Award-winning Ghanaian film director, Mr Peter Sedufia has said that the Ghana film industry currently does not have a structure or system to help stakeholders make economic gains hence emphasising the need for a proper structure and system.
According to Sedufia, there is a lack of clarity when it comes to the right authorities to approach for film-related matters in Ghana. This often leads filmmakers to rely on private individuals rather than established institutions.
Sedufia who was speaking on Onua ShowTime with Mcbrown agreed with a portion of renowned filmmaker Spike Lee’s statement about the absence of a structured film industry in Ghana.
“There is no structure or system for the film industry in Ghana when someone comes from outside and wants to make a film they don’t know the right authorities to reach out to. They’ll rather each out to private individuals and start working which clearly shows that there is no regard so I agree with Spike Lee when he says that,” Peter Sedufia said.
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The renowned filmmaker during his visit to Ghana bemoaned the lack of collaboration and enthusiasm from Ghanaian filmmakers, stating, “I did not know that there is a thriving film industry in Ghana, I know about Nigeria. And I made the point that it was publicised that I was coming and no one approached me from the film office. I would have loved to meet the people in the film industry here.”
The ‘Keteke’ director believes that this is a significant issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
While the National Film Authority (NFA) is responsible for overseeing the industry, Sedufia expressed frustration with its slow progress in implementing the necessary changes.
“This is a big issue and we are working with the NFA, they’re just slow and I keep saying that it’s taken too long. This is the job that puts food on our table so we can’t continue to wait for them to do the right thing and speed up,” he pointed out.
The primary purpose of the film industry is entertainment, however, just as Sedufia emphasizes the business aspect of the industry is equally important.
However, due to the lack of a structured system, many filmmakers in Ghana face challenges in monetizing their work and earning a decent income.
“Film is to entertain but there’s a business aspect of it. This is our profession so it needs to pay. It needs to put food on our table. It’s taken too much time. Some of us are moving anyway without the structure but if it falls in place we are ready to support,” he reiterated.
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