Vanguard reports that Michael Ofuonye, a film producer, has criticized the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for suspending the movie "Another Side of Life" and its producer, Adanma Luke, following a tragic boat mishap that claimed the life of Nollywood actor Jnr Pope and four others. Ofuonye, who produced a film featuring the late actor J.T. Tom West, expressed his dismay over the decision to suspend Adanma's movie, stating that completing the film would be a fitting tribute to Jnr Pope's memory and provide closure for his family, cast, and crew.
Reflecting on his own experience with tragedy in the film industry, Ofuonye recounted the unfortunate accident that led to the death of J.T. Tom West. He clarified that Tom-West died due to internal bleeding, not from being shot with live bullets as previously reported. Despite the loss of millions of naira and the disruption to their project, Ofuonye emphasized the importance of completing the film as a tribute to Tom West's legacy and a demonstration of resilience in the face of adversity.
Ofuonye also highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into accidents on movie sets and the implementation of safety protocols and insurance policies to prevent future incidents. He cautioned against solely blaming producers and directors for accidents, advocating instead for collective efforts to create a safer and more responsible industry for all involved.
Ultimately, Ofuonye's message underscores the importance of honoring the memory of fallen actors like Jnr Pope and J.T. Tom West while striving to improve safety standards in the Nigerian film industry. By completing projects interrupted by tragedy and implementing proactive measures to prevent accidents, the industry can pay homage to its lost talents and ensure a brighter, safer future for its members.