James Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority (NFA), has reassured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to revitalise and strengthen Ghana’s film industry, emphasising the need for persistence, investment, and strategic planning.
Speaking during a press screening of Virgin on the Throne, Gardiner addressed growing concerns about the pace of development within the local film sector. He acknowledged that while progress may appear slow, significant work is being done behind the scenes to build a more structured and sustainable industry.
According to him, the NFA’s vision is to create an environment where actors, producers, and other industry professionals can thrive consistently. He stressed the importance of ensuring that creatives remain active and financially stable, describing a future where the film sector becomes both vibrant and profitable.
“We want to see the industry operating smoothly. We want our actors consistently engaged, maintaining busy schedules, and for everyone to earn a living so that the sector becomes highly profitable,” Gardiner stated.
He admitted that the transformation of the film industry is not an overnight process, noting that it requires continuous effort, collaboration, and resilience. He likened the journey to repeatedly knocking on doors until opportunities begin to open.
“We are doing everything necessary, believe me, work is being done. It is not easy. We may have to knock on doors repeatedly, once, twice, even several times, but eventually, those doors will open,” he added.
His comments come at a time when stakeholders in Ghana’s creative arts sector have been calling for stronger institutional support, improved film distribution systems, and increased financial investment to unlock the industry’s full potential. Many industry players believe that with the right structures in place, Ghana’s film industry can compete more effectively on the global stage.
Gardiner also referenced earlier efforts by the NFA to inject funding into the sector. He revealed that the GH₵20 million allocated to support film development has already been disbursed, providing a financial boost to various industry projects.
In addition, he indicated that the much-anticipated National Film Fund is expected to become operational soon. The fund is widely seen as a key step toward providing sustainable financing for filmmakers, enabling them to produce high-quality content and expand their reach both locally and internationally.
The Deputy CEO’s remarks highlight a broader commitment by the NFA to reposition Ghana’s film industry as a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs and contributing significantly to national development.
As discussions around the future of Ghanaian cinema continue, Gardiner’s assurance serves as a reminder that while challenges remain, efforts are underway to build a stronger foundation for long-term growth and success in the industry.
