Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Film Authority of Ghana, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, has advised filmmakers to make it a point to attend various festivals in Ghana.
According to her, a lot of the things she’s currently pursuing, especially the major ones all came out of festivals she attended.
Speaking to Rev. Erskine on Y 107.9FM’s YLeaderboard Series, she said, “Festivals play an important role in the film industry. They are the first market place in the film market ecosystem and not just the Black Star international film festival, but other festivals like AIF Accra, Independent festivals and then there is this convention thing by GH movie freak and all of those have come out that are all helping the ecosystem.”
She noted that by doing this, they will be able to interact with other filmmakers, share ideas and learn new things to improve the movie industry.
“I encourage filmmakers to find one of these and be a part of. It doesn’t have to be mine. You don’t even have to ever come to the basic festival but find a film festival even if not in Ghana.”
She emphasized that it is during such gatherings that ideas are shared and rich conservations are had amongst key players in the industry.
“You also cannot get the kind of conversation shared there anywhere else in the film value chain, especially now that we don’t have a place of convening like GFIC. This has to be done to get a community where people meet, share ideas, explore concepts, push themselves and encourage themselves,” she added.
Juliet advised filmmakers in Ghana, actors and actresses to take an interest in any of the film festivals and attend because it will be helpful to them.
By: Gyamfuah Owusu-Ackom
