‘Giringory’, Sam Loco-Efe for posthumous awards at ZUFF 2017

Late Nigerian actors James Iroha, popularly known as ‘Giringori Akabogu’ and Sam Loco-Efe, have been listed for awards at the 2017 edition of the ZUMA Film Festival (ZUFF),its organisers say.

Iroha was the creator of the now rested television drama, ‘The New Masquerade’, which ruled the screen in the early 80s, on the network of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Our correspondent reports that Dr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and Chairman of the festival organising committee, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the late thespians were to be honoured along with other stakeholders who have contributed to the astronomical growth of the Nigeria movie industry over the years.

“We recognise the tremendous contributions of these veterans to the growth and successes recorded within the motion picture industry in Nigeria.

“They will be recognised as the first recipients of the Nigerian Film Society Rock of Fame Award, the highest professional recognition within the Nigeria Film industry based solely on merit.

“The labour of love and commitment to Nigeria’s development of our industry geniuses shall continually be recognised and rewarded.

“We have institutionalised the recognition and award as part of ZUMA Film Festival, and therefore shall recognise several veterans during each and subsequent edition of the festival,” he said.

Maduekwe said that the 2017 edition of the ZUFF, with the theme, “Feast On Films”, is scheduled to hold from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 at the Jabi Lake Mall in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He added that the awardees shall be inducted into the ‘Rock of Fame’ at the Rock of Fame Arena within the premises of the Nigerian Film Parliament in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, early 2018.

According to Maduekwe, other motion picture veterans to be honoured at the event include, Ola Balogun,Sadiq Daba, Adamu Halilu and Femi Shaka, Professor of Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt.

He added that the late actor and producer Adeyemi Afolayan, also known as Ade Love, father of veteran movie director Kunle Afolayan, will also be honoured, among others.

He explained that the categories of awards listed for the festival include, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Documentary, Best Foreign Film and Best Cinematography,among others.

According to Maduekwe, the film festival has been rebranded with the theme ‘Feast on Films” and is being positioned as a national and international brand for the country.

“This year, we are mounting a re-branded ZUMA Film Festival designed to explore the economic and audiovisual potentials of Africa’s largest motion picture industry.”

He explained that the 2017 edition of the festival will feature ‘Emerging Talent Film Exposition’, geared towards discovering and developing budding talents in acting, as well as master classes and workshops.

He added that there would also be special exhibition days like Lagos Day, Kano Day, Abia Day and Morocco Day.

Our correspondent reports that the ZUMA Film Festival, now in its 8th edition, is platform for Nigerian film practitioners to network with their counterparts from other parts of the world and thus stimulates co-production and financing opportunities.

It presents the Nigerian film industry as a vibrant and viable investment option to Nigeria and international business communities.