New name for Ghana Film Industry sparks controversy

The new brand name chosen for the Ghanaian film industry by the National Film Authority (NFA) has received backlashed from industry stakeholders describing the directive as one that has no meaning, in addition to no better progress for the entire movie industry.

The new name for the film industry – Black Star Films, according to the Authority, is needed to enhance on easy identification of the movie industry.

This, the Authority said is expected to ensure that efforts being put into building solid structures will have a cutting-edge advantage.

Although some persons applauded the exercise, other industry players believe the exercise is not a priority for the industry.

Actor and show host of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM, George Quaye described the move as one that has high amount of conflict of interest, which he says would harm the industry one day.

In view of that, he has led a group of industry players to petition the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

“Let’s start with the “instruction” according to our 1992 constitution. ‘A public officer shall not put himself/herself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of the office,” the constitution states in Article 284’.

“I am more interested in the part that says “…or is likely to conflict”!!!

“The Executive Secretary role held by Juliet at the National Film Authority falls under those described as “Public Office”. Juliet is the founder and owner of the Black Star International Film Festival.  We have….sorry, Juliet and her “friends” have named the GH Film Industry Black Star Films! All well and good” he indicated in a Facebook post.

He added, “the rest of us must also be ashamed of ourselves for sleeping while all this happened on our blind side! But thank God we are awake now…let’s rally to rescue our industry from this grand scheme! We are headed toward 2000 signatures and even more! Please add your voice! Let’s save our film industry from the hostile take over led by the boss of the NFA. Please sign this petition and let’s make a change! Say NO to “BLACK STAR FILMS”.

Movie producer Ola Michael in a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Entertainment Review last Saturday also described the move as waste of time and taxpayer’s money.

According to him, the name ‘Ghana Film Industry’ is enough to be a brand name for the Ghanaian movie industry which they are all trying to project.

“The truth of the matter is that, Juliet Asante was told to ignore this initiative at a board meeting because it wasn’t the priority for the industry. After the election, she presented same initiative and she was again cautioned. Emails were later sent to all board members but they continued to ignore you, because they don’t support such thing. From the beginning of all this, you can see someone was trying to force the name Black Star on us. That has been the issue. She has achieved all the processes she started, why are you taking us back again? If your government leaves power, can you continue to maintain the name” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey has asked all stakeholders to remain calm as his Ministry engages with the National Film Authority and all concerned players.

In a communique, Mr. Mark said “I want to assure the sector that the matter is before the able Dr Awal Mohammed, and as a listening government, the matter will be resolved”.

Background

In 2020, the National Film Authority asked the public to submit names they believe can best represent the Ghanaian Film Industry.

Over four hundred (400) names were received by the NFA.

The names were narrowed down to ten (10) by the Brand Name Committee chaired by Professor Audrey Gadzekpo.

Other members of the Brand Name Committee are Mr. Kwabena Agyekum (Executive Director of Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana), Abeiku Sagoe (Actor), Ms. Laurene Maana Abdallah (filmmaker) and Kofi Kyei (filmmaker).

The National Film Authority, therefore, asked the public to select, from the ten names, their favourite.