8th March, 2024
Veteran Nollywood actress and producer, Joke Silva, has emphasized the crucial role of storytellers and filmmakers in fostering unity with their works at this moment of Nigeria’s history.
Silva delivered this message during her keynote address at the concluding ceremony of the week-long 2024 Emerge Story 3.0 Conference, held at FilmHouse Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos.
Addressing the theme, “Building a Bridge Connecting the Generations of Female Storytellers,” Silva revealed the need for patriotic screenwriters to strengthen the bonds essential for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.
Reflecting on her extensive experience in the industry since 1981, Silva emphasized that Nigeria’s rich history presents storytellers with a profound responsibility in nation-building.
“Unless we are living in the moon, Nigeria is in challenging moments, but what is our role as storytellers?
“Our role is to do our very best in our story telling to unite the country. We have been staying together for over 60 years. Let us write our stories to unify.
“Music is unifying everywhere, fashion is unifying very well. Films, especially now must unify. Our stories now should be stories that interrogate issues and proffer solutions.
“It is our role to give hope to the nation that is proving difficult to cope with,” she urged
Silva said further: “We are in a collaborating industry to put ourselves on the map.
“Let’s chronicle to give hope, to let our people laugh and to let our people have a sense of conquerors and to give our people that sense of nationhood”.
Emphasizing collaboration within the industry, Silva urged fellow creators to work together to elevate Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.
“We must unite to offer hope, laughter, and a sense of triumph to our people. Our stories must evoke a sense of national pride,” she added.
Silva highlighted the contributions of numerous female storytellers and filmmakers who have made significant impacts on the industry.
However, she also called on the government to exercise restraint in film censorship, emphasizing the importance of policies that support and validate the contributions of storytellers and filmmakers to the nation’s economy.
In her welcome address, Ololade Okedare, Founder/Convener of the Emerge Story Company, expressed her fulfillment in championing the cause of storytellers and empowering emerging voices in Africa.
The conference, which featured workshops, masterclasses, and panel sessions, recognized and celebrated the achievements of notable storytellers and filmmakers.
Recipients of the Emerge Impact 2024 Awards included Lucille Ayorinde, Grace Edwin-Okon, Kemi Adesoye, Emem Isong, Gloria Bamiloye, and Joke Silva, among others.
The event also honored 30 female storywriters, including Dami Elebe, Jessica Abaga, Jola Ayeye, Lios Truly, Ronke Gbede, and Toluwani Obayan, showcasing the diverse talent within the storytelling community.
