By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Aminata Bockarie, a multitalented cinematographer in Freetown, has explained that her journey to the spotlight in the arts industry was made possible through the support she had from her father (now deceased).
Miss Bockarie is now a scriptwriter, film editor, movie director, Director of photography and former ballet dancer at the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts.
On Monday, March 7, 2021, after several years of practices, she held her first arts exhibition at the Ballanta Academy of Music and
Talking to this medium, Miss Bockarie explained that she started a career in the art industry as a painter when she was a child. “When I was a child, I used to shape everything I see around me. So, to bring my ideas to reality, I decided to use arts by learning how to sketch. And my late father realizing that I have that talent, he started buying me crayon, pencils, books and other materials used for painting just to support my dream. Here I am today living out of my arts and I have the of teaching other people to become self-reliant in the society. I use arts to express myself, to change the society positively, and give voice to the voiceless,” she narrated.
She encourages parents to support their children to follow their dreams as her late father did for her.
Miss Bockarie has produced numerous movies like, ‘Diana’s Diary’, ‘up in Alms’, ‘One Drop’, ‘Ray of hope’, etc.
She said that the arts industry plays a significant role in the nation’s economy, providing numerous benefits in terms of job creation and revenue generation. “The industry can be a significant contributor to the economy, generating millions of Leones in revenue each year. The industry can also play a vital role in creating jobs by employing thousands of youths across various sectors, including film and television production, music and theater,” she emphasized.
Miss Bockarie said that the industry can have an impact on other industries, such as tourism and hospitality. She said, “For example, major film productions and music festivals attract tourists from around the world, generating revenue for local businesses and supporting the local economy.”
She pleads to the governments to invest in infrastructure and facilities, include building new theaters or music venues, upgrading existing facilities, or developing new tourism attractions to support the industry. “These investments can help to attract more visitors and stimulate economic growth in the country and can help to create a more vibrant sustainable art industry that can benefit both the economy and society as a whole,” she concluded.