By Iserhienrhien Uhunoma Esosa and Aaron Woyengikuro Moses
The recent inaugural "300-Hour Film Festival" at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, has undoubtedly set the stage for a transformative experience in student filmmaking in Edo State and beyound.
The challenge of scripting, shooting, and editing a compelling short film within a mere six days is no small feat, yet the results showcased remarkable creativity and resilience among the participants.
At the heart of this initiative was Mr. Alex Osage, affectionately known as Mr. Upgrade, who served as the event's chairman. His vision for the festival extended beyond just organizing a competition; it aimed to push students beyond their perceived limits and equip them with practical skills that transcend traditional classroom learning.
The structure of the festival was designed to stimulate innovation and teamwork among students. Participants worked in teams to conceive, shoot, and edit a seven-minute film, navigating a tight timeline that demanded not only creativity but also collaboration. Mr. Upgrade highlighted the importance of setting aside personal egos to achieve a common goal, a lesson that many students likely took to heart.
While the technical skills gained during the festival are invaluable, the broader life lessons are equally significant. The emphasis on innovation and teamwork served as a masterclass in collaboration, teaching students the power of collective effort in overcoming challenges. Mr. Upgrade noted that he wanted to see participants improve themselves in areas they were learning, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the teams that produced 14 films, surpassing the initial goal of 10.
However, the festival was not without its challenges. Time constraints were a significant hurdle, leading Mr. Upgrade to propose a future "boot camp" format to maximize learning opportunities. Additionally, varying levels of participant commitment resulted in some students dropping out midway through the process. These issues emphasize the complexities of managing large-scale events and the need for effective organization and communication.
Communication challenges with the Mass Communication department highlighted the importance of thorough promotion and coordination in event planning.
Despite these obstacles, the festival successfully showcased the determination and talent of the students, proving that challenges can often lead to remarkable outcomes.
The festival attracted notable figures from the Nigerian film industry, including actress Adela Oye and scriptwriting expert Tolu Daniel. Their presence not only inspired the participants but also provided valuable insights into the professional world of filmmaking. Additionally, Darryl Magba, a university alumnus now working with Sony Nigeria, served as a testament to the potential success that can stem from such educational initiatives.
This, perhaps, was why Mr. Upgrade has urged young people to actively pursue opportunities that align with their passions, cautioning against dismissing events based on perceived low prize money. He emphasized the importance of personal growth and skill development, encouraging students to engage with projects that resonate with their interests.
The Benson Idahosa University 300-Hour Film Festival was more than just a competition; it was a learning experience that equipped students with essential skills while igniting their passion for filmmaking. As the university looks toward future editions, the lessons learned from this inaugural event will undoubtedly pave the way for even greater achievements, fostering a vibrant and creative community among its students.
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