika and Adebayo Tijani.
Others are Kingsley Ogoro, Desmond Elliot, Ali Baba, Rita Dominic, Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi, Jude Chukwuka, and Steve Gukas. The honourees represent a broad cross-section of Nollywood’s most influential actors, filmmakers, and creative contributors, individuals whose artistry, resilience, and career trajectories continue to inspire.
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