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BIFIF……. Film Meets Nature And Tourism

The Badagry International Film Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF)
Film festivals have become an integral part of cultural innovation and the development of society. With the rise of digital technology, film festivals have become more accessible to people globally, especially in Nigeria and Africa. It has allowed for greater diversity in storytelling, enabling filmmakers to explore new ideas and themes that were previously impossible.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Badagry International Film, Cultural, and Sports Festival (BIFIF) is an annual event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and artistic talent of Badagry, Lagos. Launched in 2023, BIFIF has quickly become a cornerstone for promoting local and international independent filmmakers, fostering cultural exchange, and positioning Badagry as a premier tourist destination in Africa.

BIFIF is registered organization with the CAC Nigeria and a member organisation to NIGERIA FILM FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION (NFFA). This festival is powered by: Gbagi Communications Limited. It serves as an accelerator of ideas, projects, and innovation that drives investments, entrepreneurship, and economic development for the region. Also, the festival thrives on sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all (SDG Goal 8). This film cultural & sports festival has already made considerable progress towards stimulating economic growth, investment opportunities, and boosting tourism in the region. Moreover, the festival has highlighted unique projects and activities that will celebrate African culture while enhancing its connection between African and global societies.

The inaugural edition of BIFIF was a resounding success, drawing participants from across Nigeria, Africa, and the world. It featured a variety of activities, including film screenings, cultural performances, and sports events that highlighted the unique attributes of Badagry. The festival’s integration of traditional elements, such as the Sato Drum Tour, and modern cinematic showcases, bridged the gap between the old and new, offering a holistic experience that captivated audiences.

As we prepare for the 2nd edition, scheduled for November 13th to 16th, 2024, BIFIF is set to expand its reach and impact. This year’s festival will feature a more extensive program with a beach marathon, an expanded film competition, and masterclasses led by industry experts. The 2024 edition aims to build on the foundation laid last year by enhancing the festival’s influence on the local creative economy, providing more opportunities for young filmmakers, and attracting even larger international participation. The festival continues to serve as a platform for showcasing Badagry’s historical and cultural wealth to a global audience, driving tourism and economic growth in the region. 

BACKGROUND

Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State, Nigeria, is steeped in history and cultural richness. Known for its pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade, Badagry is home to numerous historical sites, including the First Storey Building in Nigeria, the Point of No Return, and the Slave Museum. Despite its historical significance, Badagry has often been overlooked as a tourist destination, overshadowed by more prominent Nigerian cities. However, its picturesque landscapes, serene beaches, and rich cultural tapestry present immense untapped potential for tourism and creative industries. The Badagry International Film, Cultural, and Sports Festival (BIFIF) is changing this narrative. By leveraging the town’s historical significance and cultural heritage, BIFIF is transforming Badagry into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and creative expression. The festival not only highlights Badagry’s historical landmarks but also showcases its living culture through film, music, dance, and sports. By bringing together filmmakers, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists from across the globe, BIFIF is positioning Badagry as a must-visit destination.

Moreover, BIFIF is making a significant impact on the local community. Through initiatives like the BIFIF Talent Development Programme (BIFIF Academy), the festival is empowering young creatives with the skills and exposure needed to succeed in the global film industry. By fostering local talent, boosting tourism, and promoting cultural preservation, BIFIF is playing a critical role in driving economic development and social transformation in Badagry. 

SOLUTION

BIFIF is an annual inclusive festival and one of its kind within the metropolis of Badagry and her borders that will use films, arts and sporting activities to generate more than 3,000 jobs in Badagry for all her economic opportunities sectors. The tourism spending will contribute more than $20,000 annually to the economy and supports approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in Badagry.

 

GOAL

The goal of the festival is to use talents and creativity through films, arts and sports to spread awareness and preserve the decaying African culture globally while promoting tourism and human capacity development.

 

OBJECTIVES
1. Promote Badagry as a prime cultural and tourist destination by showcasing its historical

significance and natural beauty through film, cultural events, and sports.

  1. Support and develop local talent by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for young filmmakers and creatives through the BIFIF Academy.
  2. Foster cultural exchange by creating a platform for filmmakers and cultural practitioners from across Africa and the world to share and celebrate diverse stories and traditions.
  3. Boost the local economy by attracting tourists, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activities in Badagry through increased local and international participation in the festival.
  4. Preserve and promote Badagry’s heritage by using film and cultural events to tell the stories of Badagry’s past, ensuring that its historical significance is recognized globally.

PROJECT BENEFITS

  1. To discover and nurture local
  2. To Create and provide an avenue for relaxation,networking and
  3. To expose local film-makers,artists and sports individuals to the international
  4. To stimulate the tourism potential in the Ancient city of
  5. To rejuvenate the economic activities of the Badagry
  6. To inspire and install our cultural values in potential and aspiring celebrities in the entertainment sector.

OUTCOME/IMPACTS

  1. Increased tourism activities and revenue within the Badagry
  2. Enhanced exposure and recognition of local talents on a global
  3. Promote cultural diversity,heritage preservation,and social
  4. Creation of job opportunities,skills development,and economic
  5. Strengthened community engagement, civic responsibility,and international
  6. Showcase the power of Badagry, Lagos and Nigeria to the tourism and film industries in Africa and the world at large.

PROJECT REACH

Over 1,000,000 physically + Over 75 million via online, radio and TV

 

MONITORING/EVALUATION

  1. Daily report and documentation of activities and
  2. Quarterly review of the festival after-effects on the
  3. Close monitoring of promising stars of the
  4. Partnering with grassroot communities for better improvement of future

SPONSORS BENEFITS

  1. This festival will increase local,national,and international media attention to the sponsor’s brand.
  2. It will help in repositioning Badagry’svisibility in the highly competitive hospitality
  3. Increase your already 45% tourism revenue to 65% within and after the
  4. Help the organization gain customer traction at no
  5. It will increase filmmakers’patronage by100%.
  6. Help inretaining existing clientele

 

SUSTAINABILITY

The festival intends to bring in and empower a younger audience by offering a range of services and activities created along with emerging audiovisual talents.

 

Little snippet of Badagry town ..

Badagry is an ancient town flooded with rich historical relics and monuments, a coastal community in Lagos state that prides itself as the cradle of civi­lization in Nigeria. The historic city founded in 1425 AD known for its tourism and agriculture boom, contributes significantly to the economic prosperity of its indigenes and dwellers..

 

Badagry subsists majorly on fishing and agriculture and is said to generate the highest Nigeria Customs duties income from the Seme border, which according to history, was arbitrarily drawn by France and Britain to prevent the territory from falling under the control of another European country. Its proximity to the Badagry town and the rich historical monuments makes the community enjoy massive vehicular and human traffic daily.
However, Badagry International Film Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF) received over 3,030 movie submissions worldwide on filmfreeway.com, and hosted over 2,000 attendees from Nigeria, Africa, and Diaspora. Over the past few years, we have created a platform for young people through our sister organisation MBMFIF trained and engaged as content creators, writers, production assistants, buyers, makeup artists, props managers, art directors, costumier, camera assistants, cultural consultants, production managers, gaffers, sparks, location scouting agents, location managers, caterers, camera operators, directors, producers and other expressions of arts and entertainment for short films, movies, music video, live shows, reportage, and documentary productions.

According to a survey conducted by the International Festival and Event Association (IFEA), the special events industry is estimated to include 4 to 5 million dollars in the economy of the host communities and has a significant economic impact globally. The benefits of festivals and special events are demonstrated more explicitly in rural settings, particularly in boosting local economies, continuing employment, and rural destination promotion.