National Film Authority’s new leadership holds first industry stakeholder engagement

The National Film Authority (NFA) has reiterated its dedication to developing a vibrant and globally competitive film industry in Ghana.

To achieve this goal, the NFA hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting at the Accra Tourist Information Centre on Thursday, March 13, marking the first official gathering between the newly appointed leadership and prominent industry stakeholders.

This meeting provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the challenges facing the industry, exploration of innovative solutions, and strengthening of collaborative ties. 

The engagement was led by Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary of the NFA, and Mr. James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary. 

The discussions focused on introducing the new leadership, gaining insights into the needs of the industry, and laying the groundwork for policies that will drive sustainable growth in Ghana’s film sector.

Representatives from major industry associations, including the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), Film Producers’ Association of Ghana (FiPAG), Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), Women in Film and Television, Audio Visual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), Film Crew Association of Ghana (FiCAG), Film Distributors and Marketers, Animators Association of Ghana (AAG), Film Directors Guild of Ghana (FDGG), Northern Region Filmmakers Association, and Silverbird Cinemas (Exhibitors), were in attendance.

Their participation underscored the significance of the dialogue and the industry’s collective interest in shaping its future.

During the discussions, stakeholders raised key challenges affecting the sector, including limited financing for film productions, weak copyright enforcement, inadequate capacity-building programs, and the need for stronger legislative support.

 Industry representatives emphasized the urgency of implementing the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to provide legal backing for film sector regulations, including tax incentives and funding structures. Mr. George Bosompem, PRO for GAFTA, highlighted that policy reforms must cater to these concerns to ensure a more structured and enabling environment for filmmakers.

Another pressing issue discussed was the need for a more streamlined structure for film guilds and associations. Ken Fiati, Technical Committee Chairman of the Ghana Actors’ Guild (GAG), stressed the importance of creating a more unified industry with clear operational guidelines. 

He also advocated for regular training and capacity-building programmes to enhance the skills of actors, producers, and other industry professionals.

Addressing these concerns, Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher reiterated the NFA’s commitment to open dialogue, strategic policymaking, and fostering an environment where all industry players can thrive. She emphasized that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority, ensuring that industry professionals are actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives.

 Mr. James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured stakeholders of the NFA’s dedication to advocating for policies that address their needs. He highlighted the importance of partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development in positioning Ghana as a leading film production hub in Africa.

The National Film Authority (NFA) has promised to work more closely with stakeholders in the film industry. 

They plan to set up a system for regular meetings and collaborations to help grow Ghana’s film sector. This includes improving rules and regulations, and creating more opportunities for local filmmakers.