Films shouldn’t portray farmers as poor - Omotola

Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has charged individuals in the film industry, especially movie directors, actors, and producers to desist from painting a gloomy picture about farming in movies.

The philanthropist, who participated in the just-ended annual meeting of the African Development Bank in India, was a participant in a discussion on the role of Nollywood and Bollywood rolling out plans to promote agricultural development among the youth.

Omotola, who was named among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2013, said: “Unfortunately, the movie industry, for a long time on both continents, has portrayed farming to be a profession for poor people and that the people don’t become successful and low people do that kind of job.”

She, however, said it was time individual changed that narrative to highlight successes of individuals in the agricultural sector.

“What we can do is to highlight and mirror those that are doing very well being farmers or other professions in the agricultural sector and I’m sure people will see it in a new light and without forcing anyone [people will embrace agriculture],” the renowned actress urged.