30 Years of Movie Making by Africa’s Iconic Movie Maker: Lancelot Oduwanre Imasuen; Celebrating the Mystery of Process
Lancelot Oduwanre Imasuen
Lancelot Oduwanre Imasuen-De Guv is an extra ordinary being. From grass to grace, from lame to fame, he has established himself as an enigmatic film maker that has put Benin and Edo in the World Map.
As a man who is destined for greatnes he was among those who started the eclectic radio programme – ‘Variety Time’ on the then Bendel Broadcasting Service, with the likes of Ellian Otote and Ambassador Ehigiamusor. The programme was a beehive of brain tasking activities that kept the youth glued to then Bendel Broadcasting Service.
He was among the Pioneer of Nollywood, as he churned out one block buster to another. He remains one of the pioneers of action packed, suspense filled and intriguing movies, that are reminiscent of Hollywood Blockbusters. He created some of Nigeria’s first sets of Movie Super Heros , with a bit of hubris.
As at today, he remains the only film maker to address a session of the African Union Commission on cultural and entertainment issues .He is indeed a cultural ambassador and a true son of Benin , whose movie “Invasion 1897”, re-enacted the conversation of the return of the Benin Artefacts and the need for reparation of the evils of the Benin Invasion and the Benin Massacre of February, 1897.
His love for literary development is seen in the establishment of the Benin Poetry Club and the establishment of the Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot (Oil) Foundation , which intends to re-introduce dramatic clubs in schools and take drama and cinema back to the streets .
The programmes for the celebrations of Lancelot Movie at 30 will berth in Owerri , with the International Students’ Film Festival. The celebrant will stop over at his secondary school -Eghosa Grammar School, where he will formally launch the Oil Foundation.
The Programmes will climax in Ikoyi Lagos , as the book written about him by International acclaimed writer and Convener of the Naija Poetry Fest, Godson Osarenren, “A Trip in Motion” is launched at the Prestigious Mike Adenuga Centre.
This programme is a testament that we should celebrate people while they are alive and not when they leave this life we fake am for their wives (Patoranking). Celebrate him, now that he is alive. Lancelot Oduwanre Imasuen-De Guv’ is more like a movie avatar, a game changer, who created a new vista in movie making in Nigeria.It is because of this, the Nigerian Government designated him as one of 60 people that has changed the face of film making and arts in general in Nigeria,for which he was given an Award by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
We celebrate grace, we celebrate greatness, we celebrate hard work, we celebrate success, we celebrate innovation, we celebrate creativity. All these and more is what Ambassador (Dr.) Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen represents.We wish him more years of creativity with thespians. There are greater years ahead !
About the Author:
By: Douglas Ogbankwa Esq.@douglasogbankwa@gmail.com
Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., is the President of Benin Writers Society and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Lancelot Movie Making @ 30.
