Filmmakers in Plateau State have called on the state government to strengthen support for the film industry as part of efforts to reposition the state as a major film production hub in Nigeria.
The call was made during a Strategic Roundtable Dialogue held on Friday in Jos, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, and government stakeholders to deliberate on the growth and future of the industry in the state.
The dialogue was organised by the Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality as a platform to bridge existing gaps between filmmakers and government while exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Speaking at the event,Filmmaker and producer Mrs Yill Fomwul Gonsum, said that despite Plateau’s rich natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and creative talent, filmmakers had been unable to fully harness the state’s vast potential due to longstanding challenges.
She noted that the film industry had over the years contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need for government support at all levels to enable the industry thrive locally.
“This dialogue is a strategic gathering for filmmakers, particularly in Plateau; we are here because we feel it is important for us as filmmakers to have this dialogue
“Over the years, there is an gap between filmmakers and the government, so, the whole vision for this is for us to connect, know each other and have a strong voice.
“But most importantly, this is an avenue for us to call on the government to support the film insurty on the Plateau to thrive.
“Most of us are independent filmmakers, meaning we fund our work by ourselves; but government can support us with funds, logistics, access to locations, among others,” she said.
Fomwul-Gonsum added that the film industry had continued to contribute to Plateau State’s economy and tourism sector, expressing optimism that a well-structured synergy between filmmakers and government would yield positive outcomes for both sectors.
Also speaking at the roundtable, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Mr. Cornelius Doeyok, assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to promoting filmmaking and film tourism in Plateau.
He said Plateau’s growing pool of filmmakers, scenic locations, and relatively conducive environment positioned the state to thrive as a preferred destination for film production.
“We are actively ready to promote film tourism; we want audiences in Lagos, London, and Los Angeles to see our state through your lenses and feel an irresistible urge to visit.
“The film industry is a value chain; our goal is to ensure that when a filmmaker chooses Jos, he or she should not regret it.
“We don’t just want you to shoot in Plateau; we want you to invest here.“Help us build the film industry we have always dreamed of; let Jos be the hub where post-production, animation and digital distribution for Northern Nigeria and indeed the continent to thrive,” he said.
The roundtable concluded with calls for sustained engagement, policy support, and investment-friendly frameworks to enable Plateau State maximise its creative economy and emerging film potential.
