Rivers Wins Best Experimental Nigeria Film Award

“Wakirike” an
indigenous film produced in Rivers State emerged winner of the Best Experimental Film prize award in Nigeria. “Wakirike” which was shot both in English and Okrika Languages competed with other 10 films across the world at the just concluded Abuja International Film Festival.
The Tide learnt that the Festival featured 25 prizes in different categories and ‘Wakirike’ which is the only film shot and produced in Rivers State emerged winner in the best experimental Film category.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide in his office in Port Harcourt, the film producer who is also the South South coordinator of Directors Guild of Nigeria, Chief Chinmike Onwuchekwa sad that, the film which was sponsored by the Ateke Tom Foundation showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rivers people and the Niger Delta.
Chief Onwuchekwa said that, the film also seeks to persuade youths from the region to desist from further involvement in nefarious activities such as kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation.
Onwuchekwa commended Chief Ateke Tom for the sponsorship of the film and stressed the need for other rich Rivers men and women to support film production to create employment opportunities for youths of the state.
According to him, apart from the creation of employment opportunities, the situation would also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta.
Onwuchekwa, who is the Managing Director of Magic Bros Studio Limited, Port Harcourt, also disclosed plan by the outfit to establish a film school in the state.
He also called on the State Government to provide a conducive environment for film production in the state.