Video of John Dumelo refusing to join a canoe on movie set resurfaces after Junior Pope boat accident
Following the death of Nollywood actor Junior Pope, there have been concerns about the safety of casts during movie shoots.
Junior Pope and three other crew members died on April 10, Wednesday after a boat transporting them from a movie location capsized in the River Niger cable point in Asaba.
A viral video showing Junior Pope’s last moment before his death captured the actor in the boat with other members without life jackets and divers as a form of a safety precaution.
With the speed at which the boat was moving, many internet users have questioned why there was no provision for any life jackets or any diver in the midst of such risk.
Two days after the incident had occurred, an old video of Ghanaian actor John Dumelo refusing to join his colleague actors in a canoe during a shoot over safety concerns have reappeared.
In the video, Dumelo was with colleague actors such as Adjetey Anang, Kwadwo Nkansah LilWin and the late Bernard Nyarko in the canoe wielding a prop pistol.
Just before the canoe could be pushed into the river, Dumelo who was not with a life jacket stood up and refused to join his colleagues cross the river while raising concern over his safety.
Junior Pope’s death: Nollywood suspends film shoots on rivers indefinitely
Despite several pleas by some of his colleagues, the actor insisted not to join the canoe.
Throwback to when John Dumelo came down from the canoe during a movie set.
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) April 11, 2024
Netizens have since reacted to the video commending the actor for his actions.
One user on Twitter said “This is very good. Thank God for that. Always follow your mind. Don’t travel without life jacket on the sea.”
Another tweeted “prevention is better than cure.”
Another said “safety first before anything”.
Meanwhile, the Actors Guild of Nigeria has announced a number of measures after the death of Junior Pope. These includes;
Suspension of Riverine Film Shoots: All films involving riverine areas and boat riding are suspended indefinitely. This decision aims to prioritize safety and prevent similar mishaps in the future.
I covered tattoo of Fella’s name to save my future relationship – Medikal
Nationwide Shoot Suspension: There will be no filming activities at any location across the country on Thursday, April 11, 2024. This pause is a mark of respect and mourning for the lives lost.
Indefinite Suspension of “Another Side of Life” Film: The production of “Another Side of Life” is halted until further notice as part of the precautionary measures taken by the guild.
Restriction on Working with Adamma Luke: Actors are prohibited from working with Adamma Luke as a producer until further directives are issued. This step is part of the ongoing investigation and safety considerations.
