Kunle Afolayan Scouts Locations in Ghana for New Season of Aníkúlápó Series

By Mustapha Yahaya

In May 2024, renowned African filmmaker Kunle Afolayan announced his plans to shoot parts of his upcoming Netflix series, Aníkúlápó, in Ghana. This exciting news gained momentum on Tuesday, July 23, when Afolayan shared numerous photos on social media, documenting his location scouting efforts in Ghana.

Location scouting, also known as location recce, is a crucial step in the pre-production phase of filmmaking. It involves identifying and evaluating potential filming sites to ensure they align with the creative vision and logistical needs of the production. These chosen locations ultimately become the backdrops that audiences see on screen, significantly impacting the visual and narrative quality of the film.

Ghana is proactively inviting filmmakers from around the world to utilize its stunning landscapes and top-notch facilities. This initiative is not only aimed at showcasing Ghana’s natural beauty and cultural heritage but also at creating employment opportunities for local residents. By hosting international film projects, Ghana seeks to boost its tourism industry, generate revenue, and enhance its soft power on the global stage.

The National Film Authority of Ghana is thrilled to collaborate with Kunle Afolayan, a prominent figure in African cinema, to film scenes of Aníkúlápó in Ghana. This international partnership is spearheaded by Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the CEO of Ghana’s National Film Authority. In an Instagram post, Asante expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Ghana is calling on the world to come and shoot in Ghana and capture the very beautiful sceneries and facilities Ghana has in their movies.”

Aníkúlápó is a four-part series that serves as a sequel to the 2022 Netflix original film Aníkúlápó. The story follows Saro, a stranger and traditional textile weaver, who arrives in Oyo and becomes entangled in an unlikely romantic affair with Queen Arolake. The first season was entirely filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State, with a cast and crew of 600.

As Afolayan embarks on this new chapter of Aníkúlápó in Ghana, the collaboration promises to bring significant benefits to the local film industry and the broader economy. The presence of such a high-profile production highlights Ghana’s potential as a premier filming destination and sets the stage for future international film projects in the region.