British-Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung, known for his work on Redcon-1 and Bodyguard, has praised Ghanaian and African cinema for its wealth of talent and compelling stories.
Speaking at the tenth edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) in Accra, Cheung said these narratives have the potential to compete on the global stage if given the right platforms.
“Cinema is an incredible medium that unites people. The more we share knowledge, the more opportunities arise. Education and collaboration are essential for African stories to thrive globally,” he remarked.
Cheung highlighted that one of the main challenges African filmmakers face is the lack of structured education and understanding within the industry, especially regarding production, distribution, and exhibition.
“There is often a disconnect globally. Creatives sometimes work in silos. Encouraging more collaboration and understanding across the board is really important,” he explained.
He also emphasized the need to tell stories that resonate internationally while remaining authentic to local culture.
“It’s about finding the right stories that can travel, that connect with audiences across the world, while still being true to our culture,” Cheung said.
Cheung’s recent project, Son of the Soil (2025), which had its world premiere at BSIFF, reflects his commitment to showcasing African narratives. He directed the film in close collaboration with Nigerian-British actor Razaaq Adoti.
He noted that working on the project reinforced his belief in Africa’s cinematic potential. “The talent, creativity, and richness of African stories make the continent uniquely positioned to create films that resonate globally,” he said.
Cheung expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations with Ghanaian talent. “We are eager to explore opportunities here in Ghana. One of the reasons for coming to the festival was to explore the market and uncover new talent. We are very interested in developing films and collaborating with local creatives,” he added.
He concluded by stressing the importance of attending events like BSIFF to network with international filmmakers, build relationships, and ensure African stories reach global audiences.
Source: Irene Adubea Aning
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