For record in the visitor’s book of Songhai Centre, Djimon Hounsou visited on Thursday, November 26, 2015; the famous filmmaker from Benin came to discover the Center of Production, Training and Research in Sustainable Agriculture, based in Porto-Novo, his hometown. Led by the Director of Songhai Centre, the visit ended with a meeting between the two personalities on their respective projects.
Of all the sectors visited, Djimon Hounsou was particularly interested in the renewable energy sector. The ability to produce energy through organic waste in his country, with practical experience in the area, has greatly amazed him as he expressed his pessimism about the development of Africa. The filmmaker extensively discussed with Father Godfrey Nzamujo, Director of Songhai Centre, the production cycle of electrical energy from waste.
Similarly, the actor sees a relationship between Songhai concept mainly based on mimicry of nature and ‘African tradition’. Djimon Hounsou, in full production of a documentary film on Benin culture, thinks that “to live happily, it is essential to have some respect for nature and this is what is being demonstrated at Songhai.” In this sense, he also asked Father Nzamujo his views on voodoo and other aspects of Beninese culture and which could be promoted and would contribute somehow to the development of Benin.
Finally, the guest of Songhai indicated that he had always heard about Songhai without ever visiting. This visit was prompted by a meeting with Nzamujo on a flight from Paris to Cotonou, during which they sat together. Very impressed after the discovery of the center, the filmmaker who has partnerships with people working in energy, says he does not like just speaking words. For the follow-up to this visit, “We’ll see,” he said.
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