Tyler Perry didn’t wake up to that level of support; he built it by serving his audience – Leila Djansi

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Ghanaian-American filmmaker Leila Djansi has joined the ongoing conversation about support for Ghanaian films, urging her peers to reflect on community engagement, humility, and the power of storytelling that truly serves its audience.

The debate was reignited after film producer and director Shirley Frimpong-Manso expressed disappointment in an interview with Doreen Avio on Hitz FM, stating that Ghanaians appeared more excited about Tyler Perry’s new film Straw than her own project, Chasing Lullaby. Shirley suggested that Ghanaians have failed to support their own filmmakers.

While some sided with her, many others argued that the comparison was unfair and failed to take into account the level of investment Perry puts into his productions and promotion.

Leila Djansi took to Facebook to share her perspective, highlighting how Tyler Perry earned his support over time through authenticity, service, and commitment to his community.

“Let’s get one thing straight. Tyler Perry did not wake up one morning to that level of support. I used to attend his plays in Georgia. That man built his audience from the ground up. He carried his entire community with him… He never served Hollywood. He served his audience,” she wrote.

Leila, known for films such as Ties That Bind, Like Cotton Twines, and Where Children Play, further bemoaned what she described as clique behaviour, envy, and a lack of community spirit among Ghanaian creatives.

“In Ghana, too many people operate in cliques. Gossip cliques. You only reward people in your circle… And when Ghanaians, ordinary people, buy your movies, you reward them by posting pictures of your Gucci purse,” she added.

The filmmaker also suggested that unlike other audiences who focus primarily on the value of the work itself, Black communities often tie support to personal perception and emotional investment in the artist.

“There’s this thing I learned about us Black people. We use support as reward. We reward you with our support if we are happy with you,” she wrote.

Leila went on to share personal experiences where her efforts to support Ghanaian filmmakers were met with resentment or sabotage, leading her to withdraw from such efforts altogether.

She concluded her post with a critique of what she views as the toxic culture among some industry players and called for a shift in mindset, reminding creatives that storytelling is ultimately about service, not self-promotion.

“Being a storyteller is about service. Not fame. That gift is God’s gift. Use it to serve his earth. It’s not about you!” she noted.

Leila Djansi is a Ghanaian-American filmmaker known for tackling social issues through her works. She studied film in the United States and has earned awards and recognition for her strong female-led narratives and commitment to both African and diasporan storytelling. She has often spoken out about challenges in the Ghanaian film industry, particularly around professionalism, support systems, and creative integrity.