Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, teacher and social innovator Frank Nweke Jr and Emeka Mba have thrown their weight behind the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, ENIFF.

The fourth edition of the festival, according to the organisers, will run in Enugu from November 21 to November 25.

CJ Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ is billed to open the festival at Viva cinema as 35 other films from 20 countries have been lined up for the film festival. The festival judges are led by Dr. Ezinne Ezepue.

Ujuaku Nwakalor Akukwe and Chris Odili, co-founders of ENIFF in a joint press statement stated that ENIFF honour the remarkable contributions of the Southeast region of Nigeria to the history of filmmaking on the African continent and beyond.

The duo noted that since inception in 2020, ENIFF has become a global platform for filmmakers, attracting over five thousand submissions from creative talents around the world.

In addition to the film lineup, ENIFF 2023 offers tailor-made master classes and workshops designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of filmmakers.

The sessions will be led by Femi Odugbemi, Ego Boyo, Emeka Mba, Jahman Anikulapo, Frank Nweke Jnr, Chiege Alisigwe, Ujuaku Akukwe and a host of others. Previous facilitators include Obi Asika, Kene Mkparu and Mark Holden.

According to the festival organiser, Kosi Nwoba, the collaborations with various agencies and governments will help create a dynamic platform that celebrates diversity and fosters creative connections.

The family of the Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has revealed that the actor successfully underwent five surgeries and would be flown abroad for further treatment soon.

This was disclosed in a statement on the actor’s Instagram page on Tuesday, October 31.

It read, “We want to thank God and most especially the general public for their support, encouragement, and prayers during this trying period for our dad.

“We called on good Nigerians, and we are very grateful for the response in every aspect, most especially the donations; they came in very timely and very helpful.

“So far, Daddy has gone through five successful surgeries, and he is still recovering in the ICU. Daddy is immensely grateful, and we are thankful to the general public during this phase of our lives. Thank you, and as soon as Daddy is better, he will personally acknowledge all donations, respectively.

“We are still counting on all your prayers and unwavering support as we pray he gets stabilised quickly to enable us to fly him abroad for further advanced treatment. The John Okafor family is grateful to all Nigerians.”

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation had earlier in October settled the medical bill of the Nollywood actor, John Okafor.