Meet the 2016 overall Best NAFTI Student

The 2016 graduation ceremony of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) saw Peter Orgnah adjudged the overall best student.

According to nafti.edu.gh, “The graduation ceremony was for twenty-three students who had satisfied the requirements for their courses of study in various specialisations in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Programme offered by NAFTI. Also graduating were, 85 students who had satisfied the requirements for their courses of study in the Certificate Programme.”

Peter graduated with a degree in Film Directing. Abrantepa.com caught up with him courtesy Clement Ashitey [Clemento Suarez].

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Agave, a small village in the Volta Region. We’re 4 siblings. Two boys and two girls. I attended Tema Senior High School (TEMASCO) where I completed in 2006. I furthered at ICM where I got a diploma in business management and administration. And then later enrolled in a film school (NAFTI) in 2011, where I obtained a degree in film directing.

What did you do specially to earn the best student award?

NAFTI is a practical school. So even though I learned hard to pass my exams and clocked lots of As, I still took my students Productions seriously. After all, that’s the part we need most to survive the film industry. And indeed, anytime my productions were screened at assessment, I always hear one great comment from faculty, “This is different”. It has always been possible for me with teamwork, dedication and most importantly, listening to every team member.

How challenging was the course?

The course in itself, I wouldn’t lie, wasn’t too fun, especially the theories. The numerous assignments coming from every lecturer after every class wasn’t a thing we students were happy about. The extra boring readings from researches was a headache. We always wanted to make films, not to come and read lots of books like some technocrats. Indeed, that made it quite daunting. Some of us, including myself had to burn few hours at certain times just to make some money to sort out school bills. So, the mixture was really hectic. But the joy of seeing myself doing students Productions kept me going because it fed into my vision of wanting to be a filmmaker. But then again, the theories also help in the long run. It gave us worth of knowledge and insights into filmmaking.

Does NAFTI prepare students well enough for the world market?

I think it does, because it has prepared me. But a large chunk of responsibility lies on the individual students with regards to how and where they apply what they’ve been taught.

What was your prize as overall best student?

It was cash prize. [Laughs]

Disclosed?

Undisclosed but indeed, my works have won over six awards locally and internationally, even before I completed film school. That is motivating enough, I guess.

Tell me more about those awards

My first ever short film called “PERCHER” won an award at the Accra Francophone Film Festival in 2014. My second short film called “The Traveller” won awards at FESPACO, Africa Emergence Film Festival, and Accra Francophone Film Festival, all in 2015. With a nomination in Zanzibar International Film Festival. Knii Lante’s “Baby Take Good Care” music video that I assistant directed and edited won the best music video awards at the VGMA, 2014. And Wiyaala’s “Africa” music video I edited also won the best music video at AFRIMA in Lagos last year.

Oooo, you worked with Adjetey of Take2 Films?

Yes. I’ve really worked with a lot of them on freelance. Russel Eni of Insel Communications, Abraham Ohene-Djan of OM Studio, Gyo Gyimah of Phamous Philms, Ramesh Jai of Apex Advertising and Stanley Adjetey.

What next after school?

Well, I’ve had talks with several of my lecturers who want me to come back and teach in NAFTI. But really, I want to be on the fields. I want to make films. That has been my passionate desire, so, that’s what I’ll do – make films. I’ve started a couple of projects already. Popular is my upcoming comedy TV series dubbed, “Master And 3 Maids”. Work is far advanced on it, and will be ready soon for airing.

Is he dating? Shieeeeeee. We forgot to ask him….lol

Enjoy his movie by clicking 'Show Video'.