Ghanaian-American filmmaker and Diaspora Ambassador for the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), Aba Arthur, has urged film industry players to deepen collaboration and strengthen professional networks as a pathway to global success.
She made the remarks during a masterclass organised by her production company, the Ohemaa Project, in partnership with the Black Star International Film Festival and the UniMAC Institute of Film and Television.
She noted that while Ghana is home to abundant creative talent, greater unity within the industry remains essential for sustained progress.
“We are making progress and we are very talented as a people, but when we come together, support one another and work in collaboration, that is when we can really move forward,” she highlighted.
Aba Arthur explained that collaboration goes beyond working together on projects and extends to building relationships, engaging industry spaces, and taking advantage of available platforms.
“It is about collaboration, and it is about supporting other people. It is about being in spaces where you can have conversations, build relationships and network so you can take your film further,” she stated.
She further highlighted the importance of film festivals in Ghana as key opportunities for exposure and international connection, urging filmmakers to actively participate.
“We have so many film festivals, including the Black Star International Film Festival, and a lot of international filmmakers come. All you need to do is attend, engage them and build those connections,” she pointed out.
Aba Arthur noted that the industry must first strengthen internal unity before looking outward for global partnerships, stressing that collaboration within the local space will determine international success.
“It goes back to collaborating internally before we collaborate externally. The stronger we work together, the more profitable we will be to the rest of the world,” she said.
She added that Ghana already has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the film space, but that value must be better shared among industry players.
“The talent is there. Now we just need to make sure that we follow the structure necessary to get our stories to the rest of the world,” she said.
Aba Arthur also encouraged emerging filmmakers to remain open, humble, and willing to learn as they build their careers.
“You have to listen. You have to pay attention. Learn from other people’s mistakes. Ask questions. The more information you have, the better you will be,” she advised.
