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.
From left, Films Producer, Mr Femi Odugbemi; Convener Emerge
Story 3.0 Conference, Ololade Okedare; Films Producer/Director, Joke Silver and
Founder Getinspired Network, Ewoma Lutter-Abegunde during the Emerge Story 3.0
Conference In Lagos on Friday.
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