Film is essential in helping to decolonize African mentality, according to veteran actress Akofa Edjeani.
The lasting impacts of colonialism and slavery, she claimed, may be powerfully challenged through the medium of film.
“…and again, if the colonial masters used film as part of their weapons in colonizing us, I think that the honor is on us to do the same, by using film to decolonize ourselves, the mental slavery is still there… we are not independent, we are still begging for things and so many things.”
In a recent interview with Pan African TV on July 1, 2023, Edjeani emphasized the historical role of film in sustaining colonial dominance and stressed the importance of African governments prioritizing and backing their local film industries.
Edjeani highlighted the transformative power of film, stating that with adequate attention and investment, it has the capacity to bring about significant positive change and create numerous opportunities.
She compared the investment to the financial support given to sports to emphasize worries about the investment’s return on investment in terms of job creation and revenue production.
Edjeani went on to say that given the immense potential of the film industry, the advantages connected with sports might be surpassed, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing its advantages.
“Look at how much money we pump into sports and most times we go and, we don’t really win, …so if we can pump all that money into sports, the bonuses that they get…but the film can even do better so they should pay equal attention to film as well.
“Sports yes, but how many jobs can it create and how much money is it bringing compared to if you give the necessary push to film, so, there are so many reasons.
“The job creation and the fact that it is education as well. You know it is that medium that you can use to showcase your heritage… film is that powerful tool to create that identity, we use film to change policies, we use film to change perceptions.
“Film is a tool that can attract tourists, so when you are talking about tourism, the best tool is to showcase your tourist attraction, and your heritage in film, and that will make people flood to your country just to see those places,” she added.