Black Star Film Festival opens in Accra

The second edition of the Black Star International Film Festival has opened in Accra with a call on Ghanaian filmmakers to tell the Ghanaian story.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Silverbird Cinema, Accra Mall, yesterday,  August 18, the Second Lady, Mrs Samira Bawumia, urged filmmakers in Ghana to always endeavour to tell the Ghanaian story.

“When I was growing up, there were women in the industry who impacted my life in so many ways, women who challenged the status quo like the late Alexandra Duah, Grace Nortey and Grace Omaboe,” she said.

“The Black Star International Film Festival must be the star in Africa that draws people to Africa, I commend the organisers for successfully organising the festival for two years in a row, “ she said.

For her part, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs Catherine Afeku, used the opportunity to welcome all the visitors to Ghana asking them to enjoy the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality.

“Ghana is a distinct location for peace and the Black Star International Film Festival must be used to draw people to Ghana,” she said.

Mrs Afeku said her ministry would partner the Black Star International Film Festival next year as they were true partners for the festival. “Film must be used to maximise the job creation opportunities in the industry.”

The Founding President of the  Black Star International Film Festival, Ms Juliet Asante, in her welcome address said film acted as a cultural diplomacy tool and must be seen as such.

“ Film is an important tool for education and I urge all film producers from all over the world to do co-productions with the filmmakers here, we ought to follow the examples of countries like South Africa and Nigeria,” she stated.

Ms Asante suggested government must ensure Ghanaian Embassies around the world show Ghanaian movies. According to her, 45 countries made it to the festival.
The opening film, Moonlight, was screened to the delight of guests.