The Pencil Film and Television Institute (PEFTI) in conjunction with Niran Adedokun, lawyer and celebrated author of the book, “Ladies Calling the Shots”, have announced plans to fete female filmmakers in Nigeria in commemoration of the International Women’s Day. The organisers said the event will drive conversations around the huge role women play in the development of filmmaking in Nigeria and seek to mentor younger ladies who might have inclinations’ towards directing.

Film students from the University of Lagos, Akoka, the Lagos State University, Ojo. and the Royal Arts Academy, Surulere are expected to join students of PEFTI at the event, which will also have President of the Guild of Directors of Nigeria (DGN), Fred Amata, speak on opportunities available for women in the industry.

Conversations, involving seven leading film directors in the country, will revolve around the theme, “Expanding the frontiers for women filmmakers in Nigeria”.

Among those expected to grace the occasion are actresses and movie producers such as Tope Oshin, Remi Vaughn Richards, Grace Edwin Okon, Ema Edosio, Belinda Yanga, Adeola Osunkojo, Vanessa Nzediegwu and President of the Association of Movie Producers, Ralph Nwadike.

The celebration will also feature readings from Adedokun’s “Ladies Calling the Shots”, a book that narrates the exploits of 17 female directors in Nigeria. The discussed will be directed by the pair of Funmi Akinsola and Tope Duker.

The international women’s day is set aside for acknowledging the achievements of women across various fields.

Observed since the early 1900s, it is now recognised as an opportunity to celebrate women’s visibility as “impressive role models in every aspect of life