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Having successfully scaled through the hurdles of identifying acting potentials in Kogi State, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Entertainments, Arts and Culture, Mercy Johnson Okojie has resumed location for the shooting of “Inikpi,” a tale of the legendary Igala princess warrior.
Speaking with newsmen before the commencement of shooting on Thursday 26th October 2017, media aide to the veteran actress, Isyak Alex-Adeiza stated that the movie was one of the two objectives the actress intended to actualize with her “GYBTalentHunt” programme which she successfully concluded about two months ago.
“Apart from top veteran actors like Saheed Balogun, Sam Dede and others, the bulk of the talents casted for this epic movie are people who proved themselves beyond every reasonable doubt during the talent hunt. This is a case of hurling one stone to kill two birds.
“While we were hunting for the best talents with prizes attached, we also took note of the other assets for this movie project, and they are here today starring as actors and actresses in a Kogi folklore going to the world,” he said.
Revealing that the winners of the talent hunt would be announced during the movie premiere slated for next year, Alex was optimistic that the premiere will not only project the folklore to the international community, but also launch the upcoming talents selected to take roles.
“With the support of the state government to this project, we are also glad that the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom, HRH Michael Ameh Oboni II has given us a nod to take one of the legendary stories in the state to the world.
“Last week, the movie team led by Ace Producer, Frank Rajah, embarked on a tour of related historical locations in Idah, where the Attah Igala delegated one his own as a guide to the Inachalo river, Inikpi’s statue, Omadoko statue and other sites,” he added.
Also speaking, the award winning screenwriter, Amoto Okomanyi shared his experience while plotting the movie, describing it as an incredible adventure any writer would want to explore.
He said: “There are several phenomena in the past that bares upon human sacrifices, but the inikpi event is an exceptional one that tells not just an unconditional love for her father and the people, but also courage and willingness to die in order to save her people.
“The Inikpi story is an incredible one that any writer would want to explore because it is rich, comprehensive and could be told from various angles. Through the process of research, I was abashed with shock about my findings. I discovered from a new perspective, the intricate luxury of the African cultural heritage, absolute reverence for authority, high moral values and their Belief systems.
“More importantly l learned that the Igalas as well as their Bini counterparts were well organized and long civilized even before Egypt and Europe. It is a pleasure therefore and a great opportunity to be a part of this project.”
However, he noted that the pertinent idea is to unite not only the Kogi people, but also the various groups in the country.
Amoto Okomanyi wrote 76, the biggest winner at the 2017 AMVCA award.
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