Imo State Government through the State Ministry of Culture and Creative Arts in partnership with GK Movie Productions, had flagged off the Maiden Imo Film Festival billed to hold on 21st and 23rd December 2023 in Owerri.
The event provoked joy among participants given to its capability of raising revenue in the state, took place in Owerri last week. The Flagg Off was largely attended by government officials, some Nollywood Actors and Movie Producers: Andy Best Production and Samaco Movie Production.
Flagging off the event, the Special Quest at the Flag Off and Chief of Staff to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, who praised GK Movie Productions for the initiative, harped on the need for citizens to always put the progress of the state first.
Anyaehie said the vital thing for a patriotic citizen was to think of what to do towards the development of his state and country, disclosing that the festival would project the state that has produced great stars in the industry.
Harping on the benefit of the festival, Anyaehie observed that the festivity would not only project the state as a hub of film production, but will enhance the tourism potentials of the state and an increase in revenue generation, adding that the 3R led government of is committed to develop all sectors of the state, assuring support of government to the event.
Commenting, Commissioner for Culture and Creative Arts, Mazi Uche Ohia, stated that the Flag – off of the Film Festival was an epoch making event as such has never been witnessed in the state, affirming that the beautiful initiative to have the event in Imo State elicited joy in the ministry and state government because it is part of the objectives of the 3R Shared Prosperity administration towards raising the profile of the state in tourism, film making and human development.
The Commissioner added that the proposal received express approval from the state government, even as he appreciated the Director of GK Movie Productions, Mr. Uzoma Etumnu Anyaehie, for the wonderful idea he said would bring many benefits to the state.
Speaking on his motivation, the Director of GK Movie Production, Mr. Uzoma Anyaehie, disclosed that the need to project Imo State as a major destination for tourism and film making in the country spurred him to come up with the idea of organizing the state’s first film festival. He thanked government for giving heed to the Film Festival.
He asserted that when accomplished, the event among other numerous benefits, would create opportunities for movie industry players to invest in the state, while creating platforms for upcoming artistes to find expressions.
