Gatekeepers stifling Ghana’s film industry —Gloria Sarfo
GHANAIAN actress Gloria Sarfo has called out ‘powerful’ figures in the film industry, accusing them of hindering progress by monopolising opportunities and resisting change.
These people believe they have all the answers and refuse to let others contribute to the industry's development.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Sunday, July 20, the acclaimed Efiewura star didn’t hold back, slamming the select few she described as ‘self-proclaimed gatekeepers’ who control the sector with an iron grip.
According to Gloria, Ghana’s film industry must evolve—or risk being left behind. “There are people who call themselves ‘gatekeepers’ at the top, who act like they have all the answers, blocking fresh ideas, refusing to let others contribute. They won’t step aside to allow the industry to grow,” she said.
She challenged stakeholders to stop pretending all is well when the Ghanaian film sector is clearly struggling. To her, the problems are well-known, but not much is being done to address them.
“We all know what is happening in this industry. The sector lacks a lot of things that would change the narrative—structures, resources, opportunities, investments, funding, actors, producers, directors, distributors and marketers, among others. Yet, we keep ignoring the issues,” she emphasised.
With decades of experience in the industry, Gloria pointed to a deeper crisis: the absence of discipline and adherence to standards. (Read EDITOR’S LENS: Ghana’s film industry deserves a bold, new script)
“I don’t even know what happened, and we stopped functioning. But all I know is I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I’ve experienced almost every phase. We have the actors. We have the producers. But I think we lack discipline and proper standards,” she added.
The 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Supporting Actress winner also highlighted the alarming unemployment among film graduates.
She asked rhetorically how many graduates from National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) and the School of Performing Arts were unemployed and sitting at home, noting that many had given up on their passion and taken other jobs for survival.
“How many NAFTI and School of Performing Arts graduates are sitting at home with no jobs? Many have quit for survival, abandoning their passion for jobs they don’t love,” she said.
The award-winning actress began her acting career in the mid-2000s, starring in Revele Films' Hotel Saint James. However, she gained popularity after playing the role of Nana Ama in the popular television series, Efiewura.
Having featured in several movies, including My Mother's Heart, Darkness of Sorrow, Aloe Vera, Friday Night, The Most Beautiful Hour, she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for her role in Shirley Frimping Manso's The Perfect Picture - Ten Years Later.
Comparing Ghana’s film industry to Nigeria’s thriving Nollywood, Gloria stressed the need for greater appreciation and loyalty toward industry professionals.
“Ghanaians don’t always show enough appreciation. Here, we don’t value those who built this industry enough. It is different in Nigeria. They celebrate their own,” she added.
