The Coal City Film Festival, this year brought veterans in the Nigeria film industry, and established foundation for film enthusiasts to learn from the ‘Masterclass session’ and other events like ‘Town meeting’, ‘Beginner’s class’ and ‘The panel’.
Participants learnt about videography, lighting, and acting among other things.
CCFF inducted veteran actors into ‘CCFF HALL OF FAME’, actors like; Charles Inojie, Ejike Asiegbu, Fidelis Duker, Francis Duru, Sam Dede, Gideon Okeke, Dr. Victor Ohkai, and Dr. Lancelot Emasuen.
Chief Dr. Lancelot Emasuen was celebrated for his 30 years in film making. He was acknowledged for his years of service, his distinct and unique style of writing, and film production.
He’s nicknamed ‘the governor’, and he directed most of the iconic movies in Nollywood, movies like; ISACABA, DIG, ISEDA, WASTED, THE DATE, ILO UWA, ASTRONAUTA, SPECIMEN X.
Uche Agbo, the founder of CCFF said, “I was watching a movie in the public space one day and the moment I saw the film, about few scenes into the film.
“I do not know who was directing, I spontaneously said ‘This must be Lancelot’s film’, I waited there till the end of the film.
“During the credit roll, I saw his name as the director of the film because his style is very distinctive.”
On the day 3 which was the last day served as the the award night, some films and actors got recognition for their amazing work.
Here is the list of some of the awarded films and individuals:
Best animation- DAWN
Best Film made in Eastern Nigeria – NWAANYI ABACHA
Best Documentary film- EBROHIMIE ROAD
Best feature film – KAKA
Best short film – BLOOD ON THE ROPE
Best student film – THE PIRATES
Best made in African Film- FOR THE LOVE OF MOTHERLAND
Best Lead actor (Male) – GIDEON OKEKE
Best Lead Actor (Female) – RITA NNAJI
Best director – PRINCE DANIEL ABOKI (KAKA).
The Coal City Film Festival, which premiered March 27- March 29, 2025, served as a common ground for talented filmmakers across Nigeria and Africa.
This year’s edition was packed, we showcased many talents, with emerging voices and established filmmakers.
