French govt presents dubbing equipment to NAFTI

Accra, March 9, GNA- The French government on Tuesday presented dubbing equipment worth 200 thousand euros to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) as part of activities marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of the school.

The occasion was also used to officially open the Jean Rouch Training Room at the Institute.


Mr Jean-Michel Berrit, the French Ambassador, presenting the items, said the French cooperation on cinema goes beyond the assistance given to NAFTI.


He said the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports initiative in many other areas in the film industry in Ghana.


Mr Berrit said Mr Jean Rouch, a famous French filmmaker would have been in Ghana to present his works on Ghana and his first fiction movie "Jaguar" filmed in Accra.


However, he died at 86 years last month in Niger.

Mr Berrit said the French government had decided to go further by signing an agreement with NAFTI concerning the setting up of a dubbing centre that would be opened to all professionals in the film industry in Ghana.


He expressed satisfaction for the partnership between the French embassy and NAFTI.


Mr Asamoah Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, in an address urged stakeholders in the film industry to team up with the private sector to build cinema halls in the country.


He said the tools presented by the French government would help enhance film industry in the country.


Mr Asamoah Boateng urged students of the Institute to take advantage of the equipment and make good use of it.

Mr Kofi Nyantekyi of GAMA Film Company Limited who chaired the function, said the equipment would be kept for years and it has the potential of making film viewers and the making of film dynamic. He said the establishment of a dubbing centre is going to assist the government and the whole film industry.


"It is a simple step that will help the whole citizenry," he said. Mr Martin Loh, Director of NAFTI, said the school is gradually becoming a resource centre and not just a school where diplomas and degrees are awarded.


He said one of the major aims of NAFTI is to provide enlightenment to all through films.


He assured the French ambassador that the school would take good care of the equipment. 9 March 04