GHANAIAN-American actress and filmmaker Aba Arthur, known for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has emphasised the importance of cultural authenticity in achieving global recognition for Ghana’s film industry.
Speaking on the successes of prominent film industries such as Nollywood, Bollywood, and Korea’s K-drama, Aba stressed that Ghana must focus on telling its unique stories without compromising cultural integrity.
“Popular film industries, including Nollywood and Bollywood, have maintained their culture while gaining international appeal.
“I love watching Nigerian actors speak their native languages and wear traditional attire in major films—it feels refreshing and authentic,” she said.
Aba continued: “You don’t need to adapt another culture or standard to be accepted. Korean K-dramas, for example, have gained global attention while staying true to their language and culture. Ghana can do the same.
“When watching a Bollywood film, its Indian roots are immediately recognisable. Ghana must adopt a similar approach; narrate our stories authentically, and the world will take notice.”
She cautioned against modifying Ghanaian narratives to align with external expectations, highlighting the need to establish local standards rather than conforming to global platforms like Netflix.
“A compelling script is the cornerstone of success. A strong narrative attracts investors and lays the foundation for a thriving industry,” Aba noted.
She also stressed on challenges facing Ghana’s film sector, including securing financial backing, maintaining consistency, fostering collaboration, and keeping a clear focus on goals.
Aba Arthur, who began her journey in entertainment at a young age, was born in the United States and spent part of her childhood in Ghana before returning permanently to the USA. Her notable works include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Colour Purple.
Over her two-decade career, Aba has built a diverse portfolio as an actress, writer, director, and producer. She founded her production company, The Ohemaa Project, through which she produced and starred in her debut film, The Womb.
She caught her big break with her role as a naval engineer in charge of a ship in Black Panther-Wakanda Forever.
Now, Aba is focused on using her Hollywood experience to uplift Ghana’s entertainment sector.
“I want to bring what I’ve learned abroad back home to help grow our industry. Ghana has immense talent and creativity, but we need to develop the infrastructure. Let’s get it done together,” she said.
