While some questioned the achievements of the government with regards to  the Arts as stipulated in the document, others pooh-poohed the many promises that were outlined in the manifesto, which were expected to be fulfilled between 2017 - 2021.

What piqued my interest in the 78-page document, among many other things, is the 19th, yes, the 19th commitment to the tourism, culture & creative Arts – which states; ‘Facilitate the establishment of a ‘Film Village’ in partnership with the private sector.

If such a statement is not treated as just a flippant avowal, then clearly, it would be such a brilliant move that would bring inestimable benefits to the entire movie industry and the government.

What’s in a Film Village?

A film village represents a hub of filmmaking, a city or town that is solely dedicated to the industry of filmmaking. That town is strategically developed to house film studios, productions, training, distribution and marketing of films.  All other related events including premiering of movies and film festivals can be organised at the ‘village’.

Boost For The Film Industry

It is an undeniable fact that, films do project the culture and traditions of a people and have been properly used to set agenda for states.  It is no wonder that some governments go all out to support their film industries because of the enormous benefits derived from the industry.

In fact, earlier this year, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari pledged $10m to establish a film village in the Kano State. Unfortunately, the Muslim clerics in the area kicked against the idea for fear of the project instigating a wave of immorality in the region – much to the chagrin of industry players in Nigeria.

Regardless of the cancellation of the project, the commitment exhibited by the President is enough proof of the level of conviction some governments have in the movie industry.

Job creation

With all the activities that go on at film villages, there’s a huge opening for jobs with regards to the plethora of professionals that will be needed in putting up and maintaining such a project.

Persons in architecture and construction will be employed in the putting up of such a project and professionals in a vast industry of movie making would also get some leverage in relation to jobs.

Creation of jobs is one policy that has become dicey for most governments across the world. If any government is able to find a panacea to this issue, it capitalises on it, utilises it to build a buoyant economy and also uses it as a strong campaign message.

Training

No kidding – there are many  people who desire to be filmmakers or be professionals in the many disciplines in filmmaking but do not have the requisite training. There are others who are already in the business but are not professionally trained to handle their job functions effectively.

Then, there are the professionals who are well-trained for the job but lack the re-currency; they are not abreast of the new trend of technology and need re-training.

The establishment of a film village comes with training provisions for all professionals in the business of filmmaking.

The Perfect Venue

For years, many arts enthusiasts have been grousing over the dearth of a multi-purposed building to house the many events that are organised within the industry.

Modern edifices can be built within the village that will house movie premieres as well as various film festivals. There will be no room for discrimination, as all manner of movies from ‘glamour’ to ‘Kumawood’ would be given the same opportunity to premiere.

In fact, such venues can also be used to rope in revenue for the village by leasing to other firms for usage.

Tourism

A well-planned and a well-looked-after film village always serves as a good tourist attractive. The never-ending benefits of tourism cannot be over-emphasised; there’s mileage for the aviation and road transport, hospitality business, and the movie industry plus development of communities close to the film village is well assured.

In setting up a film village, tourism is uplifted, the economy improves, the people are happy and the government is happy.

Private Sector Partnership

The statement on the promise of the establishment is clear; it hinges on a partnership with the private sector.  The advantages for such a venture have been outlined and private sector should be highly encouraged to pick up the challenge and make this work.

Hollywood is the most recognisable film industry in the world but guess – it was commenced by an individual.