Benin City, Edo State – On Thursday, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, officially inaugurated the maiden edition of the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF). The festival commenced with the premiere of its first film at the Kada Cinema Center in Benin City.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr. Adaze Emwanta, and the Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs counterpart, Hon. Obaitan Bamidele, the First Lady expressed her enthusiasm for the event. She emphasized that the festival aims to rekindle the rich history, culture, and heritage of the Edo people. As the curtains rose on this cinematic celebration, attendees eagerly anticipated a showcase of creativity, storytelling, and the vibrant spirit of Edo State.
In her words, “This is a rebirth of our rich history, culture, and tradition, which has been in a long-term coma and is acclaimed worldwide. The history, culture, and legacy of the Edo people will be revitalized by this film festival. We anticipate that this film festival will serve as a platform for showcasing to the world the history, culture, and way of life of the Edo people hundreds of years ago.
“I am proud to say that the first movie to be screened and presented at this festival was made in Edo. Our research on gender-based violence in Edo State is the source of this project. The state committee that is based on gender has me as its chairman.”
Mrs. Obaseki continued, “In order to help us develop the capacity and mechanisms to combat this threat in Nigeria, the state, along with three other states in the nation, has been granted a grant.” It is expected of us to produce a movie in that genre that will support advocacy efforts and combat gender-based violence. “We will not keep silent” is the title of our film, which has its premiere today.
“The strongest point is our rich culture, heritage, and exemplary talent in the state,” stated Obaitan Bamidele.
“As Edo to the World is happening right now, I wish the best for all of the state’s creative talent throughout this film festival. “I implore everyone to portray Edo in a positive light to the outside world,” he added.
Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, a seasoned filmmaker and chairman of the planning committee, praised the state government for the initiative and said, “We would be watching several movies within these four days as over 1,500 movies were received from 95 countries around the world. The four-day festival will feature about 200 screenings of films.”
