Ghanaian-American actress Aba Arthur, known for her role in Wakanda Forever, has urged local filmmakers to focus on building Ghana’s film industry instead of looking abroad for inspiration.
Speaking at the tenth edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), she cautioned that while Ghanaian cinema has immense potential, many creatives spend more time celebrating Nollywood, Bollywood, or Hollywood rather than strengthening their own platforms and collaborations.
“We love Nollywood, we love Hollywood, but we are Ghana. We have to hold on to what makes us unique and boldly create our own lane,” she said.
Arthur emphasized the importance of using platforms like BSIFF to showcase local talent, exchange ideas, and foster partnerships. She encouraged filmmakers to take advantage of such opportunities rather than staying on the sidelines.
“There is so much talent sitting at home. This festival is about using your natural abilities, sharing, and collaborating with fellow filmmakers. After this weekend, we must continue to speak to each other, pick up what we can from everyone else, and keep collaborating,” she added.
She noted that admiration for international cinema should go hand in hand with intentional collaborations at home. By forming partnerships, exchanging skills, and supporting each other’s projects, filmmakers can strengthen the local industry and elevate Ghanaian stories on the global stage.
Arthur concluded by calling on Ghanaian filmmakers to invest in their own narratives, support local initiatives, and actively participate in platforms like BSIFF to build a sustainable and thriving industry.
“For us to succeed, we must celebrate our stories and take ownership of our platforms. Admiring others is meaningless if we neglect our own industry,” she urged.
Source: Irene Adubea Aning
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