Zack Orji, Segun Arinze, Others To Storm Enugu For “Coal City Film Festival’’

The festival which is expected to provide opportunities for aspiring movie stars, will serve as a convergence between practicing and independent filmmakers, industry leaders within the South east and beyond.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu ahead of the event, Executive Director of the Festival, Mr. Uche Agbo said that it is expected to open doors of the South East through cultural exchange and cinematic experience.

“It is not just going to be a gathering of film makers. We also want to discuss the Economy of the South East in the area of tourism and hospitality” he said.

Agbo, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Okike Media, explained that over 500 films have been cleared from over a thousand submissions from over 50 countries for screening at the Coal City Film Festival.

He explained that there would be basic learners’ class and master class in such areas as Acting, Directing, Script Writing and Production for two days at both the National Museum and Diamond Cinema, Enugu.

He however regretted that there has been a lack of deliberate effort by the State government to improve on its tourism sector by organising festivals that would bring individuals from different parts of the country and also help grow the revenue.

While noting that the movie industry is one of the largest export industries that Nigeria has, he maintained that Enugu is not conscious of its tourist potentials, although the state is one of the most peaceful in the country which is part of what tourism needs to thrive.

“The government has not shown interest. But we are determined to bring together big names in the Nigerian movie industry to train aspiring movie stars and producers” he said.

He added that registered participants will receive free unlimited access to the above mentioned activities even as registration is still open and free-of-charge till the 24th of March via the website: www.coalcityfilmfestival.com