We are not producing a lot of movies - Fiifi Coleman on the decline of movie industry

Ghanaian playwright and producer Fiifi Coleman has voiced his support for actress Beverly Afaglo's recent critique of the country's movie industry.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on July 18, 2024, Coleman highlighted the low production levels and the lack of visibility for Ghanaian films.

He noted that from January to July, only six movies have been produced, none from major production houses.

He also lamented that that these films are not widely known or distributed on prominent channels.

He attributed the low production to financial constraints, echoing Afaglo's sentiments that producers are not recouping their investments.

"They are not producing a lot of movies. There's nothing. As a country from January to July, we are saying that we have produced six movies and these movies are not by the big houses… These movies that you're talking about, no one knows about them.

“There are not enough being produced. And I don't blame the producers because she (Beverly Afaglo) also mentioned it. They are investing to make money back and they are not getting it,” he said.

Coleman also addressed the common criticism that Ghanaian movies are predictable, arguing that predictability of a movie does not hinder creativity.

He rather pointed to the lack of engaging plot twists and the processes leading to the story's conclusion as the real issues.

“When we watch the Marvel movies, we know exactly who is going to win at the end of the day. So that really doesn't kill a story or doesn't kill creativity.

“That is not what is bringing us down. We always know the end of every movie. But that never stopped anyone. What has been the issue is the processes of getting to the end, the processes that we go through, the plot twists. That is what the issue has always been, but not just identifying the ends of the story,” he said.

Reflecting on his extensive experience in the industry, Coleman expressed frustration over the distribution challenges.

He stated that many producers are creating content, but it remains unseen due to inadequate distribution platforms.

"They are producing the movies, but who is watching the movie?" he questioned.

ID/NOQ

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