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Cinema of Ghana

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Cinema of Ghana also known as the Ghana Film Industry nicknamed Ghallywood,[1] began when early film making was first introduced to the British colony of Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1923. At the time only affluent people could see the films, especially the colonial master of Gold Coast.[2][3][4] In the 1950s, film making in Ghana began to increase.[5][6][7][8] Cinemas were the primary venue for watching films until home video became more popular.[sources 1] The movie industry has no official name as yet since consultations and engagements with stakeholders has been ongoing when a petition was sent to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture which suspended the use of the name Black Star Films.[17]

National Theatre of Ghana, Accra

Cinema in the colonial period

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In the early 1920s, individuals in the private sector brought film to Ghana (then Gold Coast) by opening cinemas in urban areas. By 1923, cinema has become a new form of entertainment, and only the affluent could see the films that were exhibited at the cinemas. Cinemas were for the first class society, that is the colonial leaders and their top officials. Later on cinema vans were used in rural areas.[citation needed]

In the 1948, when the colonial masters discovered that film, besides its entertainment values, could be used to brainwash and transform society in the direction of the filmmaker, decided to establish the Gold Coast Film Unit at the Information Services Department of the colonial government. Film became another system, considered to be scientifically appropriate, to influence society. The Gold Coast Film Unit used green-yellow Bedford buses to screen documentary films, newsreels and government information films to the public. Attendance was free. (Sakyi 1996: 9). The films included propaganda films about World War II, which were produced by the Colonial Film Unit (CFU) in London. (cf. Diawara 1992: 3).

After the war, the unit produced educational films and feature films for their African colonies. The films were designed to contrast the Western "civilised" way of life with the African "backward" way of life. They suggested "superstitious" customs should be ceased. (Diawara 1992: 3; Ukadike 1994: 44ff).

The Gold Coast Film Unit, also produced films with local interest to encourage improvements in health, crops, living, marketing and human co-operation. (Middleton–Mends 1995: 1; Diawara 1992: 5). In 1948, the Gold Coast Film Unit began to train local African film makers. Films were exchanged with other British colonies in Africa. (Middleton-Mends ibid.).[18]

Ghana Film Industry: Contemporary Ghana cinema

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The cinema industry in Ghana, also known as Ghana Film Industry formerly Ghallywood started in the early part of the 1980s. Before Ghana Film Industry, the government of Ghana, who inherited the film industry from the colonial government, was the only producer of films in the country. The first president of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in 1964 established the Ghana Film Industry Corporation (GFIC) at Kanda, in Accra, which would become the country's capital in 1877. GFIC now houses TV3, a private Malaysian TV station. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the President of the first Republic of Ghana, sent a lot of Ghanaians abroad to learn filmmaking purposely for the running of the GFIC. Ghana had professionally trained filmmakers who were employed by the government to produce films for the socioeconomic development of the country. Legends such as Rev. Chris Hesse, Mr. Ernest Abbeyquaye, Mr. Kwaw Ansah and many others were all trained by the government, under the leadership of President Nkrumah. GFIC was established to use indigenous Ghanaian made films to reverse the negative impact of the films made by the colonial government and to restore the pride of being a Ghanaian and an African in the citizens. The Ghana Film Industry Corporation was making films to serve the purpose of building self-reliance in the African people. More than 150 feature and documentary films were produced by the GFIC by the late 1960s. After the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966, the film industry in Ghana had a nose down.

In 1981, the first independent film, Love Brewed in the African Pot, was produced by Kwaw Ansah, one of the legendary filmmakers in Ghana. The film was shot on celluloid film. After that, King Ampaw, a Ghanaian filmmaker trained in German also followed suit with the release of his film Kukurantumi - The Road to Accra in 1982. By the middle of the 1980s, the new generation in Ghana, led by William Akuffo, decided to adapt the new video technology that was introduced to the world in 1978, for the production of films. The Video Home System (VHS) cameras were used to shoot feature-length films from 1986 in Ghana. The idea was to tell the Ghanaian and African narrative by the African. Ghana was the first country in the world to use VHS cameras to shoot feature-length films. By the end of the 1980s, Ghana could boast of a number of films produced in Ghana on VHS tapes cassettes.

