On March 30, the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) hosted a closing ceremony for a week-long training for young Nigerien film makers that took place at the American Cultural Center. The Public Affairs Officer, Marissa Scott, and the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Entertainment, Ousmane Abdou, delivered remarks congratulating the participants on their efforts and completion of the training.
The United States Embassy, in partnership with the National Cinematography Center of Niger, received over 85 applications from all the regions of Niger and selected ten participants who truly represent the best and brightest of the future of Nigerien cinema. During the workshop, these young people learned all aspects of film production and editing. Over the next two months the participants will be creating their own films on the topics of: countering violent extremism in all its forms, religious tolerance, the integration of women in development, education, and entrepreneurship. These videos will be shared on the Embassy’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and two films will be selected to be shown on national television. The U.S. Embassy is committed to supporting young directors who seek to use film to engage the public in debate about these important social issues. In January, PAS provided funding for two students and a mentor to attend a film-training in Dakar with National Geographic that brought together young filmmakers from across West Africa. In June, we will send two students to Ouagadougou to represent Niger at the Cinema Libre Festival. PAS also invested in equipment – cameras, lights, microphones, and computers – and looks forward to working with its partners to ensure these talented young people have access to the best tools available to accomplish their goals.
