L-R: Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer; Chief Executive Officer, National Film Authority of Ghana, Juliet Yaa Asantewa; and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Lagos State, Gboyega Akosile at 2024 Nigeran International Film and TV Summit in Lagos.
The Ghanian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has applauded the organisers of the ongoing Nigerian International Film and TV Summit holding at the Legend Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation of the invitation to be at the event and the opportunity to present Ghana perspectives of the film industry to Nigerians; and called for robust partnership between his country and Nigeria in the development of the film industry in both countries.
For him, the gathering of the leading stars of the film industry in Nigeria – a city that resonates with the vibrant hub of Africa’s creative industry – and across the world is a testament to the robust creative spirit of our continent.
Speaking at the event, he said, “Today, we convene not just as representatives of our individual nations but as custodians of a shared cultural heritage, a heritage that has the power to transcend borders, influence global narratives, and foster unity across our great continent.
African cinema has come a long way, evolving from local storytelling traditions to becoming a force on the global stage. Our stories are now being told not just in our languages, but in the universal language of film—a language that is understood and appreciated by people from all walks of life. Nigerian cinema, popularly known as Nollywood, has led this charge with its prolific output, creativity, and resilience, making it the second-largest film industry in the world.”
Continuing Hon Mercer affirmed that, “This summit is not just about celebrating past achievements; it is about charting the course for the future. It is about leveraging the power of film and television to reshape the narrative of Africa—to tell our own stories, in our own voices, and to present to the world the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and experiences that define us.
He advocates for a Nigeria and Ghana partnership in film development and advancement of the film and TV industries to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange which cannot be overstated. But to fully realize this potential, we must embrace collaboration across our borders.
Ghana and Nigeria, he said “share a long history of cultural exchange, and our film industries have been intertwined for decades. Many Ghanaian actors have found fame in Nollywood, and vice versa, highlighting the seamless synergy between our two industries. This collaboration must not only continue but also deepen. By working together, we can pool our resources, share our expertise, and collectively push the boundaries of African cinema.
For our industries to thrive, we must invest in talent development and infrastructure. The young, creative minds that drive our film and TV sectors need access to quality training, mentorship, and opportunities. Our governments, in partnership with the private sector, must prioritize the establishment of film schools, production studios, and distribution networks that can support the full value chain of film production and distribution.
Furthermore, we must create environments that are conducive for filmmaking; environments where creativity is nurtured, where intellectual property is protected, and where filmmakers can access the financial resources, they need to bring their visions to life.”
Fielding questions from the media on the incursion of digital technology in film production and management Mercer said, “In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in shaping the future of film and television. Streaming platforms, digital marketing, and online distribution channels have revolutionized how content is consumed, giving African films unprecedented global reach.
We must harness these tools to amplify our stories and to ensure that African cinema is accessible to audiences worldwide. A people without knowledge of their past are like a tree without roots. As Africans, our stories, cultures, and histories are the very essence of our being. Film and TV have the power to capture and retell it in our own way for preservation purposes and sharing these treasures with the world.”
Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting the creative industries, particularly Nollywood, which he described as a vital component of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic future. “The Lagos State Government is dedicated to creating a conducive environment for the film industry to thrive,” Akosile remarked. “We are keen on initiatives that will support filmmakers, provide access to financing, and ensure that our stories are told in the best way possible.”
Earlier in her opening address, the Founder and CEO of Nigeria International Film and TV Summit, Ijeoma Onah, commended the participants who travelled from across the world to join the Summit. She also reinstated her commitment to the upliftment of the film industry in Nigeria and globally. Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Onah reiterated the Summit’s mission to be a catalyst for growth and innovation in the Nigerian film and TV industry. “Today’s discussions have been enriching, offering fresh perspectives and practical solutions. NIFS is committed to fostering an environment where ideas flourish and collaborations are born,” she said.
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