The Cross River Government has trained 300 youths in various filmmaking techniques under the Cross River Next Stars Initiative, as part of efforts to promote youth empowerment and self-reliance. Chairman of the Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme, Dr Kalita Aruku, disclosed this in Calabar, on Wednesday September 9.
Aruku said the programme was designed to move beyond the distribution of empowerment equipment by equipping young people with practical skills for sustainable careers in the creative industry. Training areas included acting, directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, content creation, makeup and costume design.
He said the beneficiaries would proceed to practical movie production, where they would have opportunities to apply their skills and earn income. Established Nigerian film professionals are also being engaged to provide mentorship, while successful trainees are expected to participate in productions under the state’s Caliwood initiative.
Nollywood actor Charles Inojie commended the quality and focus of the programme, describing the investment in young people and the creative sector as encouraging. Aruku said the initiative would also support Cross River’s tourism drive, while a planned football talent-hunt programme would provide opportunities for young sports talents.
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