Janet
Olisa, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica says that country’s motion
picture industry is seeking collaboration with Nollywood.
Olisa,
with concurrent accreditation to Haiti, Belize and Dominican Republic,
stated this during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the National
Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Thursday in Abuja.
The
Envoy, who was received by the Executive Director of the Board, Mr
Adedayo Thomas, and his management team, said that the Nigerian story
and culture as showcased through Nollywood films were widely accepted by
Jamaicans.
She
noted that the feat has endeared film stakeholders of that country, and
who now want tap from the rich ingenuity abound in Nollywood through
collaborations in acting, production and marketing.
“They
are already in love with our movies, as I have just showcased `The
Wedding Party 1,’ and had several discussions with some of their
investors, and they are ready for the marketing of our movies.
“The
University of West Indies is now asking for collaboration with
Nollywood and the Censors board, and they have given me a draft MoU for
possible consideration on how best we can work together.
“They
want to teach their people the Nigerian story of Nollywood, because
they are proud and willing to know what Nollywood did to get to its
present height.
“Besides, Jamaicans want to see more of Nigerian and their actors working together to do movies, “she said.
Olisa
said she was at the Censors Board to seek its partnership and support
as the key government agency in charge of the motion picture sector in
Nigeria.
She
added that through the verification, classification and licensing
mechanism of the board, piracy and other related issues would be handled
for a mutually beneficial business relationship between the two
countries.
“As government, all we have to do is to provide the enabling environment for such collaboration to strive.
“I
have discovered that culture, tourism and our movie industry most
especially, are veritable platforms that can be used to strengthen our
bilateral relation with Jamaica.
“Partnering
with relevant government agencies and other relevant bodies will be
very beneficial in that regard, “the Envoy added.
In
his remark, Thomas, expressed delight in the High Commissioner’s poise
towards showcasing Nollywood, and pledged the board’s support.
He also bestowed on Olisa the title: ‘Cultural Ambassador’ of the board.
“We
are glad to name you a Cultural Ambassador for the board, and we look
forward to working with you in showcasing our rich and growing film and
video industry at the global stage, “he said.