It seems the Gambian movie industry is finally waking up to the power of women. Mariama Colley of Brikama is gradually becoming one of the big actresses in the country – thanks to her authentic performance in the movie, Hand of Fate.

She was born on the 6^th September 1988. According to some of her childhood friends, she has always been a lover of the arts, entering into drama competitions and also a strong lover of music.

She later developed a deeper appreciation of the arts and went on to join the Nusrat Peer Health Club; a club that was known for moulding some of the country’s best young actors and actresses.

“I was the president of the club and during my time, we won different trophies. I was once awarded as Best Actress during the popular Inter-school Drama Competition,” recalled Mariama.

The Brikama-born actress’ debut movie was Hand of Fate, produced and directed by Ibrahim Ceesay. Mariama said: “the movie is about early marriage and its negative effects on the development of young girls.”

Below we bring you the synopsis of the movie:

The Hand of Fate explores the theme of early marriage and its negative effects on the development on the development of young girls. It poses questions in an attempt to find some answers to this cultural phenomenon. For example, is poverty the underlying cause for early marriage? Is it greed? Is it laziness or complacency in human nature which blames fate for one’s misfortunes or status in life? Are those people in authority blind to the violation of the rights of girl-child?

Fatoumatta was married at a pretty young age and suffered a severe condition during child birth which meant she was going to have only one child in her life, Aminata. The girl whose father promised to do whatever it takes to protect her and prevent her from suffering like her mother did Fatoumatta.

Baba’s promise to protect his wife and daughter was challenged when his brother Momodou brings to the family suitors who had the one thing that they ever yearned for, money. Baba is lured into the deal and his commitment to his promise is tested.

Aminata’s schooling is at stake, her mother does not want a scenario of history repeating itself and Baba is caught up in a dilemma, to let this suitor escape when there is no chance of him being able to sustain his daughter’s education any further.

In the end, the Hand of Fate must do what it ought to do, to decide upon everyone’s fate. This is a story of a society which abandons its values and preys on young innocent girls. The Hand of fate is thought provoking film with traditional Gambian settings that bring the attention of the general public to this practice.