Since the late 1980s, the making of direct-to-video films has increased in Ghana.[citation needed] Funds for cinematography were hard to come by for both the state-owned Ghana Film Industry Corporation (GFIC) and for independent film makers. Therefore, people in Ghana began to make their own films using VHS video cameras. The independent filmmakers created their own Ghanaian stories and scripts of the films, assembled actors, both professionals and amateurs and made successful films especially in Accra. Income from these VHS video movies helped to support the film industry. In the 1980s, when the filmmakers started making the video-films, GFIC rose bitterly against it. The authorities of the GFIC did not see the future of video technology becoming part of the global format of filmmaking so they practically rose against it and made it difficult for the independent producers in Ghana at the time. GFIC prohibited their film directors to assist the independent producer in making the video-films. The consequence of this decision of GFIC caused the country to lose professionalism in the art of filmmaking in Ghana. The producers were forced to start directing their own video-films. This culture of produce and direct without any professional training on filmmaking would become the controllable culture in the next three decades.

After some years, GFIC started to offer technical support to the VHS filmmakers in exchange for the right to first screening in its Accra cinemas. Their films had become very popular since the Ghanaians were seeing true narratives of who they were through these films made by indigenous Ghanaian filmmakers. By the early 1990s, approximately fifty VHS video movies per year were made in Ghana. Over time, professional and amateur filmmakers in Ghana produced films of similar quality and garnered equal respect.

In 1996, the government of Ghana sold seventy percent of the equity in the GFIC to the Malaysian television production company, Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad of Kuala Lumpur. The GFIC was renamed "Gama Media System Ltd". This also affected the rising film industry in the country very badly. GFIC was in charge of about half the cinema-theatres in the country at the time. The sales of the 70% of GFIC collapsed the cinema industry. The company had little interest in film making and so the film industry in Ghana continued with independent film makers whose funding relied on the popular appeal of the films.[19] For example, in Ghanaian cinema, there is a popular theme of darkness and occultism placed in a framework of Christian dualism involving God and the Devil (see Meyer 1999a).[20]

Twi dialect movies are known as "Kumawood" films. English-speaking Ghanaian films are sometimes known as "Ghallywood" productions. And all the films made in Ghana are referred to as the Ghana Films since there is no official name yet.[21][sources 2] Films depicting African witchcraft are popular in Ghana, despite criticism being directed towards them.[sources 3] Ghana produces low-budget visual effects films. These include 2016 (2010), and Obonsam Besu (The Devil Will Cry).[34][35][36]

In about 1997, Ghanaians and Nigerians started making collaboration films that introduced Nigerian film directors such as Ifeanyi Onyeabor (a.k.a. Big Slim), Rev. Tony Meribe-White and later around 2006, the Nigerian filmmaker Frank Rajah Arase who was brought in by Ifeanyi Onyeabor as his personal or production assistant. He also grew to become a movie director and collaborated with Venus Films, a Ghanaian production company, to produce a number of films that brought out Ghanaian popular actors who could access work in Nigeria (Nollywood). Some of the actors included Van Vicker, Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, Yvonne Nelson, John Dumelo, Nadia Buari and Yvonne Okoro. Some Nigerian producers have filmed in Ghana where production costs are lower.[37]

In 2017, the Ndiva Women's Film Festival, an African film festival for women filmmakers and audiences, was established in Accra.[38]

Themes in Ghanaian Cinema

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Ghanaian films often explore themes related to culture, tradition, and social issues. Many films delve into the complexities of Ghanaian identity, reflecting the tension between modernity and tradition. Issues such as gender roles, family dynamics, and the impact of globalization are frequently depicted. Films like "Love Brewed in the African Pot" and "Heritage Africa" are quintessential examples of how Ghanaian filmmakers use cinema as a medium to address societal issues and celebrate African heritage[39][40]

