The Actors Guild of Nigeria has made a significant decision in the wake of a tragic boat accident that claimed the life of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, and three crew members. In a circular dated April 11, 2024, the guild’s President, Ejezie Rollas, announced the suspension of all film productions involving riverine areas and boat rides. This move aims to prevent any further tragedies and ensure the safety of actors and crew members.
Furthermore, actors are prohibited from participating in any film produced by Adanma Luke until further notice. Luke, the producer of the movie “The Other Side of Life,” in which Junior Pope was starring before his untimely death, is directly affected by this decision.
The AGN statement emphasized the need for caution and respect for the lives lost in the boat mishap at River Niger Cable point in Asaba. As a mark of respect, all film shoots nationwide were halted on April 11, 2024. Additionally, the production of “The Other Side of Life” has been suspended indefinitely.
In the midst of this tragedy, the AGN continues to search for the bodies of the remaining crew members while honoring the memories of those who have passed away. The loss of Junior Pope and his colleagues has deeply impacted the Nollywood community and serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in filmmaking.
As the industry mourns the loss of talented individuals, the AGN’s decision to prioritize safety and well-being is a crucial step towards preventing future accidents. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
Please note that all rights to this material are reserved. Reproduction, publication, broadcasting, rewriting, or redistribution in any form without prior express written permission from PUNCH is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
