For many years, there has always been some skepticism about the state of the film industry in Ghana. Almost, always unconsciously, quick comparison is drawn between how the industry in Nigeria is faring as against the situation in Ghana.
What some of the critics fail to consider is the success stories of some of the productions coming of Ghana. This alone should give us some sense of optimism. What is particularly refreshing is, that some of these successes are coming out of our training institutions for film/video production and communication/performing arts.
For instance, in the last edition of FESPACO (2017), two short films from Ghana (one each from School of Performing Arts and NAFTI) won awards at Africa’s most glamorous film festival in Ouagadougou. Once we get the fundamentals right, it bodes well for the development of the sector.
Also, with the passing of the Film Bill, the time has come for all film enthusiasts to take advantage of the moment to begin to consolidate the modest strides that are being made. Efforts at improving the sector will gain lots of traction if there is real commitment and institutional support from the relevant corridors of power.
The film sector, and by extension, the creative and performing arts sector have got it all to GET GHANA BEYOND AID.
Click on the link below to read some part of the story of film/video production efforts from the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon.
http://www.ug.edu.gh/news/school-performing-arts-africa’s-flagship-film-festival-–-fespaco-2017-down-side