Are you a fan of Nigerian movies? Do you have one Nollywood star you would like to meet and possibly share a light moment together?

Well, you finally have a chance to give your movie idol a free ticket to come and meet you in South Sudan.

The South Sudan Film Union (SSFU) said they will allow open participation from members of the public to pick the six Nollywood stars to visit Juba later this year.

The six, three actors, and the same number of actresses will be among the celebrated Nigerian film stars expected in the country for an exchange program as South Sudan prepares to expand its film industry.

According to a South Sudanese filmmaker, Joseph Lubajo, who is currently leading the SSFU steering committee, local filmmakers are encouraged to prepare to be a part of the project and share the experience with some of the biggest names in Africa’s film industry.

“We have the honour of inviting six actors and actresses from Nollywood to South Sudan for the first time, with the goal of boosting the film industry and implementing a film project in the country, gradually,” Lubajo said.

The union reached the decision to partner with Nigeria’s film industry, which is valued at $6.4 billion as of 2021, following a meeting with Dr Nadia Arop Dudi, Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, last week.

“The main goal of bringing together those top Nollywood Nigerian actors and actresses is to promote cultural diversity and development by bringing together young South Sudanese, particularly filmmakers in the country, to gain experience from the beloved actors and actresses.”

Nollywood contributes 2.3 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with over 2500 movies produced annually.

There are about 28 actors and actresses (15 men and 13 women) on the list, but South Sudanese movie enthusiasts will have a loud voice in picking the six.

Male filmmakers include John Okafor, also known as “Mr. Ibu’, Osita Iheme (Haki), Majid Michael (Christ), Ramsey Nouah, Chinedu Ikedieze, Mike Ezuruonye, Yul Edochie, Chidi Mokeme, Jim Iyke, Nkem Owoh, Zubby Michael, Frederick Leonard, Alex Ekubo, Ime Bishop Umoh (Okon Lagos), and Kanayo Kana.

Others are Oge Okoye, Patience Ozokwor, Chika Ike, Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson, Luchy Donald, Chizzy Alichi, Tonto Dike, Shan George, Stephanie Okereke, Rita Dominic, Omotola Jalade and Regina Daniels.