8th Edition of Black Star International Film Festival launched
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The 8th Edition of the Black Star International Film Festival has been launched in Accra.
The annual film festival which features acts from all over the world and brings to light some incredible works in film which generally go unnoticed because of the fast pace world of film.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante said the success of the festival over the last seven years had proved the doubters who thought that Ghana was not ready for a film festival wrong, as the success of the festival had paved the way for more festivals to follow in the trail that had been blazed.
She urged everyone involved in the film industry to keep pushing forward, despite all the challenges.
Madam Asante said there is a critical need to develop the market of film, as the industry is a big one and transcends motion picture, pointing to the billion dollar gaming industry, which is founded on the works of film makers.
This year’s festival is under the theme, ‘influence of technology on film making in Africa’.
She advised film makers to “focus on telling stories that we know are authentic.”
The Head of the European Union (EU) Mission to Ghana, Irchard Razaaly, stated that the film industry has the potential to create jobs in the country.
He also said that there is the need to break down taboos around creativity in the country.
He said, “We value youth and industry and want to create more opportunities for young people. The Ghana film industry has a lot to offer.”
He expressed the readiness of the EU to support the activities of the festival.
He also stated that they will provide all the European movies that will be broadcast throughout the festival.
The festival, which will run from September 18 to 24, will feature a host of films, including ‘Chioma,’ ‘Bruna,’ ‘Xali,’ ‘Broken Mast’ and ‘Chorkor,’ among others.
