Guyana to produce three more films this year –local industry has much potential

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (GCCI), in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies under the CINE Guyana brand, will be producing a series of films. Marketing Executive at Courts and Secretary of the GCCI, Molly Hassan, at a press conference on Wednesday noted that after unanimous support from the members of the GCCI, requests were sent out for sponsorship to produce these films. Three sponsors have so far come forward – Courts Guyana Inc., Digicel Guyana, and German’s Restaurant. Courts Guyana Inc. has donated the sum of $250,000, Digicel Guyana $1 million, and German’s Restaurant an undisclosed amount.
President of the GCCI, the owner of the German Restaurant, thanked the sponsors and expressed the need for emphasis on the emerging of the industry and the involvement of the private sector.
Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Director of the Centre of Communication Studies at the University of Guyana, as well as the President’s Film Endowment Project, noted how difficult it is to find sponsors for something that is new and innovative, and with such a short track record. She thus extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors for taking this leap of faith.
Dr. Mohamed noted that last year’s films premiered in seven film festivals in places such as Nigeria, London, Barbados and New York, and a total of 188 persons were trained, exclusive of actors. These persons include technical personnel in lighting, sound, costume and make-up. “That resource is now out there, and you have to develop it and utilize it,” Dr. Mohamed noted.
She also noted that the premiere of these films helped to market the brand of the sponsors, such as Digicel. She made reference to the Digicel umbrellas which were used in the staging of these films, and aided in the marketing of this company in the above places. Dr. Mohamed also said that persons who haven’t been to Guyana in a long time were moved by the films, making reference to the Guyanese accent.
Marketing Manager of Courts Guyana Inc., Tamara Rodney-Clarke, noted that Courts is pleased to be part of the initiative which will aid in developing Guyanese culture. She said it is important to support our people and nurture our culture. “It has much potential, and we’ve realised that,” she added. This is Courts’ first year as a sponsor for this initiative.
On the other hand, this is the second consecutive year that Digicel Guyana is a sponsor. Public Relations Manager of Digicel Guyana, Shonette Moore, noted that this will aid in the preservation of Guyana’s rich heritage; and from viewing last year’s project, this year’s has huge potential.
Dr. Paloma Mohamed noted that between now and December, 2012, three films will be produced with the sponsorship obtained from these companies.

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