Leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, has set up an initiative under its Sahara Foundation, ‘Grooming Film Extrapreneuers’ a n
Leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, has set up an initiative under its Sahara Foundation, ‘Grooming Film Extrapreneuers’ a novel initiative designed to provide a hub for budding filmmakers to hone their skills through collaboration and access to shared expertise. Unveiled in June 2016, the competition requires young filmmakers to create 15-minute documentaries that capture and celebrate entrepreneurs at work across the nation, using the theme: ‘My Nigeria, My Platform…Nigeria through an entrepreneur’s eyes’. So far over 20 finalists have been selected after a rigorous screening of over 150 docu-film entries by foremost movie producer, Kunle Afolayan. The number 20 is commemorative of their 20th anniversary this year. The shortlisted finalists include Albert Adeshoga, Iniabasi Udosen, Babtunde Oyewunmi, Heaven Kalu, Azeez Hussein, Onome Egba, Dorothy Njemanze, Ashkay Makar, David Medugu and Alabi Kayode. Others are: Jude Dare, Efe Edosio, Joseph Duke, Oluwatobi Yeye, Hamed Adedeji, Georg Nakanda, Chineye Balogun, Ezekiah Balogun, Daniel Ecwalu and Victor Enam. Describing the screening process as ‘nostalgic and indicative of a bright future for the film industry,’ Afolayan said Nigerian youths will always rise to the occasion, when given the right platforms.
“We saw everything we were looking out for in good measure; overall film-making capability, style of storytelling, subject matter interpretation, audio and visual quality, aesthetics as well as understanding of the perspective of a story. We received amazing entries including one from Uganda. The riveting stories of entrepreneurs whose businesses were showcased in the entries underpin our confidence in a better future for Nigeria,” he added.
The overall winner will soon be unveiled and is expected to undergo a mentorship programme with Kunle Afolayan for six months.
