Now in its sixth year, the iconic Benin Film Academy a brainchild of Africa's most consistent filmmaker, Lancelot Oduwarene Imasuen and his Nollywood project 101 in collaboration with Igebinedon University, Okada is set to honor some of its Alma Maters.
Leading on the list of those to be honored is award winning actor, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, known by his stage name as Baba Rex, a Nigerian film and TV actor and film producer.
The honor which will also mark the 6th graduation ceremony of the institution further reinstated the status of Benin Film Academy as one of the greatest Film Academies in Africa.
Established in 2017 in a bid to boost the nation’s growing film industry and help train young talents, Benin Film Academy which is described as the gateway to the heart of Nollywood across the country is an initiative of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s Nollywood project 101 in partnership with Igbinedion University Okada, Benin City was established on January 14, 2017 at the 18th Matriculation ceremony of the University, the move which makes the Higher Institution the first private University in Nigeria to achieve such a feat.
The academy located along the Airport Road, Benin City, offers practical training across all key areas of film making including acting, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting and screening among others. It also actualizes these goals through tuition and practical exposure, leading to the award of professional Diplomas and certificates, summer institutes, film festivals and collaboration with leading film academies and institutions across the world.
Seasoned legends, notable actors and producers like; Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, Judith Audu, Emem Isong, Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Andrew Osawaru, Hyginous Ekwuazi, and Eseosa Egbon were some of the Nollywood greats who at one time or the other had drilled and tutored the Students of the Academy.
Among the graduates of the School is Nigerian ex- Beauty Queen and actress Wanda Monye who graduated from the school in 2018. While many others graduates are doing well in the industry.