In continuation of its drive to encourage youngsters in the creative industry, SPAR Nigeria has rewarded Mariam Kayode for her role as the ’Best Child Actor’ in the movie “The Coffin Salesman ”directed by Imoh Umoren at the third edition of the RealTime Film Festival.
The festival, which took place at multiple locations across Lagos, feature about 178 short movies of various genres from 156 countries that was screened alongside four feature films.
John Goldsmith, the group head of marketing for SPAR Nigeria, says Nigerian children need to be aided to achieve their aims in life. According to Goldsmith, many children who are interested in film productions and performing arts have not had a leeway into the movie industry.
“Creative expressions cannot be separated from the realities of this age. Nigerians are doing great exploits globally and we need to nurture the upcoming talents, which will in turn enhance the creative industry in the country in general. Our brand will continue to support the development of the Nigerian child through various initiatives,” Goldsmith states.
Stanlee Ohikhuare, the artistic director, RealTime Film Festival, says the sponsorship by SPAR has helped in extending the frontiers of the festival, stating that the emergence of talented children can be encouraged with incentives that will contribute to their overall success in the industry.
“The creative industry in the country will blossom the more if brands like SPAR and others support the ingenuity of everyone with the film making sector. We look forward to rewarding more upcoming talents and we will equally celebrate their creativity till they come into maturity in the industry,” Ohikhuare says.
In her response to the award, Mariam says, “I am excited to be a recipient of the award this year, SPAR has rewarded me for being a part of the movie industry and I will give my best to acting till the brand becomes so proud of me. This year’s award will spur me more into action. Every company that encourages children like SPAR is developing the future of Nigeria.”
The festival boast it’s self as the only festival with competitive category for films made by kids. The organisers of the festival equally put together a workshop where children were taught the rudiments of filmmaking and their productions are shown at the annual festival.
