Renowned Ghanaian film producer and director, King Ampaw, cautioned fellow filmmakers against relying solely on government financial aid for their movie productions.
Famous for the 1983 film ‘Kukurantumi: Road to Accra,’ King Ampaw emphasised that government funds often fall short of meeting the substantial financial requirements of film production.
Speaking candidly, King Ampaw asserted, “To put the facts down, commercial productions have got very little, not much to do with government. It is purely private business because of the money involved.”
He urged the film industry to reconsider its dependence on government funds, pointing out that the funds provided by the government can only serve as a cushion and are insufficient for full-scale productions.
Highlighting his own experience, King Ampaw revealed that throughout his illustrious career, he never sought financial support from the Ghanaian government.
Instead, he secured backing from the European Union and the German government. “It was through my efforts. The European Union money, they called Africa Pacific and Asia. The money is there in Paris. It is not the government that would apply for you. It is you, the individual producer; you must write your script, you must approach them,” he emphasised.
King Ampaw stressed the importance of filmmakers developing compelling scripts that attract private investors.
He suggested a shift in attitude and mindset, urging filmmakers to proactively seek funding and partnerships beyond government channels.
Meanwhile, the National Film Authority, mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), assured the industry that plans are underway to establish the Film Development Fund.
The fund aims to provide financial support for the development and production of full-length feature films, short and medium-length feature films, and initiatives focused on public education regarding attitudinal change and cultural values.
Additionally, the fund will support television productions, including drama, animated series, sitcoms, soaps, and comedy, with the goal of fostering positive attitude and behaviour change in the society.