The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is collaborating with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to strengthen the creative industry through filmmaking training.
Dr Selina Dan-Albert, the Head, New Media, Corporate Affairs Department, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Dan-Albert spoke during a four-day technical training programme in film production at UNIPORT.
According to her, the initiative is part of the NDDC’s efforts to empower young people with the skills needed to thrive in the creative industry.
She described the programme as an investment in the region’s creative future, and urged participants to develop their professional skills.
“We want the trainees to use their creativity to tell authentic Niger Delta stories. NDDC will continue to support them with capacity-building initiatives,” she said.
Prof. Edward Imo, the Head, Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, UNIPORT, said that the programme was designed to equip participants with technical filmmaking skills.
Imo expressed confidence that the training would help filmmakers to communicate the region’s stories effectively and strengthen the creative sector.
He commended the NDDC for recognising the department’s expertise and contribution to practical film production in the country.
He said that technology in filmmaking had advanced, making it necessary for filmmakers to equip themselves with the latest knowledge and skills.
“Artificial intelligence and other digital technologies could enhance storytelling. However, filmmakers must preserve the human experiences, emotions and social concerns in their work,” he said.
Imo urged other government agencies to emulate NDDC by investing in skills acquisition and professional development.
Mr Francis Abayomi, the Consultant and Managing Director, GreenHedge Resource Consults Ltd., said that Niger Delta had significant opportunities for growth in the creative industries.
Abayomi said that the training was designed to equip young people with practical filmmaking skills, and that UNIPORT was selected because of its talent pool and contributions to the industry.
Also speaking, Mr Uche Agbo, the National President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, described filmmaking as a driver of employment and economic growth.
Agbo said that the industry offered young people the opportunities to acquire skills, build sustainable livelihoods and help to reduce poverty and crime.
He urged the participants to develop distinctive storytelling approaches, stressing that integrity and authenticity were essential to successful filmmaking.
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