Huge effort to stimulate local film industry

GOVERNMENT is pumping funds into the local film industry to ensure its sustainability; and is contributing towards the public understanding, appreciation and significance of the industry.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, with responsibility for Sports and Culture, Nicolette Henry, made this disclosure while delivering an address at the launching of Cine Guyana Inc’s Golden Jubilee Short Film Festival at the National Resource Centre on Friday.

Minister Henry said government would also ensure local movies were made more accessible to a wider audience, as the films launched will also be shown in St Ignatius in the Rupununi, Anna Regina and Bartica in Essequibo, and New Amsterdam in Berbice.

The Film Festival forms part of a collaborative effort between government and Cine Guyana to make them part of the calendar of events to observe Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. This effort builds on an existing bond between the two, which began in 2011 with government providing a grant to stimulate the film industry of Guyana.

“The future of Guyana’s film industry will be based on the work that you – or at least the many representatives of many parts of the film sector – have done. During 2011, the President’s film endowment project initiated and facilitated dialogue between many stakeholders, (and) we need to leverage that and foster an open climate in which the diversity of stories and talents is the greatest asset of films of every type,” the minister told the gathering.

She posed questions crucial to the development of the industry, leaving stakeholders to ponder the way forward in accomplishing the goal of developing a top-class film industry.

“One of the questions that need to be asked is how can we get systems that identify all these different ‘best projects? How sure can we be about our assessments and predictions? How can we ensure that we have robust and well-established production companies that manage – in times of success and setbacks alike – to maintain continuity and quality while encouraging smaller and perhaps untested actors to participate in development and innovation?” the minister asked.

Minister Henry said the development of artistic abilities, as well as the development of business methods and models, is essential “for the long-term survival of the local film sector, and to ensure that film lovers can enjoy a broad and high-quality range of films.”

“We need to continue to work on more technology-neutral forms of support. Media habits have changed dramatically in the past five years, and we know that streaming and home cinema systems are increasingly part of people’s everyday lives,” she revealed.

She added that during the festival, stakeholders will have a chance to “sink into our seats and experience these eight local films in the company of others; and all around, before and afterwards, the conversations and discussions will go on.”

Government’s vision is “for every Guyanese to be able to enjoy a ‘good life’” she said, and though the “good life” accomplishment is not just a dream, greater equality of opportunity is needed in order to achieve economic growth, as a “good life” involves removing inequalities and providing opportunities to benefit ‘every citizen’ to be the best they can be.

“We live in a time of great need for something good to happen, for lots to happen that will ensure the next 50 years are much better than the last 50. It is time for a fresh start, a new beginning. It is time to redouble our efforts to eradicate poverty. Our government is committed to promoting sustained economic growth, reducing inequalities, and increasing opportunities,” Minister Henry said.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES CeneGuyana President Phillip Williams said that while Guyana has a story, and Guyanese, drawing on their unique experiences, location and rich culture, have stories to tell, the films featured in the Independence Festival represent an interesting mix of themes and genres that reflect the rich culture of Guyana.

He said that supporting the films is “about us looking at and appreciating ourselves” in films which have been featured in festivals and at cultural and educational events in various parts of the world.

“It’s an amazing experience watching the reaction of Guyanese abroad when they look at these stories. When we learn to love ourselves, we are better able to celebrate and sell that image,” he posited.

He said CineGuyana intends to take to schools countrywide the skills and knowledge acquired, and has an ongoing membership recruitment programme to improve the film industry and open its doors to greater involvement.

“Our aim is to foster the development of Guyanese film-makers and the film/creative industry in Guyana. Our initial eight films were produced with hard work, skilful leadership and sacrifice” under the guidance of Burchmore Simon and Denis Ward of Cross Colour Studios, and with Dr. Paloma Mohamed as leader, he said.

He opined that, with more involvement, Guyana’s film industry would have greater accomplishments.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much. We are passionate about being Guyanese. We are excited to share our stories. We can’t do it alone,” he said, before expressing gratitude to the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Education, and the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee.

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