African movies must reflect values – Film Director

Africans urgently need movies with storylines that reflect the proverbial African amity to counter the obscenity, violence and crime depicted in the bundles of foreign films pouring onto the continent.

Mr Joe Pamas Aryee, Executive Director of Joe Pamas Films, a Ho-based Movie company, made the suggestion in Ho on Wednesday.

He said the films Africans produce must reflect the culture of the people, their needs, anxieties, and problems and must have linkages with their past and not the “cacophonies” in the foreign films.

Mr Aryee observed that the increase in armed robbery, rape, prostitution, and other social vices among the youth could be as a result of the negative effects of foreign movies.

He said directors must be wary of alien cultures which could influence the values of the people negatively.

Mr Aryee said his production “Ametame” (traitor), an Ewe film, was an initiative to counter the ideals reflected in foreign films.

Ametame, idolise virtue over vice and tone down violent scenes.

“There are a lot of themes that we can explore to educate, inform and entertain our people instead of going foreign with its consequences.

“Everything about the African is a good story to be told. Our local languages, virtues and values are some of the themes we have to explore and use to help mould society especially the youth,” Mr Aryee added.

Mr Aryee said he has resolved to be an advocate of African culture through the production of movies in local languages and called for support from all.

“For now, people are supporting our cause by patronising ‘Ametame’ and we hope it continues,” he said.

Mr Aryee hinted that he would launch another Ewe movie before the year ends.

He said his outfit is training the youth in film acting, editing, directing and photography among other engagements and urged youth to take advantage of the opportunity.

Source: GNA