After the initial postponement of the 2nd edition of Lagos International Film And Cinema Convention (LIFACC), the event kicked off as planned yesterday at the prestigious EbonyLife Place at Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy – Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa was ably represented by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, who is the current Executive Director/CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). He led a high powered team/delegation to the event which included virtually all members of the Board of Management of NFVCB.
Dr. Husseini remarked that last year, he was a participant by way of panel moderation and also a facilitator but this year to the glory of God, he is at LIFACC second edition as a regulator representing the NFVCB. He lauded the LIFACC initiative as a needed convention for the Industry to further scale up in the ever competitive creative space. He also commended the zeal and passion of the founder of LIFACC in person of Mr. Theophilus Akatugba.
Dr. Husseini said ” this event is a testament to the growth, innovation and resilience of our Industry. As we converge here today, we celebrate the power of film to unite, educate, and inspire. We recognize the significant contributions of filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals who work tirelessly to tell our stories, showcase our culture, and promote our values.
The National Film and Video Censors Board is committed to supporting the development of a creative, innovative, and responsible film industry. We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our screens reflect the best of our culture while adhering to ethical standards that promote a positive image of our country”, he concluded.
In his own address, the Founder/CEO, LIFACC, Mr. Theophilus Akatugba welcomed all participants to the second edition of LIFACC. He acknowledged the impact the initial postponement have on the event but against all dds, LIFACC second edition is here at last.
In his words during his address,
“The inspiration behind this convention was rooted in a deep desire to preserve the magic of movies. It is this passion that has driven me to conceive this idea and lead the organizing team, working tirelessly to engage with stakeholders both within Nigeria and across the globe. We are in the business of creating experiences – experiences that enrich, engage, and entertain; experiences that bring audiences together, fostering a sense of wonder, community, and belonging” .
He further alluded to the power and importance of cinema as a growing culture and as a humongous business opportunity in Nigeria and globally.
‘If anyone doubts the blockbuster role cinema plays in igniting our imaginations, fueling our economy, or shaping public discourse, let me assure you: people everywhere are eager to see great stories come alive on the big screen. In fact, in 2023, despite global challenges, Nigeria’s box office saw growth however marginal, with a more better upward trend witnessed in the US, Canada, and other mark”, he concluded.
In his own remarks, Mr. Ope Ajayi the President of Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) commended the convener and organizers of LIFACC for their dedication to promoting excellence in filmmaking and cinema business in Nigeria.
He promised the support of CEAN for LIFACC going forward. He said the last six months have been eventful for the business as the cinemas across the country have generated N4.6 billion in the first half of 2024 compared to the N3b generated in the first six months of 2023.
Day 1 had other dignitaries like Alex Eyengho, member, BOT, Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Kene Okwuosa, (Group Chief Executive Officer, Filmhouse Group, Nigeria), Patrick Lee, (Head of Operations, Viva Cinema), Michael Williams, (General Manager, EbonyLife Group), Emmanuel Nwokafor, (CEO, Tellsara Cinema Services), Linda Obasi, (Actor & Founder Enyicast Casting Agency), Kingsley Omoefe, (MD, Golden Heritage Ltd), Fidelis and Temitope Duka (Abuja International Festival Owners), amongst so many others.
LIFACC 2024 is supported by Bank of Industry, Severydon, Filmhouse Group, LASAA, CINEMAX, EnonyLife Place, Positive Cinema, Blue Pictures, Reach, Silverbird Cinema, AFREXIMBank, in collaboration with NFVCB, CEAN, FDAN put together by Ovueta Nigeria Ltd.
LIFACC Day 2 continues today…stay glued for more stories on the 2nd edition of the event.
