Ghanaian renowned filmmaker, Joewackle Kusi, has revealed that the African film industry carries the potential to compete and succeed on the global stage when African stories are told from an authentic African perspective.
The filmmaker made this known during an interview with Rev Erskine on Episode 2 of Franco Vybz, where he shared his thoughts on the future of African cinema and the importance of Africans taking ownership of their stories.
According to Joe Wackle Kusi, the strength of African cinema lies in the ability of filmmakers to tell stories from their own cultural experiences rather than viewing their narratives through foreign perspectives. “Sometimes when you’re collaborating, you end not getting the story told from your own lens.” he said, speaking from the standpoint of an African.
According to the cinema expert, African filmmakers must develop a distinct cinematic identity that reflects the continent’s culture, experiences and realities. “African cinema will win when African films are told through the African lens.”
The conversation formed part of the second episode of FrancoVybz, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Rev Erskine. The podcast seeks to examine the cultural, creative and professional connections between Ghana and the Francophone world, while creating a platform for discovery and exchange among young audiences.
FrancoVybz airs on all YFM Ghana stations every Saturdays (Y107.9FM in Accra at 3:30pm; Y102.5FM in Kumasi & Y97.9FM in Takoradi at 5:30pm) with repeats on Wednesdays at 10pm.
Episodes are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Audiomack under the name FrancoVybz.