From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty in Rivers State, the entertainment sector in the state has showcased its rich cultural potential with a movie titled “Slave Warriors,” an epic African film shot within the state. 
  
The movie boasts a record-breaking number of 4,000 scenes and is believed to be the first epic web series in the world shot in Pidgin English, showcasing Rivers State’s rich cultural heritage while demonstrating its potential as a filmmaking hub.
   
Speaking in Port Harcourt at the weekend, the Executive Officer of Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, who is the organiser of the Rivers Film Festival (RIFF), Kate Ezeigbo, emphasised the significance of the movie’s timing. 
  
Ezeigbo said: “This movie came at a time when Rivers State is in a very special time. All that is heard in the media about the state is about the political crisis. For once, there is a positive story from the state.”
  
According to her, despite the ongoing crisis and the state of emergency, Slave Warrior attracted actors from across Nigeria and beyond, highlighting the region’s safety and hospitality.

Ezeigbo stressed that the production process defied negative stereotypes about Rivers State. 
   
“During this period, we had actors coming in from different parts of the country, and there was no issue of kidnapping or harassment. This goes a long way to show that Rivers people are very hospitable.”
   
Directed by Alex Joseph, the film features renowned actors such as Segun Arinze, Gideon Okeke, Kate Ezeigbo, Prof. Ihunwo Ovunda and Tosin Adeyemi, while the scriptwriter and producer is Justice Onu, with Blessing Marvel as the co-producer.