The 14th Abuja International Film Festival with
the theme Film as a tool for national security and patriotism was recently
concluded in the federal capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja. The event
featured screening of movies, awards, exhibitions, talent campus, seminars and
workshops.
Movies were nominated into different categories and winners
by experts by a panel of experts.
The opening night film was from Nigerian Filmmaker Tunji Bamishigbin’s
“The Verdict” at the Silverbird cinemas Abuja.
It also showcased a fashion runway with 5 fashion houses showcasing the
best of Nigerian contemporary designs.
According to Temitope Duker, the Newly appointed Festival
Director of the Abuja International Film Festival, the theme of the festival
which is FILM AS A TOOL FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND PATRIOTISM reflects the mood
of the nation at the moment and there is a need for filmmakers to begin to
imbibe the notion of patriotism in their films and this can only be achieved by
their understanding that film as a potent role to play in the patriotism and
nations security of any nation.
The festival also had in attendance several notable Nollywood
Filmmakers like Segun Arinze, Francis Duru, Zack Orji, Sani Danja, Andy Amenechi,
Paul Obazele , Dickson Iroegbu, Charles Novia, Recently Elected AGN President
Emeka Rollas amongst others several others. Also from the Diplomatic mission
was the Chinese Cultural Attache Mr. Li Xung, Miss Wang, The US Embassy In
Abuja Cultural Officer Mr. Lawrence Socha, The Chairman NDDC Senator Victor
Ndoma Egba Represented by his Special Adviser Media, The Executive Director
National Film and Video Censors Board Mr. Adedayo Thomas, the Managing Director
Of Nigerian Film Corporation Mr Chidia Maduekwe Represented by Mrs. Halima
Oyelade.
The Festival also has a large array of films including the
American Film Showcase which will feature 5 documentaries from the United
States amongst the films on parade. There is also a masterclass to be
facilitated by Katrin Hoffman the producer of the film “IF PROJECT” one of the
documentaries on the American film showcase line up. The workshops will be on Commercial Film
Production for independent filmmakers.
The Festival ended on Friday 13tth of October with the Award
ceremony where the Winning films in fifteen selected categories went home with
the awards for the 14th Abuja International Film Festival.
Special recognition awards were also conferred on some
eminent Nigerians who have in one way or the other supported the industry or
the nation based on the theme of the festival. Some of the awardees include the
Governors of Kano and Cross River State; Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and Prof Ben
Ayade respectively, The Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the
Chairman of NDDC Senator Victor Ndoma Egba all the area of their contributions to
security.
Responding to our inquiries on the number of Films, Fidelis
Duker the Founder and Former Festival Director of the Festival said the number
of films this year at 3786 films is unprecedented for an African film festival
and we are excited that sustainability is no more an issue with the festival as
it has come to stay and the flagship of festivals in Nigeria and west
Africa,
OFFICIAL WINNERS
1. BEST DOCUMENTARY
WINNER:
THE PRIDE AND THE GLORY OF NIGERIA –NIGERIA
2. BEST ANIMATION
WINNER:
ROSE HOUSE – CHINA
3. BEST EXPERIMENTAL
WINNER:
REMU – NIGERIA – PIXJAY IMAGES
4. BEST FEATURE FILM:
FOREIGN
WINNER:
WOLF TOTEM – CHINA
5. BEST FEATURE: INDIGENOUS
WINNER:
THE WOMEN –BLESSING EFFIONG EGBE
6. BEST SHORT FILM: NIGERIA
WINNER:
THE MECHANIC – NIGERIA
7. BEST SHORT FILM:
FOREIGN
WINNER:
GHETTO SITUATIONS – SOUTH AFRICA –
8. OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM
WINNER:
EXCESS LUGGAGE – NIGERIA
9. BEST STUDENT FILM
WINNER:
ABUJA TAXI – NIGERIA – KRIS MOK
10. OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR
WINNER:
RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO- THREE WISE MEN
11. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTRESS
TANA
ADELANA – PURPLE HEARTS
12. OUTSTANDING IN FILM DIRECTING
ANDY
AMENECHI – PURPLE HEARTS – NIGERIA
13. OUTSTANDING MUSIC SCORE
WINNER:
BLOGGERS WIFE- NIGERIA
14. GOLDEN JURY FILM
WINNER:
THE MASTER – CHINA
15. AIFF AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
WINNER:
BEHIND THE WHEELS – STANLEY OHIKHUARE NIGERIA
