The leading films and movies production company in The Gambia, Vinasha Productions, has opened a free screen-writing classes for the general public, starting from the 9th to the 31st of December 2006, at the Alliance Franco-Gambiene on Kairaba Avenue.

The Executive Director of the company, Nana Offori Atta, said that the almost one month-long classes is part of the activities marking the first ever Festival of Gambian Movies. The festival will run from the 1st-31st December 2006, and its aim , according to the Executive Director, is to promote a sustainable movie industry in the Gambia.

Adding “there is a need to train potential and committed personnel interested in becoming screen writers, actors and actresses, who will sustain the country’s movie industry”. She therefore urged the general public to support the country’s nascent movie industry, and adopt a taste for Gambian movies, instead of relying on only foreign ones.

Mr Segun Oguntola, the Creative Director of Vinasha, assured the general public of his company’s open door policy to anyone interested in improving their screen writing skills.

As part of the festival, there will be a movies awards ceremony at the Kairaba Hotel on December 26th. And people are invited to vote for their favourite actors and actresses, on or before December 24th.

To enter, call or send SMS to 9907357 to register the name of your chosen movie star. These are the nominees: Felix Ceesay, Modou Musa Ceesay, Cherno Njie, Alhaji Saihou Sarr Nyohorr, Ousman Jassey, Modou Lamin Manneh, Modou Lamin Touray and Lamin Mbenga.