Toronto Pictures: The Present and Future of Socially Conscious Filmmaking
Tonye Akagbo: First, I would like to say that Trokosi is very real, a bad tradition practiced in Ghana and in other countries of West Africa. The viewers of this film should try their best to influence the decisions of our leaders and to change such acts. This practice is preventing thousands of women, in many villages, from accessing an education.
Ruffy Quansah: I know that some of the viewers will cry and that they will be emotionally impacted but, above all, what I would like them to do is to come to the aid of these girls by pushing on international organizations to implement change for the better. I also want them to encourage all their friends to watch it as Bruno and Daria are giving back 10% of the profit to help the village where we made the picture.
OM-Times: Have you noticed any changes in the public perception or in the way the Government addresses the practice of Trokosi since the filming of PUNCTURED HOPE ended?
Tonye Akagbo: One common thing we have in Ghana is that most people are cautious about contradicting the tradition. Therefore, the public perception has not changed. However, the Government took some action and they have closed about 29 of the shrines that practice Trokosi.
Ruffy Quansah: I have seen some change in terms of women rights. As a matter of fact we now have a woman as Chief Justice here in Ghana.
OM-Times: Tonye, do you think that Trokosi will ever be eradicated? If so, what steps or actions do you think will be necessary for this to happen?
Tonye Akagbo: Yes, Trokosi can be abolished. I believe it can be done through education. The Government must also ensure that existing laws are enforced.
OM-Times: What are the other African issues that you would like to raise awareness about?
Tonye Akagbo: Female Genital Mutilation and Corruption.
Ruffy Quansah: Africa has one problem and it is called ‘corruption’! That is what I would like the world leaders to take a good look at.
OM-Times: Daria, what is the casting method that Bruno Pischiutta uses for his films?
Daria Trifu: Bruno casts both professional actors and common people from all walks of life to portray his films’ characters. As far as we know, he is the first director to principally cast through the internet talent from around the world. The majority of the roles in both of our upcoming films, A PARTY GIRL FOR THE RAT PACK and WISTERIA are being selected through our Community Website.
I am convinced that as we publicize our type of casting and its success, there will be others who will try to use the same system.
OM-Times: What other projects are you working on?
