ANMD National Convention, Induction Of New Members, Inauguration Of Lagos Excos
All roads led to Mount Royal Hotel, Okota Lagos on October 22, 2022, as the Association of Nigeria Movie Directors (ANMD) came together for the inauguration of newly elected members of the Lagos branch led by the governor of Lagos branch, Mr Nnabuike Okoro.
The theme for this year’s event was tagged; ‘Rising Beyond The Limits A March Towards Recovery Of Nollywood Economy.’
The event saw the display of excellent artistic performances of music, drama and other interesting activities to mark the celebrate the awardees and also the inauguration of the new exco.
Speaking with Creekvibes Magazine, the former chairman of the association, Lagos Branch, Mr Okoro noted that it has become expedient to celebrate directors who are behind the screen as it is their expertise that makes stars out of actors and actresses.
He noted that movie directors are well remunerated, hence ANMD decided to emulate what is obtainable in Hollywood and Kannywood respectively to cater for the welfare of its members.
Exemplary members of the societies were also awarded that night for their bravery in both the public and private sectors of the nation’s economy.
Among the awardees are; The Honourable Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Hon Rotimi Amaechi; Amayo Uzo Philips, Prince Tonye Princewill, actress Ngozi Ezeonu, Ejike Asiegbu Bishop (Dr.) Rosena Adenuga among others.
The national president of ANMD, Barrister Kenneth Ibeanusi while delivering his speech noted that it has become expedient for practitioners of the movie trade to be effectively rewarded for their inputs in the movie industry.
He said, “We have come a long way through thorny pathways to get to where we are today, and I believe that together, we shall get to our preferred destination which is a Nollywood where every practitioner would be rewarded according to their inputs.
“We have a dream of building a national secretariat and running a hospitality outfit to rack in monetary resources for the betterment of the organisation.
The hospitality business is aiming to be located at an attractive location within the country. This project if successfully implemented will be the first by any guild. It will also go a long way to ease the hiccups of lodging accommodation currently ravaging some movie practitioners.”
The chairman also used the occasion to welcome new members into the guild and he admonished them to tailor along the vision of the founding fathers of the progressive movie makers association.
Barrister Kenneth said, “As we celebrate today and welcome new members into our guild, we encourage them to imbibe the vision of the founding members of this guild which is to provide a level playing field for all professional movie directors in Nollywood both at home and in Diaspora.”
The national vice chairman, Orji Anosike in his closing remarks thanked all the participants and guests at the event. He further encouraged all members to increase their input for the betterment of the association as this would engender unity and a symbiotic relationship among all the members.
He said, “I would like to thank all the participants because, without your input, ideas and discussion, this convention would not have been this successful.
“When we started, I tried to outline what I felt we should do. Encouraging communication, and creating contacts between one another.
“Today, many filmmakers face serious challenges. We are moving from an era of poor film production to the making of quality movies. I think there are many big possibilities for progress in Nollywood.
A movie director based in Enugu, Simon Jonah praised the chairman of the Lagos branch, Mr Nnabuike Okoro for his unflinching loyalty and leadership abilities with which he has been able to move the association to enviable heights.
He noted that in some years to come, the Nigerian movie sector would contribute more than what it has been contributing to the country’s economy due to the exemplary leadership that ANMD has been blessed with both at the state and national levels.
He said, “Okoro has been very professional in his leadership style and the way he has been holding forth, we are all proud of his achievements and this is a very good example for other state chairmen to emulate for the growth of ANMD.
The Red Carpet host, Ifeanyi popularly known as ‘Black China’ performed his new single which spoke of the love of motherland, perseverance and faith in one’s abilities to succeed in life.
He told Creekvibes that as an actor, musician and model, he was elated to host the event and thanked the organizers for the level of their professionalism.
