Happenings and winners at the Abuja Film Festival

After a 10- year history of hosting the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), organisers of the event, which holds in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seem to be making a head way in attracting the needed crowd.

Last week, the Silverbird Cinemas played host to hundreds of movie enthusiasts who turned out to be part of this year’s edition of the AIFF. The four-day event was spectacular with the various legs of the events not just keeping the guests busy but also entertaining them throughout.

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The opening day, which is usually the busiest, kicked off with a flurry of activities, especially with exhibitors putting finishing touches to their stands while media practitioners and delegates got their accreditation process sorted out.

The opening ceremony proper held later in the day, with the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, present. According to the organisers, it was the first time a minister in charge of the culture, tourism and orientation ministry would be present at the opening of the festival.

In his speech, Duke commended the organisers of the festival for their doggedness over the years while pledging government’s continued support for the growth of Nollywood, an industry which he said remains in the priority bracket of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Although the FCT minister was absent at the event, there were other dignitaries including the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Sally Mbanefo. For the organisers, the attendance of such dignitaries was a big plus.

The Festival Director, Fidelis Duker, said he “was happy about the turnout especially since it was only the beginning. We need more government and corporate presence. The fact that the minister can make it to the event shows the importance of such festival in our industry.”

Apart from the exhibitions, panel discussions and movie screenings, awards were also given to outstanding works. Desmond Elliot was the big winner at the festival with two of his works taking three awards. Special honorary awards were given to those in various fields who have been supporting the industry and the festival.

Saturday Independent’s Hazeez Balogun also bagged a medal for supporting the industry through his works in the media.

Full list of winners at Abuja International Film Festival

1. Best Feature Film, Foreign – Sujet  (Canada).

2. Best Short Film, Nigeria – Paradox  (Desmond Elliot).

3. Best Short Film, Foreign – Malice & Pencils (UK) (Orok Duke Jnr.).

4. Best Nigerian Feature – When Dreams Fall Apart (Chico Ejiro).

5. Best Documentary – Daughters of The Niger Delta (Nigeria).

6. Efere Ozako Best Experimental Film – Jand Hussle (Ehisoje Ojesebholo).

7. Best Animation Film - Romance of Wood Liu (China).

8. Outstanding Comic Film – The Nanny (Nigeria).

9. Outstanding Female Act – Banke Amole Adams (Mission To

Mamuro).

10. Outstanding Male Act – Majid Michel (Brothers Keeper)

11. Outstanding Film In Directing - Next President (Desmond

Elliot).

12, AIFF Viewers’ Choice Award – Blue Flames.

13. Golden Jury – Next President (Desmond Elliot).