The maiden edition of the Plateau International Film Festival (PIFF) has ended in Jos, the Plateau State Capital with commendations from the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and a cross section of film enthusiasts for a successful film festival, the first of its kind in Plateau State, by a private initiative.

Organised by the Media Initiative for Social Development (MIFSOD), an initiative that promotes sustainable development of the entertainment industry especially the motion picture sector in and around Plateau State, took place at the main auditorium of the National Film Institute, Jos, last week.

According to the project coordinator of PIFF, Mrs. Deborah Ododo, objectives of the film festival was to among others, create the necessary awareness, as well as canvass support for the development of the motion picture industry, especially for upcoming film makers and students of film studies.

Speaking at the film festival, Afolabi Adesanya, Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation, represented by Brian Etuk, the Corporation’s Head of Public Affairs said that the efforts of the organisers for mounting the film festival were commendable. Adesanya said that development of the film sector of the nation equally deserves the attention and intervention of private film makers and film enthusiasts. The Nigerian Film Corporation, he said will continue to support private interventions such as PIFF, and called on the organisers to sustain the film festival.

Earlier, the special guest, former Culture & Tourism Commissioner of Plateau State, and one time Chairman, Langtang South Local Government Council, Mrs Esther Wahzi, said that time has come for film makers to develop scripts and shoot films that positively portray Nigeria as a nation of good people.

Impressed by the organisation of the festival, the former Commissioner, and now Chief Executive of Elssy Garden’s, Jos, instantly availed, henceforth, facilities at the Garden for Students of the National Film Institute to shoot their films (exterior scenes).

Events at the film festival included award for the Best Actor, which went to Mr. Victor Ukwumonu John; Best Actress by Miffariya Manuel Hong, Best Drama won by the NTA Tv- College, Jos among others, and lectures on “Importance of Other Languages In Film Making” by Cecil Gloanec of the Alliance Françoise, Jos, and the role of the National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in the nation’s film industry by Mrs Milcher Pwajok.

Venue of the film festival was full to capacity by a cross section of film makers, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Film Scholars, and Students of the National Film Institute, Jos, the University of Jos and those of the Nigerian Television College, Jos.