James Gardiner, a respected Ghanaian actor and the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), has spoken out about the lack of support facing Ghana’s film industry, describing it as one of the major obstacles preventing its growth and long-term success.
In a recent interview, Mr. Gardiner shared his concerns about the state of the local film sector, emphasizing that while Ghana is home to a wealth of creative talent and storytelling potential, progress has remained stagnant due to weak investment, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of strategic backing.
“Support is a huge issue. We don’t have that,” Gardiner said. He lamented the industry’s neglect in key areas such as financing, technical training, audience development, and promotion. According to him, without strong support systems in place, filmmakers continue to struggle to produce high-quality work and reach larger audiences.
Despite the challenges, the National Film Authority is taking steps to address these gaps. Gardiner revealed that the NFA is working hard to boost the quality of Ghanaian film productions and reignite public enthusiasm for local cinema. The goal, he said, is to bring back the excitement and sense of pride associated with watching Ghana-made films on the big screen.
“We are in the realm of affairs to promote the kind of quality stuff that we know people will like to consume, so that it brings back that whole excitement about going to the cinema and watching Ghanaian-produced films,” he explained.
Gardiner stressed that revitalizing the industry is a long-term process that requires patience, innovation, and consistent support from both the government and the private sector. He also pointed out that policy reforms, capacity building, and public-private partnerships are crucial if the sector is to experience a true renaissance.
“We know it is going to be a very hard battle, but it’s going to go a long way in restoring the way the industry used to be,” he said, remaining hopeful about the future.
Over the past ten years, Ghana’s film industry has battled several setbacks. These include underfunding, piracy, limited access to production equipment, and the growing dominance of foreign content that overshadows local productions. Yet, passionate creatives continue to work under tough conditions, often self-financing projects in a bid to keep the industry alive.
Gardiner’s comments have sparked new discussions about the urgent need for coordinated efforts to uplift Ghana’s film landscape. As the NFA intensifies its mission, many industry players and observers believe that with the right strategy, strong leadership, and adequate support, Ghana’s film industry can reclaim its place on the global stage.
