Dr Alex Elekwa, the President and Founder of the Abia International Film Festival has promised to train Abia Youths in various film production to empower them to be self employed there by creating job opportunities within their communities.
Dr Elekwa stated this on Wednesday in Umuahia during the unveiling of the Abia International Film Festival with the THEME “Cultivating Abias Next Generation of Film Creatives” held at Mary’s Garden, Confidence Hotel Umuahia.
According to him, the Abia International Film Festival was borne out of his desire to promote Arts and culture
“We are here to unveil the Inaugural of the Abia International Film Festival, a ground breaking non-profit organization dedicated to promoting arts,culture,and science through motion pictures”
“One of the major objectives of this festival is to train Abia Youths in Various Film Production to empower them to be self employed there by creating Job opportunities in their local communities. We all know that Nollywood is the highest employer of Labour in Nigeria and the function ma of this film festival will be pivotal to the growth and development of youths in Abia State”
“Having an International Film Festival in Abia State is long overdue that is why we took the plunge to put together a team of like minds to create this film Festival, We want to thank Mr Hope Obioma Opara the President and founder of the Eko International Film Festival who brought his wealth of experience to be part of this festival as the Festival Director,His experience has spanned over 15 years in organizing his festival event (EKOIFF) in Lagos, Mr Hope is from Umuahia Abia State that is why he is passionate about being part of this festival Project”
“Having travelled far and near, I saw the need to bring this home”he said.
On his part, the ABIFF Director who is also the Founder of the Eko Film Festival Mr Hope Obioma Opara said there is a lot to gain in having Abia film International Festival in Abia State.
“We are privileged to have a listening Governor and am very certain that he will queue into this Project”
“Abia needs a Film Festival because there are many tourist sites that it can showcase to the world like the Azumiri Blue River, the World needs to know about where we have a Blue River”
“We cannot remove culture from film making because most of the things in film are things that happen and we are prepared to promote Abia State with Film Festival”
“This is a platform we can use to promote our reach cultural heritage”
He said the Film Festival will promote and partner with the Government in power to promote Abia State.
The Maiden Edition of the Abia International Film Festival is slated to hold in October 2024.
