Tunde Kelani Helps Haitian Youth Build Local Industry Based On Nollywood

Leading Nigerian Filmmaker Tunde Kelani Helps Haitian Youth Build Local Industry Based On Nollywood



Haiti last week to teach aspiring young Haitian filmmakers the fundamentals of successful low budget film production.  Since 2008, Mr. Kelani has been actively engaged in advising the Caribbean nation on how to build a sustainable local video film industry modeled after the successes of Nigeria’s own booming industry.

 
Tunde Kelani and Haitian students



During the course of his two week stay in Haiti, his second voyage there in the past year, Kelani held multiple screenings and discussions, taught a six day intensive training workshop for young producers, led strategic planning sessions and chaired a multi day public comparative forum and development seminar around Nigerian and Haitian production models. Hosted by Ciné Institute of Jacmel, Haiti’s only film school, the visit was widely considered a great success, drawing enthusiastic response from participants.

“Tunde’s unparalleled experience and talent has been influential since our inception, teaching and inspiring us all – students and program administrators alike,” said David Belle, Founder of Haiti’s Ciné Institute.  “We are extremely grateful to have his ongoing guidance and support in our quest to create both jobs and entertainment through much needed growth a local industry here.”

Mr Kelani’s involvement with the Haitian film industry first began in early 2008 just as Belle was in the process of forming the Institute.  The two men were introduced by Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of the Toronto International Film Festival, and Belle soon called Kelani seeking guidance in shaping teaching curriculum’s and development strategies.   Mr Kelani immediately agreed and was soon on his first trip to Haiti to consult with Institute administrators and to teach the first ever Producers workshop here.


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“There is so much talent, goodwill and cultural wealth in Haiti,” says Mr Kelani. “I see very real opportunity to use film as a vehicle for economic improvement in the lives of Haitian youth. And, unlike so much of the Nigerian Industry, these young filmmakers are actually receiving a strong film education and training foundation. They will be well prepared to bring this dream to life.”

Ciné Institute’s training program is a two-year intensive curriculum open to 50 students. Admissions are highly competitive. Qualifying graduates are offered co-production possibilities with the Institute, which provides the necessary equipment, production studios and a percentage of financing to produce the best films. The first feature films to be released mid 2010 will be made for less than $10,000 USD and distributed domestically in Haiti and then ultimately to the diaspora and West Africa.

A co-production of a feature film between the Ciné Institute and Mr Kelani and Nigeria associates is currently in development.
 

Kudos to Tunde Kelani. The Haitian students are recieving training from the best movie director/producer in Nollywood.