The hope for a film village by Nollywood practitioners has required a collaborated effort focused on the state capital, Delta State. This according to Nollywood practitioners was due to the influx of some politicians and powerful businessmen from the state capital.

Diversified group of Nollywood practitioners and performing musicians, comprising seasoned filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugbomah, Emeka Ossai, Ralph Nwadike, Francis Onwochei, Obi Osotule and reggae music star, Ras Kimono, has concluded plans to “relocate” the Nigerian movie and music industries from Lagos to Asaba.

Prior to the multi-million naira approval by the Delta State Government, movie makers seem determined to maintain the goodwill that its enjoys from the government to boost the entertainment industry.

Speaking on behalf of the group in an interview with Punch newspaper, Ugbomah says, “We want to consolidate on our relationship with the government first. It will serve as a necessary foundation for the fulfilment of our mutually shared dreams for the movie and music industries in Nigeria. Without pretence, we are planning to move Nollywood, for example, to Asaba. We are doing this because Asaba is basically the new home of the movie industry.”

“Since many producers and directors in Nollywood now shoot their movies in Asaba, it has become necessary for other practitioners to shift their attention to the Delta State capital,” Ugbomah said.

He disclosed that some politicians and powerful businessmen are willing and ready to invest hugely in the movie industry and such had demanded a positive response to achieve the much awaited dream of a film village.

In his words, “Apart from the fact that most of the best film producers in Nigeria are from this area, we are under pressure from some politicians and powerful businessmen from Delta State, who are willing to invest in Nollywood, to bring home their sons and daughters that are doing well in the film industry. It is one of the pre-conditions for the building of the much anticipated and self-sufficient film village in the state.”