Acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has announced that a portion of the second season of his Netflix original series, ‘Anikulapo,’ will be filmed in Ghana.
The announcement was made during the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) held recently in Cannes, France, which saw the attendance of numerous film industry experts and media personalities.
This development aligns with the Ghana National Film Authority’s ‘Shoot in Ghana’ initiative, aimed at promoting the country as a premier filming destination.
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the Executive Secretary of Ghana’s National Film Authority, brokered the deal in France and expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“This is an important development,” Asante stated. “The shooting of parts of ‘Anikulapo’ in Ghana is a good opportunity to revive and enhance the film relationship between Ghana and Nigeria. Both countries stand to gain greatly from collaborating deeply and exploring each other’s markets and strengths.”
Kunle Afolayan, known for his commitment to the growth of the African film industry, has also been instrumental in training the next generation of filmmakers through his KAP Academy. The academy has trained over 10,000 students across Nigeria and other parts of the continent, emphasizing skill development and industry readiness.
The decision to film in Ghana is expected to create numerous employment opportunities for Ghanaians, both within and outside the film industry, while facilitating the transfer of valuable skills. Juliet Asante encourages filmmakers worldwide to consider Ghana as a viable shooting location, highlighting the country’s recent successes under the ‘Shoot in Ghana’ campaign.
Launched two years ago, the ‘Shoot in Ghana’ initiative has already seen several high-profile projects come to fruition, including a much-discussed Super Bowl advertisement filmed in the country. The initiative continues to attract international interest, positioning Ghana as a rising hub for film production.
Afolayan’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Nigerian and Ghanaian film industries, promising a mutually beneficial partnership that leverages the unique strengths of both nations.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
