Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony is pleased that films are now being produced in Guyana, an area of theatre that was not being explored.
During a meeting today at the Ministry, with the Director/Producer of the film ‘A Jasmine for a Gardner’ Mahadeo Shivraj, and cast, Minister Anthony indicated that he is happy that Shivraj is working towards developing theatre in Guyana, something that has been missing from Guyanese culture.
“You have had a single minded purpose in trying to revive this, not even resuscitate but, pioneer the sector because we have had very view films that we have produced in Guyana by Guyanese and you are really pioneering an effort. I think that you are building on a very strong foundation, on tradition that we have in drama and theatre because that tradition has been for quite some decades.”
Minister Anthony also mentioned that film making needs to be taken to a more logical extent, which is building a theatre in Guyana to move people into these career paths.
“These films need to be going into documentaries, because I see that logical connection and you are now actually providing the opportunities in these areas so I’m very pleased. And of course the films speak of topical issues about Guyana, issues that help us to understand ourselves as Guyanese.”
He said he is aware that a lot of energy and resources have to be put into the effort and if they are not self financed they are not getting a lot of help.
“I hope now that you have been able to put together a number of projects and demonstrated successes, you are now building a series of success that the corporate sector, the private sector will now see new avenues of investment in culture and arts, with that kind of support we can be able to do something and provide that tangible contribution,” said Minister Anthony
“…fifteen hours per day without a day off or any half day, in film making, I do not only want to entertain but also to educate, I think it’s most important for people to walk out the show with something that will transform their own life and that would be my goal,” Shivraj said.
A Jasmine for A Gardener will showcase Guyana; a thriller which will have patrons at the edge of their seats from beginning to the end of the film, he said.
Cast member, Neaz Subhan highlighted that it was very challenging making the movie and expressed the hope that patrons will understand that the film is about Guyanese culture and they should get onboard.
On March 10, the National Culture centre will come alive with A Jasmine for A Gardener, scheduled to begin at 19:00hrs.
