Joke Silva seeks easy access to funds for Nigerian filmmakers

Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has called on the federal government to ensure that filmmakers in the country get easy access to funds to produce films.

Silva made the call while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

“Over the years, filmmakers have found it difficult to access funds to produce films, something a development government needs to address to encourage filmmakers,” he said.

According to her, funds for filmmakers are mainly available through the Bank of Industry (BOI), adding that more avenues should be created.

“Access to financing to produce films should not be too difficult for us, the obstacles are too cumbersome. Effective means of returning funds should also be created; so that the source does not run out.

“The government should also not always consider having a high interest rate, what they should focus on is getting the money back.

“I advise filmmakers to also realize the need to return those funds so that others can access them.

“There should also be a place for creative industry grants that provide a soft landing for filmmakers, this is necessary because it is important for companies to expand in the creative space,” he said.

Silva noted that to further support the creative sector, the government must work to improve the distribution of cinemas and theatrical exhibitions.

“There are several things that will help the distribution of plays, taking cinema halls nationwide will ensure uninterrupted road trips.

“Can the federal government help with buses and security to take the works across the country?

“The government should be able to help creatives produce and execute their work for longer because it is when the work lasts a long time that the producer generates a lot of income,” he said.

The actress advised her colleagues on the need to collaborate in the face of the current economic situation in the country.

“While the government and the economic team are doing everything they can to ensure that our economy does not collapse, in the creative space we have to look for strategies that make us work.

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“This is collaborative, what two professionals would normally have done to gather resources, four professionals can do.

“Through collaboration, we will expand our network, that is how actors will likely earn more.”

(YAYA)