As our citizens go to the polls to elect or return new or serving leaders to direct the affairs of state for a four year term, issues concerning what Nollywood will benefit from any of the elected leaders worries me to the marrow.
Ever since the present administration announced and actually set aside a US$200 million for the arts and culture sector in the country as government direct intervention for the development of the industry last year, it has sparked off varied interest both within and outside the industry.
Most of our movie stars and other practitioners have even gone for crash courses in writing beautiful proposals to enable them access the funds to execute their projects. As commendable as that and other actions may be, other strategic issues remain unaddressed.
What are the incentives available for new entrants in the different spheres that form Nollywood? Will Nollywood benefit from new technology subsidized by the new funds? What training and exposure needs will the leading practitioners be exposed to in the new dispensation? Will the misunderstanding among the various individuals claiming to represent Nollywood (NANTAP: National Association of Theatre Practitioners) allow the purpose of the fund set aside to see the light of the day? How will the exhibitors, gaffers, theatre groups (not movies), extras and other support services in the entertainment industry benefit from the fund? More important how will the government support or help sustain the industry over a long term to maturity?
There has not been adequate orientation on the contents and context of the funds to the general public since its inception. Except for the government officials, who have a full grasp of the intended direction of the fund and a few practitioners in the industry, no other individual or group has been spared the modalities for the disbursement of the fund. Our policy makers ought to make all information available beyond mere announcements but adequate information dissemination to all and sundry as it concerns the nation as a whole and most of all, taxpayers’ money. What matters most is the implementation of the purpose of the funds.
However, practitioners in the entertainment industry are encouraged by this act of government as nothing like this has ever happened to the entertainment, arts and culture industry in its more than half a century of existence.
I still believe that the federal government through its relevant agencies will find the appropriate fora to disseminate information about the funds set aside for the industry.
Practitioners in the industry should not abandon government to do everything. Rather, the practitioners who have benefited and/or have first hand information about the fund should endeavor to educate others. They could go as far as organizing paid seminars for the purpose. Yes, this is the information age and information is power.
Well one disheartening issue is that no member of the entertainment industry is vying for elective position at either the upper or lower house of the senate. The industry will always lag behind if it abandons or allows its future to be directed by novices or politicians who have nothing to contribute to it or do not know how to go about formulating good growth policies to the industry. Only those who wear shoes know where it pinches most, so says a popular adage.
The industry stands to benefit most if it presents its own for elective,ministerial and also fight for the development agency positions (i.e.Director General) in government agencies responsible for promoting entertainment. Commendations must go to those who have served as commissioners of arts and culture. The Edo and Delta state governments get my particular commendation for recognizing artists at the highest level and equally giving them a role.
However, the industry practitioners need federal presence to be able to impact on society and get immediate attention to its needs. As the third largest movie industry in the world, the industry will require an experienced practitioner to get the government to protect it from dwindling to the abyss.
I wish the industry the best as we await the results of the 2011 general elections.
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