An award-winning Nigerian-Canadian actor, Lucky Ejim, has urged Nollywood filmmakers to use their craft to promote positive national values, with a focus on nation-building.
Mr Ejim spoke in an interview on the sidelines of the January edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue, held over the weekend in Abuja.
The dialogue, held at Mamman Vatsa’s Writers Village, is a flagship initiative of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, which assembles writers, literary enthusiasts and other creatives. Mr Ejim featured as the special guest for the January edition of the dialogue.
According to him, in an increasingly globalised world, films have become a pivotal instrument for nations to communicate their identity, making it crucial to understand their influence.
The Toronto-based filmmaker urged Nollywood filmmakers to emulate Hollywood’s depiction of American heroism and to influence other nations through the screen.
He said that history holds both writers and filmmakers as torchbearers of change, daring to challenge the status quo and inspire action for positive change.
“There is no doubt that Nigerian filmmakers have so many hurdles to go through in telling some thought-provoking stories.
“But as the voice of the society, as the voice of the voiceless, as the custodians of history, the filmmakers and other creatives owe it to society to keep speaking.
“Because there are so many people that are powerless, and if the custodians of history do not help in getting their voices out there, they will drown,” he said.
The filmmaker noted that the Nigerian film industry ecosystem has evolved, engaged teeming youths, and is now contributing significantly to the national economy.
He, consequently, called for increased investment and support to boost the industry’s potential through government policies, infrastructure development, and adequate funding.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the ANA Abuja chapter, Chukwudi Eze, said that the dialogue was part of the association’s efforts to champion narratives that will usher in a better country for all.
He noted that in this session, Ejim joins an array of distinguished panellists to explore how theatre and film have shaped civilisations, from ancient communal storytelling to contemporary world cinema.
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