106 New Members Inducted As GFN Holds First Conference
By Oluwafemi Dosu
About One Hundred and Six (106) new members have been inducted into the Gospel Filmmaking Network, Gospel Film News can confirm.
The induction was done at the just concluded annual conference of Gospel Filmmaking Network, GFN held at Redemption City of God, Ogun State from 8th to 9th November, 2024.
This maiden edition was laced with seminars on topics like The 21st Century Gospel Filmmaker by Ayobami Adegboyega, Location Etiquette, ethics and administration by Kayode Babalola, Production Design for films by Akin Alabi, How the YouTube Algorithm Works by Femi Adebile, The Technicalities of Short Film by John Oguntuase, Understanding the Camera by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Mobile Phone Filmmaking by Oladipo O’fresh, Exploring Media in Gospel Film Productions by Chris Odeh, Untapped Territories in Christian film by Ewowa, Effective Collaboration in Gospel Filmmaking by Morenike Sodeinde, The Power of Sound and Background music in Christian films by Joshua Mike-Bamiloye.
Gospel Film News correspondents present at the conference confirmed that each of the speakers brought their wealth of experience and expertise to the conference and on the all-important topic that is focused on strategies for creating engaging stories and content that resonates with diverse audiences globally while maintaining local relevance.
The GFN Board of Trustees chairman, Evang. Mike Bamiloye in his keynote address noted that the GFN is a professional association that brings together Gospel Film production crew members. “These are gospel film workers who labour behind the camera to our the gospel movies on the world entertainment and world evangelical missions platform,” he added.
According to him, the vision of establishing the association was first birthed 20 years ago, in the year 2004 to be precised, when it was inaugurated at Premiere Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, amidst many drama ministers and Christian movie makers of that time, hence the glorious rebirth with inauguration was June 7, 2024 during the Drama Ministers Power Night at the Jesus Center of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Ibadan.
“Consequently, this association is formed as an international organization, therefore, like minded professional crew members of gospel movie production from other countries are beginning to assemble under the Gospel Filmmaking Network. The GFN-UK and GFN Canada are already formed and are awaiting official inauguration before the end of this year,” Bamiloye stressed.
In his welcome address, the Director General, Kayode Babalola stated that Nigeria holds a pivotal position not only in Africa but also in the world, adding that there is a mighty wave of revival, and in His wisdom, the Lord has decided to start with gospel filmmakers.
He reiterated that: “If we can take our rightful place and establish a strong strong gospel filmmaking kingdom for the Lord Jesus, the winds of revival will spread from here to the rest of Africa and to the remaining parts of the world. As we strive to remain technically relevant, we cannot afford to forget that it is from our relationship with God in our secret place that we receive instructions, direction, and empowerment to remain heavenly compliant.”
Babalola further charged participants to fellowship and network with other brethren and form viable alliances which would be found useful down the line.
The conference also has a colourful dinner where people were gorgeously dressed and has some bit of entertainment.
PHOTO SPEAKS:
