Today we are witnessing amplified global cultural connectivity involving youths with energies that are better channeled for productivity. Enabled by global communication technology they transmit various cultures, even from remotest parts of the world. FilmLab Nigeria recognized the need to channel such energies and inaugurated Storytelling and Screenwriting Masterclass in December 2019. It invited paired filmmaking Producer-Director crews to conceive and realize finished movies, script-to-screen. The project powered by its parent company, Wazobia FM/TV attracted LAFAAAC, in partnership La Fémis and supported by French Embassy in Nigeria. All partners recognized need to help Nigerian youths channel productive energies through storytelling resources and skills. Indeed there is no better time than now, when young persons at every opportunity protest or reflect their social pains. All partners also recognized that Nigerian youths founded Nollywood, a globally acclaimed filmmaking culture since 1999. However Nollywood may not have exhausted Nigeria’s vast and varied cultural heritage. Towards harnessing such untold stories, more so to upgrade screenwriting among other filmmaking skills, the partnership is working to realize FilmLab Nigeria’s earliest mission. They are therefore focused on youth filmmaker projects dedicated to initiating, promoting and executing creative projects via education and development programs for self-realization. Really, prepare youths for professional opportunities; consequently cause valuable multiplier effect in Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood. By so doing FilmLab provides unique and first of its kind facility to align this partnership and create business opportunities. Doing so, Nigeria will among other nations create business and job opportunities to reduce unemployment caused by confinement and fear of the unseen enemy, COVID-19. More than that, talented and skilled Nigerian filmmaking youths will earn respect and recognition, cause cultural dialogue for further global appreciation, advocate justice, equality and co-existence. They will project human rights and build global peace and stability. All participants will therefore become ambassadors for greater human good. Check it out here: https://www.filmlab.ng/press-release
