Just saw this article on Nollywood. Hope the synergy leads to better production and growth in the industry.

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By Moses Kadiri - The Guardian

IN order to have a virile film industry in Africa, Communicating for Change and Television Trust for the Environment (TVE), a London-based television production company, and the Lagos Business School (Pan-African University), recently held a conference in Lagos.

With the theme, Future of Development Film in Africa, the conference was aimed at building capacity for film professionals. It also provided opportunity to broaden investment and distribution potentials of the industry.

Guests at the conference included executive director, TVE UK Cheryl Campbell, Jenny Richard, executive producer, Hotel Rwanda, Mr. Izi Cordron, Mrs. Amaka Igwe and Prof. A.S. Tabernero, University of Navarre, Spain.

Some other people at the conference were Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin, Prof. Jadesola Akande, Executive Director Communicating for Change, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, independent TV producers' association and Femi Odugbemi, president of Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN).

Among issues deliberated on were the need to consider the capacity building for the industry, and how home video industry could create a platform for development in the country.

According to Mbanefo, the development agencies should invest in Nollywood in a significant way, not just small brand of individual, producers for small programme, "what the industry need is the EU money so as to address major issues of capacity building of technology".

While urging banks to invest in Nollywood so that it would be able to produce more films challenged the industry to rise above entertainment and make a long term, significant commitment to working with the developed industries.

The Communicating for Change boss also challenged the industry to produce films that will catalyse change.

Also, Izi Codron, executive producer, Hotel Rwanda said his organisation was putting up a development strategy that would enable Nigeria directors to work with the company in South Africa, according to him "things are developing in Africa and Nigeria is a very positive country."

The Deputy Director, TVE UK, Jenny Richards, while urging Nollywood to create films that would promote change, stressed that the media should reflect on women issues that promote empowerment of women.

Dr Sokumbo advised government to look at the structural aspect of the industry and how practitioners could contribute to making development of the industry a positive one.

An opinion also expressed by President of the Association of Movie Producer, Madu Chikwendu. He urged producers to make films that clarify issues and also help in the developmental intentions of government.

The conference brought together filmmakers, creative industry practitioners in advertising, photography and academia from all parts of the world.

great suggestion !!

nollywood is rising, i need more movies like rattlesnake.