Staying True to Culture: A Call to Ghana’s Filmmakers
Ghanaian-American actress and filmmaker Aba Arthur, best known for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is using her platform to champion a simple yet powerful idea: cultural authenticity is key to Ghana’s film industry achieving global recognition. As the industry grapples with financing, distribution, and competing with Hollywood productions, Arthur argues that staying true to Ghanaian culture can differentiate films on the world stage.
The Power of Cultural Authenticity
Arthur’s message centers on the belief that audiences respond to stories that reflect lived experiences, languages, and traditions. She notes that when films authentically portray Ghanaian life—from local dialects and music to traditional attire and community dynamics—international viewers develop a deeper connection. This connection translates into stronger festival showings, streaming interest, and word-of-mouth recommendations that can propel smaller productions into global conversations.
Why It Matters Now
In recent years, Ghana has produced notable talents who have earned spots in international discussions about cinema. However, many films still face challenges in reaching broad audiences beyond local markets. Arthur stresses that authenticity is not about avoiding global influence; it’s about anchoring stories in genuine cultural experiences while still offering universal themes such as family, resilience, and ambition. By foregrounding local color—spiritual music, market scenes, and the rhythms of daily life—creators can offer something both uniquely Ghanaian and universally relatable.
Practical Steps for Filmmakers
Arthur outlines several practical steps that can help Ghanaian filmmakers maintain authenticity without sacrificing production quality or commercial appeal:
- Invest in local talent and voices. Hire writers, directors, and crew who bring intimate knowledge of Ghana’s histories, myths, and contemporary realities.
- Prioritize accurate representation. Seek input from community members and cultural consultants to avoid stereotypes and misrepresentations.
- Preserve linguistic diversity. Include local languages alongside subtitles to reflect the country’s linguistic richness.
- Showcase everyday life. Focus on scenes from markets, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces to create a vivid sense of place.
- Build sustainable pipelines. Develop local training programs and mentorships to nurture homegrown talent that can sustain the industry long-term.
Balancing Global Appeal with Local Roots
Arthur stresses that cultural authenticity does not preclude global appeal. On the contrary, films that articulate a confident sense of place often stand out in international markets precisely because they offer something distinct. The challenge is to balance universal storytelling elements with a distinctly Ghanaian voice. When filmmakers pair strong character arcs with culturally grounded settings, they attract diverse audiences while preserving integrity to their origins.
What Audiences Are Looking For
Audiences today crave honest storytelling—stories that reflect real people, real communities, and real challenges. For Ghanaian cinema to reach and sustain a global footprint, it must consistently deliver narratives that feel true, emotionally resonant, and technically polished. Arthur’s stance is a reminder that creativity thrives when it remains rooted in culture, language, and history, rather than chasing trends that dilute identity.
A Call to Action for Ghana’s Filmmaking Community
As Ghana asserts itself on the global film map, the voices of seasoned actors and filmmakers like Aba Arthur can guide the next generation. The industry’s future depends on a concerted effort to embed cultural authenticity in every project—from development through distribution. By staying true to culture, Ghanaian cinema has every opportunity to captivate audiences around the world while preserving the rich heritage that makes its storytelling unique.