Future Prospects

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The future of Ghanaian cinema looks promising, with a new generation of filmmakers emerging who are keen on pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The rise of digital platforms has provided new opportunities for distribution, allowing Ghanaian films to reach a global audience. Additionally, there is a growing interest in Ghanaian cinema from international audiences, which could lead to increased investment and collaboration with foreign filmmakers. If the industry can overcome its current challenges, the future holds great potential for the Cinema of Ghana[41][42]

Africa Cinema Summit

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In November 2023, the Ghana National Film Authority in collaboration with Silverbird Cinemas and FilmOne Group hosted the inaugural African Cinema Summit (ACS) in Accra, gathering filmmakers from across the continent to discuss strengthening Africa’s film industry through collaboration and resource-sharing.[43] [44]The summit, organized to revitalize African cinema and enhance its economic impact, highlighted the potential for the industry to reflect the continent’s cultural and historical diversity on a global stage.

Edward Moukala, head of UNESCO’s Accra office, called for unified efforts to foster a vibrant film industry, while Ghanaian filmmaker and National Film Authority CEO Juliet Asante emphasized the need for African filmmakers to expand beyond local markets. Discussions underscored that African cinema generates approximately $5 billion annually but has the potential to reach $20 billion and create 20 million jobs, as cited by UNESCO.[43]

The second edition of the Summit took place in Accra in October 2024 organized under the theme of “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities". Actor Idris Elba headlined the event.[45][46]

Notes

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  1. ^ [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]
  2. ^ [22][23][24][25][26][27]
  3. ^ [28][29][30][31][32][33]

