Nollywood takes film making to Anambra schools

By Praise Chinecherem

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Anambra State said it was collaborating with the state Ministry of Education to introduce film making into the school curriculum.

The Chairman, Evangelist Leo Ewuzie who disclosed this to newsmen in Awka, said the initiative, tagged “Solution theatrical course clubs” to replace the moribund dramatic societies, had been launched in secondary schools across the state.

He said the partnership between the entertainment industry and the education sector would revolutionize the creative landscape of the State as well as offer brighter and more promising future for its young talents.

He said, “The program is targeted at uncovering and nurturing young talents and preparing them for opportunities in the thriving Nollywood and creative industry and tapping into the burgeoning creative economy.

“This initiative is specifically designed to discover budding talents within schools, providing essential nurturing and guidance to prepare them for the vast array of opportunities presented by the Nollywood and creative industry.

“The initiative seeks to tap into the burgeoning creative economy by empowering young minds with practical knowledge and skills related to filmmaking.

“The Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Anambra State Chapter took a significant step forward on September 29, 2023, by organizing a comprehensive ‘Train The Trainers Seminar.’

“One teacher from each public school in the state participated in this training session, equipping them with the necessary expertise to mentor their colleagues and students effectively.

“A similar seminar was conducted on October 4, 2023, for teachers from private schools, further expanding the reach of this innovative educational endeavor.

Ewuzie further revealed that the initiative would host a three-tier sequential competition under the theme ‘Rules and Regulations Guiding Discipline and Conduct in Anambra State Schools’.

“Schools will compete at the local government area level, showcasing their talent and creativity in dramatic performances.

“The winning schools from the local competitions will progress to the zonal level, where they will face off against other talented participants from their respective zones.

“The most exceptional performers from the zonal competitions will advance to the State Grand Finale, the pinnacle of the competition, where they will vie for the coveted title.

“At each level of the competition, the top three performing schools and students will be recognized and rewarded for their outstanding efforts, further encouraging active participation and excellence in the field of dramatic arts,” he explained.

According to the AGN boss, the ambitious project aims to achieve several objectives, including talent discovery, movie production revival, unemployment, crime reduction and financial empowerment.

He added, “The project will be identifying and nurturing young talents, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and potential.

“It will be reviving movie production as it brings movie production back to Anambra State and contributes to the state’s cultural and artistic heritage.

“The project will also be addressing unemployment by offering avenues for employment within the creative industry, thereby reducing unemployment rates in the region.

“Crime reduction is another serious vice the initiative will be addressing through engagement of youths in productive activities to reduce involvement in criminal activities and promote social harmony.

“It will also be providing financial empowerment for the youth with opportunities for financial growth and stability.”

While flagging off “Solution Theatrical Course” Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said the project would function as a club in private and public schools, adding that only theatre could express certain ways of life while reflecting lessons capable of changing individual perspectives.

“Art is life; and drama a living literature which is a powerful tool to inculcate positive values, policies and programmes as well as drive individual talents for alternative means of livelihood in future,” she said.

President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School, Anambra State Branch, Mr. Obima Arazu, praised Governor Soludo’s policies targeted at development of students.

He said the project had already been embraced by schools in the state, expressing optimism of its positive impact on both the students and society at large.

Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, Blessing Chike of Capital City School and Chinedu Anagor of Igwebike Grammar School expressed joy over the initiative, just as they appreciated the Governor for his caring disposition towards students of the State.

They said the project would offer them early access to film making and other opportunities.