Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Steph-Nora Okere has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry to make Abuja a thriving filmmaking hub.

Ms Okere made the call in an interview on Thursday in Abuja.

According to her, although the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has an array of talented actors and an active presence of professional guilds, it lacks the cohesion required to establish a robust film industry.

She said the absence of synergy among industry players has slowed the industry’s growth in the FCT.

“We have actors, but we don’t really have an industry. Everybody seems to be performing independently,” she said.

According to her, effective collaboration among the various industry guilds would encourage greater participation by their members and create a stronger, more coordinated filmmaking ecosystem.

She, therefore, urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), and other industry associations to chart a common front.

“The different parts of the filmmaking industry need to come together. That is the only route to building a strong industry here, just like we have in Lagos.

“We are closer to the national authorities, so it should be easier to attract support for the industry. But first, we must build a community before charting the direction we want to go,” she said.

Ms Okere, a former national vice president of the AGN, noted that the film industry in Lagos was built through unity among producers, directors and actors during its formative years.

She expressed confidence that Abuja could replicate the Lagos success story if stakeholders deliberately worked together.

The filmmaker urged leaders of the major guilds to establish a common platform for dialogue, regular meetings and strategic planning.

According to her, such engagements will enable stakeholders to map out practical steps for developing the industry in the nation’s capital.

On talent development, Ms Okere said she remained committed to mentoring young practitioners through training and capacity-building initiatives.

She disclosed that she recently participated in a curriculum development workshop organised by the Nigerian Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the media and entertainment industry.

According to her, she also runs a training platform where aspiring actors and other creative professionals receive practical industry training.

“I have been involved in training upcoming practitioners, and I will continue to support the industry through mentorship and filmmaking,” she said.

Ms Okere added that Abuja’s peaceful environment had encouraged her to remain in the city while contributing to the growth of its creative industry.

“For now, I enjoy the peace in Abuja. From there, other things can happen,” she said. 

(NAN)