Lagos – The International Film Broadcasting Academy (IFBA), Lagos, produced 700 films between January and May, Mr Victor Okhai, an instructor at the academy, said.

Okhai on Wednesday in Lagos said that the figure showed a marked increase in the number of films produced in the first five months of 2015. The instructor, who, however, could not readily give the number produced for the same period in 2015, said that the academy had intended to produce more films. “The academy was only able to produce 700 films in the first five months of 2016 because of inadequate funding.

We are determining to produce more. “The industry lacks funding and adequate manpower which are basic requirements for its development. “With government’s intervention, the industry will be able to make some considerable growth and attain global recognition,“ the instructor said. Okhai said that the academy was on undeterred by poor funding, adding that it was still determined to ensure the growth of the industry through its lean purse. “The academy is planning to employ more professionals to enable it to increase productions and also enhance the quality of its films to meet international standards,’’ Okhai said.

According to the instructor, the academy was specifically set up to train professional film makers and to also contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through its activities. “Films produced by the academy, every year; also contribute directly or indirectly to the nation’s GDP. “The industry is working to improve the quality of Nigerian films and is also now encouraging Nollywood producers on how to contend with the challenge of piracy,” he said. The instructor added that apart from poor funding, piracy was another major cankerworm weighing down the growth of the industry.

“We can easily overcome the issue of poor funding through many means, but over the years we have not been able to overcome the issue of piracy. “So, piracy remains our major challenge in the industry and needs the collective efforts of government, security agents, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to fight,’ he said. Okhai urged the Federal Government to support the industry financially and also create an enabling environment to enhance its overall development.