Leila Djansi, a prominent filmmaker, has expressed strong concerns about the state of the Ghanaian film industry. She argues that, rather than continually begging for government funding, the industry needs to fix its structural foundations first. Djansi points out that each time a new government takes office, filmmakers rush to request financial support, yet the industry lacks the basic infrastructure to ensure any funds would be used effectively.
In a passionate opinion piece, Djansi highlights the struggles faced by the less fortunate in society, such as mothers at the Mothers’ Lodge at Korle Bu, who are fighting for their children’s lives with minimal financial help. She draws a stark contrast between the dire needs of these individuals and the film industry’s constant requests for funding, which she feels lacks proper accountability and structure.
Djansi critiques the industry for not meeting basic standards, such as paying taxes, providing insurance, and following proper industry protocols. She emphasizes that many filmmakers are not even paying for necessary audiovisual permits or paying into the national social security system for their crew members. This lack of formalization, she argues, makes it difficult for the film industry to be seen as a legitimate economic asset rather than a government liability.
She also calls out the state of the Ghanaian film guilds, which she claims are ineffective due to internal infighting and leadership disputes. According to Djansi, these guilds fail to regulate and protect the industry’s workers and contribute little to building sustainable structures.
To fix the system, Djansi proposes strengthening the guilds, making them more attractive and essential by offering tangible benefits like health insurance, pension plans, subsidized workshops abroad, and standardized pay scales. She argues that the guilds should be able to control the industry in a way that promotes professionalism and integrity.
Djansi concludes by stressing that the real issue isn’t a lack of money, but a lack of proper organization. She believes that the Ghanaian film industry could thrive independently if it were better structured, tapping into existing labor laws and business regulations.
In her words, only when the industry starts operating on solid foundations and showing its true economic impact will it deserve a real seat at the table when it comes to funding and support.
