The Ghanaian film industry, also known as Ghallywood or Gollywood, has a long history of producing films that reflect the culture, values, and aspirations of the Ghanaian people. However, in recent years, the industry has faced many challenges that have affected its growth and competitiveness.
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why the Ghanaian film industry is failing and what can be done to revive it.
Infrastructure
One of the main problems facing the Ghanaian film industry is the lack of adequate infrastructure and equipment. According to a report by Ashesi University College, “the Ghanaian film industry lacks basic facilities such as studios, sound stages, editing suites, cameras, lights and other equipment needed for quality film production”.
Due to piracy, illegal downloading and streaming, and competition from foreign films, especially from Nigeria’s Nollywood, the Ghanaian film industry has lost a significant share of its domestic and international market
This means that many filmmakers have to rely on renting or borrowing equipment from abroad, which increases their costs and reduces their profits. Moreover, the poor state of some roads, electricity, and internet services in some parts of the country makes it difficult for filmmakers to access locations and distribute their films.
Lack of Funding
Another challenge is the lack of funding and investment in the Ghanaian film industry. Many filmmakers struggle to raise enough capital to finance their projects, as banks and other financial institutions are reluctant to lend money to them due to the high risks and low returns involved.
Many cinemas and video outlets prefer to show foreign films that have more appeal and demand from the audience than local films. Additionally, there is a lack of effective promotion and publicity for Ghanaian films, both online and offline, which reduces their visibility and awareness among potential viewers.
Furthermore, there is little support from the government and other stakeholders in terms of tax incentives, subsidies, grants, or loans for the film industry. As a result, many filmmakers have to resort to self-funding or crowdfunding their films, which limits their scope and quality.
Distribution and Marketing
A third issue is the breakdown in distribution and marketing of Ghanaian films. Due to piracy, illegal downloading and streaming, and competition from foreign films, especially from Nigeria’s Nollywood, the Ghanaian film industry has lost a significant share of its domestic and international market.
Many cinemas and video outlets prefer to show foreign films that have more appeal and demand from the audience than local films. Additionally, there is a lack of effective promotion and publicity for Ghanaian films, both online and offline, which reduces their visibility and awareness among potential viewers.
These challenges have led to a decline in the quality and quantity of Ghanaian films produced each year.
Potential Upsides
However, despite these difficulties, there is still hope for the Ghanaian film industry to recover and thrive. There are many talented and passionate filmmakers in Ghana who are determined to tell their stories and showcase their culture to the world.
Some examples of recent successful Ghanaian films include The Burial of Kojo (2018), which won several awards at international film festivals; Beasts of No Nation (2015), which was produced by Netflix and starred Idris Elba; and Silver Rain (2015), which was screened at Cannes Film Festival.
Pixel Ray Studios is a multimedia and content production company that is focused on building the first-ever black-owned film production franchise on the continent of Africa, partnered with the National Film Authority of Ghana to construct a state-of-the-art film studio complex with 10 sound stages over 200-acre land in 2022.
The studio is expected to boost Ghana’s film industry and provide world-class quality and infrastructure for local and foreign filmmakers
The Ghanaian film industry has a lot of potential to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of Ghana. By overcoming its challenges and harnessing its opportunities, it can become a source of pride and inspiration for all Ghanaians.
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