Gambia Stars (Gamstars) Movie Production will train more than 50 young filmmakers in Camera Operation, Videography, Visual Effects, Non-Verbal Communication, Scriptwriting, directing, sets and props, acting and Graphics Design for free.

The training seeks to building their capacities in contributing to the socio-economic development of this country.

Pa Modou Cham, commonly known as Gambian Odumu, director of Gamstars Movie Production stated that the participants from the Greater Banjul Area are between the ages of 15- 35.

He added that his production is conducting the training for free despite not having any support from the government or donor organisations. 

Cham said at the end of the training, the participants are expected to produced five short films.

“Gamstars is doing this as our contribution towards nation building. Looking at the continental film industry, Gambia is far behind because our people are not exposed to the new features, thus lacking the capacity to contribute their quota or even showcase their talents.”

“In any building country, contributes strongly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and as well attracts tourism and foreign investors.  He said the Gambia has a duty to play in nurturing young talents if we want to make waves and compete with the international world,” he said.

He said that his production company’s vision is to build confident and empowered young talented and creative Gambians with constructive, critical competencies, innovative life skills and knowledge for accelerated economic and sustainable development through filmmaking.

He added: “Our mission is to provide pathways that inspire and motivate Gambian youths to grow, transform and achieve their potential in making films for the development of the productive sector of our economy.”

The country’s leading filmmaker, who is among the first, if not the first Gambians to obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, called on the Gambian government to support young people who see potential careers in filmmaking. 

He reiterated that Gambians have talents but the environment to showcase it is lacking while adding that government, local councils and the private sector should support home-grown talent.

“The young people of the country need the opportunity to unleash their potential. The Gambia is now ripe for youths to contribute to the development of the nation especially in related film activities. Gambians youths yearn to be granted agency to allow them to do “their own thing” especially following years of disenfranchisement,” he stated.  

Reporting by Adama Makasuba