Most On-Screen Kisses Are Camera Tricks, Not Real – Irene Opare

Veteran Ghanaian actress Irene Opare has revealed that most kissing scenes in films are not real, explaining that filmmakers often rely on camera techniques and acting skills to create the illusion of romance on screen.

Speaking in a recent interview, the actress said many viewers wrongly assume actors actually kiss during filming. According to her, the majority of romantic scenes seen in movies are carefully staged using camera angles and positioning to make them appear authentic.

“You know, I have to explain it today. People think that we kiss for real. No,” she said while addressing the widespread misconception among movie audiences.

Opare, who has spent about 45 years working in Ghana’s film industry, noted that she has acted in several romantic scenes over the course of her career. However, she maintained that most of those moments were not genuine kisses.

“If I have to act for 45 years of my life, I’ve done a lot of kisses. But it’s not for real,” she explained.

The veteran actress disclosed that nearly all the kissing scenes she has performed relied on simple acting techniques and camera tricks rather than actual physical contact.

“For me, most of my kisses, about 99 percent of my kisses are not real because there’s always a camera trick,” she stated.

According to her, the actors only position themselves in a way that convinces the audience they are kissing, while the camera does the rest of the work.

“You put our lips together, the head should turn and it’s like we are kissing—passionate, serious. Lips are tight,” she said jokingly while describing how such scenes are filmed.

Opare’s comments provide insight into the technical processes behind filmmaking and highlight the role of cinematography in shaping what audiences see on screen.

Her remarks also shed light on the professionalism required in the industry, where actors often rely on creativity and direction to portray emotions without necessarily engaging in real-life intimacy.

With decades of experience in film and television, Irene Opare remains one of Ghana’s most respected actresses, known for her dedication to the craft and her contributions to the growth of the country’s movie industry.