THE TALE OF TWO SIBLINGS
THE TALE OF TWO SIBLINGS
A small island once had two siblings who lived there. They were encouraged by their parents to pursue elite careers. For the older child, they suggested investment banking, while for the younger child, they suggested politics. The children, however, grew more and more fascinated with the idea of filmmaking as a career over time.
In disregard of their parents’ advice, they pursued their passion abroad. In no time at all, the first child made so much money from filmmaking. His content is adored by everyone, including those in power, making him a legendary entertainer.
On the other hand, the second child’s rise was very slow because her passion made her become an enemy of those with economic and political power. She was obsessed with telling stories that would bring about positive change—she only had one desire—making the world a better place with her talent. She would agonize every night like a woman in labor pain to birth a story that would bring about positive change. Did she change the world? No! After all, she was just a filmmaker. Her work, however, brought about a consciousness of those who would later change the world.
These individuals were remembered differently after their death. The first child was remembered as a great filmmaker who entertained many. And the second was acknowledged as a filmmaker whose work changed the world.
Though seen largely as a medium of entertainment—film can deliver much more than just entertainment.
Our predecessors in the field of filmmaking utilized art as a means to promote national transformation. They molded the craft to enlighten the people about the detrimental impacts of colonialism and neocolonialism, as demonstrated in the works of Hubert Ogunde’s touring theatre group and Ousmane Sembene, who believed that “African films should primarily be aimed at educating the masses.”
Amidst financial struggles, political unrest, and a breakdown of social order, African filmmakers have an opportunity to inspire positive change by telling stories that resonate with the masses. This won’t be an easy task since everyone’s primary concern is survival, but a well-crafted story can still captivate and influence audiences. Ultimately, the goal is to use the power of storytelling to promote good governance and rebuild the sociocultural fabric of African society.
In our society, people tend to ignore the issues that affect us all because it’s easier to escape poverty by focusing on one’s own business. The system rewards those who don’t resist it. By drawing inspiration from the young child in the story above, we can work towards creating a new Africa by incorporating our desire for a better world into our filmmaking craft.
Africa is in dire need of men who are not just capable of entertaining the mind, but also possess the ability to educate and nourish the soul of its people. Only such men can lead us towards a brighter future, where the true potential of Africa is realized and celebrated. Let us strive to cultivate such leaders and pave the way for a prosperous and thriving Africa.
Also Read:
- National impact of filmmaking
- The Revolutionary Power of Filmmaking
- Re-enacting the Revolutionary Power of Art in Africa
- Anthill Studios And Its Organizational Culture of Excellence
