The popular Gambian folktale “Bintang Bolongdala Masaneh Ceesay” is being adapted into a 21st Century feature film by respected Gambian filmmaker, Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu.
As part of the production process, Sankanu unveiled the core project team on Thursday, 06th April 2023 at the University of The Gambia (UTG), School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM), Kanifing Campus.
Mr. Sankanu who doubles as the Deputy Spokesperson of The Gambia Government and Lecturer of Film & Media Studies at UTG/SJDM, is a 2023 Fellow of the Diaspora Development Fund (DFF) initiative of Professor Gibril Faal’s GK Partners Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia (MSDG) project. He leads the training of at least thirty five (35) Gambians on Sound Engineering, Video Production, Event Management and Intellectual Property (IP) protection under the Arts Production segment of DDF 2023. The beneficiaries include film and music enthusiasts both in and out of school; rural and urban. IT Specialist, Modou Sarr and Sound Engineer, Muhammed Lamin Susso, are assisting Sankanu in the training delivery.
Explaining his motivation for adding an innovative touch to the DDF 2023 Fellowship, Sankanu revealed that “though the DDF activities are to be implemented within six (6) months, I realized that training the beneficiaries on mere theory and some basics alone is not sufficient. For better impact and sustainability, I deem it necessary to expose them to creative depth through a trailblazing international standard video/film production. The value chain of the creative sector has its unique timeline. My plan is to premier the new Masaneh Ceesay film during the next “Stake in The Nation Forum (SNF).” This will as well reflect the enduring legacy of Professor Gibril Faal OBE’s ‘Ndekete’ philosophy of positively going beyond expectations.”
Outlining the benefits of the film for The Gambia, Sankanu said it “adds value to the MSDG Diaspora Development Fund (DDF) output pool; falls within the terms of references of The Gambia Government Spokesperson in advancing our national image and soft power; releases competent DDF-trained talents for the young Gambian film industry; promotes UTG/SJDM’s role as capacity builder for the creative sector and encourages the culture of adapting our indigenous knowledge for global arts appreciation. The historic film is also a good marketing platform for partners and institutions interested using creative arts as conduits of corporate social responsibility, project visibility or brand exposure.”
On the challenges of such an epic film project, Sankanu observed that “first of all, during the research and scripting, we discovered different oral accounts on the odyssey of Masaneh Ceesay and I have to filter them to a reasonable angle. Secondly, the rain season is fast approaching and we might be compelled to delay some scenes till last quarter of 2023 thus taking us beyond the initial six months. Thirdly, the Masaneh Ceesay story is set in colonial Gambia. We need historic buildings, costumes and other souvenirs of that time. I am appealing to person(s) or institution(s) with collections of memorabilia of life in colonial Gambia to help out. Fourthly, we need more funding and partnerships to cover the gaps in the budget. Fifthly, we will be shooting in different locations across The Gambia with logistical challenges. Finally, I would meet the parents or guardians of my cast and crew members for their blessings. For you cannot take people’s sons and daughters on a field work without their prior permission.”
“Bintang Bolongdala Masaneh Ceesay” is an inter-generational Gambian story of love triangle involving Massaneh, a wealthy business man who falls in love with beautiful Fatima Gomez who is betrothed to Bakary Nimuniko, a fisherman. Full of twists and drama accompanied with melodious traditional Kora beats, folkloric songs, dance and independence agitations from British colonial rule, the story ends with the tragic death of Masanneh on the wedding night: manyo be kumbola kema be laring (the bride is crying and the groom is laying motionless).
Prince B.A. Sankanu founded The Gambia’s premier CineKambiya International Film Festival (CIFF) in 2015. His impressive filmography includes: 1) Pain of Sorrow (The Gambia, 2017); 2) Bleeding Blade (The Gambia, 2017); 3) Kuu Buka Labang (The Gambia, 2017); 4) Hisirinwalleh (The Gambia, 2018), 5); Backfire (Germany, 2011); 6) Faasike (co-production in The Gambia, 2020) and 7) Nyancho Kelefa Saane (co-production in The Gambia/Senegal/Guinea Bissau/Germany 2020). More: www. vimeo.com/princebasankanu
