AS if the challenges the Ghanaian film industry already has to deal with are not enough, it now has to grapple with a ‘brain drain’ of its players to Nigeria.
Many of our filmmakers and actors are relocating to Nigeria because of a conducive environment to operate and better opportunities.
This trend is attributed to the lack of a thriving film industry in Ghana, coupled with unfavourable conditions such as high taxes and limited funding.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz from his base in Nigeria, budding filmmaker Horla Manuvor Jr highlighted the constraints filmmakers face in Ghana, noting that Nigeria offers an enabling environment for creative professionals to excel.
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He explained that while Ghana imposes excessive taxes on logistics and faces a shortage of financiers and investors, Nigeria provides abundant support, making it a more appealing destination and a more viable location for film production.
“As a young filmmaker striving to establish my career, I found a remarkable opportunity in Nigeria, captivated by the dynamic film industry that offered a wealth of learning experiences and increased opportunities to work on set.
“Unlike the limitations I experienced back home in Ghana, Nigeria’s vibrant industry provided the resources and mentorship I desperately sought”.
“The Nigerian film industry is bustling with activities, bolstered by a robust market and substantial resources. Notably, numerous cinemas provide filmmakers with multiple platforms to showcase their work.
“Additionally, the taxation structure on cinemas in Nigeria is considerably more favourable than that in Ghana. Given these advantages, it's clear that if one were to pursue a filmmaking career, Nigeria presents a more attractive environment for business success, enabling creative professionals to thrive”, he added.
Manuvor’s sentiments echo those of other industry players, including award-winning filmmaker Peter Sedufia, who, in a previous interview with Graphic Showbiz, lamented the high cost of production in Ghana.
He disclosed that he shot his latest film, One Night Guests, in Nigeria because of the budget-friendly nature of film production there, as well as the ease of accessing resources.
“We had good discounts on equipment in Nigeria. Most of them were less expensive, compared to Ghana. So it made economic sense for us. Our tax regime in Ghana is too high, compared to Nigeria; it is something I cannot hide. Making a film in Nigeria is less expensive than in Ghana for so many reasons,” he added.
In addition to filmmakers relocating to Nigeria, some Ghanaian actors, such as Etty Bedi, Toosweet Annan, Anthony Woode, Enock Darko and Nana Yaw Boamah Addae, have all established themselves within Nollywood, with minimal appearances in the Ghanaian movie scene.
