Set aside differences and collaborate to grow film sector, Juliet Asante encourages stakeholders

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Film Authority (NFA), Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, has made a fervent plea for Ghanaian film-makers to set aside their differences and work together to give the movie industry a boost.

She expressed concern about the lack of collaboration among industry players, emphasizing that was holding back the growth of the movie industry’s potential.

Speaking on Graphic Showbiz's X Dialogue Series recently, Ms Asante lamented the glaring lack of teamwork among Ghanaian film-makers and encouraged them to pool their resources together to produce high-quality films that could compete on the international level.

"Film-makers don't join forces enough. For instance, if I have GH¢5,000 and another movie maker also has GH¢5,000, we can create something monumental instead of doing individual projects with our respective monies. Let's put our resources together,” she advised.

Highlighting the current fragmented state of the industry, the NFA boss pointed out that collaborating was key to overcome the challenges faced by Ghanaian filmmakers.

 She stressed the need for unity and cooperation along the entire film production and distribution chain, including product placement, marketing, distribution and attracting investors.

“Currently, there is excessive, unnecessary competition. We need to be intentional about how everyone in the supply chain, from product placement to marketing, distribution, investors and film-makers, can work together  to boost our industry”, she said.

Ms Asante also underscored the need for filmmakers to focus on preserving and showcasing the rich Ghanaian culture in their works.

"Look at the soft power of film. Let's use it to tell our story and promote our culture. The entire American dream was propagated through film. Other cultures are proudly selling theirs and we should do same. Let's not allow ourselves to be brainwashed into accepting foreign culture at the expense of our own,” she explained.