In a significant move to promote Igbo culture and heritage, filmmakers in the Southeast region of Nigeria have unveiled the Igbo Cinema and Culture Project. This initiative, which was recently unveiled in Abakaliki, has been described as a welcome development by industry practitioners and government officials alike.
The event, which was attended by renowned actors and actresses including Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwor, Chinwetala Agu, Nkem Owo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Cha-Cha Eke, marks a significant milestone in the promotion of Igbo culture through cinema.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by his deputy Patricia Obila, pledged N15 million in support of the filmmaking project in Ebonyi. This gesture underscores the state government’s commitment to developing the entertainment industry and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
Speaking at the unveiling of the project, Pete Edochie commended the people of Ebonyi for their initiative and stressed the importance of the cinema in promoting Igbo culture. He expressed confidence that the cinema would continue to attract support and urged all stakeholders to work together to move the industry forward.
Similarly, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor praised the initiators of the cinema project and encouraged them to keep the flag flying. They highlighted the film industry in Nigeria as the biggest employer of labor and emphasized the need for collective effort to advance the industry.
Stanley Ogbuewu, the state’s commissioner for culture and tourism, explained that the cinema project aims to reawaken the consciousness of Ndigbo towards the beauty of their culture. He emphasized that the cinema would showcase movies, music, and dances produced using the language and lifestyle of the Igbo people, thereby promoting unity and understanding among the people.
In conclusion, the Igbo Cinema and Culture Project represents a significant step towards preserving and promoting Igbo culture through cinema. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and a welcome development for Igbo Nollywood filmmakers. With the support of the government and stakeholders, this project has the potential to revitalize Igbo cinema and bring the people together in celebration of their culture.
