The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has affirmed that the State Government is ready to partner with filmmakers in the diaspora to produce world-class movies that positively project Lagos.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion organised by the Africa Film Academy, the curators of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), in collaboration with the James Currey Society in Oxford, England, Akinbile-Yussuf expressed confidence that partnership with household names in the film industry will also provide more jobs for creative Lagos youths, reiterating Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion for a diversified economy through the creative industry.
Her words: “This initiative and many more underscore the State Government’s efforts in pursuing a diversified economy using film production as a vital tool”.
She disclosed that one of the objectives of the UK Roundtable Discussion is to reposition the creative sector for optimal development to showcase Lagos Tourism, Arts and Culture globally.
The Commissioner also hinted that Lagos would bring filmmakers in diaspora to work on projects such as the new Film City, which is designed to be a major film hub for practitioners.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder of Africa Film Academy, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, stated that the event is in pursuit of a diversified economy through repositioning the tourism and entertainment sector in Lagos.
She said, “The State Government gave funds to filmmakers to produce films and also engaged AMAA to train over 600 Youth in Lagos. These are some of the efforts made so far by the State Government in the film industry”.
“In addition to these past efforts, this Roundtable Discussion with filmmakers is another venture that is part of the deliberate plans by the government to use film as a tool for promoting indigenous languages, partnerships and filmmaking in the Centre of Excellence”, Anyiam-Osigwe added.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh and other stakeholders in the film industry were among other dignitaries at the event.
