By Oluwafemi Dosu
Expectation, according to Bishop (Dr.) David Oyedepo, is the mother of manifestation. This statement suggests that if people are not expectant from a particular area or cause, there is a tendency of not getting anything positive or tangible from the cause.
The above orientation propelled Gospel Film Makers to open up to Gospel Film News in an exclusive interview, their expectations from the 10th edition of Gospel Film Festival, GoFestival.
The idea of GoFestival was borne out of the desire to discover, nurture and establish Nigerian Christian Filmmakers for the future, showcase the abundant resources that abound in the Christian Film Industry while also acknowledging the immense contribution from the pioneer Gospel filmmakers. The festival will provide an enabling environment for interaction among drama ministers, film producers, directors, screenwriters, television producers, copywriters, film schools, media houses and international leading Christian filmmakers.
Below are some responses from Gospel film makers on their expectations from Gofestival 2022:
*Chioma Chukwulotam:*
“Gofestival has always been a time of learning, unlearning and relearning for me. The various workshops/panel sessions have always been both enlightening and inspiring. I get challenged to pursue excellence in filmmaking as a tool to reach out to different people at different levels in spreading the gospel. I’m not expecting anything less in this year’s edition. I’m looking forward to another time of being propelled to do more and give of my best to the Master.”
*Victor Olukoju:*
“I expect that all Drama MINISTRIES and Gospel film makers will rally round and support GOFEST. It is our own festival…It is far above competition. That is not the aim. It is an effort to encourage us to do what we do better to the glory of God. I have learnt so much by attending GOFEST.”
*Yemi Adepoju:*
“Glad to have GOFESTIVAL again. I am looking forward to the interaction with other Gospel film producers, sharing our pains and gains. I am waiting to see the highly technical professionals in the Film industry that GoFest usually brings to share their experiences and expertise with us.”
*Kunle Adepoju:*
“I expected it to be as most Impactful as it has been, as very resourceful and enlightening, informative as it has been, and much more than that I also expect Gofestival this year to be a moment of revival for gospel movies. I remember when it started, it was a turning point for gospel film making in Nigeria, people began to see very best way of making their movie in an excellent way because they now have a trigger, a measure for them to be able to produce fantastic movies. I believe that the coming of Gofestival this year again will be a revival for improvement of gospel film making.
“I expect a wonderful forum where we discuss issues in gospel filmmaking, where people of like minds will rub minds together, where people can have answers to burning questions in their heart concerning film making. I know it’s going to be great as usual. I will not also forget several films receiving awards. I expect that more films will be submitted this year, more films will be on board for reviews in the sitting of the jury. These are my expectations.”
*Emmanuel Oye:*
“We Thank God for the previous editions of Gofestival. It has been great and glorious. This edition will be greater, better and full of tremendous testimonies of Mighty Acts of God through Gospel films. My expectation is that GOD in His infinite mercy will purge us again, purify us with His refining fire to win more souls and conquer more lands with the emergence of young, vibrant and kingdom visionary soldiers for indelible impacts.”
*Seyi Pedro-Adetola:*
“It has always been awesome. I don’t expect anything less again this year. It’s a Program I always look forward to, because it is always impactful, educating and full of exposure. I learn new things at GOFEST yearly. I’m sure I’m gonna learn more this year. I’m eagerly waiting. God bless Bro Laitan Faranpojo and all the organizers in Jesus’ name.”
*Ololade Okedare:*
“Blessed morning. We are blessed. At the moment, I have no expectations. I trust that the committee will continue to align with the vision. Thank you.”
*Joseph Yemi Adepoju:*
“My expectation is that more emphasis will be on capacity building and strategies for more financial support for faith-based movie makers.”
*Kayode Alao:*
“I expect that the festival will bring us together as one big formidable force for greater kingdom impacts. Also that the festival will bring a drastic improvement in the quality and standard of our productions in all ramifications. That it will not just be a festival as usual but a catalyst for better film makers.”
*Felix Bankole:*
“Personally I’m looking forward to an atmosphere of education and higher Platform because there has been a break and the return of GOFEST is another strong force that will birth a new generation of Christian Film makers filled with the Spirit of God and Excellence. This is my expectation.”
*David Kola Okeowo:*
“I am trusting God that it will be impactful as always. It will be educative. An eye opener. And it will challenge gospel film makers to be the best that God wants them to be. Also, I want to implore brethren to make out time to attend. Knowledge won’t fall on your laps if you don’t seek it.”
*Folusho John Kolawole (Texas):*
“-I would expect a wider reach in Submissions. Global Submissions with more from other African countries apart from Nigeria.
– I expect a concerted effort on focusing on and discussing what makes a movie outstanding. Elements of quality films.
– What are the opportunities out there for Christian films and filmmakers? We should network beyond the norm.
– Explore and bring to limelight, those avenues for growth and wider opportunities.”
Meanwhile, submission of films is strictly opened to films produced between a period of TWO years. This submission is officially open to only films produced and released between 1st of January 2020 and March 15th, 2022 (last day of submission). All entries for the 10th GOFESTIVAL will be made via Filmfreeway. The FESTIVAL will not accept any film that exceeds the 120-minute run as a feature or a short film that is longer than 10 minutes.
This event is slated to take place in the city of Ibadan between the 8th – 11th of June 2022 at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, Gospel Film News can confirm.
Paul-Esupofo Oriade
Honestly I celebrate Bro Olaitan Faranpojo for a great job in giving Gospel movies a voice in midst of Industry. We are so grateful. My experience over the years with Gofestival has made my expectations to be increasing every year, so this year I am expecting more deeper insightful information and materials in filmmaking. Keep the fire fresh