Don’t create undue melodrama in movies because there is enough in our lives – J.J. Rawlings tells Movie Producers

• Posted on December 2, 2013December 2, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has expressed worry about what he describes as a false representation of real issues bedeviling the Ghanaian society in local movies.

He is therefore challenging filmmakers to produce films that the public can identify with.

Former President Rawlings was speaking to Joy News after attending the premiere of Nkuli, a film based on the life of an HIV patient.

“I think what we ought to do is to be truthful to themselves, to be realistic as possible, bring things home to people. Don’t over dramatise it, don’t create undue melodrama because there is enough drama in our lives, there is enough pain in our lives.”

Former president Rawlings has therefore tasked filmmakers not to lose touch with reality in their films. He also urged television stations across the country to help put the story of Nkuli out to educate the public, “So that people can wake up to some of the realities that people go through, the violations that people would have to go through, the humiliations that people would have to go through and the consequences.

“In effect, let’s begin to humanize ourselves. The HIV issue is a test on our conscience, on our manhood.” The Deputy High Commissioner of Zambia, Chola Chama appealed to men to stop abusing women.

Meanwhile, internationally renowned evangelist, Dr Lawrence Tettey is optimistic there will be a cure for HIV soon.

The premiere of the emotional story of Nkuli, an HIV patient drew a mixed audience which included former president J.J. Rawlings and some members of the diplomatic corps.

Nkuli (The Masked) tells the story of a young girl and her two siblings, Kwame and Gye Nyame who had to face the harsh realities of life after the untimely death of their parents.

They found themselves in the care of a wicked aunt who ushered Nkuli into prostitution, as a means of generating income for the family’s upkeep – a step that led to her contracting HIV.

-joyonline