Lamin Camara the writer and director of the movie "Justice in the Balance" has said that Gambians have a passion for movies, noting that the problem is that foreign movies dominate the Gambian market. Mr. Camara was speaking at a press conference recently held at the Red Cross headquarters in Kanifing. He said "Justice in the Balance" is about corruption and drugs, and is based on fiction with some elements of reality. The movie is aiming at the international market, he said. Mr. Camara explained that the Brains Theatre Group was founded over 10 years ago, and they have had a series of performances in different parts of the country.
He added that drama has a singular and unique advantage in keeping people seated for hours without being bored.
Mr. Camara directed a drama for the Women's Bureau on gender issues about six years ago.
The movie is based on a play that was written 13 years ago for the school speech day. It was based on the realisation that its messages are powerful, and should be allowed to gather information.
According to him, this was why they got the inspiration to work out modalities along with a producer. Though it is expensive to produce movies, efforts are being invested along with a determination to make the project a success, he noted.
"We have talented and potential people in the country that can be exploited, against the backdrop of foreign actors coming into the country and exploiting the market. When that is done, Gambia movies can compete Nigerian, Ghanaian or even Senegalese films up to the international market."
Yankuba Jarreh, producer of the film, said he is proud to be associated with the group. He said the inspiration came through Mr. Camara, and they are working as a team to make it reality. According to him, Gambia's movie industry is moving at a slow pace, but with bright prospects.
"'Justice in the Balance' has a message about drugs and corruption. We want to discuss and communicate with the people, through our films, issues affecting their lives."
