Students film festival set to honour Nollywood legends with ‘Unique UNIPORT 2024’ awards
By Godwin Okondo
THE International Student Film Festival (ISFF 2024) is set to return for its second edition, bringing together top talents from the Nigerian film industry and aspiring filmmakers from institutions across the country. Scheduled for September 16 — 20, 2024, the event will be hosted by the University of Port Harcourt’s Department of Media and Film Studies in collaboration with Nollywood Nation Conference. The first edition of ISFF was held last year at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
According to the founded by Amb. (Dr.) Lancelot Odowa Imasuen, “The International Students Film Festival (ISFF), the first of its kind dedicated to students in higher institutions for the purpose of film training. This platform is created for them to showcase their talents and bring them firsthand to meet with industry greats and professionals. It provides a unique platform for students to showcase their film projects and interact with industry professionals. It is intended as a travelling festival that moves from campus location to another. The festival began in 2023 at Igbinedion University, Okada, and was designed as a travelling event to engage various institutions across Nigeria. This year, the spotlight turns to the University of Port Harcourt, with plans to celebrate both upcoming talent and veterans of the Nigerian film industry.”
The major highlight of the festival will be the award ceremony, which will honour notable figures who have made significant contributions to Nollywood and who all graduated from the University of Port Harcourt. Among those to be celebrated are Bob-Manuel Udokwu (ISFF Industry Veteran Award), Yibo Koko (ISFF Entertainment Versatility Award), Hilda Dokubo (ISFF Entertainment Versatility Award), Charles Inojie (ISFF Award for Industry Accomplishment), Julius Agwu (ISFF Comedy Genius Award), Millicent Jack (ISFF Creative Legend Award), Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo (ISFF Excellence Award for Industry and Academic Impact) and Mark Angel (New Media Award).
According to Imasuen, “These men and women have somethings in common! One, they are all very great personalities and have made giant strides in their careers. Two, they are all products of the prestigious University of Port Harcourt and three, they all will be spotlighted and hugely celebrated during the closing ceremony of 2024 International Students Film Festival tagged “Unique UNIPORT 2024!’ Come, let’s be part of this great initiative as we celebrate young, talented filmmakers emerging from our various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and beyond.
“These honorees, all of whom are an alumni of the University of Port Harcourt’s Theatre Arts programme, have carved out successful careers in the entertainment industry, making them role models for aspiring filmmakers. The awards will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony, under the theme ‘Unique UNIPORT 2024.’ It’s ISFF 2024! Be there.”
“Throughout the festival, attendees can expect film screenings, workshops, industry talks, and an opportunity to interact with veterans in the film industry,” according to Imasuen, adding, “The event promises to be a milestone in connecting students with the Nollywood industry, fostering creativity, and celebrating achievements in film. The ISFF remains committed to nurturing young filmmakers and bridging the gap between education and the film industry. This year’s edition is expected to be power-packed and a hub for both learning and celebration.”
For more information, visit ISFF’s official page or contact ISFF Africa. Instagram: @isffafrica.
