Winners of the International Film Festival in Edo State will receive $6,000.
The managing director of the Edo Skills Development Agency, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in Benin during the unveiling of the logo for the festival, said it received 1,551 movie entries from 94 countries ahead of the international film festival holding in the state in September.
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Dare said the festival, slated between September 1 and 4, was aimed at boosting the film industry and create employment in the state, adding that there are three categories that would win cash prizes.
“A prize of $2000 each would go to the winner in each category. They are Best Student Film, Best Technology Film and Best Phone Shot Film; while the winners would be announced during the festival,” the co-chairman for the festival said.
She explained that 200 movies would be shown during the four-day event, with partners such as Kada Cinema, GIZ International and Presco Company as sponsors.
“During the festival, we are bringing international filmmakers to train local filmmakers and expose them to the world.
“The festival will also empower Edo citizens to take the centre stage in the film industry.
She said, “We also have a team of international juries who would watch all the films and select the best to showcase during the festival at Kada Cinema, among others.”
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Bamidele Obaitan, said the festival was to enable Edo people tell their own story to the world, noting that Edo story has always been narrated by other people.
The state government, the commissioner said, was using the festival to attract investment to the state and empower its citizenry. (NAN)
