Actress and producer Joselyn Dumas says she would have no objection to filming a romantic scene with Kumawood actor Sumsum, whose real name is Yaw Adu, if it was required by the script.
Speaking during a media tour reported on Monday, November 9, Dumas dismissed claims that actresses in Ghana’s English-language film industry avoid romantic scenes with Kumawood actors because of their appearance.
“If the script calls for it and I’m an actress, yes, he’s my co-actor. Why am I going to say I’m not going to do it with him?” she said.
Dumas added that she had never heard of any of her colleagues refusing a role because they were unhappy with the physical appearance of a co-star.
Her comments came as she praised Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, for supporting the Kumasi premiere of her latest film, Agency for the Dead. Lil Win had rallied his Facebook followers to attend the event.
The premiere was held at the Kuma Play Auditorium at Kumasi’s Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Lil Win attended the red-carpet event dressed in black with a silver chain belt, while Dumas wore a purple and blue corset gown. He also showed her his CD collection during the occasion.
Dumas said Lil Win’s backing had gone beyond what she expected and called for more support of that kind throughout Ghana’s film industry.
Written and directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Agency for the Dead was co-produced by Dumas and Ken Attoh. The film opened in Accra on Friday, October 30, before its screening in Kumasi.
The haunted comedy centres on two sisters who stage ghost encounters, only to find that real spirits enter their lives. Its cast includes Yvonne Okoro, George Quaye, Rhoda Ampene, David Dontoh, Mawuli Gavor, Omari Dwamena and Anita Erskine.
Dumas also used the media tour to respond to suggestions that her success on screen was based more on her figure than her acting.
“You haven’t seen any of my movies. You don’t think I’m talented?” she asked.
“I am aware my image is everywhere, in salons, hanged in people’s homes. I thank God for it, then it means people think I’m doing something right.”
“But, there is still more to me than looks. I wish people could appreciate my personality more than my body, no lady likes to be objectified,” she said.
Lil Win’s other current project is A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), which features Nollywood actors Kanayo O. Kanayo, Patience Ozokwor and Zubby Michael.
The film was shot in the Western Region’s stilt village and is another production that Lil Win has been promoting. Its official soundtrack, featuring Medikal and Fameye, was released on Monday.