References

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  1. ^ Starrfm.com.gh (2021-12-18). "Tourism Ministry suspends new name for Ghana film industry — Starr Fm". Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  2. ^ Frindéthié, K. Martial (24 March 2009). Francophone African Cinema: History, Culture, Politics and Theory. McFarland. ISBN 9780786453566 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Ghana Movies – The beginning of the end? (Part 1)". Ghanamagazine.com. 24 November 2011. Archived from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  4. ^ Martin, Michael T. (1 January 1995). Cinemas of the Black Diaspora: Diversity, Dependence, and Oppositionality. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0814325882 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Storytelling from the Margins: Accra's Emerging Cinema Shifts National Memory". accradotaltradio.com. 7 June 2016. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  6. ^ "The New Face Of Cinema In Ghana". Globe Entertainment. 13 August 2015.
  7. ^ Davis, Lauren (9 September 2009). "The Curious Art of Ghana's Mobile Movie Posters". gizmodo.com.
  8. ^ Frindéthié, K. Martial (24 March 2009). Francophone African Cinema: History, Culture, Politics and Theory. McFarland. ISBN 9780786453566 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ Mammadyarov, Riyad (2016-02-09). "Watch: Experience the Power of Ghanaian Cinema in Exclusive 'Nakom' Trailer - IndieWire". Indiewire.com. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  10. ^ Yamoah, Michael. "The New Wave in Ghana's Video Film Industry : Exploring the Kumawood Model". Ijictm.org. Archived from the original on 2018-09-23. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  11. ^ Brown, Ryan Lenora (4 February 2016). "How Ghana's Gory, Gaudy Movie Posters Became High Art". The Atlantic.
  12. ^ Salm, Steven J.; Falola, Toyin (1 January 2002). Culture and Customs of Ghana. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313320507 – via Internet Archive.
  13. ^ Meyer, Birgit (16 October 2015). Sensational Movies: Video, Vision, and Christianity in Ghana. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520962651 – via Google Books.
  14. ^ Saul, Mahir; Austen, Ralph A. (12 October 2010). Viewing African Cinema in the Twenty-First Century: Art Films and the Nollywood Video Revolution. Ohio University Press. ISBN 9780821419311 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ Hayward, Susan (3 January 2013). Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts. Routledge. ISBN 9781135120856 – via Google Books.
  16. ^ Ukadike, Nwachukwu Frank (1 May 1994). Black African Cinema. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520912366 – via Google Books.
  17. ^ "'Blackstar Films' suspended as new brand name for GH film industry". Ghana Weekend. 2021-12-18. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  18. ^ Meyer, Birgit. "Ghanaian Popular Cinema and the Magic in and of Film | African Film Festival, Inc". Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  19. ^ "The Video Film Industry" (PDF). Content.ucpress.edu. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  20. ^ Meyer, Birgit; Pels, Peter (31 May 2017). Magic and Modernity: Interfaces of Revelation and Concealment. Stanford University Press. ISBN 9780804744645. Retrieved 31 May 2017 – via Google Books.
  21. ^ "Ministry of Tourism suspends new name for Ghana Movie Industry". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  22. ^ "Adjorlolo: Kumawood actors 'not primitive'|Class FM Online". M.classfmonline.com. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  23. ^ Christie, Marian (26 March 2016). "Ellen White: I don't belong to Kumawood". Ghana Live TV. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  24. ^ "I'm not a Kumawood actor but rep Ghallywood - Ellen White". Ghanaweb.com. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  25. ^ "Ghallywood Opens Up To Media". Modernghana.com. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  26. ^ Tamakloe, Aseye (June 2013). "Social representation in Ghanaian cinema" (PDF). Ugspace.ug.edu.gh. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  27. ^ Garritano, Carmela. "African Video Movies and Global Desires" (PDF). Ohioswallow.com. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  28. ^ "Flex Newspaper – "Action Movies Can Scare Witches"- Ashbowa".
  29. ^ Ampadu, Vivian E. D. "The Depiction of Mental Illness in Nigerian and Ghanaian movies: A negative or positive impact on mental health awareness in Ghana?" (PDF). Disability-studies.leeds.ac.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 January 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  30. ^ Badoe, Yaba. "Representing Witches in contemporary Ghana: challenges and reflections on making the 'Witches of Gambaga'" (PDF). Feminist Africa. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  31. ^ "Filmmaker battles to save Ghana's historic cinema - Voices of Africa". Voicesofafrica.co.za. 22 November 2013.
  32. ^ "Samuel Ofori fires producers of 'witchcraft' movies | Entertainment". Ghanaweb.com. 28 June 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  33. ^ Adinkrah, Mensah (30 August 2015). Witchcraft, Witches, and Violence in Ghana. Berghahn Books. ISBN 9781782385615 – via Google Books.
  34. ^ Lamar, Cyriaque Lama (14 November 2011). "2016, the trailer for Ghana's Predator, is the best thing you'll see all day". io9. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  35. ^ Carter, Grey (18 November 2011). "Devil May Cry: The Movie". The Escapist. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  36. ^ Asiedu, William A. "Ghana news: Graphic Online - Graphic Online".
  37. ^ "Nollywood: Lights, camera, Africa". The Economist. 16 December 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  38. ^ Hagan, John Elliot, "Ndiva Women’s Film Festival launched" Archived 2018-11-23 at the Wayback Machine, The Finder, 27 June 2017.
  39. ^ Adjei, K (2021). "Cultural Representation in Ghanaian Cinema: A Thematic Analysis". African Cinema Quarterly.
  40. ^ Nyarko, P (2022). "Modernity vs. Tradition: A Study of Themes in Ghanaian Film". Cinema Studies Journal.
  41. ^ Osei, J (2024). "The Future of Ghanaian Cinema: Opportunities and Challenges". Contemporary African Media.
  42. ^ Badu, L (2023). "Digital Platforms and the Globalization of Ghanaian Cinema". Global Media Journal.
  43. ^ a b AfricaNews (2023-11-17). "First Africa Cinema Summit ends in Ghana". Africanews. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  44. ^ "National Film Authority of Ghana Partners With FilmOne and Silverbird to Host the Continents First Africa Cinema Summit". Celluloid Junkie. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  45. ^ "Africa Cinema Summit 2024 ends with a vision for transforming African storytelling - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2024-10-16. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  46. ^ Ntim, Zac (2024-06-06). "Ghana's Africa Cinema Summit Sets Date, Theme & Executive Team For 2024 Edition". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-11-18.

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See also

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