‘Nigeria film industry can boost the economy’

In order to boost the dwindling economic fortune of the country, a film maker and media entrepreneur, Adeleye Fabusoro, has advocated that the government can benefit economically from the film industry in Nigeria if it gives the necessary support, adding that it is important that relevant financial institutions gives aid to film makers to harness its potential for the good of the country.

Fabusoro, the Chief Executive Officer of Rare Edge media and brain behind many television productions maintained that the government needs to do more in terms of support for the film industry as it is an industry that can earn foreign exchange and create streams of income.

“I hope the government can do more to make the industry grow in a more organic manner by providing critical support and regulations, laws and enabling platforms. We need funds and good policies to curb piracy and intellectual theft. Banks like the Bank of Industry should do more to enable us while the related agencies should protect our trade.

“The Nigerian film industry contributes 1.4 percent of GDP to the economy more than even the big Bollywood which contributes only 0.5 to India’s GDP. In terms of production volume, even Hollywood is trailing us. The industry is growing well, producers and actors are no longer paupers because of the many opportunities. Dstv is also doing a lot in terms of their contribution to growth of industry as per content purchase and promotions,” he said.

According to him, film makers must be appreciated for their efforts in spite of the fact that there needs to be an improvement because they do a lot  and go through lots of challenges to ensure those that come out reach that standard.

“The first thing I will say about this is that we must give kudos to Nigerian film makers, when they tell you movie is magic, they are right. I think the Nigerian film maker is the biggest magician, before I attended film school; I used to be one of those who will criticize film productions for their flaws. However, upon attending film school, I was able to appreciate the effort that is required to make the so called not good enough movies.

“But as a practitioner having seen the hostile environment in terms of resources and funding, I think we should commend their efforts for being so tenacious. Furthermore, things are looking up in every aspect. Our films are now being screened at International festivals. This year alone, our films have been on the big screens in France, Toronto and so many other big festivals all over the world, this is a reminiscence of the early days of Ogunde and the other pioneers

Speaking on entertainment as a source of livelihood, he stated that, it is a viable profession that impacts the society. “I will say entertainment is a calling. Just like medicine or law because our job is social work, beyond providing a service and getting paid, there is fulfillment. And that is the most important thing for an artiste as nobody can actually measure talent in terms of money. So if it’s not inbred or a passion, it could be difficult.

He further emphasized the need for film productions to contribute meaningfully to the society by teaching values, morals and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community as like preachers, they have a wide audience and can make a difference.