Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, former Director of Ghana’s National Film Authority and founder of the Blackstar International Film Festival (BSIFF), has urged Parliament to prioritise the passage of a creative tax incentive bill to boost investor confidence in the film industry.
Speaking in an interview with with EIB Network’s Hoenyefia Noah Nash at the 10th anniversary of BSIFF in Accra, Juliet Asante expressed concern about delays in passing the legislation, warning that Ghana risks losing out on major production deals.
“We urgently need a tax incentive,” she said. “Before I left office, we finalised a comprehensive tax incentive document ready for Parliament. It is imperative that we move beyond conversations and actually implement these changes if we genuinely wish to attract substantial investments into our film industry.”
The 2025 edition of BSIFF showcased 27 films selected from 127 submissions, attracting participants from over 25 countries. Panel discussions focused on increasing West Africa’s share of the African film market to 10%.
During the festival, organisers announced a partnership with Majestic Cinema, the largest cinema chain in Francophone West Africa, to boost cross-regional film distribution. “They have committed to investing in marketing and exhibition efforts,” Asante said.
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Nigerian film Son of the Soil, directed by Chee Keong Cheung and starring Razak Adoti, premiered at the festival and won Best Film. Ghana’s Coin Quest, a short film directed by a 25-year-old Kumasi-based filmmaker, was highlighted as a standout production.
Organisers announced that BSIFF 2026 will take place in Kumasi from September 24-27. Closing the festival, Asante reiterated her call for Parliament to pass the tax incentive bill, stressing that policy action is needed to unlock Ghana’s creative economy.
“The deals are being made. The films are here. The talent is undeniable. Now, it’s time for the government to do its part,” she said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Hoenyefia Noah Nash
