A NIGHT OF THRILLING PERFORMANCES

On a night of spell-binding performances, the atmosphere envelopes 10 young Nigerians whose lives were changed as they recieved scholarships from the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) to study in the USA. Nseobong Okon-ekong reports

At the breakfast table, the morning after the closing night of the recent fourth edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Calabar, Cross River State, a group of students who participated in the training session argued on why they think 10 of their colleagues awarded scholarship to study different aspects of film production ‘were just lucky’. Insisting that they were not necessarily the best in the class, they however, agreed that other factors unknown to them could have been considered by the assessors. Nonetheless, they were happy for the privilege of acquiring a load of new knowledge relevant to the film industry.

Their resolve was both a bouquet of thanks to the organizers of AFRIFF and a careful plan to prove themselves.

They agreed among themselves to come up with some of the most appreciated films in the near future. One of them reasoned that while it may not have been possible to sponsor all of them to the USA, they were thankful for the opportunity to make friends and acquaintances of those going abroad. She said it was not a totally lost cause as they would be able to share knowledge and collaborate with their colleagues who are going abroad.

Taught by a high-profile team of four professionals who are well-versed in their different fields, it was a mighty privilege for the students to receive impartation from Segun Arinze who taught acting, Rodney Williams, a first class degree holder, who shared his knowledge on cinematography with the students. The directing class had Rory Kilalea, a programme leader and mentor at the University of West London for the METFILM School, London. He has taught film for over six years. For screenwriting, the services of international multiple award winning screenwriter, Tunde Babalola, was secured. Apparently, the experience was as rewarding and exhilarating for the teachers as it was for the students. At the gala night to round-up proceedings of the 2014 AFRIFF, as the students were called to rostrum for their awards scroll, their teachers stood up to applaud them and give them a pat on the back. The 10 students who had shown the most aptitude during the festival’s training sessions were, Udoekpo Utibe Charles and Lekan Olarenwaju for Directing; Adeolu Adeniyi and Otobong Ekpeyong for Cinematography; Oluwabori Ijimakinde, Adelarin Awotedu and Lydia Gachuhi for Script writing and finally, Emeka Darlington, Hauwa Allahburh and Daniel Ezekiel for Acting.

Akan Udofia whose company supported the student training segment of the festival said he was happy to bequeath a rewarding future to the youths. He promised to sustain the support. AFRIFF CEO, Chioma Ude, had earlier said that raising a new generation of film makers is the dearest thing after her heart. Even though she said it was difficult to sift through the tons of applications from students eager to attend the training, this task may continue to be more challenging in future as students from other African countries make a request for inclusion in the training that she would find difficult to turn down, after all, AFRIFF is a continental platform and must be seen to be all embracing in all its activities.

With Udofia’s cooperation secured, another partner that Ude may not have to worry about is the aspects of support provided by the Cross River State government. Both Governor Liyel Imoke and his wife, Obioma expressed readiness to continue working with the AFRIFF team in future editions. AFRIFF has taken place in Calabar for two consecutive years.

The AFRIFF team, guests and other publics have become used to the facilities at the Tinapa Business Resort which is the primary venue for accommodation, training and many of the industry sessions. Home to EbonyLife Television, Tinapa’s multi-faceted capability is usually deployed to optimum use. After the hectic industry sessions that took place every week day and the party sessions at night, many of the stars who came prepared could be seen jogging round the Tinapa grounds.

Another venue that participants at AFRIFF have become acquainted with is the Marina Resort, a heritage site that brings home a huge chunk of the history of the state. Much of the screening of films featured during the festival takes place in the cineplex owned by FilmHouse Cinemas in the Marina Resort grounds. Through careful planning, the Cross River State government presents some of the most important landmarks in the state to visitors at AFRIFF.

Driving from Tinapa to the Marina, invariably takes one through the main road artery of the state capital, Calabar Road. In between, there are outstanding sculptural pieces at strategic points along the road. Visitors cannot fail to take in the neat street lined with trees, the stadium, Transcorp Hotel and Millenium Park area, which has become the centre of many leisure events initiated by government. In the same vicinity is the State Library, the Government House, Governor’s Lodge, the State Hospital and the tallest building in Calabar, Okoi Arikpo House,