Entertainment
Ghanaian screenwriter Gamel Apalayine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab
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Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter, Gamel Apalayine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.
The AuthenticA Series Lab is a highly regarded programme dedicated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective and the Canada Media Fund.
Gamel joins a distinguished cohort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices on to the global stage.
The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in the Western Cape, South Africa in September, followed by online sessions until mid-December.
A second residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from January – March 2026, with a final residency in Lille in March where the participants will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum to international industry players.
Gamel is no stranger to shaping some of Africa’s most compelling screen moments. He served as Head Writer on Akwaaba Magic’s hit TV drama DEDE (spanning two seasons and 560 episodes) and was a principal writer on Ghana’s first Showmax Original Series ENO, produced by Sparrow Studios.
Beyond television, he recently co-adapted Africa Arts Networks Production of HONEYMOON HOTEL staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, and through his creative company Whistling Rocks, is developing a bold slate of projects across film, television, theatre, and music.
Looking ahead, Gamel will take his creative mission even further when he begins an MFA in Film at the esteemed Columbia University’s School of the Arts in New York City in 2026, a move that places him squarely at the intersection of African storytelling and global cinema.
The AuthenticA Series Lab provides participants with the tools to bring their stories to life at an international standard, producing a pitch deck, pilot scripts, and series bibles that can attract funding and production support worldwide.
The lab will be led by Mehret Mandefro, interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, with Director of Writing Programmes, Selina Ukwuoma.
For Gamel, the opportunity represents a chance to carry Ghanaian and African narratives to global audiences. His track record of storytelling positions him as a vital voice in the future of African film and television.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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It was a night of intellect, eloquence and culture as contestants of the 2026 Miss Tourism Ghana took centre stage at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel for the Debate and Culture Night last Saturday.
The event, which forms part of activities leading up to the grand finale, saw the ladies move beyond beauty to battle with ideas, facts and opinions on a topic critical to the tourism industry.
The contestants debated the topic: The Importance of Traditional and Digital Media on Promotion of Tourism.
For the debate, the contestants were grouped into two teams of four, each tasked with defending a side of the argument.
It was a fierce but respectful exchange. The team arguing for traditional media described it as the trust builder, emphasising its credibility, mass reach, and its power to tell in-depth, emotional stories through television documentaries, radio and newspaper features.
They argued that traditional media still shapes public opinion and influences policy decisions in the tourism sector.
On the other side, the proponents of digital media raised salient points about its unmatched advantages in the modern era.
They highlighted its global reach at low cost, its two-way interaction that allows tourists to share real experiences and reviews, its ability to target specific audiences, and its measurable results where clicks, views and bookings can be tracked.
After heated arguments and rebuttals, both teams arrived at a powerful consensus that drew applause from the audience.
They concluded that without traditional media, tourism promotion lacks credibility and depth, and without digital media, it lacks reach, engagement and sales.
The judges and patrons agreed that the debate underscored a crucial lesson for Ghana’s tourism drive: for a country blessed with rich cultural heritage, colourful festivals, historic forts and castles, diverse wildlife and pristine beaches, the winning formula lies in combining the storytelling power of traditional media with the viral power of digital media to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The night was not only about debate, as the contestants also dazzled in cultural wear, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Veteran Ghanaian Actress Grace Nortey has reportedly passed away on Wednesday August 26, 2026.
According to reports she passed away at University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) at age 89.
Born in 1937, she embarked on her acting journey in 1970, establishing herself as one of the pioneers of theatre and drama in Ghana.
Over four decades, Grace Nortey has been a consistent source of joy for Ghanaian TV audiences through her acting prowess.
A distinctive feature of Grace Nortey’s performances was her adept incorporation of the Ga language into her roles, adding an authentic touch to her portrayals.
Her acting journey kicked off with the 1985 release, “Nana Akoto,” and she went on to contribute to notable films such as “Sinking Sands,” “The Other Side of the Rich,” “Ties that Bind,” and “Beasts of No Nation,” where she shared the screen with Idris Elba, Fred Amugi, and Ama K. Abebrese.
She earned the Best Cameo Actress at the 2011 Ghana Movie Awards.
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You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
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