In a discussion with Graphic Showbiz, the filmmaker emphasized that, the movie industry cannot be ignored in the efforts to promote tourism in Ghana. Movies are a good medium to showcase the natural reserves and tourist sites of a country. Peter Sedufia believes people will travel to see the beautiful places and tourist sites they see in movies. He then asked the government to support the film industry.
“Truthfully, if we want to push Ghana’s tourism, then the film industry cannot be ignored. People will come to the country to see and experience what they watch in movies such as natural reserves and historical sites. Unfortunately, the sector is not supported to push such causes and only becomes relevant during political campaigns,”
Touching on the concerns raised by Angela White an American filmmaker, Peter Sedufia said her concerns are genuine. Angela White mentioned how she was disappointed at the lack of government support for filmmaking in Ghana. She disclosed this at a panel discussion at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
“I perfectly understand her disappointments, considering that she comes from a place with proper structures including sound government policies to aid their work, which is nonexistent here. And that is why I’ve always been blunt about my answers to questions on why I don’t do a production about Ghana. Why should I and why should that even be my foremost interest as a filmmaker and businessman?”
“For me, what the audience likes is what I will give them and also give me money. If the GoG wants the story of Ghana to be told, then they should partner and fund such national projects. Besides, what Angela White is saying is not new, but adding to ongoing conversations about the government’s low interest in the Ghanaian movie industry,”
Film has the power to bring together thousands of people if not millions of people. This is evident anytime a new movie is to be premiered across the world. Therefore, supporting the film industry to produce movies that sell the beautiful historical sites of the country to the world will definitely promote tourism.
