LOCAL film organisation CineGuyana yesterday received $1M from the Office of the Prime Minister, through Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, to aid in the production of a local film which will be done in Essequibo.According to the Prime Minister, the money — granted upon request — was not a donation or a gift, since it was one which the organisation deserves for its priceless contribution to the local film industry.

The Prime Minister revealed that it was something he had wanted to do since he made the first draft of the broadcast legislation in 1993-94. During that time, he said, he had lobbied for a percentage of the revenue from broadcasting to go to local producers, to encourage them to make local programmes, films and documentaries.

And while the organisation is currently equipped with talent that has secured regional and international recognition, the Prime Minister revealed, government wants to create a fund that will be financed by revenue garnered from the National Broadcasting Authority to push the film industry.

But this would be a defined percentage, he said, noting that this fund must not be exposed to vulnerabilities in that, if the government changes, it would be discontinued. Therefore, he stressed, the fund would be a fixed percentage of the revenue generated.

Further, he revealed that a committee will be set up and mandated to outline the rules as to who can apply to be helped from the fund. Nevertheless, it will be open to all producers, he said.

In addition to this fund, the Prime Minister underscored the need for local production to dominate the local film industry.

He stressed that the country is capable of producing programmes with humour, which are created by Guyanese for Guyanese. And this, according to him, would attract and create an advertising market.

“Ultimately, this would lead to development of CineGuyana,” he said said.

President of CineGuyana, Phillip Williams, who received the cheque, expressed his appreciation for the contribution on behalf of the organization, which currently represents over 800 individuals across the country.

He disclosed that the money, which was granted upon request, would be invested in a project which represents Guyana.

“We are very passionate about telling stories about Guyana, and in the interest of creating unity, solidarity and nationalism,” Williams said. The film will be done in Essequibo.

And while the Prime Minister refers to the contribution as “a kick-starter,” the organisation’s president noted that the body is gifted with the talent to make any amount of money sufficient for selected projects. In light of this contribution, CineGuyana remains hopeful that corporate Guyana would be motivated to commit to supporting the local film industry, which has braved major challenges over the last few years.

CineGuyana is a film organisation that was founded by local artistes, and aims to promote Guyana’s culture through film. The organisation has been making strides for the past five years, during which it has produced 11 short films, eight of which have been shown internationally.

By Ravin Singh