Gambian wins major talent hunt Competition in UK and plays lead role in Blockbuster movie

Miss Marie Kumba Gomez, a Gambian based in the United Kingdom, has won a major acting talent hunt competition in the United Kingdom and as a result of this sterling achievement at the competition organized by Ruke Amata Media Ltd, a name synonymous with the Nollywoodfilm industry, she plays the lead role in a blockbuster movie title “the past came calling”, also produced by Ruke Amata Media Ltd, due to be released in UK in November this year and shortly after, in the Gambia around December this year, before the premiers in the United States, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

The beautiful daughter of Mr George Gomez, a renowned playwright, author and publisher, won the acting talent hunt competition, known as CLASS ACT UK 2011, A MOVIE TALENT HUNT, ahead of over 1000 contestants from movie producing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Asia, and others like South Africa, Cameroun and the Caribbean and also came out top and ahead of other contestants some of whom went to renowned drama and acting schools in the UK.

“The entire auditions and the Talent competition is due for broadcast soon on television in the UK, Gambia and in Nigeria”, and the Producer of the blockbuster movie, who operates from their United Kingdom base is due in Banjul today to make arrangements for the showing of the competition on Gambian television and prepare for the premier of the movie in Gambian cinemas.

“They explain that the aim of the talent competition is to find and expose budding and hidden talents and talented actors and actresses and also give an opportunity to those that desire acting as a career and want a platform to showcase their talents or want an opportunity to be in the movie industry.

“They explain that the Talent competition, CLASS ACT UK 2011, is the maiden edition of what is going to become an annual talent hunt competition, in the same ilk or mould as other popular talent competitions like the X-Factor and Britain’s Got talent.

“The competition started in London in March 2011with the London Auditions and moved up North with auditions in Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester before nesting in Aberdeen in Scotland”.

“The competition climaxed with a 3 days boot-camp in London, from where Miss Gomez was selected as the eventual winner. Other Gambians participated in this talent competition, which saw many talented acts from different countries of the world.

“The blockbuster movie, which is a by-product of the Talent competition, has a star-studded cast, amongst who are the handsome Ghanaian and versatile and debonair actor, John Dumelo and talented Nollywood celebrity actress and beauty, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotah, as well as established and notable actors from Britain and Greece, like Penelope Bouchot Humbert, Oliver Jolliffe and Demetri Turin”.

“Others include stars from the Class Act talent competition in which Miss Marie Kumba Gomez plays the lead role of Susan in the movie, which is due for the Gambia premier in December 2011 and her sister, Marie Ndokuma Gomez also start in the movie”.

“By this achievement, GAMBIA, no doubt, will be highlighted in bold and on the big screens around the world, because whenever the name of Marie Kumba Gomez is mentioned, our country, Gambia, will also be mentioned.

“This is a great boost to tourism and it aligns with the President’s vision, investment and support His Excellency gave to the movie, The Mirror Boy, whose director was among the panel of judges that selected the winners.

“Gambians are yet to recover from effect of the advertised and the limelight that movie brought to The Gambia, and now this present one, where a Gambian actually plays the lead role.

“This achievement will further boost interest and develop the acting movie industry in the Gambia and generate interest in other boundless talents in the country and upcoming talents that are to be discovered.

“Gambians await the homecoming of Miss Gomez, a beauty and a diva, in her own right, who was recently the guest of the Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mrs. Elizabeth Y.E. Harding and her team.

“Gambians also look forward to the showing of the Class Act 2011 acting talent hunt competition on our television screens. We also await the premier of the movie on the big screens in Banjul and environs.”   

I am a sixth form student currently studying Travel & Tourism National Diploma, Business and ICT. Following GCSE results which I passed, English, Maths, Science, ICT, Drama, I also did in year 11 a Creative & Media Diploma which was = to 8 GCSE which gave me an entry to sixth form college. I was also in the Newham Youth Council for a year working with the Young Mayor of Newham and also working with the Mayor of London. I was also a Prefect in secondary school, a learning coach helping students with their learning I was voted to be the chair of the school and class council in school. I was also a team leading within the prefects to tell people what and when to do things. 

I have also been interested in media reasons why I chose drama and ended up with grade A in it in Brampton Manor School which I was holding all these positions for about 3 years.

I have also been interested in modeling and did some auditions and thought the passion I have for acting/modeling I saw ‘Class Act’ and went for the auditions. I also dance where I dance at parties, weddings, shows etc. I have my own dance group we do African dancing. 

My role model is my parents; they never give up and always been there For me, my best colour is red, my hobbies I love listening to music, watching television and also dancing whenever I get the chance and going out with friends shopping cinema, etc.

What I like about the Gambia is how everybody knows and are lovely to each other make you feel safe everywhere you go, what I miss the most in The Gambia is my family and my friends and the chance of going to the beach and just walk around and see how beautiful the country itself really is.

I am 17 and will be 18 on February 16. I left Gambia when I was 8/9. What I love doing most is staying at home under the cover drinking tea and watching television.