The National Film Authority (NFA) is deeply concerned about the increasing unauthorized use and broadcast of creative content on various Ghanaian television stations. This practice violates copyright laws and threatens the integrity and sustainability of the country’s creative ecosystem.

In recent months, the NFA has received numerous complaints from both Ghanaian and international content owners about the illegal airing of films, series, and other creative works on traditional and digital TV platforms in Ghana. These infringements violate content creators’ rights and discourage investment and creativity in Ghana’s creative industries.

The NFA reminds all television stations that the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), and other applicable laws provide clear guidelines on using protected works. These laws explicitly state that any public performance or broadcast of copyrighted content without the rights holder’s permission is illegal and punishable by law.

As the national regulator of the film and audiovisual sector, the NFA is committed to protecting content producers’ rights. To this end, the Authority is working closely with relevant institutions to investigate and take appropriate actions against television stations that air content without authorization from the right owner or right holder. Offenders risk having their licenses suspended or revoked

The NFA calls on all TV broadcasters to:
1. Regularize all content by securing appropriate licensing agreements with copyright owners;
2. Respect intellectual property rights and uphold ethical broadcasting standards;
3. Cooperate with the NFA to ensure all films and audiovisual content are classified before airing.

Ghana’s creative economy holds significant potential for national development, job creation, and international recognition. However, its growth depends on the protection and respect for intellectual property rights. The NFA urges all television stations and media platforms to license content legally, fairly compensate creators, and partner in building a thriving and lawful creative industry.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The National Film Authority (NFA) reminds all stakeholders in the Ghanaian film industry that, as stipulated in the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935), all films intended for public exhibition in Ghana must be classified by the NFA. A person shall not exhibit or cause to be exhibited a film unless the film has been passed and classified by the NFA.

This regulation aims to streamline, develop, and uphold standards in Ghana’s growing film ecosystem, and applies to feature films, short films, trailers, tv series, documentaries, adverts and any audio-visual content exhibited in cinemas, on television, online platforms, or in any public space.

Effective 1st May 2025, a new enforcement measure will be applied to the film classification process: Every producer submitting content for classification must hold a valid Film Producer Licence issued by the NFA. The producer licence is not only a legal requirement but also an important step toward streamlining the industry and ensuring accountability, quality, and structure in content development and dissemination.

The NFA therefore urges all film producers – emerging and established – to obtain or renew their producer licence well ahead of the May 1, 2025 deadline. Only licensed producers will be permitted to access the film classification process from that date onward.

How to Get Licensed:
Producers can begin their licensing process by visiting the National Film Authority’s official website at www.nfa.gov.gh or by contacting the NFA Secretariat through classification@nfa.gov.gh.

Let us work together to build a vibrant, responsible, and world-class Ghanaian film industry that respects both creative expression and the rights of audiences.

Signed

Kafui Danku-Pitcher

Executive Secretary

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In a significant effort to strengthen the future of Ghana’s film industry, the leadership of the National Film Authority (NFA) paid a courtesy visit to two of the country’s most distinguished filmmakers, Mr. King Ampaw and Mr. Christian Hesse Tsui, on Wednesday. This visit was aimed at leveraging the wealth of experience these industry pioneers bring to the table, fostering deeper collaboration, and continuing the dialogue on how to grow Ghana’s film sector.

The NFA delegation led by Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher, visited these revered filmmakers, where discussions centered on the future of the Ghanaian film industry. Both Mr. Ampaw and Mr. Hesse Tsui have left indelible marks on the industry, and the NFA took the opportunity to acknowledge their substantial contributions while seeking their counsel on the way forward.

Mr. King Ampaw, whose landmark film The Road to Kukurantumi (1983) remains a pivotal work in Ghanaian cinema, shared deep insights from his decades-long career. Reflecting on his journey, Ampaw emphasized the importance of filmmakers seeking alternative funding avenues, rather than relying solely on government support. His thoughts centered on empowering filmmakers to explore creative financial solutions for their productions.

The team also visited the legendary 92-year-old filmmaker and cinematographer, Mr. Christian Tsui Hesse. Hesse, who played a vital role in documenting the visual history of Ghana, including his work as the personal cinematographer to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, engaged the delegation in an enriching conversation on the technical evolution of filmmaking in Ghana. He stressed the urgent need to preserve the country’s film heritage, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate its history. Hesse’s contributions to both the political and cultural history of Ghana continue to be invaluable.

During the visit, Mr. James Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA, reinforced the Authority’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s film legacy. He revealed plans for the establishment of a dedicated archival platform aimed at safeguarding the country’s films, ensuring that they remain accessible for future generations and continue to inspire audiences around the world.
In light of these visits, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, noted: “These interactions are not only a sign of respect for the trailblazers of our industry but also a strategic effort to tap into their invaluable insights. Their experiences are crucial as we work collectively to elevate the Ghanaian film ecosystem.”

