Callywood, the Cross River State Government’s film department, has called for a stronger partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, to promote the state’s film industry, culture, people, tourism and development through movies and documentaries.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Callywood, Hon. Eric Anderson, made the call when he led members of his team on a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar.
Callywood Department Established Under Governor Otu
Anderson explained that although Callywood had existed for several years and previously operated under two Directors-General, the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu established it as a full department, with 15 filmmakers appointed to drive its activities.
According to him, the department is focused on building a sustainable film industry that can create opportunities for filmmakers while showcasing Cross River State to audiences within and outside Nigeria.
He disclosed that Callywood, in partnership with the Office of the Chairman of the Youth Empowerment Scheme, had trained and certified 212 people in filmmaking.
The training involved resource persons from Lagos and experienced professionals based in Cross River State, providing participants with practical skills in filmmaking and related creative fields.
Callywood Academy in the Works
The Special Adviser revealed that plans were underway to establish a Callywood Academy, which would provide a sustainable structure for training and develop a pool of skilled filmmakers and other professionals in the state.
He added that the department was also building partnerships with security agencies and other relevant institutions to facilitate film production and storytelling, particularly stories highlighting Cross River’s history, culture and traditional values.
‘Crackdown’ Feature Film, ‘The Hunters’ Documentary Underway
Anderson disclosed that Callywood was currently in pre-production for its first feature film, Crackdown, which focuses on security-related issues.
Another documentary, The Hunters, is also being produced. The documentary tells the story of an ageing retired official hunter whose experiences and knowledge could inspire younger generations.
He stressed that Callywood was not established merely to produce movies, but also to use film as a powerful platform for showcasing Cross River State to the world.
The department intends to highlight the state’s indigenous languages, people, tourist destinations, cultural heritage and developmental achievements through movies and documentaries.
Callywood Seeks Media Support
Anderson appealed to the NUJ to partner with Callywood by using professional journalism and media platforms to amplify the department’s programmes, productions and achievements.
“We don’t want to wait until the end of the government before we start telling people what is happening in Callywood,” Anderson said.
He noted that sustained media coverage would be essential to communicating the department’s activities and connecting its productions with wider audiences.
The Special Adviser also disclosed that Callywood was exploring various revenue streams to achieve financial sustainability.
Among the initiatives is a filmmaking, acting and content creation book for senior secondary school students, which is currently undergoing review by the Ministry of Education.
If approved, the books will be supplied to secondary schools across Cross River State as part of the department’s revenue-generation strategy.
Callywood also plans to invest in movie productions and collaborate with filmmakers by providing platforms for their works while generating revenue through mutually beneficial partnerships.
NUJ Pledges Support for Callywood
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, congratulated Anderson on his appointment and expressed the council’s readiness to collaborate with Callywood in projecting Cross River positively.
Bassey described Anderson as a professional with the requisite experience for the position, noting their shared roots in Diamond and background in Theatre Arts.
She stressed that the media has a critical role to play in promoting government programmes and achievements, but effective publicity requires collaboration between government agencies and journalists.
“When you know our value, when you know our worth and come to us, we are in it with you all the way,” she said.
The NUJ chairman assured the Callywood team that the union would remain available to support initiatives capable of projecting Cross River State and placing it prominently on the global map.
Callywood Opens Doors to Talents Across Cross River
During an interactive session, NUJ members raised questions concerning revenue generation, casting opportunities, inclusion of filmmakers from different parts of the state and preservation of Callywood’s history.
Responding to concerns about casting, Anderson said Callywood was open to talents from all parts of Cross River State, promising opportunities for local actors and actresses to develop their careers and grow into established stars.
He disclosed that plans were underway to extend filmmaking training to the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, ensuring that the industry benefits talents across the state.
He also said future productions would reflect Cross River’s cultural diversity, including films produced in Efik, Bekwarra and other indigenous languages.
Aspiring actors and actresses were encouraged to follow Callywood Studios on Facebook and Instagram for updates on training programmes, auditions and casting calls.
Anderson explained that Callywood uses both table casting, based on specific character requirements, and general auditions when roles are opened to the wider public.
Callywood Wall of Fame Planned
The Special Adviser further disclosed plans to establish a Callywood Wall of Fame to preserve the memories and contributions of pioneers and notable personalities who have contributed to the development of Cross River’s film industry.
The initiative is expected to provide a lasting record of the people who played significant roles in the evolution of Callywood.
The NUJ chairman also advised the Callywood leadership to bring all stakeholders together, irrespective of previous divisions or affiliations.
She emphasised the importance of unity and inclusiveness in building a strong and sustainable creative industry, urging Anderson to constitute a formidable team and carry stakeholders along.
The visit ended with both parties expressing optimism about deeper collaboration between Callywood and the NUJ in promoting Cross River State’s creative industry, cultural heritage, tourism and development to audiences in Nigeria and around the world.
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