Now in its sixth year, the iconic Benin Film Academy a brainchild of Africa’s most consistent filmmaker, Lancelot Oduwarene Imasuen and his Nollywood project 101 in collaboration with Igebinedon University, Okada is set to honor some of its Alma Maters.
Leading on the list of those to be honored is award winning actor, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, known by his stage name as Baba Rex, a Nigerian film and TV actor and film producer. Others include the producer of Funke Akindele’s Omo ghetto, star actor Desmond Walter , leading female DGN member Love Best Ogie,comedian Mc Obaro and Da Saint , Executive producer and entertainment investor Mr Osahon Hopkins and industry support Guru Mr Matthew Oshodi Chairman CEO Suprise Lounge and Bar and lot others so well deserving.
The honours which will also mark the 7th graduation ceremony of the institution further reinstated the status of Benin Film Academy as one of the greatest Film Academies in Africa.
Established in 2017 in a bid to boost the nation’s growing film industry and help train young talents, Benin Film Academy which is described as the gateway to the heart of Nollywood across the country is an initiative of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s Nollywood project 101 in partnership with Igbinedion University Okada, Benin City was established on January 14, 2017 at the 18th Matriculation ceremony of the University, the move which makes the Higher Institution the first private University in Nigeria to achieve such a feat.
The academy located along the Airport Road, Benin City, offers practical training across all key areas of film making including acting, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting and screening among others. It also actualizes these goals through tuition and practical exposure, leading to the award of professional certificates, in each discipline,summer youth and kiddie’s film camp, film festivals and collaboration with leading film academies and institutions across the world.
Seasoned legends, notable actors and producers like; Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, Judith Audu,Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Andrew Osawaru, , Desmond Elliot ,Eseosa Egbon, Kene Mkparu, Nosa Rex , Desmond Walter , Diamond Okpachi were some of the Nollywood greats who at one time or the other have been guest or had drilled and tutored the Students of the Academy.
Among the graduates of the School is Nigerian ex- Beauty Queen and actress Wanda Monye who graduated from the school in 2018. While many others graduates are doing well in the industry including the director that won the ten thousand dollars Governor’s cash prize at the first ever Edo state international film festival, hardly can any movie set be complete in Edo state and the whole of Niger/ Delta without the presence of a Benin film academy trained practitioner involved, year in year out the Benin film academy has become the pride in of Edo state !!