The Rivers State government has expressed willingness to collaborate with the organizers of this year's international film festival, Desgol Entertainment Worldwide, which will be held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed this during a courtesy call on him by the event's promoter, Kate Ezeigbo, in Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He said, "We are pleased that you are holding this event for the second time in Rivers State.
“The creative industry has a special place in our hearts because when you are done with a hectic day, the next thing you need is relaxation and the movies are the best way to relax. It’s a youth-oriented program and it will benefit Rivers people.”
Responding, the founder and festival director of the 2024 film festival, Kate Ezeigbo, thanked the Governor for his exemplary leadership in Rivers State.
Ezeigbo said, “Thank you for being so exceptional in your style of leadership.
“This festival will rewrite the false story told beyond about our dear state. Every October as they gather here, they will see for themselves that we are peace-loving, hard-working and we have intelligent youths ready to take on the world.
“We are ready to receive people from all over the world to come to experience the cultural heritage of Rivers State and how hospitable they are. This year, the festival received two thousand two hundred and ninety-seven entries from two hundred and twenty countries.”
According to Ezeigbo, the state government will guarantee that Rivers residents, particularly those from Nollywood, have access to free medical care, capacity-building seminars, skill acquisition, and other perks to make this year's annual festival worthwhile.