The United States of America has said its government continues to support the growth and development of Nigerian filmmakers and the industry, in general, in various capacities.
Mary Beth Leonard, US Ambassador to Nigeria, conveyed this in an ongoing tenth edition of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
According to Leonard, the embassy’s presence at the festival is an indication of the American government’s support of the Nigerian film and creative industry.
After commending the growth of Nigeria cultural ties in the US, the ambassador highlighted that the mission of the US is to contribute to the festival,
She said: “Our goal is to build the capacity of emerging filmmakers on animation and post-production, two areas that could lead to tremendous growth in Nigeria’s film industry.
“The US government has long recognized the role of film in diplomacy, with its emphasis on free expression, creativity, democratic and collaborative teamwork,” Mary Beth added.
The embassy in partnership with the American Film Showcase and Global Media Makers, representatives of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, is sponsoring two masterclasses, while other US companies as Amazon, Macro, and Paramount are in attendance in quest of deepening ties with the local film industry.
The Founder and Executive Director (AFRIFF) Chioma Ude appreciated the festival’s major sponsors,
Ude said: “We are grateful to the US (sponsors of the festival for five consecutive years) Embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos for their continuing support of our efforts to build the capacity of African filmmakers.”
