Stakeholders in the creative industry have urged greater support for women filmmakers to enhance their contribution to the sector’s growth and promote more inclusive storytelling.
They made the appeal during an interview with the News Men on the red carpet at the premiere of the Nollywood film “Single and Seasoned” on Tuesday night in Abuja.
Single and Seasoned”, produced by Dosh Motif Ltd, is an advocacy film challenging stereotypes about single career women.
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The film, directed by award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Emmanuel Eyaba and produced by Crystal Fly Productions, was shot in the Federal Capital Territory. It features Dooshyma Kumbur, Nazareth Jesse, David Allgreen, Joy Ugbem, Linda Akohol, and others.
According to the stakeholders, “there is an urgent need for the industry to tap into resources both within and outside the sector to provide women filmmakers with the funding and technical support required to advance their careers.”
Former National Programme Manager of the At-Risk Children Programme, Hajia Zaliha Yusuf emphasized the importance of dedicated grants and funding initiatives for women as a way to promote equality in the film industry.
“Government at all levels, development partners and individuals should support women filmmakers because it’s an industry that more females will want to join to make an impact and create jobs.
“But the challenge of finance and other social concerns is one of their biggest problems.
“I really commend this lady that took up this project for her courage because the film industry is one that is actually dominated by men,” she said.
Hajia Maryam Saliu said the filmmaking ecosystem has a lot of opportunities for job creation, and therefore called for gender equity to promote more inclusive storytelling.
“I like the courage and determination of the producer of “Single and Seasoned” as a woman, because she believes in hard work.
“She understands that the government alone cannot employ everybody so what can she do to make life better for her and the society, and why support is needed for her and others,”she said.
NAN/Oluchi