Stakeholders Call for Investment to Revive Volta Region’s Stagnant Movie Industry.
The movie industry in the Volta Region has been described as stagnant over the years, with stakeholders urging financial support and greater understanding of its potential.
Eunice Dake, Festival Director of the Wova International Film Festival, attributed this stagnation to limited investment and a lack of appreciation for the business side of filmmaking.
“People here don’t understand the business aspect of films, so they don’t invest. Even if you have funding, the culture of film isn’t ingrained in us, and audiences rarely come out to support. The industry has remained stagnant for a long time because it hasn’t been appealing enough to attract investors,” she said during the maiden edition of the festival.
Madam Dake noted the region’s significant potential in film production but emphasized the need for external support to bring productions to the mainstream.
“The Volta Region’s movie industry has never advanced beyond its starting point. Many talented individuals have had to migrate to other parts of the country, like Accra, to gain visibility or succeed,” she explained.
A multiple-award-winning filmmaker with DEEPROOTS PICTURES, Madam Dake also lamented the improper representation of the Ewe language in films, which she identified as a hindrance to the industry’s growth.
“Our local language hasn’t been used effectively in movies. As a result, the movie industry here is barely functional,” she said.
To address these challenges, the Wova International Film Festival aims to reignite interest in the industry by organizing events to engage stakeholders and the public. This includes training sessions and masterclasses for actors, technicians, scriptwriters, and other industry players to equip them with modern filmmaking techniques.
Madam Dake also mentioned plans to facilitate exchange programs, bringing renowned filmmakers from around the world to share ideas and mentor local talent.
Three films by DEEPROOTS PICTURES—Black Morning, Half the Pain, and Sesime—were screened at the festival. Other films showcased included productions from Ghana, the USA, and Sierra Leone, such as Break Up Gone Wrong, Fall for Love, The Case Study of Doctor Rasheed, Clash of Era, and Hide.
Koku Lumor, a lead actor in Sesime and a radio personality, described the industry’s progress as “slow and downward.” He expressed hope that the Wova International Film Festival could serve as a catalyst to enlighten practitioners and improve the quality of films to attract investors.
“Practitioners need to attend events like these, watch the films, and learn from them to improve their craft. This could be a starting point to take us where we need to go. Kudos to Wova International Film Festival, and I look forward to great developments in the years ahead,” he said.
The Wova International Film Festival marks a crucial step towards reviving the Volta Region’s movie industry and unlocking its full potential.