November 30th marked the grand conclusion of an extraordinary month of events, culminating in the first edition of the Enugu Photo Festival. Curated by Chidera Sam-Eze, this year’s theme, “Shades of Coal – Revisiting Time,” captured the rich history and enduring legacy of Enugu’s coal mining communities.
The closing ceremony, held at the iconic Bona Art Gallery in Enugu, owned by the legendary Bona Ezeudu, was a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and history. The event was co-hosted in partnership with Afrochives Studio, led by Adachukwu Onwudiwe and Creative Director Toochi Gabriel, both of whom attended the celebration. Anchored by Vera Chidimma (Chief Vera) of Afia TV, the ceremony featured a soulful jazz performance by the Enugu Jazz Society and a powerful poetry rendition by Blessing Idoreyin.
One of the highlights of the day was the screening of “The Gift,” a new short film from Afrochives Studio, along with several other selected short films. The screenings sparked thoughtful discussions among attendees, including Engr. Hyacinth Ohagwu, a retired coal miner, who shared his reflections: “My people say no one is all-knowing. I keep learning every day, and this festival has taught me so much. I never realized that art, particularly photography, could be so expository. It has broadened my mind, and I am now planning to buy a camera for myself and introduce my children to this world.”
The festival’s curator, Chidera Sam-Eze, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for their enthusiastic support. She announced an exciting lineup of post-festival activities beginning in January 2025, including follow-up exhibitions, school visits to share the stories captured during the festival, and workshops with portfolio reviews in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, there are plans to take the exhibition beyond Enugu, with Germany being a potential international destination.
Special thanks were extended to Goethe-Institut Nigeria for their invaluable support of the emerging Enugu Photo Community and to the National Museum of Unity for hosting the exhibition. The Museum’s curator has expressed a desire to keep the exhibition open for an extended period, offering more opportunities for the public to engage with this important historical narrative.
The Enugu Photo Festival team also acknowledged key partners, including Afrochives Studio and the Centre for Memories, for their significant contributions.
As the festival concluded, the atmosphere was one of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead. This inaugural edition has set a strong foundation, promising a future where the stories of Enugu’s coal miners—and the rich culture of the region—continue to be revisited, shared, and celebrated.
