The Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) is an organization responsible for regulating, promoting, and supporting the film industry in Ghana.[1] Established under the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935),[2] the NFA aims to ensure the growth and sustainability of the film sector in Ghana.[3]
| Abbreviation | NFA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 16 December 2016 |
| Founder | Parliament of the Republic of Ghana. |
| Purpose | Governance, classification, and promotion of the film industry in Ghana. |
| Headquarters | Behind Gold Coast Restaurant, GL-062-2197, Osu Ave Extension, Accra. |
| Location | |
| Fields | Film Industry |
Parent organization | Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Republic of Ghana. |
| Website | https://nfa.gov.gh/ |
Key functions
editAccording to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the NFA (which is one of its agencies) was formed to perform the following functions:[1]
- Regulation and Classification
The NFA is tasked with the classification of films, ensuring that content meets national standards and guidelines.[4] This includes categorizing films based on suitability for different audiences.
- Promotion of the Film Industry
The NFA works to promote Ghanaian films both domestically and internationally. This includes supporting filmmakers in producing quality content and facilitating their participation in global film markets and festivals.[5][6]
- Support and Development
The NFA provides support for the development of the film industry through funding, training programs, and workshops aimed at building the capacity of industry professionals.[7]
- Policy Implementation
It ensures the implementation of national policies related to the film industry, coordinating with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve cohesive industry growth.
- Advocacy and Representation
The NFA advocates for the interests of the Ghanaian film industry,[8] representing the sector in negotiations and collaborations with international partners and organizations.
Activities
editThe Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) has undertaken several initiatives under its core responsibilities, including:
Ghana Cinema Week
editThe NFA (in collaboration with Afrocinema+) introduced Ghana Cinema Week in 2022 as an initiative to promote cinema culture in Ghana. Following the timeline line of the maiden edition, it is held in December each year. Below is a table of all the editions celebrated.[9]
| Edition | Year | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Maiden edition[10] | 2022 | 23–29 December 2022 |
| Second edition[11][12] | 2023 | 15–22 December 2023 |
The Film Classification Criteria
editThe Film Classification Criteria is a specific system for categorising films based on their content, themes, and suitability for different audiences. This system assists viewers in determining the appropriate age group for each film and ensures that the content aligns with Ghanaian cultural, moral, and societal standards.[4]
Black Star Films
editThis initiative involved the change of the name of the Ghana Film[8] industry from "Ghallywood/Gollywood"[13] to "Black Star Films". The re-branding aimed to showcase the cultural heritage of Ghana, gain global recognition, establish standardised naming conventions, and create a brand identity for the industry. The unveiling ceremony took place on 8 December 2021 at the Gold Coast Restaurant (Accra).
Africa Cinema Summit
editThe Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) is organized by the NFA (in collaboration with other stakeholders)[14] to foster collaboration within the African film industry. The summit aims to bring together industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss the African cinema landscape, provide networking opportunities, highlight industry trends and opportunities, showcase African talent, and feature modern cinema industry technologies and services. The inaugural edition was held 14–16 November 2023 at the Movenpick Grand Ambassador Hotel, Accra, with the President of the Republic of Ghana in attendance.[15]
| Edition | Year | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Inaugural edition[16][17] | 2023 | 14–16 November 2023 |
| Second edition[18][19] | 2024 | 7–10 October 2024[20][21] |
Structure
editThe NFA is governed by a board that is appointed by the President of Ghana, according to Act 70[22] of the Constitution of Ghana. The board consists of:
- A chairperson (preferably a well-qualified film practitioner with notable experience and an expert in the Ghanaian film industry);
- A representative of the Copyright Office (to be nominated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice);
- A representative from each of the following sectors (to be nominated by the Minister of the relevant sector):
- Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
- Ministry of Communications, and
- National Film and Television Institute;
- A representative from each of the following (to be nominated by the organizations):
- Ghana Actors' Guild,
- Film Producers' Association of Ghana,
- Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts,
- Women in Film and Television,
- Collective Management Organization of Audiovisual Rights Owners,
- Film Distributors and Marketers, and
- Film Crew Association of Ghana;
- A representative from the TV network (to be nominated by the TV stations); and
- The Executive Secretary.
References
edit- ^ a b "National Film Authority (NFA)". Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) Ghana. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ https://bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/Development%20and%20Classification%20of%20Film%20Act,%202016%20(Act%20935).pdf
- ^ UNESCO (1 October 2021). The African Film Industry: Trends, challenges and opportunities for growth. UNESCO Publishing. ISBN 978-92-3-100470-4.
- ^ a b Asankomah, Tony (6 August 2021). "Ghana's National Film Authority Film Classification Criteria". GhMovieFreak. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ "Ghana: National Film Authority Grants US$96,000 To Three Film Projects | Broadcast Media Africa". 27 June 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ Seidu, Faridatu (26 June 2024). "National Film Authority awards €90,000 grants to three film projects - Adomonline.com". Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ "African Filmmakers Seek Bigger Role on World Stage". Voice of America. 18 November 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Film". Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) Ghana. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (6 June 2024). "Ghana's Africa Cinema Summit Sets Date, Theme & Executive Team For 2024 Edition". Deadline. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ Dzakpata, Fred (1 December 2022). "Ghana Cinema Week kicks off 23 December". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "National Film Authority launches Ghana Cinema Week". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Ghana Cinema Week commences from December 15". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Ghallywood: An Evolution of Ghana's Film Industry | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "National Film Authority of Ghana Partners with FilmOne and Silverbird Cinema to Host First Africa Cinema Summit - Boxoffice". www.boxofficepro.com. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "President Akufo-Addo to grace first Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana next week". Graphic Online. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "NFA to host Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Owusu-Amoah, Gifty (17 October 2023). "Ghana hosts first Africa cinema summit in November". Graphic Online. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "National Film Authority of Ghana Sets Date, Theme, Executive Team For Africa Cinema Summit 2024 Edition - Boxoffice". www.boxofficepro.com. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Debrah, Ameyaw (7 June 2024). "NATIONAL FILM AUTHORITY OF GHANA SETS DATE, THEME AND EXECUTIVE TEAM FOR AFRICA CINEMA SUMMIT 2024 EDITION - AmeyawDebrah.com". Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "2024 Africa Cinema Summit to be held in Accra from October 7-10". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "2024 Africa Cinema Summit to be held in Accra from October 7-10". Ghana Weekend. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "Article 70 - Appointments By President". lawsghana.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.