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 7-10th 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 Mantseâs 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 Mantseâs 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 yearâs 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
In May 2024, renowned African filmmaker Kunle Afolayan announced his plans to shoot parts of his upcoming Netflix series, AnÃkÚlÃĄpÃģ, 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 AnÃkÚlÃĄpÃģ in Ghana. This international partnership is spearheaded by Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the CEO of Ghanaâs 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.”
AnÃkÚlÃĄpÃģ is a four-part series that serves as a sequel to the 2022 Netflix original film AnÃkÚlÃĄpÃģ. 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 AnÃkÚlÃĄpÃģ 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 Ghanaâs potential as a premier filming destination and sets the stage for future international film projects in the region.
June 6th, 2024 (Accra, GHANA)Â Â 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 âThe Relevance of Cinema in African Communities,â 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-Addoâs 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 yearâs 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 âGrowth 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.
â Moses Babatope, Co-founder and former Group Managing Director, Filmhouse Group
â Rob Arthur, Founder and partner, Entertainment Solutions
â Tim Yaw Struthers, Senior Advisor, Global Engagement, National Film Authority of Ghana
â Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) Africa
â 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 yearâs focus on the growth in quality local content and reimagining ways of introducing the cinema culture to Africaâs 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 Africaâs 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 cinemaâ.
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.
Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, has announced at the just-ended Cannes Film Festival in France, that, part of season two of ANIKULAPO, will be shot in Ghana in support of the National Film Authorityâs, âShoot in Ghanaâ campaign.
The ANIKULAPO, Netflix hitmaker, Mr. Afolayan made this announcement at the recent Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) held in Cannes, France with various film industry gurus and media personalities in attendance.
Ms. Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the CEO of Ghanaâs National Film Authority who brokered the deal in France, was at the Summit when the announcement was made. According to Ms. Asante, âThis is an important development. The shooting of parts of ANIKULAPO, in Ghana is a good opportunity to revive and enhance the film relationship between Ghana and Nigeria. Both countries stand to gain greatly from collaborating deeply and exploring each otherâs markets and strengths.”
Mr. Kunle Afolayan is also committed to training; and his film school, KAP Academy, has trained over 10,000 students in Nigeria and other parts of the continent.
Mr. Afolayanâs announcement implies that, many Ghanaians, even those outside the film industry will be employed and skills will be transferred during the shoot. ANIKULAPO, is a Netflix original film and Television series.
Ms. Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante is encouraging filmmakers around the world to consider Ghana as a shooting location.
Ghanaâs shoot in Ghana campaign was launched two years ago and has seen many ground-breaking successes, including the much talked about Super Bowl advert which was shot in the country (Ghana), and many more that havenât been announced yet.
The National Film Authority (NFA) is extending a call to all scriptwriters in Ghana to partake in an exhilarating and enriching opportunity. Under its Scriptbank Project, the NFA is dedicated to discovering and nurturing young creative talent across the nation through various initiatives. One such initiative, the Ananse Project, aims to unearth the next top scriptwriter in Ghana.
In alignment with our mission, we are inviting young individuals under the age of 25 who possess a flair for writing and a boundless imagination to submit a short, engaging script under the theme: “Meet Kweku Ananse.” The script should be no longer than 8 minutes (8 pages) and should showcase the writer’s ability to push creative boundaries and tell captivating stories.
We are thrilled to announce enticing prizes for the top scripts: First Prize: GHC 5,000 First Runner-Up: GHC 3,000 Second Runner-Up: GHC 2,000
Furthermore, winners will have the exclusive opportunity to join the scriptwriters for the Ananse Project. This invaluable experience will serve to further enhance their writing skills and provide exposure to the dynamic film industry.
Don’t miss out on this chance to showcase your talent and be part of a groundbreaking project that celebrates Ghanaian culture and storytelling. Submit your script today and embark on a journey towards becoming a recognized voice in the world of film and literature.
