Africa-Press – Mauritius. The film Three Wise Men, which recently received an award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, showcases the talent and perseverance of local filmmakers and is the pride of Mauritius, the local film industry and the arts sector. This award is proof that the country has a number of talents.
The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, made this statement, this afternoon, at the headquarters of his Ministry in Port Louis, following a meeting he had with the directors of the film Three Wise Men, Messrs Sada Rajiah and Desire Prevost.
Minister Teeluck highlighted that local artists have great potential, adding that this is being recognised abroad. He commended the team of Messrs Rajah and Prevost, which brought the country recognition at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Minister underlined the importance of his meeting with the directors of Three Wise Men as they had the opportunity to discuss about a strategy to promote this film on the local market. He pointed out that a schedule of activities will be established in due course for the promotion of the film so that Mauritians can appreciate local talent. According to him, the promotion of the film will also encourage the production of local films and documentaries which can eventually be recognised at the international level.
Furthermore, Minister Teeluck stressed that this film, having been recognised at the international level, demonstrates that the schemes set up by Government, such as the National Arts Fund to the tune of Rs 7 million, contribute to and encourage the production of local films. He also recalled that a budget of Rs 10 million was voted this year as financial support for Mauritian filmmakers.
He also seized this opportunity to encourage artists to avail of the facilities put at their disposal by Government to develop their talents.
For his part, Mr Rajiah commended all the stakeholders who contributed to ensure that the film Three Wise Men could receive an award at the Cannes Film Festival, and accumulate more than 30 international awards. He also expressed his wish for Mauritian cinema industry to reach another dimension and be recognised internationally.
As for Mr Prevost, he expressed satisfaction following the success of Three Wise Men and commended the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, as well as the Mauritius Film Development Corporation for their support.
