All is now set for the grand take off and orientation class for the first set of aspiring Nollywood greats at Benin Film Academy as the Vice Chancellor and other top management team of Igbinedion University went on a tour of the Academy’s permanent site at 69 Airport Road, GRA, Benin City, to see their level of preparedness.
With the official opening slated for Tuesday June 13, 2017 while lectures start on the 19th of June, students are already jostling for admission and hoping to be one of the pioneering intakes.
Benin Film Academy, a gateway to the heart of Nollywood across the Niger/Delta and the Midle-Belt is collaboration between multiple award winning Filmmaker and Edo born internationally renowned Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Igbinedion University, Benin City.
Generally hailed as first of such well thought out collaboration between town and gown for the raising of would be Nollywood greats, the rush for admission for prospective students has been massive as several top Nollywood practictionals have all indicated interest in giving hands on for the new in-takes.
Lancelot, who has just concluded post production works on another blockbuster movie, ‘When Hearts Meet’, shot in Atlanta USA and featured Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus and a host of other Nollywood greats, partnered with Igbinedion University Okada, Benin City for this Nollywood Project 101 in January 14, 2017 at the 18th matriculation ceremony of the University a feat which makes the higher institution the first private University in Nigeria to achieve such status.
With well furnished class rooms, editing and acting studios, Benin Film Academy will be offering practical training in Acting, Directing, Editing and Script Writing that will surpass all expectations; with summer film camp for teenagers and children.
In a chat, highly ecstatic Lancelot who is regarded as the most consistent movie producer in Africa told us that, “the need for me to give back from my wealth of knowledge informed my decision to start a film school and contribute my own quarter to development of entertainment in the country.”
“I have garnered a lot of experience from my over 2 decades of movie production and directing. I believed this is the best time to give back so, all plans are now in place to start this June 2017.”
“Admission is going on. There is joy everywhere across the region because this is the first of its kind. I’m happy because I’m able to give back to my people and the country at large. Prospective students can still get on-board for a late admission process.”
