The Lagos State Government has disclosed that eight films produced in the state will be selected to feature at the City-to-City segment of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), taking place in Canada, in September.
State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, his counterpart in Tourism, Arts, and culture, Mr. Folarin Coker, who briefed journalists alongside the Artistic Director of TIFF, Mr. Cameron Bailey, on Monday, said the development would help project the tourism potential of Lagos at the festival.
Ayorinde said the move was in line with the state Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode’s campaign promises to make the state a hub for tourism.
He said the eight films to be selected do not necessarily have to be about Lagos, but films produced in Lagos.
According to him, “what is important is that the films that will be selected will be films by filmmakers that are Lagos-based. It won’t matter what subject matter you are dealing with. It is about the creativity the talent you are exhibiting as a Lagos-based filmmaker that Toronto is interested in.”
Ayorinde said the state government would be fully involved in any collaboration to celebrate the city and market its potentials as well as appreciate the talent of the motion industry.
“What this government policy implies is that the government will promote any initiative that will project Lagos as the home of film making not only in Nigeria but before the entire world.”
Coker, on his part, said the move is in line with government policy that entertainment can be used to drive home consumption and improve revenue generation in the state.
He informed of plan by the government to take over dead public spaces such as under the bridges across the state and develop it for residents to exhibit and develop their talents.
The commissioner also informed that the government is collaborating with federal government to build a car park at the new museum to help drive tourism.
Cameron said the partnership with Lagos for the festival was to further consummate the bond between Lagos and Toronto and on a larger scale than between Nigeria and Canada.
“There are many people in Lagos State who make their home now in Toronto, and we are huge fans of film. The Toronto International Film Festival has become over the years the largest festival in the world. We are host to about 500,000 ticket buyers every year at the festival.
“The public in Toronto loves film but we don’t get enough in Lagos and that is why I’m here today to begin to change that.”
