Spanish support comes to film corporation
By The Guardian
Published: December 22, 2007
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THE Spanish government has renewed its pledge to continue to assist and support the Nigerian motion picture industry, especially institutions such as the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film Institute (NFI). This is with a view to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Spain through cultural orientation, motion picture co-production, film markets, training and capacity building.

The Spanish government through Eva Barta, Cultural AttachZ at the Spanish Embassy in Abuja, made this declaration when she paid a courtesy visit to the NFC and NFI head offices in Jos, the Plateau State capital recently.

Recounting her country's continuous support for the development of the Nigerian motion picture sector, the Cultural AttachZ took time to reel out her government's further programmes and commitments for the Nigerian motion picture industry, which includes the creation of platforms for the exchange of film projects and co-production activities between both nations.

She recalled that the first colloquium on cinema held in Lagos earlier in the year, where basic understandings were arrived at on how to promote the cultures of both countries through motion picture production remained atop of her country's major projects for Africa, otherwise known as the 'African Plan'.

"In order to enforce the plan, we decided that it is pertinent to meet with the Nigerian Film Corporation so as to see her facilities and be familiar with its services," she said, adding, that her country has been able to assist film practitioners in Nigeria by offering specialised training and sponsorships for script development especially those that promote cultural values.

Welcoming the Spanish official, Managing Director of NFC, Afolabi Adesanya, gave insights into the statutory mandate and functions of the Corporation. Similarly, he informed his guest on the various achievements recorded so far.

According to Adesanya, programmes such as "SHOOT!" training workshop, yearly Film Essay Competition and ZUMA Film Festival amongst others, organised by the corporation have impacted much on the sector. "We are basically concerned in ensuring the development and sustenance of the Nigeria's motion picture industry," he added.

He further stated that although the Nigerian motion picture industry otherwise known as Nollywood has really projected the Nigerian image around the globe, it still needs the involvement of the corporation, which serves as a regulatory and developmental agency, all in an attempt to sensitize film production activities and, the need to improve more on local contents that promote Nigeria's cultural heritage and values.

According to Adesanya, the advantages of the celluloid format cannot be overemphasised. This he said explains why the corporation is deeply involved in trying to encourage practitioners to take to celluloid production parallel to home video production, as the former would give Nigeria a better chance at international film festivals and markets.

He also cited the impact and contributions of the National Film Institute in training and capacity building, expressing delight over the waves her graduates are making in their various endeavors; citing the current network television programme produced by BBC entitled Wetin Dey, which is being helmed by alumni of the NFI, as an example.

Before departing for Abuja, Barta undertook a facility visit of the Corporation, the NFI and the National Film Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA), and commended the management for the various achievements.

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