EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
The European Film Festival which was extended to Port Harcourt has come to a successful end.
While one may not immediately ascertain the origin and roots of this great yearly event, nonetheless, the European Film Festival is an aggregate of film exhibitions shown over a dozen cities across Europe to herald the rich cultural heritage of the Europeans and significantly, in the bed to build a shared international cultural experience. The programme as it were, is properly loaded with fantastic array of international independent films with their origins, genre depicting the typical European bias but with a lot to showcase in love, in friendship, in diplomacy, etc.
The auspicious event which commenced Wednesday 20th June, through to Saturday, June 23rd, 2012, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Port Harcourt attracted people from all walks of life.
Monsieur Eymard Emmanuel, Director Alliance Française Port Harcourt reiterated that the festival is part of events that mark the “Europe Day” celebration where films from across Europe are usually shown free of charge, targeted at a broad range of Nigerian Society.
The films presented include: ‘You are so beautiful’ (France), ‘The Dinner Club (Netherlands), ‘Orient Express’ (Romania), ‘Inside I’m Dancing,(Ireland), ‘The Edukators’ (Germany), ‘The Wind Blows Round’ (Italy), ‘Nollywood Movie/Sam Dede Workshop’ (Nigeria), ‘Anatomy Of A Saint'(Austria), ‘Oxygen'(Belgium), ‘Kooky'(Czech Republic), ‘Chico & Rita'(Spain), ‘Let The Right One In'(Sweden), ‘Andreas Hofer'(Austria), ‘Montevideo God Bless You'(Serbia). The films which range from drama, comedy, animation, documentary and romance showcased the diversity of European culture as well as promoted European values in the most creative and accessible way for the good of all.
Mr. Eymard appreciated the Ambassador of European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), David Macrae, for the kind gesture and thanked all and sundry for gracing the event. He expressed appreciation for the laudable support and cooperation by the Rivers State government through the ministry of Culture and Tourism. “I appreciate the effort of Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, Commissioner, Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the wonderful partnership”.
SAM DEDE WORKSHOP/NOLLYWOOD MOVIE AT SILVERBIRD
“There are possibilities of presenting Nollywood to the outside world, because Nigeria has been rated the second largest movies producer in the whole world. If you are able to make better movie. You will make money and be self reliant”, were the introductory remarks made by Mr. Eymard Emmanuel, prior to the workshop facilitated by Achibi Sam Dede, principal representative of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDF) and founder, Rivers State Film Development Initiative (RSFDI).
At the workshop, Mr. Sam Dede spoke on the positive legacy remarked by Late Mr. Fela A. R. Kuti. From the documentary shown before the workshop tarted, he remarked that Late Fela, opened the eyes of Nigerians, using the songs he sang to drive home positive and true messages: “Fela was not understood before he died, his messages were testimonies to the experiences of Nigeria and Africa as a whole nation, some of which we are all passing through till date, and also his songs made meaning to every ear that heard the lyrics, it isn’t like what we hear today, lyrics which have no meaning and no real messages. We need better lyrics that can transform lives and society positively,” he re-emphasized.
Mr. Dede expressed with optimism that Nollywood has come to stay despite the challenges faced in the past. Aside the positive development that Nigeria is rated second largest movie producer in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood he revealed “many more people are still writing their stories their own way based on their personal life experience, the happenings around their environments and stories about other people. Recent reports show that organizations are putting cameras in the hands of people to go out and capture stories. Our people have their stories to tell, some are telling it not as film makers. And we want to project them to tell their stories professionally to project our culture and tradition. Hence, the reasons for the setting up of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency which is going to be a function of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a project aimed at engineering the course of making Rivers State a hub of movie production in Africa.”
Sam Dede, during the workshop, presented a survey which showcased Port Harcourt as the least producer of movie between 2009 and 2011 among states such as Lagos, Delta, Enugu, Imo and the FCT, with Asaba in Delta State leading the chart. According to him, this is not a pleasant report. He blamed the low production of movies by producers of Rivers origin on ethnicity problems and what he captioned, ‘Four Feeble Excuses (FFE), which include: ‘High Cost of Living, Terrible Traffic Situation, insecurity of life and property and Inadequate Human Resources. Debunking the four feeble excuses, Mr. Sam advocated that RSFDI, in collaboration with RSTDA shall facilitate leverage for the basic needs for film production which shall include: Hotel accommodation, suitable shooting locations, transportation, welfare/feeding and technical support.
He encouraged participants not to despair as government is putting measures to curb the menace of insecurity in the state, traffic problems and rehabilitation of roads, among others.
He expressed joy and gladness for the great role played by Mr. Eymard Emmanuel, Director Alliance Française, Port Harcourt, for introducing and getting all exposed into French movie via the Alliance Française, the reason why, he supported ‘The European Film Festival’.Movie Directors, producers etc of both Rivers and non Rivers orogin attended the workshop and bared their minds.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY AT PORT HARCOURT HELICONIA PARK
The climax of the European Film Festival was the Gala Night International Music day on Friday, 22nd June, 2012 at Heliconia Park, Eastern Bypass, Amadi creeks, Port Harcourt at 7.00pm.
The Gala Night International Music Day featured music, dance, and general entertainment on a mini stage illuminated with cool lighting and party themed lights, chairs, and tables around open dance floor and a bar located behind the crowd with soft lighting.
The 400 guests were entertained by Fonte Global Entertainment (an entertainment fitness and health company with creativity as their watchword), dance groups consisting of professional performing groups made of Salsa, Hip Hop, contemporary and cultural genres. The Alliance Française featured International hits from classics, jazz, pop and modern hits to entertain guests. “The events were memorable’, disclosed participants. ####
Angela Inyena Anietie
