Optimist Academy for Film celebrates 2024 graduation with milestone achievements

Optimist Academy for Film & Technical and Vocational Education, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for multimedia and creative arts education, has celebrated the successful graduation of its class of 2024 in grand style.

This year’s graduation marked a significant milestone as the academy continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to developing Nigeria’s creative industry through world-class training, innovative programs, and international collaborations.

In 2024, 15 students successfully graduated after completing rigorous training programmes in cinematography, post-production, film production, event experience technologies, business systems, and other multimedia-related fields. These programmes equipped them with cutting-edge skills and positioned them for success in both local and global creative industries.

Among other activities to mark the graduation was the presentation of an award to the best graduating student, Raymond Etiosa. Receiving the award, Raymond expressed his gratitude to the academic and management board of the academy for providing an excellent training environment and exposure to global best practices during his learning journey.

In his remarks, founder of Optimist Academy for Film & TVE, Mr. Imagbenikaro Osarumwense, reminded the graduates of the core values of excellence and craftsmanship instilled in them during their training period. He urged them to remain good ambassadors of the academy, having been equipped with the relevant skills to kickstart their filmmaking and multimedia careers in Nollywood.

A major highlight of the graduation was the launch of the Optimist Academy Nexus (TOAN), a dynamic alumni network uniting all graduates of the academy since its inception in 2020. The Optimist Academy Nexus is designed to foster collaboration, professional growth, and mentorship among alumni.

Key Programs in 2024

CREAME500 Cohort 2: This humanitarian initiative, in partnership with the Grace-Karo Humanitarian Initiative (GKI), offered a free 12-week intensive multimedia training programme for participants. Successfully onboarded students graduated, showcasing exceptional growth and readiness to transform the creative industry.

Advanced Multimedia Training: Students participated in this paid programme, mastering advanced skills in cinematography, photography, live broadcast technology, screenwriting, and acting.

Technical and Administrative Training: Participants in this programme gained expertise in event experience technology, business management, and customer service. The training aimed to equip them with both technical skills and business acumen for professional success.

International Collaboration and Recognition:
A major highlight of the year was the academy’s prestigious collaboration with Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Germany, for the Nollywood Workshop 2024. This cultural and film exchange programme culminated in the production of the short film Fragments of Tomorrow, which explored the theme of Sickle Cell Anemia.

Seven Optimist Academy for Film & TVE students/alumni contributed their skills in critical production areas such as sound, camera operation, lighting, and makeup. The film premiered at the Goethe-Institut in Lagos, and the academy received a certificate of recognition and appreciation from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg for its outstanding support.

Looking Ahead:
With a vision to scale greater heights, Optimist Academy for Film & TVE remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, innovation, and creating global opportunities for its students. As we continue to bridge the gap between Nigerian talent and international platforms, our graduates are poised to lead transformative changes in the creative landscape.

Looking to the future, we are proud to introduce new initiatives aimed at fostering creativity, inclusivity, and professional growth:

Women in Film Project: In collaboration with orphanages and secondary schools in Benin City, this initiative empowers young women and girls to explore opportunities in the creative industry, fostering talent and inclusivity in film and multimedia.
Quarterly Online Bootcamp: Virtual classes designed to equip creatives with the business skills, professionalism and strategies needed to elevate their professional potential, accessible from anywhere.

Summer School for Creative Kids: Tailored for children passionate about exploring the creative arts, this engaging and immersive program provides an introduction to the industry and the tools to nurture their creativity.

Optimist Academy for Film & TVE invites aspiring creatives, industry professionals, and partners to join us in shaping a brighter future for the creative sector. Together, we can build pathways to success and inspire the next generation of storytellers and innovators.