Ghana National Film Authority

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the NFA (which is one of its agencies) was formed to perform the following functions:

• Regulation and Classification

The NFA is tasked with the classification of films, ensuring that content meets national standards and guidelines.{{Cite web |last=Asankomah |first=Tony |date=6 August 2021 |title=Ghana's National Film Authority Film Classification Criteria. |url=https://ghmoviefreak.com/ghanas-national-film-authority-film-classification-criteria/ |access-date=19 June 2024 |website=GhMovieFreak |language=en-US}} This includes categorizing films based on suitability for different audiences.

• Promotion of the Film Industry

The NFA works to promote Ghanaian films both domestically and internationally. This includes supporting filmmakers in producing quality content and facilitating their participation in global film markets and festivals.{{Cite web |date=27 June 2024 |title=Ghana: National Film Authority Grants US$96,000 To Three Film Projects {{!}} Broadcast Media Africa |url=https://broadcastmediaafrica.com/2024/06/27/ghana-national-film-authority-grants-us96000-to-three-film-projects/ |access-date=17 July 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Seidu |first=Faridatu |date=26 June 2024 |title=National Film Authority awards €90,000 grants to three film projects - Adomonline.com |url=https://www.adomonline.com/national-film-authority-awards-e90000-grants-to-three-film-projects/ |access-date=17 July 2024 |language=en-US}}

• Support and Development

The NFA provides support for the development of the film industry through funding, training programs, and workshops aimed at building the capacity of industry professionals.{{Cite web |date=18 November 2023 |title=African Filmmakers Seek Bigger Role on World Stage |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/african-filmmakers-seek-bigger-role-on-world-stage/7358273.html |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}

• Policy Implementation

It ensures the implementation of national policies related to the film industry, coordinating with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve cohesive industry growth.

• Advocacy and Representation

The NFA advocates for the interests of the Ghanaian film industry,{{Cite web |title=Film |url=https://www.motac.gov.gh/film/ |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) Ghana |language=en-US}} representing the sector in negotiations and collaborations with international partners and organizations.

The Ghana National Film Authority (NFA) has undertaken several initiatives under its core responsibilities, including:

The NFA (in collaboration with Afrocinema+) introduced Ghana Cinema Week in 2022 as an initiative to promote cinema culture in Ghana. Following the timeline line of the maiden edition, it is held in December each year. Below is a table of all the editions celebrated.{{Cite web |last=Ntim |first=Zac |date=6 June 2024 |title=Ghana's Africa Cinema Summit Sets Date, Theme & Executive Team For 2024 Edition |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/africa-cinema-summit-ghana-2024-edition-movenpick-ambassador-hotel-juliet-yaa-asantewa-asante-1235960345/ |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

The Film Classification Criteria is a specific system for categorising films based on their content, themes, and suitability for different audiences. This system assists viewers in determining the appropriate age group for each film and ensures that the content aligns with Ghanaian cultural, moral, and societal standards.

This initiative involved the change of the name of the Ghana Film industry from "Ghallywood/Gollywood"{{Cite web |title=Ghallywood: An Evolution of Ghana's Film Industry {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/ghallywood-evolution-ghanas-film-industry |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=www.sahistory.org.za}} to "Black Star Films". The re-branding aimed to showcase the cultural heritage of Ghana, gain global recognition, establish standardised naming conventions, and create a brand identity for the industry. The unveiling ceremony took place on 8 December 2021 at the Gold Coast Restaurant (Accra).

The Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) is organized by the NFA (in collaboration with other stakeholders){{Cite web |date=16 August 2023 |title=National Film Authority of Ghana Partners with FilmOne and Silverbird Cinema to Host First Africa Cinema Summit - Boxoffice |url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/national-film-authority-of-ghana-partners-with-filmone-and-silverbird-cinema-to-host-first-africa-cinema-summit/ |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=www.boxofficepro.com |language=en-US}} to foster collaboration within the African film industry. The summit aims to bring together industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss the African cinema landscape, provide networking opportunities, highlight industry trends and opportunities, showcase African talent, and feature modern cinema industry technologies and services. The inaugural edition was held 14–16 November 2023 at the Movenpick Grand Ambassador Hotel, Accra, with the President of the Republic of Ghana in attendance.{{Cite news |date=7 November 2023 |title=President Akufo-Addo to grace first Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana next week |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/entertainment/showbiz-news/president-akufo-addo-to-grace-first-africa-cinema-summit-in-ghana-next-week.html |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=Graphic Online}}

The NFA is governed by a board that is appointed by the President of Ghana, according to Act 70{{Cite web |title=Article 70 - Appointments By President |url=https://lawsghana.com/constitution/Republic/constitution_content/75#:~:text=(e)%20the%20holders%20of%20such,members%20of%20the%20Electoral%20Commission. |access-date=19 June 2024 |website=lawsghana.com}} of the Constitution of Ghana. The board consists of:

1. A chairperson (preferably a well-qualified film practitioner with notable experience and an expert in the Ghanaian film industry);
2. A representative of the Copyright Office (to be nominated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice);
3. A representative from each of the following sectors (to be nominated by the Minister of the relevant sector):
4. * Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
5. * Ministry of Communications, and
6. * National Film and Television Institute;
7. A representative from each of the following (to be nominated by the organizations):
8. * Ghana Actors' Guild,
9. * Film Producers' Association of Ghana,
10. * Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts,
11. * Women in Film and Television,
12. * Collective Management Organization of Audiovisual Rights Owners,
13. * Film Distributors and Marketers, and
14. * Film Crew Association of Ghana;
15. A representative from the TV network (to be nominated by the TV stations); and
16. The Executive Secretary.

{{reflist}}

• [https://nfa.gov.gh/ Ghana National Film Authority (NFA).]
• [https://nfa.gov.gh/film-classification-criteria/ Film Classification Criteria]
• [https://www.motac.gov.gh/ Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.]
• [https://moc.gov.gh/ Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.]
• [https://africacinemasummit.com/ Africa Cinema Summit]
• [https://nfa.gov.gh/2024/02/14/inaugural-africa-cinema-summit-marks-a-milestone-for-collaboration-in-the-film-industry/ Inaugural Africa Cinema Summit]

Category:Cinema of Ghana

Category:Film organisations in Ghana

Category:Arts organisations based in Ghana