Erasmus Osei Owusu (Osewus)
The discussions about the supposed decline of the once-vibrant Ghanaian movie industry never seem to die down.
After its drastic rise, it took a shocking nosedive some years ago.
Many people in the industry have been blaming various individuals for the current struggles. Names of people on the screen, as well as those who work behind the scenes as directors and producers, have been cited as responsible for the current state of affairs.
Amid the controversy over how to revive the industry, Ghanaian award-winning film producer and director Erasmus Osei Owusu, popularly known in showbiz circles as Osewus, has suggested some ways to save the movie industry from complete collapse.
Speaking about some of the issues that have contributed to the industry's decline, Osewus identified the lack of unity among actors, directors, producers, and other key stakeholders as a major problem.
He noted that the numerous unions within the industry often prioritize their own interests over those that could benefit the industry as a whole, particularly when they believe a particular union is gaining something they are not.
Osewus also mentioned the lack of respect between actors and the directors and producers as a significant issue. He pointed out that there have been instances where actors, producers, or directors felt mistreated, often feeling used and discarded when they lacked popularity or financial resources.
He further criticized the government, stating that some of his colleagues allowed themselves to be exploited by political leaders, only to receive no tangible benefits when those leaders came into power. Instead, they were left with broken promises.
After outlining these problems, Osewus proposed several solutions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive rebranding strategy, arguing that it is time to change the negative narrative surrounding the Ghanaian movie industry. He suggested training public relations officers to promote positive stories and address negative ones promptly.
Osewus also called for a united front among actors, producers, directors, and other key stakeholders to create a strong collective that can advocate for their rights.
In his closing remarks, he advised his colleagues to avoid the use of ‘juju,’ citing numerous stories about its use. He emphasized that the industry is large enough to accommodate everyone’s talent and urged individuals to support each other rather than trying to undermine one another.
