From Left: Founder of Edo Development Organisation (E.D.O), Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Founder, EDO Cinema, Adesuwa Osawe and the Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwegie-Ero at the inaugural EDO Cinema screening in Benin City on Saturday.

By Daniels Ekugo

Prodi-G Concepts, an independent television production company has inaugurated the EDO CINEMA project in Benin City with the screening of four short films by Edo film makers at the Nosona Studios Art Gallery. The event chaired by the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Osaze Osemwegie-Erohad members of the Edo Development Organisation and other prominent citizens of the state in attendance.

Speaking at the screening, Director, Prodi-G Concepts, Ms. Adesuwa Osawe said “EDO CINEMA aims toencourage the youths to apply their skills to telling Edo historical stories in order todocument and archive Edo culture. As a part of this project, we will be having monthly screening and assessment of selected short films from film makers across the state with a view of elevating their skills to a level where they can be trusted with commissions to produce researched Edo historical stories.”

“In addition to documenting the history and culture of our people, the EDO CINEMA project will work with Edo Jobs to encourage creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship as participants will have the opportunity to learn about the business of film production from quarterly trainings and workshops where industry veterans will cover areas ofcinematography, lighting, make up for film, sound, scoring for film, acting, script writing, directing and producing.” She added.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. OsazeOsemwegie-Ero said, “On behalf of the State government, we want to thank Adesuwa for putting this together. This is Great! With the collaboration of individuals and organizations and the governor’s vision, arts and culture is now the face of the government. This is just the beginning for something like this.”

Founder and Chairman of the Edo Development Organisation (E.D.O.), Mr. Oswald OsaretinGuobadia commended Prodi-G Concepts for the initiative saying “EDO CINEMA, the brain child of our very own Adesuwa Osawe, presents an excellent platform for Edo indigenes to showcase their raw talent. Phase 2 of EDO CINEMA will give additional training and tools to fine tune the output.”