The Maiden Edition of the International Student Film Festival Opens at Igbinedion University Okada

In a grand ceremony, the maiden edition of the International Student Film Festival was inaugurated at Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Nigeria’s premier private university. The opening ceremony, held on October 13, was marked with enthusiasm and showcased the university’s commitment to fostering a strong relationship between academia and the entertainment industry, Myschoolnews gathered.

The event commenced with an engaging performance by the hundred-level students of Theatre and Media Arts at IUO, captivating the esteemed guests in attendance. Addressing the audience, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of IUO, expressed his delight at the university being chosen as the host for the festival. He emphasised IUO’s unwavering support for the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, highlighting the institution’s dedication to promoting the town and gown relationship.

Prof. Ezemonye encouraged participants from all corners of the country to seize the opportunity presented by the festival to enhance their professionalism in the creative industry. As the convener of the International Student Film Festival and a renowned film producer, Lancelot Imasuen shared his inspiration behind creating the festival. He aimed to provide students with an enabling environment and essential training to enhance their creativity in the entertainment industry, specifically in theatre and film production.

The festival boasted the presence of esteemed veterans from the Nigerian film and entertainment industry, including Chinda Michael Ezebunzor, a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, who serves as the festival’s director. Ezebunzor praised the festival for its exceptional commitment to providing comprehensive knowledge of film production to young talents, solidifying its position as a premier platform for aspiring filmmakers.

One of the festival’s highlights was the screening of films produced by participants and delegates from various tertiary institutions across the country. This provided a platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity to a wider audience.

Additionally, the ceremony witnessed the decoration of Zeb Ejiro, a popular Nigerian Nollywood actor, as a grand patron of the International Student Film Festival. Ejiro’s contribution to the Nigerian film industry and his support for young talents made him a fitting choice for this prestigious role. Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, was also honoured as a grand patron of the festival, acknowledging his invaluable support for the event.

The festival continued with master classes and other engaging events, offering participants the opportunity to enhance their skills and gain insights from industry experts. With its strong focus on promoting professionalism in the creative industry, the International Student Film Festival at IUO has become a significant platform for nurturing and showcasing emerging talent.

As the first edition of the festival came to a close, it was evident that IUO’s commitment to supporting the entertainment industry and providing students with the necessary tools to succeed was unwavering. The maiden edition of the International Student Film Festival has set the stage for future editions to continue celebrating and empowering the next generation of filmmakers in Nigeria.