The visits are part of a broader initiative by the NFA to engage key stakeholders—both past and present—in shaping the policies and programs that will ensure the growth, competitiveness, and global recognition of Ghana’s film industry.
As the NFA moves forward with its mission to create a vibrant film ecosystem, the wisdom and legacy of veteran filmmakers remain key cornerstones in the ongoing development of the sector.

The leadership of the National Film Authority (NFA) paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s legendary filmmaker, Mr. Kwaw Ansah, to discuss the future of the industry and draw insights from his wealth of experience.

Mr. Kwaw Ansah, a celebrated pioneer in Ghana’s film industry, welcomed the delegation and shared his thoughts on the power of the audiovisual media in shaping the socio-cultural and economic transformation of the country. He emphasized the crucial role that film plays in preserving Ghana’s heritage, influencing societal values, and driving national development.

The Executive Secretary of the NFA, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher, reiterated the significance of this engagement and highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to leadership. She stressed that learning from industry legends like Kwaw Ansah is essential to the Authority’s strategic agenda and underscored the NFA’s commitment to positioning Ghana’s film industry for growth, global competitiveness, and sustainability.

The Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr. James Gardiner, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to interact with Mr. Ansah. He stated that transformation through the audiovisual media starts from home and emphasized the need to be intentional about inculcating and projecting the Ghanaian language in content. Gardiner acknowledged the immense contributions Mr. Ansah has made to the industry and the importance of preserving the legacy of Ghanaian film pioneers while fostering an environment that nurtures emerging talents.

This visit marks the beginning of a broader consultative approach by the NFA to strengthen collaborations, harness institutional knowledge, and ensure that the Ghanaian film industry continues to evolve while staying true to its rich cultural heritage. Other key industry veterans such as King Ampaw, Rev. Chris Hesse, and Prof. Abequaye are also expected to be part of this ongoing dialogue.

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By Bismark Odum Sackey and Mustapha Yahaya

Idris Elba has signed on to headline the National Film Authority of Ghana’s second annual Africa Cinema Summit, set to run from October 7 to 10 in Accra.

Elba, a Golden Globe winner and chairman of the IE7 and The Akuna Group, is joined on the top billing by former Netflix exec and co-founder of Juno Studios, Fiona Lamptey, and Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The summit will once again take place at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. The theme will be “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities.” Organizers have said speakers will debate the current surge in local content production and consumption, ways of advocating for cinema investment, and how to reimagine the cinema experiences for Africa’s underserved lower-income audiences.

Representatives from African countries including Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola are set to attend alongside executives from throughout the African diaspora and reps from investment bodies including Afreximbank and IFC.

“Africa has been at the forefront of communication and storytelling for centuries, but sadly this innovation and the complex stories originating on the continent have been largely unnoticed,” Elba said in a statement to Deadline this afternoon.

“So, I am thrilled to be part of this year’s Africa Cinema Summit, where the focus will be on how Africans, on the continent and in the diaspora, can propel the cinema and content ecosystem to new heights and bring global awareness to our rich, dynamic, youthful and vibrant Africa.”

The Africa Cinema Summit is organized by National Film Authority execs Tim Yaw Struthers, Moses Babatope, and Funmi Onuma in collaboration with Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Cinemas. Last year’s inaugural summit featured representatives from 20 African countries with discussion focused on exploring and tailoring cinematic opportunities to suit the unique characteristics of each geographic location across the continent. The meeting was the source of multiple strategic gains for the regional industry. Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to approve a film tax incentive for the Ghanaian film industry. The credit was officially passed a few months later as a 20% tax rebate.

“The only way to grow local content and increase the cinema offerings on the African continent is to work together,” Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana, told us. “The sector remains resilient, with local content stepping up in countries like Nigeria to fill content gaps. The continent holds the largest potential market growth for cinema and our work is to make the potential a reality that benefits African communities. I look forward to welcoming our esteemed guests to Accra, Ghana.”

Africa Cinema Summit Speaker Lineup:

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, king of the Ga Traditional Area in southern Ghana.
Hon. Sandrine Umutoni, Minister of State for Youth and Arts of the Republic of Rwanda.
H.E. Dr. Onyekachi Macaulay O. Kalu, Chairman, African Union Sixth Region.
Moses Babatope, Founder and CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group.
Funmi Onuma, Country Manager, Silverbird Cinemas, Ghana.
H.E. Prof. Hugh K. Aryee, Vanuatu’s Trade Commissioner to Ghana.
Kunle Afolayan, Film Producer/Director.
Ope Ajayi, CEO of CINEMAX and President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria.
Patrick Lee, Head of Operations, at Viva Cinemas Nigeria.
Akaninyene Macauley, Executive Director of Sky Film Distribution.
Omoni Oboli, Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, director and producer.
Joy Efe Odiete, CEO of Blue Pictures Entertainment.
Aminata Diop-Johnson, The African Pavilion.

