September 7, 2022

The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) has partnered with the Indian Satellite TV giant, Zee World, through Zee Entertainment Enterprises Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, to create more opportunities for Nigerian Film and Video practitioners in the State.

The Executive Secretary of (LSFVCB), Mrs. Adebukola Agbaminoja, spoke about the development at a meeting organised by the Board for film and video practitioners as well as movie producers in Nigeria, expressing gratitude to Zee Africa and Indian Ocean Island team for the partnership.

She informed the gathering about the enormous support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the sector through numerous policies and programmes, including the setting aside of a special Fund for the production of high-quality content that would appeal to the local and global audience, just as it adds value and growth to the industry.

Revealing that about 46 practitioners have so far benefited from the Fund, Mrs. Agbaminoja urged other interested practitioners to follow due process by contacting the Board or applying via: https://lagostourism.lagosstate.gov.ng/film-fund.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Indian Ocean Islands, Mr. Somnath Malakar, said the organisation chose Nigeria ahead of other Africa Countries because the nation has the biggest economy in Africa, adding that the growing economy, love for movies, family viewing, cultural values, vibrancy, ceremonies and festivals among others are the qualities that unite Nigeria and India.

He explained that the vehicle for the collaboration which has been tagged ‘Zee Afro Flicks’ will involve short films of about 20 minutes duration to be produced in English or any of the Nigerian Languages and subtitled in English.

According to him, the initiative will bring about content exposure on many Channels across Sub-Sahara Africa comprising 46 countries and six countries of the Indian Ocean Islands, stressing that the working relationship between Nigerian filmmakers and the organisation will mutually benefit all parties.

Responding, the former President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Mr. Ralph Nwadike; Former President, Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Osezua Stephen-Imoblio; and the President of Association of Core Nollywood Producers and Vice President of Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Theophilus Akatugba, on behalf of all practitioners unanimously expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Zee World Africa for the concept.