This year’s edition of BSIFF is focused on creating jobs through films
Members of the creative arts industry have been urged to use opportunities in the sector to create jobs.
“The film industry is a vast one and has served as a means of livelihood for millions around the world, so in Ghana, we can take advantage of technology to boost our film industry and create millions of jobs.”
The director of the Black Star International Film Festival(BSIFF), Madam Philippa Bentuma Arthur, made the call at the launch of the sixth edition of the BSIFF in Accra, over the weekend.
The festival, to be held on the theme, “Film for jobs” is slated for September 21 to September 26 at the Silver bird cinema, Alliance Francies, Multichoice Ghana, and the Tang Palace Hotel all in Accra.
The focus of this year’s edition of BSIFF, according to Madam Arthur, was on creating jobs through films, highlighting the hard work of filmmakers and other businesses within the film industry.
She explained that connecting filmmakers, for job opportunities had become even more relevant as Ghana and Africa struggled to employ its multitude of youth and as the world deliberated on ways to bounce back after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
She said, “Industry specialists, filmmakers, distributors, agents and film enthusiasts among others will meet in the cinemas and workshops, as well as networking events to discuss relevant issues in the film industry. 40 films from 32 participating countries will be screened during the festival online, throughout the period of the festival.
“BSIFF is committed to offering these filmmakers skill enhancement, development experiences and distribution experiences.”
She assured that, this year’s edition of BSIFF would be more exciting.
According to madam Arthur, BSIFF had built a robust platform for networking, engagements and connecting the dots over the years, adding that as a festival focused on the business of film, her outfit continued to explore ways that filmmakers could showcase as well as find distribution for their work while building strong support networks to further build relevant connections.
Mr Iddris Abu, a film director, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cine God Studios on his part indicated that filmmaking was a good source of livelihood if done right, and called on all individuals who are part of the creative arts industry, to participate in the upcoming BSIFF.
Touching on the need to promote local content more, Madam Wanda Quartey, a scriptwriter and CEO, Avent Afrik Entertainment noted that, the promotion of the Ghanaian culture and ethics in movies, should be the focus of Ghanaian filmmakers.