Ghana has a rich history of film production MultiChoice Ghana MD

The Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, Mr Alex Okyere has noted that Ghana has a rich history of film production, with Ghanaian films being popular in the 80s and 90s.

He, however, mentioned that the glory state is facing challenges including piracy, lack of funding, disinterest from some key stakeholders and a decline in audience numbers.

In a welcome address at the third edition of Graphic Showbiz forum on Tuesday, July 25, Mr Okyere said despite the intimidating challenges, there were still several factors working in favour of the industry.

“The growing popularity of streaming services like Showmax have provided a new platform for Ghanaian films to reach audiences around the world.

“ For instance, since MultiChoice launched the Akwaaba Magic channels, it has sparked the fire in the bellies of producers like Ivan Quashigah, Shirley Frimpong Manso and young budding producers like our MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates to cash in on the opportunities thereof,” he said.

The guest speakers for the forum were George Bosompim, a lecturer at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) and Public Relations Officer of The Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Peter Sedufia, a film director and CEO of Oldfilm Productions, Ivan Quashigah, Film Producer and CEO of Farmhouse Productions; actor Prince David Osei and Afua Kissi-Nyame, Head of Marketing, Multichoice Ghana.

In a presentation, the editor of Graphic Showbiz, Ms Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu, mentioned that the relevance of forum was to create a platform for knowledgeable panel who understood the elements of filmmaking to figure out the direction of our movie sector.

The Director of Marketing for Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Franklin Sowah thanked the panellists and guests for heeding to the call for relevant discussion on the movie industry.

He also pledged the GCGL’s commitment to creating relevant platforms for productive conversations about Ghana’s creative industry including the film sector.

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