Draft:Ghana National Film Authority (NFA)

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Ghana National Film Authority (NFA)
AbbreviationNFA
Formation2016, December 16th
FounderParliament of the Republic of Ghana.
PurposeGovernance, classification, and promotion of the film industry in Ghana.
HeadquartersBehind Gold Coast Restaurant, GL-062-2197, Osu Ave Extension, Accra.
Location
FieldsFilm Industry
Parent organization
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Republic of Ghana.
Websitehttps://nfa.gov.gh/

The Ghana National Film Authority (NFA)[1] is an organization responsible for regulating, promoting, and supporting the film industry in Ghana. 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.

Key Functions and Responsibilities of the NFA

According 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[3]. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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[4], representing the sector in negotiations and collaborations with international partners and organizations.

Activities of the NFA

The Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) has undertaken several initiatives under its core responsibilities, including:

Ghana Cinema Week

The 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.

Edition Year Date
Maiden edition[5] 2022 23rd - 29th December 2022
Second edition[6][7] 2023 15th - 22nd December 2023

The Film Classification Criteria

The 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[3].

Black Star Films

This initiative involved the change of name of the Ghana Film[4] industry from “Ghallywood/Gollywood[8]” 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 8th December 2021 at the Gold Coast Restaurant (Accra).

Africa Cinema Summit

The Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) is organized by the NFA (in collaboration with other stakeholders)[9] 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 from the 14th to 16th of November 2023 at the Movenpick Grand Ambassador Hotel, Accra, with the President of the Republic of Ghana in attendance[10].

Edition Year Date
Inaugural edition[11][12] 2023 14th - 16th November 2023
Second edition[13][14] 2024 7th - 10th October 2024[15][16]

Structure of the NFA

The NFA is governed by a board that is appointed by the President of Ghana, according to Act 70[17] of the Constitution of Ghana. The board consists of:

  1. A chairperson ( preferably a well-qualified film practitioner with notable experience and an expert in the Ghanaian film industry);
  2. A representative of the Copyright Office (to be nominated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice);
  3. A representative from each of the following sectors (to be nominated by the Minister of the relevant sector);
  4. 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;
  5. A representative from the TV network (to be nominated by the TV stations) and;
  6. The Executive Secretary.

Current members of the Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) Board

As of the year 2024, listed below are the members of the governing board of the NFA[18]:

  1. Chairperson:
  2. A representative of the Copyright Office:
    • Madam Yaa Attafua (nominated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice​)​.
  3. Representatives from Relevant Ministries:
    • Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Madam Josephine Ohene-Osei​.
    • Ministry of Communications, Mrs. Dora Darkwa-Mensah​.
    • National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Dr. Samuel Anyetel Nai​.
  4. Representatives from Industry Organizations:
    • Ghana Actors' Guild, Mr. Samuel Fiscian​​.
    • Film Producers' Association of Ghana, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai​.
    • Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts, Mr. Koffi Nartey​.
    • Women in Film and Television, Ms. Akorfa Edjeani​​.
    • Collective Management Organization of Audiovisual Rights Owners, Mr. Kofi Ohemeng Owusu​.
    • Film Distributors and Marketers, Mrs. Rukiyatu Naa Ayikaley Ankrah​.
    • Film Crew Association of Ghana, Mr. Samuel Gyandoh​.
  5. A representative nominated by television stations:
    • Mr. Ernest Boateng​.
  6. Executive Secretary:
    • Madam Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante​​.

References

  1. ^ a b "National Film Authority (NFA)". Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) Ghana. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  2. ^ https://bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/Development%20and%20Classification%20of%20Film%20Act,%202016%20(Act%20935).pdf
  3. ^ a b Asankomah, Tony (2021-08-06). "Ghana's National Film Authority Film Classification Criteria". GhMovieFreak. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  4. ^ a b "Film". Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) Ghana. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  5. ^ Dzakpata, Fred (2022-12-01). "Ghana Cinema Week kicks off 23 December". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  6. ^ "National Film Authority launches Ghana Cinema Week". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  7. ^ "Ghana Cinema Week commences from December 15". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  8. ^ "Ghallywood: An Evolution of Ghana's Film Industry | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  9. ^ "National Film Authority of Ghana Partners with FilmOne and Silverbird Cinema to Host First Africa Cinema Summit - Boxoffice". www.boxofficepro.com. 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  10. ^ "President Akufo-Addo to grace first Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana next week". Graphic Online. 2023-11-07. Retrieved 2024-07-09.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ "NFA to host Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  12. ^ Owusu-Amoah, Gifty (2023-10-17). "Ghana hosts first Africa cinema summit in November". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2024-07-09.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ "National Film Authority of Ghana Sets Date, Theme, Executive Team For Africa Cinema Summit 2024 Edition - Boxoffice". www.boxofficepro.com. 2024-06-07. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  14. ^ Debrah, Ameyaw (2024-06-07). "NATIONAL FILM AUTHORITY OF GHANA SETS DATE, THEME AND EXECUTIVE TEAM FOR AFRICA CINEMA SUMMIT 2024 EDITION - AmeyawDebrah.com". Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  15. ^ "2024 Africa Cinema Summit to be held in Accra from October 7-10". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2024-06-07. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  16. ^ "2024 Africa Cinema Summit to be held in Accra from October 7-10". Ghana Weekend. 2024-06-07. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  17. ^ "Article 70 - Appointments By President". lawsghana.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  18. ^ Gyesi, Zadok Kwame (2019-12-21). "President swears in National Film Authority Board". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2024-06-19.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

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