KAMPALA- Experts have advised local film makers to embrace and portray their rich cultural backgrounds to enable them benefit from the struggling industry.
While officiating the award ceremony of offering certificates to the trainees, Mohammad Reza Ghezel Sofla, the new Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda who was the chief guest, said the role of film is very vital in the development of the nation.
“Cinema and media are responsible for informing, and educating the community, so if the production of the film is void of these, regardless of its characteristics, it would be worthless,” said Sofla.
Sofla blasted local film writers and producers who are copy cats of the Western cultures instead of drawing a leaf from their indigenous cultural backgrounds.
“What is very important is the existence of the relationship between the productive films and the cultural values of each society,” Sofla observed.
“So, blind imitation of the products of the leading countries in this field, regardless of the realities and needs of society, is a blind imitation that does not serve that society.”
“I do believe that, Ugandan have human, social, religious, moral, and spiritual values and rely on Ugandan history and cultural values to develop realities in the cinema industry,” he advises.
At the same event held at Uganda National Theater in Kampala, 90, prospective film makers both from Kampala and Kabaale were awarded certificates for completion of their two months training.
Godfrey Musinguzi, the project coordinator, Film Club Uganda, 90 film makers in the fields of makeup, acting, directing, sound design and script writing and all graduated.
“Out of these trainees the film sector is now sure of the skills impacted and will be of help to the Uganda film industry,” he said.
The event was also attended by Juliana Naumo, commissioner for culture and family affairs at Ministry of Gender Culture and Social Development and Robert Musiitwa, the Public Relations Officer of Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC).
