SMC HOSTS INAUGURAL FILM FESTIVAL.

On the 7^th and 8^th of June, 2024, the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University held its inaugural Pan- Atlantic University Students Film Festival (PAUSFF) which was themed: “Celebrating Creativity Through Students’ Lenses.”

The two-day event, which was held on the weekend, drew aspiring filmmakers, film enthusiasts and staff alike to mark this first ever event celebrated in honor of students’ creativity in the university.

The day one of the festival kicked off with an opening remark from the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Peter Bankole and the Dean of SMC, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya.

Dr. Bankole in his speech highlighted the importance of creativity in the students’ body and expressed hope that the festival would become an annual event in the school.

“Today, we celebrate our students’ filmmakers’ creativity, passion and dedication. This festival is a testament to the incredible talent within the institution and beyond. This festival is a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their works, connect with industry professional and take the first steps towards a fulfilling career in the film industry.”

Dr. Obiaya also highlighted the importance of film festivals, stating how this festival addressed a critical need in the school – a platform for celebrating students’ creativity.

“Film festival are important in the ecosystem of the filmmaking world. Not only do they provide a platform for honoring filmmakers and the art of filmmaking, they also serve as a networking platform. This particular festival is one that is filled with lots of excitement because it is our own home-grown festival.

Also, it has long been a concern that all the fantastic work created by our students lacked a platform both for celebrating and making them widely known. This festival comes to meet that need.”

Following the opening remarks, the audience was treated to the first film, ‘Round’, a poetry short films that explores the beauty and pains of growth. Over the course of the festival, more than 30 films were showcased, including short films, documentaries, adverts and feature lengths productions.

In addition to the film screenings, the festival featured a series of panel discussions and workshops which includes Dr. Lawrence Akande, Acting Head of Department, Film and Multimedia Studies, Nkem Agam, Motion Picture Lecturer, and Benita Nnachortam, an artist and art curator.

Attendees also expressed their appreciation for the event’s organization and variety of film presented.

“The event was very exploratory, very exciting and interesting. It was something I looked forward to. I was a volunteer. And I volunteered in Publicity department and Majorly in Protocol. I was eager to see what fellow students have put together. I feel like the event was quite creative,” said Nnenna Onwuchekwa.