Today, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, Netflix announced 52 beneficiaries of its Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF), for the West and Central African region. The announcement occurred at a stakeholder event, hosted by the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB).
The 2-day event which took place at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos engaged policy, regulators and partners on important discussions including; Nigerian storytelling as soft power and hard currency; inclusion of women in the creative economy; the need for strengthening Nigeria’s creative pipeline, and Nollywood’s contribution to global perception.
Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF) will provide financial support to its beneficiaries including access to quality tertiary education in film and TV-focused disciplines. The scholarship fund for Sub-Saharan students is part of Netflix’s global Creative Equity Fund launched in 2021 which is a dedicated effort to help build new opportunities for underrepresented communities within entertainment. Through the fund, Netflix supports external organisations committed to creating equitable opportunities in the TV and film industries, as well as bespoke Netflix programs that help us to identify, train and provide job placement for up-and-coming talent globally.
The Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund celebrated the inaugural cohort of 52 beneficiaries from four East African countries (Benin Republic, Gabon, Ghana and Nigeria.
Meet the 52 Beneficiaries:
3 beneficiaries from PAN-Atlantic University (Nigeria),
Alex Eyengho, Donatus Ekwuazi and Nicole Emechebe.
24 beneficiaries from National film institute Jos (Nigeria)
Nanmet Dakup, Grace Lasisi, Nkemakonam Onejeme, Timchang Miri, George-isaac Dadzie, Joseph Ogbe, Anothony Nnaji, Aduragbemi Ogundiran, Oluyomi Taiwo, Evelyn Inyang, Emeka Ikpechukwu, Collins Okorocha, McRoberts Metseyinor, Fatgan Agati, Aisa Zerubabel, Blessing Izang, Stephen Okoh, Nifuk Mafuyai, Lois Bewarang, Samson Alaba, Ezichi Okeke, Rukayat Zubair, Mary Orjiakor and Divine-gift Ibewuike.
8 beneficiaries-National Film and Television Institute (Ghana)
Samuel Laryea, Seth Aydin, Linda Amemordzi, Gilbert Carrey, Kakra Opare-Asiedu, Lydia Flika, Payin Opare-Asiedu, Magdaline Masopeh.
15 beneficiaries from Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel (ISMA) (Benin)
Sekinatou Bio, Belvina Djossou, Kate Djiwan, Mirabellel Tossa, Melvina Afanou
Lazarine Damando, Imelda Batamoussi, Zigan Jean-Pierre Medegoun, Elfrid Benon, Franck Anikakpo, Irésan Bassaley, Milka Degan, Chrétia Vodounon, Nouriyath Moussibayi and Claudia -Manuela Tanoh.
2 beneficiaries – Institut Philippe Maury de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma (IPMAC) du groupe EM-Gabon Université (EMGU)
Thephor Koumou-Mba and Adriana Ndemby.
All the beneficiaries are eligible to receive a full scholarship which includes – tuition, accommodation, living stipend and education supplies.
The program is currently being administered by dalberg in partnership with the five institutions of higher learning in the region that will support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives from the region.
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Editor’s Note:
Below are various quotes from the event to use as necessary:
Shola Sanni – Director of Public Policy, SSA – Netflix
Netflix is on the cusp of taking Nigeria to the global stage. Beyond this, our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem to assist talents, tell their stories. This is why we remain committed to the continent and Nigeria. We care for the growth of talents and are passionate about the future of the industry and want to enable Nigerian creators access the global market. This is why today is all about celebrating the scholars who will be responsible for telling African stories, whether in front or behind the camera, it’s about putting Africa on the global map.
Ben Amadasun, Director of Content for Africa, Netflix,
Shared a heartfelt congratulatory message to the beneficiary, leveraging his personal story and life long dedication to storytelling, and how this paired with his passion for film, cinema and African art. “Netflix, the home of African Film, has continued to showcase their equal commitment to the development of the film and creative industry.” He encouraged the awardees to always focus on their reasons for getting into filmmaking and TV. “You must ask yourself, what is your purpose? What will it be? Why do you want to be a part of this journey? How will you make an impact with your career? Once you discover your purpose, let it be your guiding light on your journey as you move forward. Be curious, courageous and dream big because from small beginnings come really great ones.”
Alh. Adedayo Thomas, Convener: ED, National Film and Video Censors Board
Gave a short speech to the students saying, “The NFVCB is impressed that this initiative awarded 52 beneficiaries from the region with 27 from Nigeria alone. We’ll continue to call upon companies like Netflix to work with us to position the country as a skilled manpower force. It is my strong belief that this initiative is proof that Nigeria has the talent and the ability to rise up to the global community, offering best in class quality content. It has also demonstrated the commitment of our partners in strengthening the pipeline of talent. Offering opportunities for job creation with creative youths willing to add value to their community and the overall creative economy.”
- Ramatu Mustapha Dadzie, Dean/Director of Academics, The National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI)
“NAFTI wishes to extend its gratitude to the Netflix and Dalbeg team for providing support to NAFTI students, through the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund. NAFTI sees this as the beginning of a close collaboration that will go a long way to invest in our students in their various creative fields. We strongly believe that the awarded NAFTI Students, through the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund support, will meet the expectations of Netflix and contribute to enhancing the quality of the film and television industry in Ghana.”
Professor Methuselah Jeremiah Rector, National Film Institute, Jos-Nigeria
“The National Film Institute, Jos-Nigeria, received the announcement of the Netflix Equity Scholarship with elation, excitement and great enthusiasm. Given the capital intensity of film training, this scholarship has afforded our students the opportunity to defray some costs like their tuition fees and generally improve on their comfort in terms of accommodation, feeding, transportation etc. On behalf of the staff and students of the Institute, I say thank you Netflix for once again blazing the trail in promoting the Audio-Visual Arts and giving NFI pride of place.”
BENEFICIARY QUOTES:
- George-Isaac Dadzie, National Film institute Jos
“I have genuine, achievable plans for my career and I also understand I will only achieve those if I apply myself throughout my studies. I’ve been reading the book SAVE THE CAT and it has taught me the importance of applying yourself and being consistent in the work you do and making sure you do it to the right standard. Through this opportunity, I will be 100% committed to my studies and I will repay the trust you will have shown in me, by being a model student, by supporting others and by ensuring I achieve my goals.”
- Stephen Onucheojo Okoh, National Film institute Jos
“For me and other beneficiaries who have invested and developed their craft over the years through personal efforts, consistency and resilience, this opportunity is likened to the proverbial “Hand of God” that will change the narrative in our filmmaking career and launch us to the top of our careers.”
- Kate Léoncia, ISMA – Benin
La bourse offerte par Netflix est pour moi l’opportunité de lever les barrières financières qui se dressaient contre l’évolution de ma future carrière cinématographique. Je peux maintenant rêver encore plus grand et donner le meilleur de moi-même pour atteindre mes objectifs.
“The scholarship by Netflix, gives me the opportunity to remove financial barriers that stood against the development of my career and future in film. Now I can dream even bigger and give the best of myself to achieve my goals.”
- Nouriyath Achake Moussibayi, ISMA – Benin
Cette opportunité est pour moi un véritable tremplin pour la création de contenus et la promotion du cinéma africain.”
“This opportunity serves as a real springboard for the creation of content and the promotion of African cinema.”
