In a groundbreaking initiative, the Nollywood Workshop – Benin City Edition brought together six filmmakers from Nigeria and six from the prestigious German film school, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, for a four-week collaborative endeavour.
[ad]
Funded by the German Minister of State for Culture and the Media and supported by the German camera manufacturer ARRI, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub & Sound Stage, and the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, this workshop aimed to foster cross-cultural connections and create a compelling short film, ‘Ọkpẹn- Ẹzẹ’(ByThe Riverside).

The Project Coordinator of the International Office at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Mr. Márk Szilágyi, expressed his enthusiasm for facilitating this historic co-production. He highlighted the significance of this collaboration following the repatriation of the “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria by Germany in December 2022.

‘Ọkpẹn- Ẹzẹ’(By The Riverside), the short film resulting from this workshop, not only reflects a rich cultural exchange between the Edo people and German filmmakers but also showcases cutting-edge German film technology, thanks to the support of ARRI.

The film, shot with the newly introduced ARRI35 Digital camera, represents the first use of this advanced technology in an African context, marking a milestone in cinematic innovation. Integrating state-of-the-art equipment at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub enhances visual storytelling and brings a global standard to Nollywood productions.

This initiative is more than just about making films; it’s a promise to nurture understanding and shape the future of Edo’s creative landscape. Together, we celebrate the strength of unity, telling Edo’s story in the worldwide cinema scene.
[ad]