Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Film Assistance Scheme, with a provision of RS 10 million to support filmmakers to finance their projects, was launched this evening by the Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC), operating under the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, in Floreal.
On the same occasion, the premiere of the film “Geet Gawai A Cultural Legacy” produced and directed by Mr Varun Nunkoo was projected, by the MFDC in collaboration with the National Arts Fund and the Perfect Solution Eyedea Ltd. The film focused on the evolution of “Geet Gawai” in the Mauritian culture which was brought by the Indentured labourers some 182 years ago. It further gave a retrospective and insight to the current generation in Mauritius to have a better understanding of the existence of “Geet Gawai” as part of the Indo-Mauritian culture.
In his address, the Director of the MFDC, Mr Sachin Jootun, stressed on the importance of the Film Assistance Scheme which he said, will provide financial support to filmmakers in the production of local films. He underlined that at the very outset the MFDC will be able to purchase these films which will be broadcasted on national television. This, he highlighted with the aim to encouraging more local production as well as giving a boost to the cinema industry in Mauritius.
Regarding the film ‘Geet Gawai A Cultural Legacy’, Mr. Sachin Jootun, highlighted the rationale of making such a film, which he added, will help to inculcate the bhojpuri culture in the future generations. He further encouraged youths to watch the film so as to have a better understand of the evolution of “Geet Gawai” in Mauritius.
For her part, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Dr. Leela Devi Luckheenarain, expressed her satisfaction with the launch of the Film Assistance Scheme which she said will help promote more local films. As for the screening of the film “Geet Gawai”, she stressed that this will help to transmit a cultural heritage in youths and create interest for the younger generations to familiarize themselves with the history associated with the “Geet Gawai”.
It will be recalled that the Mauritius Bhojpuri Folk Songs ‘Geet Gawai’ has been inscribed in 2016 on the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
