Known for showcasing various aspects of filmmaking, the Nollywood Studies Centre’s focus for its next Filmmakers’ Forum is ‘The Role of Film Criticism in the Development of the Nigerian Film Industry.’
Film criticism in Nigeria is not a job for the fainthearted. Critics in Nigeria often receive a lot of abuse for unfavourable reviews, with the oft repeated challenge that they should go and make their own films. The fear that criticism will have an adverse impact on audience patronage is understandable, but this should not lead one to the conclusion that film critics are useless parasites set on undermining others’ hard work.
Film criticism has a role to play in the development of any film industry. It contributes to enriching the experience of the audience and provides important feedback for the filmmaker. According to the well-known American film critic Roger Ebert, “Film criticism is important because films are important.”
To discuss the topic are four guests, which include prolific filmmaker and director Biodun Stephen (known for Picture Perfect, Breaded Life, A Simple Lie). Other expected speakers include Femi Odugbemi, documentary filmmaker, screenwriter, cinematographer, director, producer and photographer (Tinsel, Bariga Boys, Abobaku, Battleground, Unmasked), Olu Yomi Ososanya, film culturist, screenwriter, filmmaker and video essayist and Prof. Anthony Adah, professor of Film Studies at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
The session holds 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022.
To register, click here.
