Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman has called for a supportive environment for the film industry to thrive, stating that the sector is a viable long-term opportunity for investors and sponsors.
She also urged institutions to create an environment that fosters creativity through education, training, funding, and infrastructure, and protects intellectual property.
Speaking at the maiden Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra, on Saturday, December 13, the Vice-President commended filmmakers, investors, and sponsors for their commitment to the industry.
“To our institutions, we must continue to create a supportive environment. Those that foster creativity, through education, training, funding, practice, infrastructure and of course, intellectual property protection too, so that their input are well protected.
“This industry deserves support not only because film is beautiful but because film is meaningful and when this festival continues to prioritise quality, professionalism and remains connected to real market, it will definitely become a concrete part of our infrastructure,” she said.
Ghana won seven awards on the night, with Ricky Adelayitar grabbing Best Actor (Male) for his role in The Fisherman.
Comic actor, Clementos Suarez took home Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) for The Fisherman.
Ghana also clinched Best Animation with The Guardians —The Chosen Ones, Best Student Film – Ebu, Achievement in Editing – Jasmin Way – The Fisherman (Ghana) and Achievement in Visual Effects.
Nigeria’s Fat Toure / Osas Ighodaro / Maud Guerard won Best Actor In a Role (Female) collectively for 3 Cold Dishes, with Mercy Aigbe walking home with Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) for My Mother Is A Witch.
Zimbabwean child actor, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, secured the Best Young Actor award for his role in the multiple award-winning movie, Rise.
Professor Opoku Agyeman praised him and encouraged young creatives to strive for sustainability and reminded them that their talents are a national and continental asset.
“And to our young creatives, your talents are needed. Strive not just for visibility but sustainability and always remember that talent is a national and continental asset and we value you very, very much,” she said.
The Vice-President was part of a number of dignitaries who attended the festival which shone a spotlight on African films and players.
Following a thorough screening process after the call for entries in September, the official nomination list for 2025 REFFA was released in November, featuring 112 nominees across 23 categories.
The Vice-President expressed her gratitude to the organisers for hosting the event in Accra, noting that it has opened doors for Ghana beyond the region and across the continent.
“I want to thank the organisers for hosting this event in Accra and by doing so, have also opened doors of our country beyond our region and to many, many places on our continent.”
“My wish is that this festival will grow, deepen its impact and continue to highlight African storytelling,” she stated.
The night also saw electrifying performances from a talented line-up of artistes, including Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Empress Gifty, Nene Narh, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa Band, and Patchbay Band.
