PRESS STATEMENT
TIFF 2006 is another visual representation of Nigeria’s greatness – Information and National Orientation Minister
Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr, has described Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2006) as a concrete visual representation of Nigeria’s greatness and a positive outcome of President Obasanjo’s efforts to unlock all barriers undermining Nigeria’s journey to destination.
Mr. Nweke Jnr stated this at the Nigeria Stand in Sutton Place, venue of the film festival, as other participants swarmed the Nigerian stand to appreciate the features of the Nigerian film industry which has been rated the third largest in the world.



Nigeria’s entry at Toronto 2006 is 'Abeni", a transnational love story from the stable of Mainframe Production, directed by Mr. Tunde Kelani, Nigeria’s ace cinematographer and a patron of Nigeria’s cultural entrepreneurship. An impressive global audience of film critics, journalists and enthusiasts will see "Abeni" at its first public screening on September 14, 2006, at the Royal Ontario Museum. Further screening of the film will also hold for another group of media men and industry enthusiasts on September 15.
The Minister who was evidently pleased by the reception and enthusiasm other participants showed towards Nigeria’s rising film industry said such interests certainly underscore Nigeria’s central role in a changing world and a testimony to how good leadership, right environment and a resourceful citizenry could turn around the fortunes of a nation.

Corroborating the Minister’s statement, Mr. Tunde Kelani, says art and culture remains a major vehicle for telling the Nigerian story, especially within the context of The Heart of Africa Project, a cohesive information programme for the management of Nigeria’s image, the promotion of her brand assets and tackling of the negative attitudes which undermine the image of the nation. Mr. Kelani says this is the focus of Mainframe Production, which has also been invited to submit Nigeria’s entry at FESPACO, a biennial film festival holding in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, February 2007, and solicited for government support to ensure its success. He expressed pleasure at the efforts of the Federal Government to restore the glory and pride of Nigeria as an important member of the global community through its various reforms but he urged the Federal Government to become more involved in goings-on in the film industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, who led a team of film producers, directors, marketers and other stakeholders from Nigeria to the Festival says although this is the first time a Nigerian movie is being premiered at TIFF in its thirty-one years history, it is a great outing for Nigeria’s film industry which home video sub-sector is the world’s largest.

Giulla Filippelli, Head, Sales and Industry Office for TIFF 2006, says “we are honoured to have Nigeria participate to showcase her greatness and limitless promises”.

Today we have five slots. Ten years from now, one can only imagine.

prof800:
Today we have five slots. Ten years from now, one can only imagine.

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8 Nigerian films this year.
But I am not if any can win a major award today.