Coal City, Enugu Agog As ENIFF kicks Off In Grand Style

By Orji Onyekwere
From Monday 21 November to 25, 2023, the city of Enugu will be agog as film makers, movie lovers and stake holders are expected to throng the city known as the coal city for the 4th edition of Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) which organizers say will be bigger and better.

On the opening day of ENIFF 2023, the film, Mami Wata, Nigeria’s nomination for the Oscars by CJ Obasi will screen at Enugu’s top notch Viva cinema amongst the 36 films from 20 countries in a line- up selected by erudite judges led by Dr Ezinne Ezepue.

The film festival will feature master classes and workshops designed by the organizers to offer skills and knowledge to filmmakers. These sessions will be led by senior industry executives, including: Femi Odugbemi, Ego Boyo, Emeka Mba, Jahman Anikulapo, Frank Nweke Jnr, Chiege Alisigwe, Ujuaku Akukwe and a host of others.

Previous facilitators include: Obi Asika, Kene Mkparu and Mark Holden. These opportunities for learning and networking will undoubtedly enrich the festival experience.
In addition, late foremost film maker, Amaka Igwe; will receive the legend award post humously, just like Chief Pete Edochie won the Lifetime achievement award in the 2022 Edition.
The Festival Director Lorenzo Menakaya, said that with the record number of submissions, support and partnerships with organizations that share its passion for film and cultural exchange including Enugu state government, United States Consulate General Lagos, Afia TV, Nigeria International Film and TV Summit, Boss Lady Law, and Solotone Ventures, ENIFF 2023 promises to be an exceptional experience.

According to Kosi Nwoba Festival organizer, these collaborations help create a dynamic platform that celebrates diversity and fosters creative connections.
In a joint press statement, Co – founders of ENIFF Ujuaku Nwakalor Akukwe and Chris Odili, stated that “ENIFF will once again take center stage in Enugu, celebrating the vibrant world of cinema while honoring the remarkable contributions of the Southeast region of Nigeria to the history of filmmaking on the African continent and beyond.

They noted that since inception in 2020, ENIFF has become a global platform for filmmakers, attracting over five thousand submissions from creative talents around the world, including Oscar award-winning Israeli-born filmmaker Guy Nattiv and other first-time filmmakers.