The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has partnered with five higher institutions in Lagos state to host an interactive session and capacity building event for youths and undergraduates.

The two-day event was held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

The event drew no fewer than 300 participating students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology, Trinity University, and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology.

The workshop featured training sessions in various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, cinematography, acting, screenwriting, costume design, and art creative design.

Speaking, Shaibu Husseini, executive director of NFVCB, emphasised the importance of empowering young creatives in the film and video industry.

He urged the participating students to listen and endeavour to use the opportunity to learn and evolve their talents while meeting with industry experts.

“Being a lecturer, a journalist, dancer and creative, I have always wanted capacity building for students and I have always yearned for more of this fora for talented students to learn and build on their imbued talents.

“I am most grateful to the industry experts that decided to do this and walk on this journey with us as well as the participating students,” the NFVCB executive director said.

In her remarks, Julie McKay, public affairs officer, U.S. Consulate, Lagos, noted that people were paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria.

“I believe the next OSCAR winner might come from this room here in Nigeria,” she said.

According to her, the U.S. has a lot to learn from Nigerians, hence the decision to partner and exchange knowledge.

She also pointed out some of the partnerships with Nigerian creatives including Kunle Afolayan’s production academy where the U.S. brought in experts for masterclasses to train next sets of filmmakers.

Ms McKay also announced some of the programmes that will benefit students and young Nigerians from a long list of exchange programmes organised annually by the U.S. consulate.

“We have programmes like American music mentorship programme for music producers to get mentorship and work in a part of America where all these happen.

“We also have Script to Screen for a-one year course that is specifically for students, and we are also partnering with Entertainment Week Lagos where we will be having a crash course on scripting,” she said.

In the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, Toki Mabogunje, noted that the event was aimed at equipping young people with skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to critically evaluate and create media content.

Ms Mabogunje further said that the event also aimed to promote media literacy as a critical component of education, civic engagement and social responsibility, as well as providing a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, and showcase their talents.

“As young people participating in this capacity building programme, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from veterans and experts in the industry.

“At this point in time, as young people, you have the opportunity to shape the stories that will inspire, entertain and educate generations to come,” she said.

The two day event had top film practitioners like Uzodinma Okpechi and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen taking the directing session, and John Duloju taking the cinematography session.

Actor Keppy Ekpeyong and Bimbo Akintola took the acting sessions; Toyin Ogundeji; the costume design sessions; Leo Omoseebi, taking the creative design session; Anthony Kehinde Joseph and Bunmi Ajakaiye, taking the scriptwriting sessions.

The event ended with some participating students winning prizes for their steadfastness and dedication to the training.

(NAN)