In order to further reposition Lagos State as an entertainment friendly city, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has accepted to declare open the third edition of the annual Association of Movie Producers (AMP) EKO International Film Festival.

Apart from declaring open the festival, which begins today at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Fashola, is also expected to lead Nollywood stars and other dignitaries drawn from both the public and private sectors to the event as the chief host and special guest of honour.

The five-day gathering of filmmakers, which ends on Friday has: ‘Film as a Veritable Tool for Social Engineering,’ as its theme. According to National President of AMP, Mr. Paul Obazele, filmmakers coming from within and outside Nigeria, are expected to critically examine and evaluate the importance of this year’s theme and proffer solutions on how best to maximise the potentials of the theme for the benefit of their immediate societies.

Speaking further, Obazele, who is also an actor, producer and director, further disclosed that this year’s highlights would include, film screenings, workshops, pitching sessions, panel discussions, trainings and high level networking on how best to move Nollywood to the next level.

“We are happy to inform you that the hardworking Lagos State Governor, Mr. Fashola, has promised to grace this year’s festival and equally declare it open for us. This is a big plus for Nollywood. As one of our few patrons, he has equally ordered that cinematography should be made a full course at the Lagos State University (LASU), starting from the next academic session.”