Guyana’s first photo and film expo
– Minister Hughes commits to passage of copyright legislation
– Photo and film amateurs and enthusiasts encouraged
DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 8, 2019
The Cineffex Photo and Film Expo was officially launched with much pomp and circumstance on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Designed to encourage the growth and visibility of photographers and filmmakers within Guyana, the three-day expo represents the first of its kind within the country.
Jason October, the founder of Cineffx, urged entrepreneurs in the field to focus on their dreams as he reflected on his journey that began in 2016. “I was on the road for one year, running about looking for sponsorship. No one didn’t buy into the idea. One particular ministry had bought into the idea, which is the Ministry of Business, and from that day I said to myself ‘if one person can buy into my idea, many others could buy in’.”
October also noted the financial support and advice he received from the Institute of Private Development (IPED). The Cineffx’s founder also acknowledged his gratitude for funding from the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Go-Invest, along with other sponsors.
Branding and Communications Officer of Cineffx, Timothy Blair, emphasised the goals he hopes the Photo and Film Expo will achieve. “One of the focuses of the expo is the education experience and we want persons who are desirous of getting into the creative industry to see the possibilities […] to be able to share and interact with each other”.
In addition, international speaker, Yaphet Jackman, lauded the event. “This is powerful. This is definitely a day in history”, said Jackman. To the organisers, Jackman stated “many have tried, and many have failed… you guys made it to this point.” While emphasising the importance of women in the photo and film industry. “The people that are the best storytellers are women,”, Jackman said.
Minister of Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes conveyed her thoughts on the significance of the expo.
“This is a great opportunity for persons that are interested in the industry to come together, to take advantage of the training that Yaphet is hosting; to take advantage of networking […] One of the outcomes I’d like to see […] is a film commission established.
On the topic of Guyana’s position with copyright laws that stands to benefit the developing photo and film industry, Minister Hughes said “I am happy to report that the new legislation is actually in the Attorney General’s Chamber, and so hopefully, as soon as we get back into the Parliament, I would say that that’s one of the pieces of legislation we want to be pushing. I personally want to continue to do as much as we can to see that it’s there.
Consequently, students at the event spoke animatedly about their experience during the launch, which showcased a photo exhibition along with a film set, and models that portrayed Guyanese culture in body art and apparel. St. Joseph’s High School student, Rondia Lancaster, in an invited comment to the Department of Public Information (DPI) said, “It encouraged me to expand and express myself through creativity […] to not just focus on one main idea, but also contribute to the development of my country [to] make it a better country when it comes to the film industry”.
The Cineffx Photo and Film Expo was declared open by keynote speaker Eric Phillips and will last over a period of three days.
Shaquille Bourne.
Images: Keno George.