More Youths Taken Off the Street As Soludo Kicks Off Film Production Training to Boost “ANAWOOD”

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Government has taken a major step towards developing its local film industry, with the official launch of its first-ever film production training program in Awka.

Flagged off over the weekend at the Anambra Film Village located within the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) premises, the initiative, championed under Governor Charles Soludo’s “One Youth, Two Skills” program, targets to train 1,000 young individuals in various aspects of filmmaking, as part of the state’s vision to create "Anawood," a brand for film production in the region.

According to reports, the program covers a wide range of courses, including cinematography, scriptwriting, directing, acting, sound management, and online content creation.

It was also gathered that the initiative, which has already begun to attract panegyrics from different sources, is designed to equip Anambra’s youth with vital skills in the creative industry, while also promoting the socio-economic development of the state and showcasing the rich cultural heritage, true values and identity of Ndị Igbo as a people

Speaking while flagging off the training, Comrade Don Onyenji, the State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, whose Ministry spearheads the film production training, described the program as another strategic and visionary move of the Solution Government to harness the potential of the state's youth in the rapidly growing global film industry.

According to him, the training program, which will officially commence on Monday, aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led government's broader goal of empowering young people with functional skills that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

Going memory lane, Commissioner Onyenji noted that Anambra has a rich history of involvement in Nigeria’s film industry, particularly through the foundational role played in Nollywood, with the state contributing to its early successes.

His words: “In Nigeria, our people were instrumental in the formation of Nollywood through its first film, “Living in Bondage”, which broke new ground and propelled Nigerians into film production. Today, Nollywood has earned billions of naira, and Nigerian films are making waves throughout Africa.

“As part of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, this program offers multiple skills, and I thank Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for providing the opportunity for you to gain functional and productive training in film production.”

While reiterating that the new program seeks to build on the state's cherished legacy and pride in the movie industry by creating a more structured and professional approach to film production in the state, the Commissioner also highlighted the economic benefits of the creative industry, pointing out that many individuals have been able to make a living through content creation, especially with the rise of social media and digital platforms. He further urged the participants to take the training seriously, as it represents an opportunity to not only develop practical skills but also to be part of a movement that will promote the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and make Anambra shine brighter as the Light of the Nation.

Earlier giving an overview, the Managing Director of the Anambra Film Village, Chinyere Ozoh-Okoma, emphasized the practical focus of the training, which will span for four months; adding that the program aims to provide hands-on experience across various aspects of filmmaking, while also instilling in the participants the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to succeed in the film industry.

According to her, the initiative would also serve as a platform for young filmmakers to collaborate and showcase their work, with the ultimate goal of telling authentic stories that reflect the true values and culture of the Igbo people.

“What we are doing here is One Youth Two Skills in filmmaking, and we will train them in all aspects of film production so that they will understand the entrepreneurial part of filmmaking. We will also create a platform for them to upload their works and collaborate on content creation,” she explained.

Ozoh-Okoma also stressed that the program seeks to steer young filmmakers away from narratives that promote negative stereotypes, such as quick-money schemes and ritualistic portrayals, and instead focus on stories that highlight hard work, honesty, and community.

Speaking on behalf of others, one of the participants, Menje Innocencia Chukwuamaka, a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, expressed her excitement about the opportunity given to them to be part of the training. She commended the Soludo Administration for the initiative and encouraged other youths to seize the opportunity to develop new skills.

Chukwuamaka, who chose to specialize in costume design, make-up, and entrepreneurship, further noted that the training would equip her with the skills needed to succeed in the film industry, while also assuring to be good ambassador of the One Youth Two Skills, and to make the Solution Government, Anambra state, Ndị Igbo, and Nigeria proud with skills to be acquired through the training.

This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the first-of-its-kind film production training, which will equip the trainees with such special skills as content creation, film production, cinematography, editing, acting, scriptwriting, post-production, marketing, among others, is expected to lay the foundation for the establishment of a vibrant local film industry under the “Anawood” brand.

The program is also revered to hold the pride of place as a novel initiative that will further position Anambra as a key player in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and promote the state’s cultural heritage and values, while also empowering its youth with skills that will drive economic growth.