Government Needs to Take Proactive Steps To Establish the Movie Village in Bayelsa, Says Ebaretonbofa Tom aka Black Shark
Ebaretonbofa Tonwei Tom, popularly known as Black Shark, is a renowned comedian, lecturer, and on-air personality. In this interview with our Managing Editor, Victor Oroyi, he emphasizes the need for the government to take proactive steps toward establishing a Movie Village in Bayelsa State. Excerpts.
How would you rate the entertainment industry in Bayelsa, particularly the film industry, as a practitioner?
I would say that, considering our harsh environment where people are not investing in entertainment in Bayelsa, the industry is trying its best. If you go to other states and other climes, you will discover that the entertainment industry is big business. Wealthy individuals invest in it, produce works, and help creatives grow.
But in Bayelsa, we notice that individuals work very hard on their own. When you work so hard without getting the needed support and what is expected, it makes the work difficult.
However, I want to commend those already working in the industry. You need to see what they are producing despite the challenges. I give them kudos for their efforts. It is just like being in a desert and trying to bring out water—that is how it is in Bayelsa. Those already in the field are doing well, but they would do far better if given adequate support.
Producers here are complaining of no opportunities for them. Do you think that there are no opportunities for producers here?
The opportunities are there, but I must say that we need more.
How do we get these opportunities for them?
We need the association to do better. They should encourage the producers and the actors, and ensure they get recognition beyond this environment.
They should promote their works and make them visible to a wider audience. The moment we push out our content—especially now that we have social media—people will begin to see it. Some of our works are already online. Someone may come across a piece of content, like it, and begin to make demands for more of our productions.
Using the tourism sector as an example, do you think that the Bayelsa State government has been able to utilize the opportunities in the movie industry?
I want to say that we have not done much in the state concerning the movie industry. There was a time when we were promised a Movie Village, but we have not seen anything like that materialize.
If we want policies to work, we must make them work. I believe we should do more—not just speak about it, but take action.
We should encourage people in the movie industry. When we do that, younger ones will begin to dream and realize that people are succeeding in Bayelsa State. They will also be encouraged to believe that they can succeed here.
From primary school, young children will begin to understand what they want to do and start building their dreams. Even when they further their education, they will know they can actualize their dreams here in the state.
The government needs to take proactive steps to ensure that the Movie Village is established so people can train and develop their skills. This will help the entertainment industry grow in Bayelsa.
What is your advice to producers in the state despite the lack of an enabling environment and limited opportunities?
They should not give up. Giving up is not the best option. I have seen many skits produced in Bayelsa, and when you watch them, you may not believe they were produced here.
Producers in the state should not relent in their efforts. They should keep pushing forward.
Look at Sabinus. He sent me a friend request a long time ago. I never knew he would become this big. He started small and grew over time. Today, even when I chat with him, it takes time before I get a response—that is how life works.
They should remain relentless, and I believe their efforts will be rewarded in time.
