Ghana's film industry: From local beginnings to global showcase

GHANA’S film industry, fondly dubbed ‘Ghallywood’ has evolved from a modest, locally-focused enterprise into a dynamic creative force earning global recognition.

Its story begins in the colonial era, where the British wielded film as a tool for propagating European ideologies, using initiatives like the 1930s Bantu Educational Cinema Unit and the Gold Coast Film Unit established in 1948. Though rooted in questionable motives, these colonial efforts inadvertently laid the foundation for Ghana’s cinematic future.

Post-independence in 1957, President Kwame Nkrumah harnessed this infrastructure to launch the Ghana Film Industry Corporation (GFIC), envisioning film as a medium for nation-building.

The era saw significant state investment and a focus on national unity, but the propagandistic slant often stifled creativity and limited connection with local audiences. From these complex beginnings, Ghallywood has charted a remarkable course, transforming into a cultural powerhouse poised for global stardom.

Struggles and Rebirth

The overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966 ushered in a difficult period for Ghana's film industry. State funding dried up, and increased reliance on foreign partnerships often alienated local filmmakers. The industry entered a decline that would last for over a decade.

But from these struggles, a new era was born in the 1980s. Innovators like William Akuffo pioneered video filmmaking, sparking a grassroots movement that would redefine Ghanaian cinema: There was affordable video technology democratised film production and stories became more relatable to everyday Ghanaians

The ‘Ghallywood’ era truly began

The 1990s ushered in the ‘Ghallywood’ era, a transformative period for Ghanaian cinema driven by the advent of affordable video technology. This ‘video boom’ democratised filmmaking, allowing directors to produce stories on modest budgets and sparking a surge in content creation.

These films, often centered on relatable themes like family drama, love, and the supernatural, resonated deeply with local audiences despite technical limitations. This grassroots movement redefined Ghanaian cinema as a medium truly by and for the people, prioritising cultural representation over economic gains and cementing its place in the hearts of Ghanaians.

21st Century: Quality, Diversity & Co-productions

Entering the 21st century, ‘Ghallywood’ underwent a remarkable evolution, with filmmakers focusing on enhancing technical quality and crafting more sophisticated narratives. Armed with better equipment, elaborate sets, and refined post-production techniques, Ghanaian cinema began vying with international productions.

 Directors broadened their storytelling scope, blending traditional themes with complex social issues, political narratives, and experimental approaches, earning global recognition and critical acclaim.

This era also saw the rise of co-productions, as partnerships with filmmakers across Africa and beyond brought fresh perspectives, resources, and expanded distribution networks, enriching Ghanaian storytelling and propelling it further onto the global stage.

Streaming Platforms: Ghana's Global Spotlight

The rise of global streaming platforms like Netflix has been a game-changer for Ghallywood. Recently, several Ghanaian films and series have been picked up by Netflix, exposing the industry to audiences worldwide. This international exposure has opened up new opportunities for Ghanaian filmmakers.

The Advantages of Streaming:

• Global Reach: Ghanaian films can now attract audiences from every corner of the globe.

• Financial Opportunities: Streaming deals provide a much-needed financial boost, enabling filmmakers to create bigger, better films.

• Creative Freedom: Streaming platforms often embrace experimental or niche content that might struggle to find an audience in traditional cinema.

Many Ghanaian actors have also benefited from this shift, securing roles in international productions and gaining recognition across the globe.

Navigating a New Terrain

While streaming platforms have brought substantial benefits, they also present challenges:

• Increased Competition: Ghanaian films now compete with content from around the world for audience attention.

• Cultural Authenticity: Filmmakers must strike a delicate balance between appealing to a global audience and preserving authentic Ghanaian storytelling traditions.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Despite the rise of streaming, reliable internet access remains limited in some parts of Ghana, limiting the local audience for digital content.

The Rise of Young Directors and New Voices

Ghallywood is now experiencing an exciting wave of young, innovative directors and filmmakers. This new generation is bringing fresh perspectives, embracing new technologies, and pushing the boundaries of what Ghanaian cinema can achieve.

Emerging Trends:

 • Embracing Technology: Young filmmakers are leveraging cutting-edge digital filmmaking tools, visual effects, and online distribution to create innovative films.

• Exploring New Genres: From sci-fi to psychological thrillers, young directors are experimenting with genres that have traditionally been underrepresented in Ghanaian cinema.

• Tackling Contemporary Issues: They are addressing pressing topics like LGBTQ+ rights, environmental challenges, and the effects of social media on society.

While these young filmmakers are pushing the envelope, they are also deeply rooted in Ghana's storytelling traditions, creating a unique fusion of the old and new.

Film Festivals

Film festivals have played a crucial role in bringing Ghanaian cinema to international audiences. Prestigious festivals such as the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Durban International Film Festival have offered Ghanaian filmmakers a platform to showcase their work alongside some of the best in global cinema.

Several Ghanaian films have gained significant recognition on the world stage:

• The Burial of Kojo (2018) by Blitz Bazawule received widespread critical acclaim and was acquired by Netflix.

• Keteke (2017) by Peter Sedufia won multiple awards at international festivals.

• Azali (2018) by Kwabena Gyansah was selected as Ghana’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards.

These successes have helped solidify Ghallywood’s reputation on the international film scene, attracting attention from global producers, distributors, and audiences.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its success, Ghallywood faces several ongoing challenges:

• Funding: Securing consistent and adequate financing for films remains an issue for many filmmakers.

• Piracy: Illegal distribution of films continues to rob creators and distributors of revenue.

• Infrastructure: Limited cinema screens and distribution networks within Ghana hinder the reach of local productions.

Yet, the future holds much promise:

• Government Support: Increased recognition of the economic and cultural value of the film industry is leading to more supportive policies.

 • Technological Advancements: New filmmaking and distribution technologies will continue to open up fresh possibilities.

• Global Interest: As Ghanaian cinema gains recognition for its unique storytelling, global interest is expected to grow.

The Future of Ghallywood

The evolution of Ghana’s film industry from humble beginnings to global recognition is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and ambition of its filmmakers. As Ghallywood continues to evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly significant role in both Ghana’s cultural landscape and the global entertainment industry.

With its rich storytelling traditions and the infusion of bold new voices, Ghanaian cinema is set to captivate audiences worldwide for years to come.