Omanghana
Ghanaian actor and Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, has challenged the argument that Ghana’s relatively small population is responsible for the struggles facing the country’s film industry.
Speaking during an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, hosted by journalist Kwame Dadzie, Gardiner argued that the success of a film industry should not be measured primarily by the size of its domestic population.
According to him, production quality, compelling storytelling and support from local audiences are more important factors in building a successful and internationally competitive film industry.
Good Films Can Attract International Audiences
Gardiner maintained that a well-produced film has the potential to reach audiences beyond the country where it was made.
He explained that filmmakers should not use Ghana’s population size as an excuse for the industry’s financial and commercial challenges.
In his view, a film with excellent storytelling and production standards can travel across borders, attract international attention and create opportunities for its producers.
He therefore encouraged Ghanaian filmmakers to concentrate on improving the quality of their productions rather than allowing demographic limitations to discourage them.
Local Audience Support Is Essential
The actor also highlighted the importance of support from Ghanaian audiences in developing a sustainable film industry.
He acknowledged that the National Film Authority has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for filmmakers through improved structures, policies and industry development initiatives.
However, he stressed that these efforts would have limited impact if Ghanaians themselves failed to support locally produced films.
According to Gardiner’s position, local audiences must develop the habit of watching Ghanaian productions, appreciating the work of local filmmakers and paying for quality entertainment.
He believes that a strong domestic market can provide the foundation needed for Ghanaian films to expand into international markets.
Quality Should Take Priority Over Population
Gardiner’s comments also draw attention to the need for higher production standards within Ghana’s movie industry.
He suggested that filmmakers should focus on professional execution, strong scripts, quality cinematography and storytelling that can appeal to different audiences.
Rather than constantly comparing Ghana’s market size with that of larger countries, industry players should work towards producing films capable of competing internationally.
A Call to Strengthen Ghana’s Film Industry
His remarks present an important message for filmmakers, investors, industry regulators and movie lovers.
While population size can influence the potential size of a domestic market, it does not necessarily determine whether a country’s creative industry can achieve international success.
For Ghana’s film industry to grow, filmmakers must priorities quality, investors must recognise the commercial potential of local productions, and audiences must actively support home-grown content.
Gardiner’s position reinforces a simple principle: Ghanaian films should not be limited by the size of the country’s population but should be judged by the quality of the stories they tell and their ability to connect with audiences around the world.
Source: Omanghana
