“We’re Getting No Help From The Government”- Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Shirley Frimpong-Manso has expressed her concern about how the government has shown no support for the Ghanaian movie industry. She complained that even though the act of filmmaking is financially draining, the government has turned a deaf ear to all the problems filmmakers are facing in the country.

The Ghanaian movie producer/writer/director who won the ‘Director of the Year’ award at the 2010 African Movie Academy Awards  held recently in Nigeria described the problem as a ‘big shame’ on the part of the government.

“The sad part though is (that), our government seems not to care about the efforts being made… it’s a big shame really”, Shirley complained. “Its hard work and financially draining considering we are getting no help from the government but the rewards are more lasting”.

She advised her fellow filmmakers to inject more quality into their productions. “Ghana may seem to be in the minority when it comes to producing many movies but by all indications our movies have a certain quality about it and I believe that’s what will take us far so let’s take our time and inject a lot more quality into our productions”.

Shirley’s favorite movie, ‘A Sting In a Tale’ took home the ‘Best Original Sound Track award’ and won Adjetey Anang (Pusher) the ‘Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role’ at the AMAAs.  Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson and Naa Ashorkor all took home the ‘Best Actress’ award with her movie, ‘The Perfect Picture’.

Full Interview With Shirley Frimpong-Manso On Her AMAA “Winnings” Below

GhanaCelebrities.com: You won the ‘Best Director of the Year’ award at the AMAA held recently, can you tell us your secret that led to your success?

Thank you. It’s hard work really and the willingness to learn everyday. I never once think I know it all, in fact with every production I learn something new from reviews, positive criticisms, praises, watching other films, books, documentaries, cast, crew etc. It’s a learning process because there’s always room for improvement.

GhanaCelebrities.com: How do you feel about your new achievement?

I’m excited as well as I feel challenged to do better and go further.

GhanaCelebrities.com: What is your favorite movie among your movies?

I cherish them all because each gave me a unique experience but from an artistic point of view I’ll have to say ‘A Sting In a Tale’.

GhanaCelebrities.com: How will you describe the Ghanaian movie industry now?

There’s a wave of change and I love it. Everybody is making an effort to put something unique out there which I’m sure will soon create a very competitive platform which will benefit Ghanaians because then they will get their money’s worth and it will create a formidable industry. Yes there are still some bad nuts but out of the ‘bad’ comes the ‘good’ isn’t it? The sad part though is our government seems not to care at all about the efforts being made… it’s a big shame really.

GhanaCelebrities.com: Any message to your fellow directors and producers?

Ghana may seem to be in the minority when it comes to producing many movies but by all indications our movies have a certain quality about it and I believe that’s what will take us far so let’s take our time and inject a lot more quality into our productions. It’s hard work and financially draining considering we are getting no help from the government but the rewards are more lasting.

GhanaCelebrities.com: Message to your fans

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who spur us on, you make it all worthwhile and we won’t rest on our oars and take any of your support for granted. Thank you.

Source: Obour Amankwa/GhanaCelebrities.com