Provide support systems for emerging talents —Filmmaker to govt

A YOUNG Ghanaian filmmaker and writer, Elsie Obeng-Kwakye, is calling for increased support from key stakeholders in the creative industry to nurture up and coming talents striving to make a significant impact with their work.

She made the appeal on the sidelines at the premiere of her latest documentary, Unexpected, produced by her Elsie Produktion house at the British Council, Accra recently.

Unexpected, looks into the lives of four teenage girls, including a mother of 11 children who commenced motherhood at the tender age of 14.

Another documentary also premiered on the same day, Sir, focuses on the displacement of children in James Town following the 2020 demolition of their homes along the seashore and its surroundings.

Speaking with Graphic Showbiz, Ms Obeng-Kwakye said the country’s creative space boasts of talented individuals who possess the capability to elevate the industry but face constraints due to financial limitations and a lack of platforms to showcase their creations.

"There are a lot of talented up and coming filmmakers who can contribute a great deal to the growth of our industry but they don't have the financial muscle to do so, and as a result, they waste away," she explained.

According to her, the provision of a robust support system could significantly  build the confidence of budding filmmakers within the creative space.

"I believe with the necessary support, be it financial or seasoned filmmakers sharing their platforms with  younger ones, it will go a long way to help build their confidence in the space to allow them to thrive," she affirmed.

Ms Obeng-Kwakye is known for her socially impactful works and Unexpected delves into the intricate web of factors contributing to teenage pregnancies, and the hurdles faced by teenage mothers.

According to Ms Obeng-Kwakye, she hopes the documentary would not only highlight the causes of teenage pregnancy but also serve as a catalyst for resolving these pressing issues.

"I want to use my platform to tackle more social issues. I am committed to extending my efforts beyond the current project, as there are additional social issues that I aspire to address.

“Building on the insights gained from Unexpected and Sir, my focus is now shifting to the creation of another documentary that aims at touching on the exploitation of children in fishing activities”, she told Graphic Showbiz.