Nigerian Film Producer Criticizes AGN's Suspension of Movie After Fatal Boat Mishap

Nigerian film producer Michael Ofuonye has spoken out against the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for suspending filmmaker Adanma Luke's movie 'Another Side of Life' following a tragic boat accident that claimed the life of actor Jnr Pope and four other crew members. The incident occurred when their boat capsized around Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.

Ofuonye drew parallels to his own experience in 2006 when actor JT Tom-West died in an accident during the filming of his movie, resulting in Ofuonye losing millions of naira. He criticized the AGN's decision to suspend Luke's film indefinitely and prohibit actors from working with her as a producer until further notice.

The AGN has taken several measures in response to the tragedy, including banning the shooting of movies in riverine areas and suspending all films involving boat rides. AGN president Emeka Rollas stated that the guild's lawyers are preparing legal action against Adanma Luke and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) over negligence and failure to provide necessary safety precautions that led to the deaths.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the need for improved safety standards and accountability in the Nigerian film industry. The loss of lives due to inadequate safety measures underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being of cast and crew members during film productions.

Rollas also referenced a previous incident where a producer hired an unlicensed driver, resulting in an actor being hit and the AGN spending millions to save the actor's life. He emphasized the necessity for producers to prioritize safety and professionalism in the film industry.

In a disturbing social media post, Adanma Luke questioned God following the tragic accident, expressing her grief and asking for guidance. "What am I living for again? Did God bless me to embarrass me? This is too much for me," Luke wrote, reflecting the emotional toll of the incident on those involved.

The AGN's suspension of Luke's movie and the legal action being pursued against her and the AMP serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety protocols in the film industry. As the Nigerian film community mourns the loss of Jnr Pope and the other crew members, there are calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Nigerian filmmaker Adanma Luke's movie suspended after a boat accident killed 5 crew members.
• AGN president Emeka Rollas said the guild will sue Luke and AMP for negligence and lack of safety.
• AGN banned shooting movies in riverine areas and suspended films involving boat rides.
• Producer Michael Ofuonye criticized AGN's decision, citing his own experience with a fatal accident.
• Incident highlights need for improved safety standards and accountability in Nigerian film industry.