By Christian Njoku
The Cross River Government-backed creative industry, Callywood, has premiered its maiden movie, “Cracked Down,” to promote security awareness and showcase the state’s tourism potential.
Mr Eric Anderson, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Callywood, disclosed this during the movie premiere late on Sunday night in Calabar.
Anderson said the movie was produced as a practical component of a filmmaking training programme organised by Callywood, established about four months ago.
He explained that the security-focused storyline was inspired by the state government’s efforts to strengthen security, particularly through its Homeland Security Department.
According to him, “The movie highlights the activities of Homeland Security personnel and their contributions to maintaining peace and safety across the state.
“It looks beautiful on screens but we had our challenges such as adverse weather conditions, particularly persistent rainfall, posed major challenges during production, limiting some planned aerial shots and other scenes,” he said.
He added that nearly N20 million was invested in producing the movie, adding that the production team overcame several challenges, including an accident.
Prof. Stanislas Iyorza, Head of Development Communication, University of Calabar, (UNICAL) described the initiative as an important tool for communicating social change.
Iyorza, who is also the Chairman of Advertising Practitioners Association, Cross River chapter, said filmmaking could promote human development, morality and positive values, while encouraging citizens to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.
“I just saw a readiness for the demonstration of film as a tool for communicating change which is an important aspect that has not been given attention to by many states and I commend the government of Cross River for understanding this,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Eme Afia, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the movie’s use of Cross River’s scenery and greenery.
Afia said Callywood could complement the state’s tourism drive by showcasing its festivals, Carnival and cultural attractions to international audiences.
She noted that combining filmmaking with tourism promotion could attract more visitors, particularly during the December Carnival period.
Also, Mr Michael Nsan, Director-General, Homeland Security, Cross River, said the movie showcased the state’s security efforts, urging residents to remain disciplined, law-abiding and committed to sustaining peace.
The movie, Cracked Down, highlights how some high placed individuals in the society partner with criminal organisations to terrorise and extort people and the necessity of a security outfit that works like state police to ensure local security.
