By Patricia Amogu
The Gladew International Short Film Festival has trained participants and produced six films on-site during a two-day programme in Abuja.
The initiative is aimed at redefining film festival narratives in Nigeria.
The convener of the festival, Gloria Ugolee-Ehiosun, said the initiative was unique because participants not only received training but also shot films during the programme to qualify for grants for future projects.
According to her, unlike conventional festivals where filmmakers simply submit completed works, the Gladew model focuses on growth, hands-on learning, and continuous support.
“Unlike other festivals where people only bring in their films, here we train participants, they shoot on-site, and we support them through their next projects, from story development to the entire filmmaking journey,” she said.
Ugolee-Ehiosun explained that the programme emphasised passion, discipline, creativity, and the growth process, rather than just film production.
She added that the training had helped build participants’ confidence, enabling them to identify societal issues that could be addressed through film while equipping them with lifelong, income-generating skills.
She, however, called for greater government support for initiatives that directly engage and empower young creatives.
“I believe the government can support people like us who are already working directly with youths and creatives.
“Creative youths do not have to wait; they should start producing their own content, even with limited resources, and learn from the results,” she said.
The convener further encouraged young creatives to remain persistent and passionate, noting that such qualities could help them attract investors.
She also advised them to explore different genres and roles within the industry to discover their strengths.
“As a young creative, you should try different genres and participate in various productions. That is how you discover your niche.
“I also encourage more females to learn technical roles such as sound, lighting, and camera work so they can become more equipped to produce their own content,” she added
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) 2026, Mr Israel Audu-Kashim, urged young creatives to be intentional and prepared when seeking funding opportunities.
He emphasised the importance of proper planning and effective pitching.
“When pitching to an investor, you must come with a clear plan. What is worth doing is worth doing well.
“You may attend a festival and not realise that the person sitting next to you could be an investor,” he said.
Audu-Kashim noted that access to funding remained a major challenge for young creatives and called for deliberate efforts to make financing more accessible.
Also speaking, a participant, John-Emmanuel Mmaduabuchi, also known as Relevance, highlighted the challenges faced by young people in the industry.
He said collaboration was essential for growth but was often hindered by pride and ego within the Abuja creative space.
“Collaboration is important because when people work together, they learn more,” he said.
Mmaduabuchi also stressed the economic potential of the creative industry, noting that it could greatly contribute to national development if properly supported.
“In other countries, the creative industry generates billions of dollars. The government needs to believe in the creative economy.
“With the right support, including small grants, the industry can thrive. A single film can generate significant revenue, showing its potential to boost the Nigerian economy,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
