The tenth edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) concluded on Sunday, September 28, showcasing Ghana’s vibrant film industry and its potential on the global stage.
Organisers and international guests urged Ghanaian filmmakers to engage more, collaborate widely, and seize international opportunities.
President of BSIFF, Juliet Asante, emphasised that the festival is more than just screenings; it is a catalyst for industry growth.
She highlighted the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing, and creating pathways for Ghanaian films to reach international audiences.
“Opportunities to showcase our films globally exist, but they require us to show up, collaborate, and engage fully with industry players,” she noted. She also revealed that BSIFF is developing partnerships, including plans to premiere selected Ghanaian films in the Ivory Coast, aiming to expand the reach of local cinema.
International guests shared insights on creating films that resonate globally. Chee Keong Cheung, British-Chinese director of Son of the Soil, which had its world premiere at the festival, encouraged Ghanaian filmmakers to focus on storytelling, collaboration, and education within the industry.
“Cinema is a universal language. Finding stories that connect both locally and internationally is key, and collaboration across production, distribution, and exhibition helps bring these stories to wider audiences,” he said.
He also expressed interest in producing future projects in Ghana, noting that the festival provided an ideal opportunity to understand the local market and identify new talent.
Ghanaian-American actress Aba Arthur urged local filmmakers to embrace Ghanaian narratives rather than only admiring foreign cinema.
“There is immense talent here at home. Platforms like BSIFF are designed to help us collaborate, share skills, and tell stories that reflect our culture. By investing in our own industry, we can reach global audiences without losing our authenticity,” she highlighted.
“I would have premiered in Nigeria, but being invited to the BSIFF, I decided to premiere in Ghana,” Adoti mentioned.
He emphasised the importance of persistence in filmmaking, noting that challenges exist everywhere, even in Hollywood.
“Ghanaian filmmakers must keep producing, learn from experiences, and face obstacles head-on. Challenges exist everywhere, even in Hollywood, but it all depends on how they are tackled. That’s how local films can reach international platforms,” he added.
The festival, themed “The Relevance of Film in Society,” also hosted workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions, offering participants the tools and connections needed to thrive in both the local and international film industry.
As BSIFF celebrates its tenth anniversary, the president reiterated the importance of mindset and engagement for industry growth.
“One of the major issues we face is that we say we want change, but we do not want to change. We want things to be different, but when it comes to actually shifting our mindset, our structures, or our approach, there is resistance. And that makes it very difficult to move forward as an industry,” she stressed.