
Nollywood – the Nigerian version of Hollywood in the US and Bollywood in India – has announced the launch of a screenwriter’s competition focused on empowering promising screenwriters.
According to the organiser, Lawrence Onuzulike, the Nollywood Screenwriting Contest (NSWC) would empower screenwriters who participate in the competition with a star award of US$2 389 to be won.
Onuzulike stated that empowerment does not end with financial gain. He also guaranteed that the winning script would be produced into a Nollywood film with a one-year scriptwriting contract with Aforevo.
“The Nollywood screenwriting contest was established to recognise and reward hardworking screenwriters and to emphasise the vital role they play in filmmaking. However, despite playing essential roles in filmmaking, screenwriters are not adequately recognised or compensated in the Nigerian film industry,” according to Onuzulike.
“As a result, the Nollywood Screenwriting Contest (NSWC) is aimed at changing this by highlighting the critical role of screenwriters in movie production and the film industry as a whole.”
“The media campaign and razzmatazz that will accompany the event will not only bring attention to screenwriters but will also make them the centre of attention for the first time in an industry dominated by actors, directors, and producers. The above mentioned is a unique undertaking that has never been attempted on this scale in Nigeria.”
Onuzulike further stated that entries would be accepted from February 7, 2022, to February 24, 2022.
Clarion Chuckuwra, Segun Arinze, President Directors Guild of Nigeria, Victor Okhai, and Script Writers Guild of Nigeria, Yinka Ogun, are among the competition’s judges.