UNESCO pledges support to Nollywood

Abdourahamane Diallo, head of office and country representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, says the organisation is willing to provide technical support for developing the Nigerian film industry.

He stated this at the premiere of ‘When Wolves Cry’ at the UN House on Thursday evening in Abuja.

The movie, an advocacy film, is a production of 2ET Media Network, produced and directed by Emmanuel Eyaba, an award-winning Nollywood filmmaker.

Mr Diallo said the premiere of ‘When Wolves Cry’ mirrors the aspirations of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Cultural Expressions.

According to him, it is to support member states in creating an institutional and professional environment conducive to protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions in various forms and domains.

He said this includes, but is not limited to, video, film, books, designs, culinary arts, crafts, fashion, motion graphics and theatre.

“This is an opportunity for me to also let you know that UNESCO is ready to provide technical support towards the development of the Nigerian film and video industry.

“In continuing support to Nigeria to develop implementable policies, UNESCO organised the first National Dialogue on the Cultural and Creative Industries and the Sustainable Development Goals in October 2023,” Mr Diallo explained.

The UN official added, “UNESCO is also the lead technical development partner for the ongoing review and update of Nigeria’s cultural policies.

“I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate 2ET Media on the great work done on ‘When Wolves Cry’ as well as on other projects you have undertaken.”