Accra, May 24, GNA - The African Federation of Film Critics on Thursday pledged to work together for the promotion of the art of film critique to enhance and support the film industry.

In a statement released in Accra, the group expressed concern about the low level of participation in the activities of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) by West African countries, especially English-speaking nations, and tasked them to re-organise to energize the film industry in the sub-region.

It was resolved that efforts must be redoubled, using Nigeria as the coordinating centre, to energise participation and networking by film critics to, not only promote their art but also the films of the countries. Mr Hassouna Mansouri, Vice President of FIPRESCI for Africa, emphasised the need for African film critics to take opportunities such as jury membership, training and contribution to film critics' websites. The Moderator of The African Film Forum, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye, while commending the Embassy of France in Nigeria for its past assistance to the Nigerian Association of Film Critics through training workshops, expressed the hope that such support would be expanded to include more West African countries.

The Embassy of France in Lagos and Accra sponsored two film critics' workshops in Nigeria and Ghana for members of the federation last year. Meanwhile, Mr Francis Ameyibor Associate Executive of Ghana-FIPRESCI, has commended Ghanaian film producers, actors and stakeholders in the local industry for the vibrancy and injection of professionalism into the industry.

He noted that the screenplay of most Ghanaian films in recent times had succeeded in capturing the essence of the story line. Descriptions of harsh conditions are quite sobering, and the new films had developed rooms for levity with charming quips, he said. He noted, however, that there was room for improvement in the creativity, costume, location for scenery and the general packaging of films. Mr Ameyibor therefore called for greater collaboration among the stakeholders to further enhance the film industry. He also tasked marketing companies to develop more pro-active mode of selling films instead of resorting to cheap street hawking.