For submission guidelines and more information, visit info@nfa.gov.gh
Join us in shaping the future of Ghanaian cinema and storytelling!
The inaugural Film Investment Breakfast Meeting took place at the MÃķvenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The Film Investment Breakfast Meeting, meticulously organized by the National Film Authority, serves as a unique platform for businesses to delve into mutually advantageous partnerships and gain invaluable insights into the investment opportunities within Ghana’s dynamic film landscape.
Key highlights of the event comprised presentations spotlighting investment opportunities within the Ghanaian film industry, as well as dynamic discussions on fostering collaborative ventures between investors and stakeholders in the film sector. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to explore synergies with other industries available to the film industry and Film Development.
The event drew a distinguished crowd comprising film industry leaders, investment professionals, diplomatic figures, legal experts, and notable personalities like Hon. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, the designated Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Renowned filmmakers and actors such as Jackie Appiah, Shirley Frimpong Manso, Chris Attoh, Martha Ankomah, and Adjetey Annan were also in attendance. Among the diverse array of businesses represented were FBN Bank, Airtel Ghana, Cinema 57, the Bank of Ghana, and several others.
The CEO of the National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante laid a solid foundation for stakeholders to recognize the transformative power of investing in the film space, highlighting its multifaceted benefits. With a nuanced understanding of the sector’s potential, she emphasized the pivotal role of investment in nurturing and expanding Ghana’s burgeoning film landscape. She underscored how strategic investment not only drives economic growth but also serves as a catalyst for cultural enrichment and societal empowerment.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister Designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, delivered a poignant message to investors within the film industry. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital technology, Mercer emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing digital platforms in film investment strategies.
Esteemed industry figures Danny Damah, the talented filmmaker from TD Afrique Films, Shirley Frimpong Manso, renowned CEO of Sparrow Productions, and Nii Amah Dagadu, representing Corporate Affairs at Multichoice Ghana, graced the stage as main speakers alongside Funmi Onuma, the esteemed Country Director of Silverbird Cinemas, and other distinguished guests. Each speaker brought a unique perspective and wealth of experience to the event, enlightening the audience with their insights and expertise. From innovative storytelling techniques to strategic perspectives on film distribution and industry trends, their contributions were invaluable.
Ghana’s film sector is primed for a significant boost as the government plans to introduce a 20% tax rebate aimed at attracting film productions and propelling Ghana into the global spotlight as a premier filming destination. The proposed tax rebate seeks to invigorate film projects while nurturing the expansion of Ghana’s indigenous cinematic landscape.
Speaking at the State of the Nation Address in the parliament of Ghana, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo indicated that his âGovernment, through the National Film Authority, is committed to supporting the production of world class content and films, as well as increasing the cinema infrastructure in Ghana and by extension, on the continentâ.
President Akuffo Addo announced the imminent release of a favorable fiscal(tax) regime for cinema projects, including income tax and VAT incentives, exemptions on import duties for film production equipment, twenty percent (20%) tax rebate for strategic film productions and film financing reliefs. According to the President this initiative âshould provide another tangible reason for the choice of Ghana as a film production country.â
The proposed incentives include exemption strategy for taxes on imports and value-added services. This could translate to significant savings for filmmakers and other investors in film infrastructure and equipment, as they may be spared from paying port taxes and other crucial levies upfront. Additionally, local corporate entities that financially back the sector might also benefit from these incentives.
Over the past three years, under the leadership of Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the National Film Authority of Ghana has pursued initiatives to position Ghana as Africa’s premier shooting destination and content hub, as well as working to develop the marketplace for film. The Authority’s “Shoot in Ghana” campaign has garnered considerable attention, enticing numerous foreign productions to Ghana. Notably, the campaign achieved a remarkable milestone with the NFL Super Bowl spot âBorn to Playâ which was shot in Ghana and produced by Danny Damah and Tony Tagoe production company TD Afrique films (Beasts of No Nation), amassing more than 500 million views within hours of its release.
