The Edo Skill Development Agency says it has received 1,551 movie entries from 94 countries, ahead of the international film festival holding in the state in September.
The Managing Director of the agency, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin during the unveiling of the logo for the festival.
Dare said the festival, slated for between Sept. 1 and Sept. 4, was aimed at boosting film industry and to create employment in the state.
“During the festival we are bringing international film makers to train local film makers and expose them to international world.
“The festival will also empower Edo citizens to take the centre stage in the film industry.
“We have received 1,551 movie entries from 94 countries of the world for the Edo film festival.”
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.
“We have three categories that would win cash prizes. A prize of $2000 each would go to the winner in each category.
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“They are Best Student Film, Best Technology Film and Best Phone Shot Film; while the winners would be announced during the festival,” said the co-chairman for the festival.
She explained that 200 movies would be shown during the 4-day event with partners such as Kada Cinema, GIZ international and Presco company as sponsors.
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)
