‘Screenplay’ of Eunice Oheneba Asiedu

AS if the challenges of Ghana’s movie industry would be enough discouragement, Eunice Oheneba Asiedu braced all the odds to chase her dreams of becoming a film-maker seven years ago.

As a young woman, she would stop at nothing to find her feet in an industry that most of her predecessors and compatriots have been lamenting about its injustice to her gender.

So with the supposed setbacks staring her in the face countered by passion and determination, Ms Asiedu knew just what she was getting herself into when she produced her first movie, ‘Once Upon A Family’ in 2018.

Yes, it’s been seven years since her debut movie which featured A-list actors including Yvonne Nelson and John Dumelo and Ms Asiedu said she hasn’t regretted venturing into film production.

In an interview with Daily Graphic, she noted, just like a screenplay, she boldly admits she now has the perfect script to share about her journey in the Ghana movie industry.

“I have always loved the movie industry. From my first film, Once Upon a Family, I knew this was my chosen path. When I started, some people told me I didn’t know what to use my money for and that I should invest in something else.

“But I knew I had a purpose, which was to tell African stories so I wasn’t discouraged at all. It was a big project. I brought together top actors, I wanted to prove that African stories could be told with excellence and that was what was achieved,” she stated.

After Once Upon a Family, her passion led her to co-produce Nansins and Brighter Day in 2021, and in 2023, she co-produced God is African.  “That film was special to me. It was my way of giving back to God and mankind”.

Collaboration

With a passion for storytelling and a drive to succeed, Ms Asiedu is defying odds and inspiring a new generation of film-makers.

For her, collaboration is key. "It takes a whole team to put together a project. One key aspect that needs more attention is marketing.

“Without proper marketing, no matter how great your production is, you will never gain from it,” she stated.

She mentioned that her commitment to collaborate has been a driving force in her career, allowing her to tap into a wealth of creative talent and expertise.

"People didn't believe in me at first, but I always say, just show them what you can do. Let your work speak for itself,” she added.

Today, Ms Asiedu is reaping the rewards of her hard work and determination. This experience has not only shaped her perspective but also fuelled her passion to champion women's empowerment in the film industry.

 “We need more support as female producers because it’s not easy, but we have to keep pushing,” she stated.

She mentioned that social media has been more than just a platform to share her work. It has been a game-changer in her career, helping her to reconnect with her audience and build a stronger brand.

After taking a break from the industry to focus on her family, Ms Aseidu returned to find that her social media presence had helped her to maintain a strong following.

Her social media presence is not just about self-promotion, however. She also uses her platforms to inspire and motivate young people, particularly those struggling with self-doubt.

She said, "No one posts their failures. I have had many crying days, but in the evening, I would post a beautiful picture to encourage myself."

Personal life

Beyond life as a film-maker, Ms Asiedu is also an entrepreneur owning Helsam Afro Caribbean Shop in Waltham Cross, London.

However, her passion transcends her work in film and business. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, she established the Eunice Asiedu Foundation, which provides vital support and resources to vulnerable individuals across the continent.

"I don’t put our philanthropic work on social media because it’s a service to God and humanity. For me, giving is personal," Ms Aseidu said.

Community impact 

While many recognise her as a film-maker and entrepreneur, Eunice has also built a remarkable career in health care. "I started as a caregiver, and after 10 years of hard work, I became a Registered Manager. Health care taught me discipline, patience and the importance of service,” she shared.

Despite her engagements in other fields, she told Daily Graphic she was very optimistic about the fortunes of the Ghana movie industry, urging industry players not to give up.

In her words, “It’s always a long road but the journey begins with a step. We can just turn the bad script into a better one if we all work at building a robust movie industry to promote the authentic Ghanaian and African stories”.