Commenting on the Presidentâs announcement, the CEO of National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante said âThe forthcoming tax incentive policy, as articulated by the President, stands poised to fortify Ghana’s position within the global film ecosystem, amplifying its attractiveness to filmmakers and solidifying its stature as a cinematic powerhouse on the international stage.
In a bid to establish Ghana as a prominent film hub in Africa, the National Film Authority (NFA) launched the ‘Shoot in Ghana’ campaign, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at attracting filmmakers from around the world. Since its inception, this campaign has not only gained remarkable momentum but has also elevated Ghana’s status as a rising force in African filmmaking.
One of the campaign’s notable achievements is the recent NFL Super Bowl ad, which swiftly climbed to the fifth position on global charts, amassing a staggering 500 million views within mere hours of its release. This triumph serves as a testament to the campaign’s efficacy in showcasing Ghana’s potential as an ideal filming destination.
Much like the ambitious Kwesi portrayed in the ad, the NFA envisions Ghana as a dream destination for filmmakers, and this vision is steadily gaining traction. The allure of Ghana as a filming location is undeniably on the rise, with the NFA spearheading this transformative journey. The overarching goal is clear â to position Ghana as the premier destination for film production in Africa.
The campaign strategically capitalizes on Ghana’s diverse and vibrant landscapes, complemented by the warmth of its communities, creating an ideal canvas for the emergence of cinematic masterpieces. This combination of natural beauty and cultural richness provides filmmakers with a unique and compelling backdrop for their projects.
The ‘Shoot in Ghana’ campaign represents a pivotal chapter in Ghana’s cinematic journey, inviting enthusiasts and storytellers worldwide to join this transformative movement. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about actively participating in the creation of a vibrant portrait of Ghana’s cinematic future.
To be part of this cinematic revolution, embrace the hashtag #ShootinGhana and contribute to the collective narrative that showcases the untapped potential of Ghana’s film landscape. Join the movement, be an integral part of the story, and together, let’s unfold the full spectrum of Ghana’s cinematic prowess. The ‘Shoot in Ghana’ campaign is not merely about taking pictures; it’s about painting a vivid and dynamic masterpiece that will resonate on the global stage, firmly establishing Ghana as a cinematic powerhouse in Africa.
In a historic gathering that marked a significant milestone for the African film industry, the inaugural edition of the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) brought together influential figures and key stakeholders to emphasize the crucial role of collaboration in shaping a thriving cinematic landscape across the continent.
The event, held from 14th to 16th of November 2023 at the Silverbird Cinemas and Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Ghana, provided a platform for filmmakers and cinema stakeholders across the globe to unite and deliberate on the imperative need for elevating content quality and fostering a more diverse film industry. The discussions highlighted the potential impact of collaborative initiatives in pooling resources, expertise, and perspectives, ultimately leading to an enriched storytelling.
A central theme throughout the summit was the belief that unity among African filmmakers will not only amplify cultural representation but also offer global audiences a more nuanced and authentic view of Africa. By working together, sharing experiences, and collectively tackling societal issues, filmmakers will be able to empower themselves to craft compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally.
The collaborative spirit within the African filmmaking community was evident as participants explored ways to strengthen ties and bridge gaps within the industry. The discussions centered around how unity could lead to the creation of high-quality content that reflects the diverse narratives and rich cultural tapestry of the continent.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the recognition that the collaborative efforts within the African filmmaking community holds the potential to make a lasting impact, influencing the future of cinema and content creation on the continent. By coming together, filmmakers can leverage their collective strength to address challenges, seize opportunities, and shape the trajectory of the industry.
As ACS came to an end, participants expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the transformative power of collaboration in driving positive change within the African film industry. The summit served as a catalyst for building stronger connections, fostering creative partnerships, and ultimately contributing to the growth and success of African cinema on the global stage.
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 Mantseâs 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.
