NFA committed to developing successful, competitive film industry

 The National Film Authority (NFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to foster a thriving and globally competitive film industry at a high-lev­el stakeholder engagement in Accra.

The meeting marked the first official interaction between the newly appoint­ed leadership of the NFA and key indus­try players, providing an opportunity to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and strengthen collaboration.

The engagement was led by Mrs 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.

It drew 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 programmes, and the need for stronger legislative support.

Industry representatives emphasized the urgency to implement 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 for 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 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 foster an environment where all industry players can thrive.

She emphasized that stakeholder en­gagement would remain a priority, en­suring that industry professionals were actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives.

Mr James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured stakehold­ers of the NFA’s dedication to advocat­ing policies that address their needs.