FG supports Nigerian film industry with N420m grant

ayodele johnson

July 2, 2017 11:08 PM

A total of 105 filmmakers are expected to benefit from the Federal Government intervention fund.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has offered a sum of N420.2 million in grant for the support of the film industry, Nollywood.

This was confirmed by Patricia Deworitshe, the Deputy Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, in a statement released in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, June 30, 2017.

The amount is a portion of N1.8 billion earlier approved by the government to benefit a total of 105 film makers.

This is to help nurture its "Project Act Nollywood" initiative which has the the Film Production Fund (FPF), Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and Innovative Distribution Fund (IDF) as components.

A huge number of jobs have been created from the FG facilitated inventiveness according to Deworitshe who said:

“Fifteen community cinemas and viewing centres have been established through the grant and this has improved the distribution network of movies in Nigeria.

“The programme has supported 18 firms in strengthening online distribution platforms, this has helped curb illegal downloads and piracy.

“Two hundred and fifty six permanent jobs and 544 temporary jobs have been created through the financial support provided to 105 beneficiaries by the programme."

The initiative comes at a time of tremendous improvement in filmmaking which has seen the quality of movies produced rise to an enviable standard.

However, tackling piracy which has proved to be a stubborn worm remains a challenge.

In its support to the movie industry, the government needs to partner with relevant groups in the battle to curb the menace that has robbed filmmakers of their profit.

ayodele johnson