The Lagos Film Academy (LFA) has selected three young aspiring filmmakers for a $5,000 grant in the third Film for Life competition.
Those selected will have the opportunity to make a short film directed at impacting social change with focus on the upcoming 2019 general elections in Nigeria.
From over 600 applications received, nine finalist were shortlisted and trained by movie producers Emma Uduma and Grace Babasola, alongside LFA founder Chris Ihidero on an all-expenses paid three-day boot camp.
The three teams – Team Artistry Media, Team Pantheon and Team Nu’Afriqan – pitched stories for the Film for Life project, out of which Team Artistry Media was selected and emerged winner of the competition.
Artistry Media consists of a dynamic team of three young, passionate individuals ready to make their mark on the film industry and weigh-in with their film on the upcoming 2019 elections.
They are Baridakara Nwilene, the team producer who is from Rivers State, Alfa Faruk Umar, the team writer from Nasarawa State, and Joshua Tostso, the team director from Delta State.
Commending the winners, Mr Ihidero, said “Artistry Media was selected because they had the most compelling storyline. We had a great time at boot camp and heard an array of ideas during the pitching sessions. The shooting for the short film begins immediately.
“It is also important for us to make animpact with the short film that will be made, with the grant gotten from Global Philanthropy Alliance. The upcoming election is a major social happening inNigeria, hence the need to play our parts with the story that will be told.”
A member of the winning team, Mr Tostso, who was really elated upon being announced as winner said “I love my team and I can’t wait to make my first film. I’m confident, I believe we will make the best out of what we have learnt in developing our first short film. It is going to be good, it’s not going to be mediocre, I can say that.”
Mr Nwilene, the team producer also said “Film for Life project has given me more courage to follow my dreams to becoming a successful filmmaker. This experience has taught me to be more focused and hardworking and to always think fast and smart when making decisions. I am forever grateful to God Almighty first, my family and amazing fellow team members for their constant push and encouragements to be better at what I do.”
Mr Umar, the team writer, who was equally excited, said; “We believe that one person may not be able to change the world but together as a team we can indeed make a difference. Our goal and vision is to make good quality films that can bring about positive change in the world but starting from home, which is Nigeria.”
The short film, which Artistry Media will write,direct and produce themselves will encourage citizen involvement in theelectoral processes and the upcoming Nigerian general elections in February2019. Pre-production has commenced, production will follow swiftly after.
