By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A prolific Nigerian filmmaker, Mr Alex Eyengho, has been selected as one of the 52 beneficiaries of the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF) for movie producers in the West and Central African regions.
The fund will provide financial support to its beneficiaries, including access to quality tertiary education in film and TV-focused disciplines.
The scholarship fund for Sub-Saharan students is part of Netflix’s global Creative Equity Fund, launched in 2021, which is a dedicated effort to help build new opportunities for underrepresented communities within entertainment.
Through the initiative, Netflix supports external organisations committed to creating equitable opportunities in the TV and film industries, as well as bespoke Netflix programs that help us to identify, train and provide job placement for up-and-coming talent globally.
Speaking at the unveiling of the beneficiaries at a stakeholder event hosted by the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) in Lagos, the Director of Public Policy for sub-Saharan Africa at Netflix, Shola Sanni, said, “Netflix is on the cusp of taking Nigeria to the global stage.
“Beyond this, our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem to assist talents, tell their stories. This is why we remain committed to the continent and Nigeria.
“We care for the growth of talents and are passionate about the future of the industry and want to enable Nigerian creators to access the global market.
“This is why today is all about celebrating the scholars who will be responsible for telling African stories, whether in front or behind the camera, it’s about putting Africa on the global map.”
Also, an executive director at NFVCB, Mr Adedayo Thomas, said the agency was “impressed that this initiative awarded 52 beneficiaries from the region with 27 from Nigeria alone.”
“We’ll continue to call upon companies like Netflix to work with us to position the country as a skilled manpower force.
“It is my strong belief that this initiative is proof that Nigeria has the talent and the ability to rise up to the global community, offering best-in-class quality content. It has also demonstrated the commitment of our partners to strengthening the pipeline of talent.
“Offering opportunities for job creation with creative youths willing to add value to their community and the overall creative economy,” he added.
Business Post gathered that all the beneficiaries would receive a full scholarship which includes – tuition, accommodation, a living stipend and education supplies.
The programme is currently being administered by Dalberg in partnership with the five institutions of higher learning in the region that will support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives from the region.
The trio of Alex Eyengho, Donatus Ekwuazi, and Nicole Emechebe will attend their training at the PAN-Atlantic University (Nigeria); 24 beneficiaries will be at the National film institute Jos (Nigeria), and they are Nanmet Dakup, Grace Lasisi, Nkemakonam Onejeme, Timchang Miri, George-Isaac Dadzie, Joseph Ogbe, Anothony Nnaji, Aduragbemi Ogundiran, Oluyomi Taiwo, Evelyn Inyang, Emeka Ikpechukwu, Collins Okorocha, McRoberts Metseyinor, Fatgan Agati, Aisa Zerubabel, Blessing Izang, Stephen Okoh, Nifuk Mafuyai, Lois Bewarang, Samson Alaba, Ezichi Okeke, Rukayat Zubair, Mary Orjiakor, and Divine-gift Ibewuike.
Also, the duo of Thephor Koumou-Mba and Adriana Ndemby will be at the Institut Philippe Maury de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma (IPMAC) du groupe EM-Gabon Université (EMGU); while Samuel Laryea, Seth Aydin, Linda Amemordzi, Gilbert Carrey, Kakra Opare-Asiedu, Lydia Flika, Payin Opare-Asiedu, Magdaline Masopeh would be at the National Film and Television Institute (Ghana).
Furthermore, Sekinatou Bio, Belvina Djossou, Kate Djiwan, Mirabellel Tossa, Melvina Afanou, Lazarine Damando, Imelda Batamoussi, Zigan Jean-Pierre Medegoun, Elfrid Benon, Franck Anikakpo, Irésan Bassaley, Milka Degan, Chrétia Vodounon, Nouriyath Moussibayi and Claudia -Manuela Tanoh would be at the Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel (ISMA) (Benin).
