Two members of the Association of Movie Practitioners Nigeria have arrived in the Gambia to enhance the capacity of this nations actors. They will also shoot a film about the slave trade during their visit.
 
Mezeako Chigozie,mo the Executive Director and Oraka Patrick, his Secretary General, arrived a few days ago to train Gambians in movie production.

Chigozie said they came to The Gambia to help because of the huge number of requests they have received to do so. He says Nigerian films are popular in The Gambia and, as a result, they are very well known here.

“We have brought a script on the slave trade which when made will attract international attention,” he said. He emphasised their eagerness to have a strong Gambian involvement in the project along with contributions from Portuguese Europeans and nationals from other African Nations.

He pointed out that Nigerian films always feature in film festivals but if Gambians are involved their names will also appear. “We are ready to help young people and we have all it takes to make it work,” Chigozie told The Point.

He said that the project will help create employment for young people because acting and filmmaking is a profession. It will, according to him, lift the country’s name and create employment for Gambian young people along the way. He says, in showing the youth of the nation how movies are made their appreciation of the art form will increase.

“We have some groups practicing and we shall meet the heads to tell them about our mission and teach.

Chigozie went on to say, “They shall inform them, train them, have auditions and then we select those suitable to shoot the movie on the slave trade. It is meant to help the youth of the country.”

Godwin Adole, the Artistic Director, said this is the time to become and artist. He said interested youths should go to their office at Tranquility Residence at Brusubi or call 9925760 or Matty Jobe on 7062948.

They intend to visit SoS for information and all media houses. Plans are underway to bring Patience (Mama G) Aki and Paw Paw along with other stars to come and perform in The Gambia.