Legon VC expresses concern about poor quality of film

Accra, Nov 5 GNA - Prof Kwadjo Asensu Okyere, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, on Friday expressed concern about the poor quality of video feature films that are shown.

He said films, apart from being a major medium for the promotion of culture and entertainment, also create wealth and appealed to filmmakers to tell stories that advance the values of societies so as to inspire people to greater achievement.

This was contained in a speech read for Prof Asensu Okyere at the matriculation ceremony of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Accra.

This year's matriculates, made up 16 men and 11 women, took the matriculation oath administered by Mr. Owusu Tabi, Director at the Registry of the University of Ghana.

Prof. Asensu Okyere said in spite of Ghana producing more film technicians and professionals than any other country is sub-Saharan Africa, its screens have continued to be flooded with images that are at variance with its culture, developmental goals and aspirations. He called for the establishment of appropriate structures that would facilitate the revival of the film industry in Ghana and congratulated parliament for concluding work on the Development and Classification of Film (DCF) Bill that makes provision for the funding of film production in Ghana.

The bill has a Classification Committee that will preview all films and determine their suitability for Ghana's screens.

" I am aware that lack funding for productions has been a major setback to the industry" he added.

Mr Martin Loh, the Director of NAFTI, said despite the challenges that the institute faces, the school has continued to make a big impact on the international film scene.

He appealed to government to come to the aid of the Institute by providing accommodation to the students.

Mr. Loh said the French government was funding an Animation Studios that would serve the whole of West Africa.