By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The newly established Benin Film Academy is set for official launch on Tuesday June 13, 2017 ahead of June 19, 2017, when lectures commence.
The academy, located in Benin City, Edo State, is a collaboration between renowned Nollywood filmmaker, Mr Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Igbinedion University.
It is situated at 69, Airport Road, GRA, Benin City.
Already, intending students are jostling for admission and hoping to be one of the pioneering intakes.
The rush for admission for prospective students has been massive as several top Nollywood practitioners have indicated interest in giving hands on for the new in-takes.
Mr Lancelot, who has just concluded post-production works on another blockbuster movie, ‘When Hearts Meet’, shot in Atlanta USA and featured Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus and a host of other Nollywood greats, partnered with Igbinedion University Okada, Benin City for this Nollywood Project 101 in January 14, 2017 at the 18th matriculation ceremony of the university, a feat which makes the higher institution the first private university in Nigeria to achieve such status.
With well-furnished class rooms, editing and acting studios, Benin Film Academy will be offering practical training in acting, directing, editing and script writing that will surpass all expectations; with summer film camp for teenagers and children.
In a chat, the highly ecstatic Mr Lancelot, who is regarded as the most consistent movie producer in Africa, stated that, “The need for me to give back from my wealth of knowledge informed my decision to start a film school and contribute my own quarter to development of entertainment in the country.”
“I have garnered a lot of experience from my over two decades of movie production and directing. I believed this is the best time to give back so, all plans are now in place to start this June 2017.
“Admission is going on. There is joy everywhere across the region because this is the first of its kind. I’m happy because I’m able to give back to my people and the country at large. Prospective students can still get on-board for a late admission process,” he enthused.
