A SUCCESSFUL SEQUEL: Second Edition Of The Nigerian-German Nollywood Workshop In Edo State – Green White Green
The groundbreaking initiative, the NOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP – Benin City Edition recently concluded in the Edo State capital brought together six filmmakers from Nigeria and six from the prestigious German film school, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, for a four-week collaborative endeavour.
Funded by the German Minister of State for Culture and the Media and supported by the German camera manufacturer ARRI, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub & Sound Stage, and the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, the workshop aimed to foster cross-cultural connections and create an important topical, issue based short film, “FRAGMENTS OF TOMORROW”
A Cultural Bridge Through Film:
Mr. Márk Szilágyi, the Project Coordinator of the International Office at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, expressed his enthusiasm for co-productions between Nigeria and Germany.
He highlighted the significance of this collaboration following the repatriation of the “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria by Germany in December 2022.
“FRAGMENTS OF TOMORROW” follows ISIUWA, a young woman dealing with her brother ITUA’s severe illness from sickle cell anemia. During hospital visits, ISIUWA and her fiancé AISOSA discover that they were both carriers of the sickle cell gene, making their future children likely to inherit the disease.
As they grappled with the emotional weight of this revelation, ISIUWA considered ending their relationship to prevent future suffering, while AISOSA remained committed, willing to explore all options. Ultimately, AISOSA’s dedication may offer a path for them to face the challenges together.
The short film resulting from this workshop, not only reflects a rich cultural exchange between the Nigerian, Namibian and German filmmakers but also showcases cutting-edge German film technology, thanks to the support of ARRI.
The film, shot with the newly introduced ARRI35 Digital camera, represents one of the unique usages of this advanced technology in an African context, marking a further milestone in international cinematic innovation. Integrating state-of-the-art equipment at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub enhances visual storytelling and brings a global standard to Nollywood productions. The workshop concludes the attendance of the 13th edition of the prestigious Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) by the participants. With the premier of “FRAGMENTS OF TOMORROW” at a special screening at the german culture institute (Goethe-Institut Nigeria)
Filmmaking as a Cultural Bridge:
Hamilton Nwosa from Edo State, editor of the film said: I have learned so much at the 2024 Edition of the NOLLYWOOD FILM WORKSHOP. It has been a very exciting ride since we began, I had the opportunity to learn and work on an amazing project with other participants from Germany and in Benin City. This workshop has exposed me to work with others from different background and divers cultures. I have learned to work with others in the international space and I am very grateful for the opportunity and I am positive that this is the beginning for more collaborations with the organizers.
Namibian Co-director Monika Amunyela
Attending the Nollywood workshop was a fantastic experience for me. Working alongside such a diverse group of people, each bringing unique perspectives, was both challenging and inspiring. It was amazing to see how all these different viewpoints could come together to shape a single, unified idea, resulting in something truly impactful.
I also loved the opportunity to meet and collaborate with new people while experiencing Nigeria’s rich diversity firsthand. Networking with talented artists and creatives from various backgrounds made the experience even more enriching. It was both a learning experience and a celebration of the creativity within Nollywood.
German First assistant director Verena Zwaygardt
I‘m very grateful for the time we spent together. We learned from each other and we were surprised how things just worked out quickly and spontaneously before the shoot, and we enjoyed the good teamwork. I’m happy we got to see two different perspectives, and I’m glad we gained insights into the Nigerian way of filmmaking.
Looking Ahead:
With the success of the NOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP – Benin City Edition and the positive reception of “ỌKPẸN- ẸZẸ (Eng.:BY THE RIVERSIDE)” production of 2023 and “FRAGMENTS OF TOMORROW” 2024 Mr. Márk Szilágyi expressed his anticipation for the next instalments in 2025. The workshop serves as a platform for cultural exchange and contributes to the growth and evolution of the nigerian creative sector, Nollywood as a global cinematic force. With the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg joining the Program as a sponsor for scholarships two of the Nigerian participants will have the opportunity to study one semester at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
In the vast world of filmmaking, Edo State is taking charge to ensure our local talents are not just onlookers but active participants. The NOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP, led by the Workshop Project Manager, Abel Alechenu, is a shining example of how collaboration can transform dreams into reality.
This initiative is more than just about making films; it’s a promise to nurture understanding and shape the future of the Nigerian creative landscape. Together, we celebrate the strength of unity, telling Nigerian stories in the worldwide cinema scene.
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