IRISH FILM DIRECTOR VISITS NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE, JOS

Nigeria and Ireland are set to strengthen their bilateral relations using film.

Indications of this new thrust came to the fore during a visit by Mr Shane Stephens, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, Abuja, to the Nigeria Film Corporation, Jos.

Stephens accompanied by Dearbhla Glynn an Irish Film Director, said Nigeria has a rich cultural background reflected in the movies produced in the country and that the Embassy of Ireland is interested in also using film to sustain diplomatic ties between both countries.

According to Stephens, Ireland as a country has developed excellent relations with Africa especially countries of the West African Sub-region and was poised to forge new frontiers that would further improve cross-cultural relations. This, he said explains the production of the film “Dambe” which was shot in the Republic of Mali, and directed by Dearbhla Glynn.

“Dambe” portrays the rich culture of Africa, it's people, land, food and religion; and that he and Glynn were at the Nigerian Film Corporation to seek further ways that Ireland and Nigeria can partner in film and entertainment based on the fact that Nigerian films has a large viewing audience among the Irish people.

In an interactive session with students of the National Film Institute, Gylnn explained the motive, objective of the Docu - Travelogue which she said was predicated on the semblance in music and dance between Mali and Ireland. Gylnn further said the giant strides recorded by the Institute were enough reasons for the visit, to explore partnership opportunities.

Receiving the Irish team on behalf of Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Teddy Hanmakugh, Director of the National Film Institute (NFI), commended the Embassy's new interest in partnership opportunities between both countries using film. The Institute's Director assured that the NFC will initiate appropriate procedures to ensure that the renewed interest by Ireland in Nigeria's motion picture industry is given the attention it deserves.

Copies of Educational films were donated for use at the Institute's library by the Mr. Shane Stephens on behalf of the Ireland Republic.