Sexual Harrassment: Thespians seek intervention.

This issue is coming exactly at a time the act has so much eaten deep into the film industry. Sexual related matter is no longer an issue but then it is very paramount that it should be addressed, so as not to wreck more havoc and stunt the development of the industry.

I picked on this because so many a time, the issue has been raised, but nothing has been done about it. Therefore, it is paramount that this issue be critically reviewed to give entertainment lovers the clearer vision of the said topic and also open the minds of parents whose children might wish to find a career in this noble profession.

According to the story published May 19, 2014 by Vanguard newspapers on this matter, and the contributions given by Thespians, I beg to disagree no one will molest or harass you if you don’t give room for that.

It is true that the industry has recorded huge number of incidence related to this issue but like I’ll always say, it didn’t start in Nigeria. It has only turned worse basically because of the crazy knack of becoming a celebrity, especially among the female folks. Mind you, the issue of sexual harassment is not found only in the film industry. It cuts across various other industries like the banks, telecommunication companies, the media and many others. But the issue is not quite over blown just like it is done in the entertainment industry. We cannot run away from our problems. We need to face it and bring a lasting solution to the lingering issue. How do I mean? No matter the level of sexual harassment experienced in the banking sector, you can never hear about it because, they find a way around it. If you are harassed, it is not an issue but it is an issue when you give in.

It is so unfortunate that the film parishioners have failed to handle such matters because they are beginning to get so lousy about it instead of doing what needs to be done to put an end to it. Instead, it is blown out of proportion, thereby washing their dirty linings in the public.

The truth is that the quest for stardom has made the affected, loose track. According to the view of one of the thespians, “It is only when the development was made to all and sundry that the allegation could have some credibility”, he said. That brings me to the fact that none of these molested girls will ever come out to say they have been molested when they have practically accepted it as a lifestyle. I am not saying it is noble to have artistes harassed. But I am bold to say in most cases that those who are molested gave room to it. In as much as producers or talent scouts crave it, they won’t do it at the expense of there job, that is if the person knows the reason why he or she is in the business. Any producers who chooses pleasure at the expense of his job, is no doubt a quack and doesn’t deserve to be filmmakers. Some times I don’t get to blame the producers and that is because they see the advantage and they take it because some ladies practically throw themselves around so cheaply.

Like I said, if you are good in what you do, people will look for you. But if you are bad, you will be discarded and when they just can’t, they keep you around, making you believe you are the right person meanwhile they are strategizing on how to devour you. No matter how it is painted, the truth is that a lot have been harassed and none has deemed it fit to come and disclose it. Every one play along as it is now a normal routine. Yet they come out on national media, claiming to talk about it.

What got me angry about the publication is this. Even those who wallow in such shame of also aired there opinion stating that they have never being harassed meanwhile I personally know that it is a blatant lie because one of the ladies who contributed, denied never being harassed but I know with fact that she was actually a sex toy to one of the independent producers who sleeps with her and give her roles in return. The truth is that our ladies are so much involved and they don’t see it as a problem anymore. Rather, they believe it is a new trend they must explore if they must get to the top.

Film making is a noble profession but it is quite sad that it has been opened to all and sundry who feels it is the cheapest way to stardom, without going through procedures.

I was quite disappointed when the national president of the Actors guild of Nigeria, said that any one who feels she has been harassed should come out openly and say. That statement, coming from her is null and void because if she was a good leader, she would have initiated a platform strong enough to train thespians that are ready to be one. It is obvious that the reason we can’t boast of good films as compared to our international counterparts is because, our leaders are shallow in there thoughts.

It is obvious we have limited and well trained thespians that are good enough to grace the stage or film roles and take our product to the next level. I know we can’t compare us with our foreign counterparts in terms of technology but then, the right thing should be done and actors should get good training. Thespians should be trained not to submit themselves at the mercy of one producer because they desire a role. They should be made to know that if they are good, producers will come after them. They should be taught to add value to there profession. Film-making is not for every one, filmmaking is a noble business and those who wish to participate should try to do the needful if the industry must be elevated to meet international standard.