The long awaited first professional film of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIk) has finally premiered. UNIZIK has recently taken the lead amongst Universities in the country to premiere its first professional film, titled: “Diary of a Campus Girl”.
Speaking during the event, the Vice-Chancellor who is also the Executive Producer of the film, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS in his welcome remarks, thanked all who came for the premiere of the film, especially the Traditional Rulers. He said that the University is a problem solving entity, and that UNIZIK is moving from theory to practical. He appreciated the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies for their level of creativity which makes them model for others to follow. Everything about the movie, from script writing to the final production has been master minded by the Department, he said. He thanked the graduates of the Department who were doing very well in the movie industry for being part of the movie’s progress. He implored all to watch the movie to its conclusion.
The Chairman of the occasion and the former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ilochi Okafor represented by Prof. Obi Oguejiofor, said it was a significant occasion, because the Department of Theatre and Film Studies has taken the bull by the horn. He encouraged all to watch Nigerian movies, and congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and the Department of Theatre and Film Studies for coming up with such commendable venture.
In her welcome remarks, the Head, Department of Theatre and Film Studies and the Producer of the film, Prof. Tracie Chima Utoh-Ezeajugh, welcomed all to the premiere. She said the movie was first of its kind amongst Universities in Nigeria. Also, that the University has contributed to Nigeria Movie Industry, through UNIZIK graduates who are part of the entertainment industry. Therefore, the Department (students and lecturers) sort to work together to translate learning into practical. The movie, she continued, seeks to treat certain issues in the society, especially in our tertiary institutions. Furthermore, she said that the Department also thought it wise to give award to its graduates in the movie industry for representing the University very well.
After the film premiere, the movie was reviewed by a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. James Eze. He opined that the movie was a mirror on the Nigeria University system packed with a lot of moral lessons. He also suggested the need for lecturers-parents-students relationship for the proper grooming of the youths in our society.
There was award presentation from the VC to UNIZIK graduates who were part of the movie and making wave in the Nollywood industry, namely: Oge Okoye, Ken Erics and 2009 award winning best supporting actress, Uju Okeke. Some Marketers in the industry who received award from the VC include; Great Movies industry, Ossy Afasons and AMACO Investments.
In his acceptance remarks on behalf of his fellow artistes, Mr. Ken Erics thanked the VC and the University for the Award. He reiterated how they were trained as students. He thanked the lecturers for making them who they are presently, and for the Award honour done to them. He promised that they would keep representing the University positively. The event had the presence of students from the Department of Theatre Arts, Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, St. Theresa’s Girls Secondary School Enugwu-Ukwu, Members of the University Management, Deans, HODs, Professors, lecturers and students, Traditional Rulers and friends of the University.