By Bismark Odum Sackey and Mustapha Yahaya

The Ghana film industry is poised for another significant milestone as Kunle Afolayan, the renowned Nigerian filmmaker, prepares to shoot his acclaimed Netflix series Aníkúlápó in Ghana. This development marks a major step in National Film Authority’s ambition to establish Ghana as an ideal film destination.

Mr. Afolayan, along with his esteemed crew, arrived in Ghana bringing with them a surge of excitement and expertise. Their presence is expected to boost the local film industry and foster further collaboration between filmmakers across the continent. Filming is set to begin on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and the production promises to be more than just a cinematic achievement. It signifies Ghana’s growing prominence as a destination for international film production.

The goal of Ghana becoming the hub of film production in Africa is gradually coming to fruition. The country has made significant strides toward attracting international film projects, with the National Film Authority (NFA) playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Under the leadership of its CEO, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, the National Film Authority has worked tirelessly to position Ghana as a favorable location for filmmakers worldwide.

At a press conference held on Monday, September 16, 2024, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante expressed her excitement about the Aníkúlápó project, emphasizing its importance in showcasing Ghana’s potential to the global film industry. This collaboration is a testament to the giant strides being made as a country. “Our goal is to make Ghana the preferred destination for filmmakers, and this production is a significant step in that direction.”

Kunle Afolayan echoed similar sentiments at the press conference, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work in Ghana. He highlighted the strong cultural ties between Ghana and Nigeria, stating, “Ghana is partly Nigeria, and Nigeria is partly Ghana.” His remark emphasized the shared cultural heritage and collaborative potential between the two nations.

Mr. Afolayan also emphasized the broader impact of this partnership on the African creative landscape. “This collaboration is a great win for both countries and Africa at large,” he said, further adding that over 200 Ghanaian talents would be involved in the production, providing a major boost to the local creative industry. The infusion of such talent will not only enhance the quality of the project but also offer valuable experience and exposure to the Ghanaian cast and crew. He also hinted that a notable filmmaker from Ghana will be casted as one of the lead characters in the sequel.

The Aníkúlápó series, a four-part sequel to the 2022 Netflix original film of the same name, has already garnered significant attention. The original film was shot three years ago, with the first season filmed last year at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State, Nigeria. The story follows the journey of Saro, a traditional textile weaver who becomes embroiled in a complex romantic relationship with Queen Arolake, set against the backdrop of the historical kingdom of Oyo.

With its engaging storyline and rich cultural narrative, Aníkúlápó has captivated audiences across the continent and beyond. The second season, now being shot in Ghana, is expected to build on this momentum. The series will be filmed at selected locations across the country, further showcasing Ghana’s diverse landscapes and its suitability as a top filming destination.

The presence of such a high-profile production in Ghana is expected to have far-reaching effects. Beyond the artistic and cultural benefits, Aníkúlápó’s production will likely have a positive impact on the local economy. The influx of international crews, the hiring of local talent, and the use of local services are set to provide a significant economic boost.

Moreover, the success of this project could pave the way for future collaborations between Ghana and other international filmmakers, solidifying the country’s reputation as a competitive player in the global film industry.

By Mustapha Yahaya

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has officially confirmed his attendance at the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit, scheduled to take place from the 7-10^th October 2024. His presence at the event marks a significant moment for Ghana’s summit and creative industries, reflecting the importance of culture, tradition, and storytelling in African cinema.

The Africa Cinema Summit has quickly become a prominent platform for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the industry across the continent to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the diversity of African cinema. With the Ga Mantse’s involvement, the event will carry an added layer of cultural significance, as it bridges the gap between the traditional values of the Ga community and the burgeoning modern film industry in Africa.

“We are honored and excited to welcome the Ga Mantse to this year’s Africa Cinema Summit,” stated Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority. “His attendance not only highlights the importance of the creative industries in preserving and promoting African heritage but also serves as an inspiration for filmmakers to continue telling authentic African stories.”

The Ga Mantse’s support for the event emphasizes the role of cinema in cultural preservation, emphasizing how storytelling through film can contribute to maintaining the rich traditions and languages of the Ga people and other ethnic groups across Africa. His participation is expected to draw increased attention to the summit, attracting more stakeholders from both cultural and creative spheres.

The Africa Cinema Summit, now in its second edition, continues to build on the success of last year’s event, where industry professionals and creatives converged to discuss the future of African cinema. With panels, and deal rooms on the agenda, the summit is set to create even more opportunities for filmmakers to expand their reach and influence within and beyond the continent.

