PHILOMENA EYIRAM

Second Issue (P. 10)

During our stay in Ghana, we have been very fortunate to meet many people who have impressed us with their talent, intelligence, strength, perseverance and their will to strive for success and to achieve their goals. We have nothing but great love, respect and feelings of affection for these individuals.

However, for us, Philomena Eyiram, undoubtedly symbolizes Africa with her beauty, strength, pride, intelligence, sweetness and tenderness. We call her Fio and she is 4 years old. Fio was constantly by our side on the set, from day one. She became our sunshine every morning and our sleepy angel every evening.

Fio’s story, representative of the realities of many other African people, is not a simple one. Her parents left to work in the "big" city of Accra, while little Fio spends her time in the village, with her wonderful and loving grandmother.

During the shooting of the film, Fio always waited for us at the edge of the village, while we were getting a ride to the set. As soon as the car was in her proximity, she beamed with happiness and, as it approached closer, she burst with cheer until it stopped. From that instant on, she was always with us and, at times, it was very difficult to put her to bed at night.

Eager to appear in every scene of the film in which children were required, she was the only kid who was always authorized to sit close to the director and becoming his "Personal Assistant".

When the end of the film’s shooting schedule was approaching, we asked Kingsley to keep an eye on Fio’s education and welfare on our behalf. We are both looking forward to seeing her again as we are certain that she will be very happy to see us as well. D

Bruno and Daria

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