Oyo State Government endorses Ibadan International Film Festival

Oyo State Government through its Ministry of Youths and Sports has assured premium support for the maiden edition of Ibadan International Film Festival.

Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Seun Fakorede gave the assurance when he received a team of the Ibadan International Film Festival led by the convener, Usman Ogunlade, a renowned and versatile film maker from the state

The team in company of the Festival Director – Babatunde Ojobaro, a prominent comedian and thespian; the Communications and Media Head – Femi Davies Alagbala; discussed the essence of the initiative and plan of actions for the Ibadan International Film Festival.

Speaking on the initiative, Ogunlade said it was conceptualized tracing back film making history to Ibadan, Oyo state from way back to the early days of WBS/WNTV and how it all started from Ibadan.

“Ibadan is the Origin of film making and as indigenes, we felt we should bring this home having been in the industry for long and working closely with the giants in the Industry. It is important to create a platform for upcoming filmmakers to showcase their talents, filmmakers to brainstorm, network and discuss the future of the film industry.”
In his remark, the Commissioner commended the initiative and pledged the State Government’s unalloyed support to the Ibadan International Film Festival.

He added that the duty of the government is to create an enabling environment for youths to grow and the present government is ready to support the youths with good initiative.

“Film making started from here and such an initiative should fly and be given support. We therefore assure you of the State Government’s unalloyed support through this Ministry” he added
Giving out information about the film festival, Ojobaro said the festival will be held for 3 days which is slated from 22nd – 24th September 2022 at the state capital. The event according to Ojobaro is aimed at bringing on board the movers and shakers of the filmmaking industry.

“We want to create opportunities for growing film makers and creatives with our master classes, brainstorming session and networking and of course film screening which will review films from all over the world not just limited to Ibadan, Nigeria, Africa which is why it is an International Film Festival”
Meanwhile, the film submissions for screening opens on Saturday, 4th of June 2022 as the maiden edition of Ibadan International Film Festival is set to premiere in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State from 22nd – 24th September 2022.