By Damiete Braide
Amid pomp and celebration, Abuja recently witnessed the unveiling of Vision Film Academy, initiated by filmmaker and visionary, Felix Bankole, the founder of Drama Missions Outreach International.
The new institution, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is a groundbreaking step towards raising a new generation of filmmakers who are committed to excellence, professionalism and representation of Christian values in the creative industry.
Driven by his passion for revival in Northern Nigeria, Bankole explained that the academy was birthed from a divine inspiration to nurture filmmakers who would boldly reflect Jesus Christ in their works.
“Our God is the source of creativity. Just look at the heavens He created or the beauty of human beings He formed. We, as creatives, are called to represent Him. This institute is a platform for that mandate,” he said with conviction.
The academy offers a robust curriculum that spans critical areas of modern filmmaking. These include cinematography, scriptwriting, storytelling, cinematic lighting, sound recording, directing, production design, drone piloting, video editing, after effects, special effects makeup, acting and photography.
With a blend of theory and practical classes, Vision Film Academy aims to provide not only skills but also platforms for young filmmakers to operate and thrive.
At the heart of the institution are its core values: faith in God, creativity and excellence in delivery. Bankole emphasized that the mission goes beyond technical training. It is about raising “media ambassadors of the gospel” who will serve as light-bearers in every sphere of life where film and media make an impact.
The journey to inaugurating the academy, however, was not without challenges. Bankole described the process as a test of resilience and faith. “Challenges are what make life beautiful. They show our trust in God. With such a huge project, there were many obstacles, but God gave us victory. This project is His, and He sponsored it,” he noted.
According to the founder, partnerships also played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life. From collaborations with churches to support from Christian colleagues in Nollywood, these relationships have shaped the academy’s foundation.
“No one rises alone. Collaboration is the key,” he said.
For Bankole, the establishment of Vision Film Academy is personal. As a filmmaker based in northern Nigeria, he recalled the lack of opportunities in the region. “We didn’t have academies like this. Many of us learned on the job and had to travel to the West in search of platforms. That’s why this is such a big step, it creates opportunities right here in the North.”
Looking ahead, Bankole is optimistic about the global reach of the academy. He envisions God expanding the institution to different parts of the world, raising “kingdom filmmakers who will play key roles in the end-time revival.”
As the lights came on during the commissioning ceremony, one thing was clear: Vision Film Academy is not just another film school, it is a faith-driven movement that combines professional excellence with spiritual purpose, and setting the stage for a new era of Christian representation in the global film industry.
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