An award-winning Nigerian-Canadian actor, Lucky Ejim has urged Nollywood filmmakers to use their crafts in promoting positive national values, with focus on nation building.
Ejim spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the January edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue, held over the weekend in Abuja.
The dialogue, held at the Mamman Vatsa’s Writers Village, is a flagship initiative of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), which assembles writers, literary enthusiasts and other creatives.
Ejim featured as the special guest for the January edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Power of the Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.”
According to him, in an increasingly globalised world, films have become a pivotal instrument for nations to communicate their identity, making it crucial to understand their influence.
The Toronto-based filmmaker urged Nollywood filmmakers to emulate how Nollywood depicts American heroism, and influence other nations through the screen.
He said that history holds both writers and filmmakers as torch bearers of change, daring to challenge the status quo, and inspire actions for positive change.
“There is no doubt that Nigerian filmmakers have so many hurdles to go through in telling some thought-provoking stories.
“But as the voice of the society, as the voice of the voiceless, as the custodians of history, the filmmakers and other creatives owe it to the society to keep speaking.
“Because there are so many people that are powerless, and If the custodians of history do not help in getting their voices out there, they will drown,” he said.
The filmmaker noted that the Nigeria film industry ecosystem has evolved and engaged teeming youths, and was now contributing significantly to the national economy.
He, consequently, called for increased investment and support to boost the industry’s potential through government policies, infrastructure development, and adequate funding.
“If you look at the amount of skit makers in Nigeria that have been produced, they are by-products of the Nigerian film industry.
“That’s what gave them the leverage to say that some of these things are possible, and they are now using the tools available to take it to the next level.
“Nigeria produces close to 2,500 films a year, where 99 per cent of that is self-funded, and that is an incredible feat.
“Hopefully down the road, when we have a co-production treaty in place, there will be more funding access and also allow filmmakers to have more tools to tell better stories,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of ANA Abuja chapter, Chukwudi Eze, said that the dialogue was part of the association’s efforts towards championing narratives that will usher in a better country for all.
“This gathering is a meeting of minds convened under a timely and necessary theme; “The Power of the Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.”
“The theme is not merely academic; it is indeed most appropriate for a time like this.
“In a world struggling with fractured identities, contested histories, and shifting moral landscapes, the arts remain one of humanity’s most faithful instruments for truth, empathy and transformation,” he said
He noted that in this session, “Ejim joins an array of distinguished panelists to explore how theatre and film have shaped civilizations, from ancient communal storytelling, to contemporary world cinema.”
NAN reports that the event featured a discussion panel, spoken word and other activities by students, as well as the presentation of awards.
Some of the participating students who spoke with NAN expressed thanked ANA for the event.
(NAN)
