The Ghanaian National Film Authority (NFA) and the International Writers Lab (IWL) have collaborated to promote Ghanaian movies to Hollywood studios and streaming sites. This alliance intends to showcase Ghanaian cinema talent and potential, fostering worldwide collaboration and exposure.
The IWL began in Kenya in 2021 to enhance Hollywood production of African film and television authors’ stories.
The IWL, created by PMF Media Group, VentureLift Africa, and The Blackhouse Foundation, is a unique accelerator and fellowship programme that combines a writers lab facilitated by award-winning American filmmaker Matty Rich (Straight Out Of Brooklyn and Inkwell), mentorship from Hollywood writers, career and business advice from Hollywood agents, studio executives, international sales agents, and talent management companies, and a pitch-fest to receive funding.
Ghana’s film industry remains important in African filmmaking. Despite its immense commercial and financial potential, the creative Ghanaian sector has long been a sleeping giant for African economic growth and employment creation.
Ghana’s film and television writing resources are less visible than those in Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s leading entertainment centres. The NFA wants to alter this and expand worldwide networks of brilliant African authors.
The alliance is “an opportunity that opens an important door for scriptwriters in Ghana,” says NFA Executive Secretary Juliet Asante. Writers support the film business. Good stories start successful projects. With a good plot and screenplay, set magic is worthwhile.
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The National Film Authority of Ghana prioritises craft development as part of its aim to become a regional film and content centre.
This relationship should produce authentic, well-researched, well-told, and well-written tales that make an impression. When these come together, magic occurs in cinema and real life.
“Engaging the Ghanaian creative ecosystem is exciting and has a huge potential with a dynamic local film industry,” says Laure de Peretti of the StoryBoard Collective. This Swiss philanthropy supports African episodic writers through the AuthenticA Series Lab in partnership with the Realness Institute and IWL.
Talents who want to make great films will benefit IWL. We are anxious to see these realistic narratives expanded into feature films by these three great writers.” Ms. Anna Segbefia-Hanson, Mr. Elorm Adjaho, and Mr. Fidaus Sulemana were chosen to polish their film screenplays for the Ghana Cohort. African and worldwide creative ecosystem changemakers are the Fellows.
“Experienced and brilliant writers will emerge from the Lab with better abilities and larger networks to more effectively establish their careers and extend their chances in Ghana, across the continent, and in the worldwide entertainment industry,” says PMF Media Group founder Pauline Fischer.
The 16-week programme culminates in a trip to an international film festival, where Fellows may engage in extra workshops and broaden their professional network.
The IWL helps Wilmot Allen, founder of VentureLift Africa, strengthen Africa’s global presence.
“We are eager to foster a deeper ecosystem of brilliant authors throughout the continent so that the world can come to appreciate Africa better in all its variety, ingenuity, and originality.”
The IWL plans to add animation and games throughout the continent in the coming months.
