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Black Star International Film Festival returns from September 18-24
The 8th Edition of the Black Star International Film Festival [BSIFF] has been launched under the theme, “Tech in Film: Exploring the Role of Technology in Filmmaking in Africa,” with the aim of focusing on the huge role technology is playing in filmmaking on the continent.
This anticipated edition of BSIFF is scheduled to take place from 18th – 24th September, 2023 in Accra, Ghana.
The Director of the Black Star International Film Festival(BSIFF), Philippa Bentuma Arthur, said that, “the theme reflects the Festival’s commitment to celebrating the advancements in cinema on the Continent and advocating for an industry that continually pushes boundaries.”
The CEO of the National Film Authority and Founder of BSIFF, Ms. Juliet Asante added that, “the future is tech and filmmakers need to advance with the times.”
In attendance at the launch was the Ambassador, European Union of Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, who was a guest speaker at the launch. H.E Razaaly emphasized that the EU will continue to support the filmmaking sector and creative industries in Ghana because, “they value investment in youth and their creativity and thus, want to create more opportunities for young people.”
Highlighting several initiatives undertaken by the EU for the film and creative sector in Ghana, H.E said, “with the EU’s support to BSIFF we want to continue in the same vein in encouraging conversations on film across communities, cultures and languages thus we will be supporting with some workshops and the Awards & Closing Ceremony of the Festival this year.” The EU hinted that they will also provide some European films throughout BSIFF 2023 from September 18th-24th.
The 8th Edition of the Black Star International Film Festival is supported by the European Union, Mann Robinson Distribution, WiFlix, Indie Rights, Tecno Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Spanish Embassy, NAFTI, University of Ghana – School of Performing Arts, Infocus BCW, CompuGhana, the National Film Authority, Black Market Records, Hype.Flix, Ghana Cinema Week, Goethe Institut, GHMovieFreak and Elewa TV.
Highlights of the 8th edition of the Black Star International Film Festival are:
Film Screenings: Attendees will have the opportunity to view a diverse and thought-provoking selection of films from talented filmmakers across the globe. These films will showcase the innovative use of technology in various aspects of filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production.
Workshops and an Industry Summit: Industry experts and tech enthusiasts will lead interactive workshops and panel discussions, shedding light on the latest trends and breakthroughs in film technology. Filmmakers and attendees will gain insights into how technology is transforming the filmmaking landscape in Africa.
Black Star Vibes: BSIFF in partnership with Hype.Flix, Afro Cinema Plus and the Ghana Cinema Week will offer fun and engaging film activities at the Black Star Square. Activities at the square include: Drive-in screenings, our Shorts on Shots program, the Blackstar Music Concert [BMC], a film museum, Film Games: A BSIFF E-sports tournament, amongst others.
Awards Gala: The festival will culminate in a grand Awards Gala, recognizing exceptional filmmaking achievements with up to 10 awards up for grasp.
The festival will serve as a hub for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and foster partnerships. This networking environment will encourage the sharing of ideas and the exploration of potential collaborations.
Join BSIFF from 18th to 24th September for a week filled with cinematic excellence, insightful discussions, and unforgettable experiences.
The Dzidula Pink Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, has been officially launched in Accra, with a passionate call for national commitment to fighting the disease. The launch event, held last week Friday, carried the theme: “Beyond the diagnosis: A future of restoration, care and courage.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Abena Brigidi, founder and CEO of Nimed Capital Limited, emphasised that cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing families across the country. “Cancer does not discriminate—it affects mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. It drains families emotionally and financially, and behind every statistic is a human story and a future suddenly thrown into uncertainty,” she said.
Sharing her personal encounters with cancer, having lost both her husband and father to the disease, Madam Brigidi highlighted the emotional, financial, and physical scars left behind. “I stand here not just as a speaker, but as a witness to what cancer can take away,” she stated. “I have watched loved ones fight bravely, and I have felt the deep pain that loss leaves behind.”
She stressed that awareness and early detection are critical to reducing deaths, noting that many Ghanaians still lack access to proper screening, reliable information, and adequate treatment. She appealed to healthcare professionals, corporate institutions, policymakers, the media, and the general public to join hands in the fight. “Early detection saves lives. Your support today can lead to someone’s healing tomorrow,” she said.
Madam Brigidi further called for collective responsibility to sustain the foundation’s mission. “To our medical professionals, we need your expertise. To corporate partners, your resources. To the media, your voice. To policymakers, your support. And to the public, your compassion,” she urged. She also insisted that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to annual campaigns, saying, “Breast cancer awareness must not be seasonal.”
Mrs Diana Fafa Gozo, founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, shared her own cancer journey, describing the shock of diagnosis, the fear that followed, and the difficult path through treatment. Her experience transformed her pain into purpose and inspired her to create a foundation to ensure no cancer patient walks alone.
Mrs Gozo explained that many patients struggle not only with treatment costs but also with emotional resilience. She outlined the foundation’s initiatives, which include awareness and early detection campaigns, patient support funds, community outreach, and survival support circles. “This foundation is my offering of gratitude, courage, and compassion and a reminder that no one should walk the cancer journey alone,” she concluded.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says it will deploy teams of Public Health Officers, members of its Sanitation Taskforce, and labourers, including sweepers and janitors, across all sub-metros to support the third National Sanitation Day exercise.
It explained that these teams will be equipped with waste collection trucks, tippers, and other tools to help with desilting, refuse collection, and transporting waste to approved disposal sites.
The AMA reminded residents that failing to comply with the sanitation directive or refusing to participate in communal labour is an offence.
It said offenders risk a fine of up to 100 penalty units, imprisonment between 30 days and six months, or both, with repeat offenders liable to additional daily penalties.
It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, market women, shop owners, landlords, tenants, and businesses to actively participate in the exercise.
The AMA said it counts on everyone’s collective responsibility to keep Accra clean, liveable, and resilient, especially as the city approaches Christmas and the New Year.
By: Jacob Aggrey
