Nigerian director Jeta Amata, who is currently
helming a film about Haitian founding father Toussaint Louverture, has been
named a goodwill ambassador by Haiti President Michel Martelly.
The President bestowed the honour on Amata a
ceremony in Port-au-Prince, joined by Haiti Tourism Minister Stephanie
Villedrouin, Foreign Minister Pierre Richard Casimir and Culture Minister
Josette Darguste.
Amata’s Emperor: The Story of Toussaint Louverture,
has a listed budget of $15 million. It is slated to be released in August.
Some proceeds from the film will reportedly be used
to fund restoration of historic sites in Haiti.
Amata is one of the most famous filmmakers in
Nigeria’s “Nollywood” industry, having recently branched out to cast American
stars in some of his films.
“I will not disappoint you,” Amata told
Martelly. He called the appointment “the greatest Oscar” he had won.
Many of the film’s scenes will be reportedly be
filmed in Haiti.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the film
is also using locations in Mauritius, Italy and France.
Amata joins celebrities such as Sean Penn and Petra
Nemcova as goodwill ambassadors for Haiti.
Previous works by Amata include; The Amazing Grace, Inale,
Black Gold, Black November, and Unconditional Love.
Source:
Caribjournal. Photo: PR Photos
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