Mr Ibu: to anchor film on xenophobia

Popular Nollywood actor, Mr John Okafor, says he is planning to shoot a movie highlighting the evils of   xenophobia.

Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, told the News Agency of  Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday that majority of the actors would be South Africans while others would be drawn from Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Ghana and  Botswana.

He said that the script of the movie was being written by some  gifted writers  while planning and pre-production had commenced.

“ I have plans to shoot a film on xenophobia. I will use mainly South African actors who will work  with others from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya  and Botswana.

“ What I want to achieve in the movie is to turn the table around and help in promoting peace on  the long run,’’ he said.

Okafor also said  that the film would be shot on locations in South Africa, Kenya  and Botswana.

“ The pre-production is on now. The scripting is also on. When I return to Nigeria, we will meet with the directors and technical crew to discuss the effects  of the plot.

“ When the plot  impacts on  our thinking, then we would have achieved something, ” he said.

The actor said the next phase would be to visit the concerned countries for auditions to determine those eligible to act in the film.

Okafor said that Nollywood movie industry was still growing and would achieve set targets.

He also said  he had done more than 300 movies since his debut in December, 1978.

Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union, said the body would partner with Okafor  on a social cohesion programme.

“ We are planning a programme aimed at creating synergy and  social cohesion between Nigeria and South Africa.

“ It will take place next year and we want Okafor  to be part of it,” he said.