Why TT needs a film industry

THE EDITOR: I agree. Wild on Trinidad and Tobago was pretty awful! Let’s try to remind ourselves that it was just one point of view, a selective depiction of Carnival that targetted a specific audience.

Yes, it was badly produced and misrepresentative, for all of the reasons expressed in the media over the last week. But when we continue, by default, to allow the foreign media to be the sole purveyors of our “national identity”, how can we expect to determine the way in which we are viewed internationally? They will continue to present us as they see fit and we will continue to be seen as a drug-riddled, AIDS-infested, violent country, harbouring terrorists with a Carnival mentality. (I think that covers the media exposure we’ve received in the last year or so). This is just one of the many arguments put forward by a network of local producers and film makers for the last 25 years. The national economic benefits associated with the creation of a genuine film and television industry, and our desire to create programming from our rich, diverse heritage and points of view, continue to be largely disregarded by both the State and private enterprise.

Currently before Cabinet is a Master Plan for the film and television industry. TIDCO spearheaded the creation of the document after intensive consultation with industry stakeholders and together we have produced a comprehensive and attainable proposal for the development of the local industry. This needs to be passed, in its entirety, with a budget, and the incentives legislated. Without State support and the proper framework, film and video professionals will continue to struggle, the programme ideas will remain on paper and our national identity will continue to be defined by the foreign media. If we let this happen, it means giving up the right to be angry about programmes like Wild On.

CHERISE D’ABADIE
Producer
cherise@wow.net