As the summit draws nearer, the inclusion of esteemed figures such as the Ga Mantse reinforces the importance of African cinema not only as an entertainment medium but also as a powerful tool for cultural expression and unity. The second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit promises to be an event of immense significance for both the local and international film industries

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.

By Bismark Odum Sackey and Mustapha Yahaya

June 6th, 2024 (Accra, GHANA)   Under the patronage of H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), the National Film Authority of Ghana, in partnership with Silverbird Cinemas, today announces the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit. The event, themed “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities,” will take place from October 7-10, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

Last year, the inaugural Africa Cinema Summit convened representatives from 20 African countries. This landmark event facilitated critical discussions on the cinema landscape in Africa, focusing on exploring and tailoring opportunities to suit the unique characteristics of each geographic location across the continent.

The 2023 edition yielded significant accomplishments, notably highlighted by the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo’s assurance to approve the Film Tax Incentive for the Ghanaian film industry. Furthermore, collaborative ventures were successfully established among African countries, with the Filmhouse Group committing to distribute Ghanaian films across Nigeria and other partner nations. In the same vein, Silverbird Ghana pledged to incorporate local snacks into their cinema foods and Ster-Kinekor, the leading cinema chain in Southern Africa committed to exploring e-sports in their cinemas.

This year’s edition aims to further consolidate the progress made in the African cinema industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. The 2024 summit will focus on the ‘Growth in quality of local content production and consumption driving the case for increased cinema investment’ the summit will further delve into ‘Reimagining and rethinking cinema for Africa’s mass market segment’. The Africa Cinema Summit 2024 will bring together Cinema exhibitors, builders and investors, industry leaders, filmmakers, producers, distributors, studios, policymakers and stakeholders from across the continent and the globe.

In addition to the theme and date announcement, the NFA also named their executive steering committee consisting of executives from the global cinema, content and creative communities who will spearhead the summit alongside Ms Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana, and her team.

● Moses Babatope, Co-founder and former Group Managing Director, Filmhouse Group

● Rob Arthur, Founder and partner, Entertainment Solutions

● Tim Yaw Struthers, Senior Advisor, Global Engagement, National Film Authority of Ghana

● Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) Africa

● Funmi Onuma, Country Manager, Silverbird Cinemas

In line with H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s assertion that “both the cinema world and Africa need each other,” Africa represents an underserved market. Currently, with less than 2000 cinema screens catering to over 1.4 billion people, and with less than 20% of the population having experienced a cinema visit, there exists significant potential for growth. Moreover, considering the rapid population growth across Africa, the demand for cinematic experiences is poised to increase substantially.

Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana commented, “Funding the film industry is a wise investment. Opportunities for investment in the sector are wide and we call on all those interested in investments in Africa and especially Ghana, to consider investing in the infrastructure that supports the ecosystem, especially in studios and cinemas. This can only yield great returns on investments considering that the future of cinema is this continent. Ghana as well is committed to working on the policy changes needed to help propel a thriving film ecosystem”

Ms. Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana and convener of the summit, commented, “Africa’s cinematic prowess is undeniable, yet remains largely untapped.

Through the biggest cinema event in Africa, the Africa Cinema Summit, we envision a transformative journey that can create over twenty million jobs and contribute an impressive $20 billion to the continent’s combined GDP, as projected by the 2021 UNESCO Report. I am also delighted to welcome back key executives from the global cinema, content, and creative communities to collaborate with me on this new edition and beyond. This year’s focus on the growth in quality local content and reimagining ways of introducing the cinema culture to Africa’s largely youth population who have never been to a cinema, is exciting in that we are diving into the deep end of some really core issues. Over 80% of Africans on the continent have never been to a cinema, as the lack of cinema infrastructure has meant the eroding of the cinema culture in African communities. This is a big opportunity, and we have the mindset that it is possible to drive Africa’s 1 billion youth population to think about Cinema as a viable entertainment option. The entire cinema world must join us on this journey that holds the future sustainability of not only African cinema, but world cinema”.

The Africa Cinema Summit will take place from October 7-10, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

About National Film Authority of Ghana
The National Film Authority is a government agency mandated to enforce the legal framework for the production, regulation, nurturing and development of the Ghanaian film industry, and for the distribution, exhibition and marketing of films and related matters. It was set up by the Government of Ghana under the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935) to regulate and streamline the ecosystem of film in Ghana.

About Silverbird Cinemas
Silverbird Cinemas is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, acclaimed for its exceptional cinema experiences and impactful contributions to the growth of African cinema. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to innovation, Silverbird Cinema continues to elevate the cinematic landscape in Africa and beyond.