As the ION International Film festival comes to an end in Port Harcourt, most of the participants have given kudos to the Rivers State government for the successful hosting of the world event which lasted from December 9th to December 12, 2009.

One of the commendations is from Ismail Radman, World Bank Senior Economist, Finance and Private Sector Development in Africa who lauded the state Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his immense contributions towards the development of the entertainment industry in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The world bank executive who spoke with The Tide during the event said “it was good to be in Port Harcourt to witness the global event for the first time in Africa.

“I sincerely appreciate the warm welcome, the peaceful environment, security and hospitality of the state.

He stressed that the movie industry in Nigeria is expanding and providing job opportunities to many. He noted that the event is a rare opportunity for practitioners in the industry to partner with other movie industries in the world especially Hollywood of America and Bollywood of India which are rated first and second movie industries in the world respectively.

The World Bank economist however, urged the federal government to come, out with policies that would curb piracy which he said is a major problem in the industry. He also called for effective distribution network as a way of eliminating piracy and move the industry forward as well as more private sector participation in the movie industry.

According to him Hollywood and Bollywood are where they are today because of the huge investments from the private sector. He said Nollywood should be able to learn from the experience of these industries to improve on its standards equipment and other facilities.

Addressing the guests during the closing ceremony held at the Polo Club on Saturday, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi lauded the organisers of the event for a job well done. He noted that Nigerian movie makers had a lot to learn from the event as it affords them the opportunity to partner with other professionals in the movie industry across the world.

He assured of government’s commitment towards the development of the entertainment industry in the state and tasked them to improve on their standards that could stand the test of time.

At the end of the event some movies that were nominated for the event got awards. They include; You Didn’t See Anything in Kingshasha, a documentary by Ngangura Mwoese from Congo; “Examination Malpractice”, a youth project by Emoedumba Joshua from Nigeria, “Micheal Jackson Shinning” by Trevor Parham of the USA got award under the music video category, ‘Renouncing Angelica’ by Temi Ojo of USA also won award under the short film category as well “From A Whisper” by Wanuri Kanya of Kenya which got award under the Narrative feature category.

Jacob Obinna