In a compelling address to filmmakers at the Women In Film Business Summit, former Agriculture Minister Victoria Sekitoleko highlighted the potential for mutual growth through collaboration between the creative and agricultural industries. Her insights shed light on the ways in which these seemingly distinct sectors can support each other’s development.
Sekitoleko’s Vision of Collaborative Growth
During her speech at the National Theatre on October 26, 2023, Sekitoleko emphasized the significant role that creatives can play in uplifting the agricultural sector through their storytelling and advocacy methods. Likewise, she acknowledged the capacity of the agricultural sector to provide vital support to the creative industry, including financial backing and other forms of assistance.
She stated, “Enhancing the role of creatives could significantly bolster the agribusiness sector, as the creative industry can provide substantial support to agriculture. Similarly, the agricultural sector retains the capacity to aid the creative industry through financial backing and other forms of assistance.”
The Importance of Organizing and Unity
Victoria Sekitoleko further underscored the importance of filmmakers organizing themselves into a recognized body, such as a federation, to amplify their voices. She envisioned that such unity could lead to seamless collaboration between the film industry and agriculture, ultimately contributing to coordinated development.
Addressing the filmmakers directly, she offered advice: “You need to establish your own federation, and I am confident you will achieve it. With your own federation, you will be able to advance to another level and can collaborate with other sectors, such as agriculture, for development.”
Government Support and Female Empowerment
Sekitoleko stressed the necessity of government support for the creative industry and assured her commitment to engage relevant authorities for assistance. She recognized that government backing is vital to drive progress and growth in the creative sector.
Moreover, she provided invaluable advice to female attendees, encouraging more women to join the creative sector, maintain professionalism, and ignore negativity around them. Her words aimed to empower women and inspire them to pursue successful careers and businesses within the creative field.
