Pat Nebo: Tunde Kelani Deserves a National Honour

Pat Nebo: Tunde Kelani  Deserves a National Honour

Prolific art director and production designer Pat Nebo during his session at the Nollywood Film Studies Centre’s The Filmmaker Forum stated that veteran cinematographer Tunde Kelani deserves a national honour for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Nebo, who has worked with Kelani on different productions, praised his professionalism and the way he highlights topical issues in his film. He gave an example of ‘Arugba’, a 2008 production he worked on with the cinematographer. The film he said highlighted climate change and how Nigerians through their actions can help keep the environment safe. The film won an award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2009.

Kelani’s film career spans more than four decades. His films are notable for showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the country while educating his audience on social, political and cultural issues. His latest film ‘Ayinla’ is based on the life and times of the legendary singer Ayinla ‘Omowura’ Waheed Yusuf. Collaborating with a younger filmmaker Jade Osiberu, the film was financially backed by First Bank Nigeria. He was also among the list of filmmakers noted for their contribution to the film industry in Femi Akintunde-Johnson’s book ‘Reflections on Nigeria’s Movie Industry: Salute to Pioneering Creativity & Perseverance’ released early this year.

Nebo, who also has spent close to 30 years in the Nigerian film industry, advised students to show excellence in their projects while sharing details of his experiences on different film sets. For instance, while talking about the importance of research to art direction, he disclosed that during the filming of ‘’76’, the Izu-Ojukwu’s directed film, they had to find the original military uniforms worn in the 70s to reflect the setting of the film.

The art director began his career in 1993 with his role as a production designer in ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’, a 1993 production. Today, his outstanding works can be seen in critically acclaimed films such as ‘The Milkmaid’ ‘The Figurine’ and ‘Lionheart’. Although he worked mainly behind the scenes, Nebo has exhibited his acting skills in two films ‘The Figurine’ and ‘’76’. He is a recipient of several awards that include the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Art Director for his work in’76’.

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