I've observed that several producers/directors prefer screenplays that tell a story of their country's culture and we've watched several movies that either speak of their politics, religion, myths, etc. Most of which are either western or Indian. Good no doubt but what if they try and step out of this sphere and do something new? I understand doing something new could be dangerous but a perfect movie is not based on an individual's idea solely. Directors add or remove what should or shouldn't enter into the movie. We've not seen anything on African politics, religion etc but I bet there are hundreds, thousands of scripts that have been abandoned for lack of sponsorship. No one looks at them as probably, most producers want something they can easily relate with their society. Bottom line here's, Africa doesn't have up to 2% what it takes to make a standard movie that reflects their culture and they're great, new and intriguing. An appeal to pull the attention of producers and directors to tell the world a new story. This has made African films look more western than it ought. If there are reasons why this is so, other than the lack of African expertise and sponsorship, please feel free to state them.
Producing : Appeal for African scripts to be produced... by Conrad Ekeke
Appeal for African scripts to be produced...
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Hey Art, Thank you so very much for according me a pathway to come up and yes, yes I would definitely require your assistance. I got scripts that I so much believe in, ranging from comedy to horror etc. I only fall behind because of the too many registrations, which is not "common" in Cameroon but I believe in possibilities and don't really care about hardship or rough paths. I love writing new ideas, however rough or constructive and I'm open to new and collaborative creatives. For short, I think I might exaggerate a bit by telling you that my thoughts are unlimited but that's true. Which sometimes make me look very mundane or out of scope but, I love what I do and I trust my talent that I do it right. I got projects I for African TV series and Thrillers, Movies (short and features), Dramas, comedies etc. Here's my email conradekeke@gmail.com Look forward to getting into you. Lots of new things about the African cultures and histories that have been taught in schools but have not been portrayed on screen... Very, very few and I think if I start this, many more will follow. Thanks Thomas. Watching the trailer. :)
Hi Najat, first of all, I'd like to lay a little emphasis on what movies depict. My observation from most movies, whether political or otherwise, they stem from either a direct link to the history, customs, etc of a given people or country/ group of countries. What you say is absolutely true and for one, I think most continents have displayed both sides of these customs (Positive and negative) and have made their movie industries sell or prosperous. Meanwhile, African movies come to imitate or copy in a very wrong way that puts them off. There's a pile of undiscovered truths about the true African society that we wouldn't google or find in some books. Some very ancient religions, customs and civilizations that existed and portray the real African community like for example, slavery. This may sound awkward to many who go by it from reading what we purposely decided to write down - when we adopted the new customs and learned their governance and religions/education etc. Those aspects that remain hidden could never have been transcribed or written down for some reason among many. Most Africans and the African black race/origins think whites introduced slavery or started it but no. You'd be very surprised to know that even before missionaries and explorers set sail to Africa (the Fernando Po's etc), Africans had their own politics, markets, way of life and when these missionaries and or explorers saw that the people understood the trade, perhaps better than they did, though with very little expectations or expertise, they spread news and merchants rode in to buy. From buying, wars were fought among tribes and the buyers themselves that meandered around, resulting to giving the white/big buyers an upper hand from their influence. Most of these things were kept from the books and their religions faded away in due time, as they learned new languages and writing patterns. Too many things I can tell you but thing is, African movies copy from other movies and I can confidently say that most of them are adverts. (You will see a lot of beautiful houses, good clothing, cars, hairdos etc). Then the story itself is just... hidden behind all that. There are very, very few political movies by Africa that makes sense (Once Upon A time in April, Patrice Lumumba... Sarfina...) I can count them but I can't count how many movies depict Africa's customs that the world may find new or strange.
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I've spent a number of years in Africa and agree that it has been largely overlooked in terms of movie source material. However, it is also important to remember that just because there are many untold stories from Africa it doesn't mean that there is a sustainable market for movies dealing with the history, customs, and religion of a particular African tribe or country. First, one must establish that there is a viable market for such films. Then and only then will filmmakers line up to take advantage of it.
True Erik