‘700 films produced in 5 months of 2016’

The International Film Broadcasting Academy (IFBA) in Lagos produced 700 films between January and May, Mr Victor Okhai, an instructor at the academy, said.

Okhai told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the figure showed a marked increase in the number of films produced in the same period last year.

The instructor, who, however, could not readily give the number produced for the same period in 2015, said that the academy had intended to produce more films.

“The academy was only able to produce 700 films in the first five months of 2016 because of inadequate funding. We are determined to produce more. The industry lacks funding and adequate manpower which are basic requirements for its development.

“With government intervention, the industry will be able to make some considerable growth and attain global recognition,” he said.

According to the instructor, the academy was specifically set up to train professional film makers and to also contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through its activities.

Mr Okhai noted that apart from poor funding, piracy is another major cankerworm weighing down the growth of the industry.

“So, piracy remains our major challenge in the industry and needs the collective efforts of government, security agents, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to fight,” he admitted.