AFA SET TO EMPOWER 120 BAYELSANS

In line with its corporate social responsibility objectives, the Africa Film Academy (AFA), organizers of the annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), is poised to train and empower over 120 youths drawn from ?eight local government areas in Bayelsa State in different aspects of filmmaking.

The Director of Administration, AMAA, Mr. Tony Anih who is also the President of Script Writers Guild of Nigeria, in a press statement stated that the youths of the state who were interested in a career in film making should avail themselves the opportunity.

He recalled that in the past the organization had trained over 540 youths from the oil-rich state who had participated in the training programme, adding that some of them are already earning a living from the skill acquired during such trainings.

Anih further explained that the highlight of this year's training, which will take place on January 20, in Lagos, will be practical demonstration of the skills by the participants who will be made to shoot short films that will be based on a story developed from each of their communities.

'These short films will be part of the course work. Participants will be trained in different aspects of filmmaking such as script writing, cinematography lighting, special effects, sound and other areas that are critical to making a box office movie.' Anih also reiterated the plan of the organization to promote Africa cinema through its annual award system and trainings for the industry practitioners, adding that the organization recently concluded a one-week workshop in Lagos and Enugu for film makers.

In a related development, the Bayelsa state governor, Mr. Timi Sylva, has called on stakeholders who work with the government to support the initiative of training Bayelsa youths with skills that can get them gainfully employed.