Films bring jobs in the picture

African Film Academy (AFA) founder Peace Anyiam-Osigwe has called on government and private firms to invest in the country’s stunted film industry because it has the potential to tremendously reduce unemployment.

Speaking in an interview in Blantyre on Friday, Osigwe said the film industry employs many in her country, Nigeria. She reckons Malawi can replicate the success story by making filmmaking a priority and ensuring artists strive for quality productions.

“In Nigeria, the film industry accommodates millions of people and many consider it their main career. For that reason, they give it a priority. Both the government and the corporate world recognise the industry and give it good support that is why it has grown very fast,” she said.

One of the most powerful and highly-respected women in the Nigeria movie sector (Nollywood), Peace is a veteran filmmaker-cum-director. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in law and political science from Oxford Brookes University, UK, and she is the brains behind the Africa Movie Academy Awards (Amaa). She is also a recipient of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Her sentiments echo what actor Mama G (real name Patience Ozokwor) said when she visited the country for a series of performances in 2011.

Osingwe added that the industry can contribute a good percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in form of sales and tax.

The industry benefits various artists, including actors, stage managers, costume makers, fashion designers, script writers and visual artists.

Osigwe, who has also been recognised for her contributions to the film industry, urged female artists in the country not
to look down on themselves.