Accra, March 12, GNA-Twenty gradaunds of the National Film and Television Institute, (NAFTI) would be awarded degree certificates by the University of Ghana, Legon on Saturday, March 13, 2004 at a special congregation ceremony.

The University recently granted NAFTI the affiliation status under which the students undertook their four-year degree course in film-making and productions.

Mr Martin Loh, Director of NAFTI, who announced this at the closing of the 14th Film and Television Festival in Accra said the Institute had now changed its three-year diploma programme to two years for the next academic year under which veteran film-makers and producers could undertake to better their lots.

The festival coincided with the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Institute, which was observed under the theme: "Film and Television Training in National Development".

Activities for the week-long programme included film shows, presentation of dubbing equipment and Film and Television awards. The gradaunds, who were awarded with certificates and cash for their excellence performance, "brilliantly passed their course," with three having First Class Honours, 12, Second Class Upper and five receiving Second Class Lower.

Mr Loh urged the gradaunds to help do away with "juju and witchcraft productions" that had engulfed our screens, thereby giving us a bad image internationally.

He said the public looked to them as professionals, who could bring sanity into local films production so "you should not break the confidence they have in you".

Reverend Dr Chris Hesse, board member of NAFTI said the public relied entirely on the professional skills, competence and honour of film makers for its cultural nourishment and awakening.

He therefore, charged them never to betray the confidence reposed in them, and strive to turn the fortunes in the film-making industry around. "...at this time when our ship of state has set out once again on its voyage to constitutional waters, it seems to be that professional film-making principles and skills are preciously required to steer the 4th Republic ship to safe berth", Rev Hesse noted.

Sixteen of the gradaunds were honoured in various film-making categories, including the best screen play, best directed film, best actor, best photography, best animator and the most disciplined student. 12 March 04