The Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority of Ghana, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, has sounded the alarm on the skills gap plaguing Ghana’s film industry. Asante, who is also the Chair of the National Film and Television Institute, on her LinkedIn page, expressed her concerns about the disparity between film education and practical skills in the industry.
Asante recounted her own experiences at film school, where she was told that formal education was not necessary to make films. “At film school, my lecturer said to me, film is not about education, so if you want to make films, just make them. No need to attend school. It sounded like music to my ear. But I am glad I didn’t listen to him,” she said.
She acknowledged that her education provided her with valuable knowledge, community, and credibility. Nevertheless, she emphasised that the best part of her education was the practical experience she gained on set.
Asante lamented that many film school graduates in Ghana lack the practical skills needed to succeed in the industry. “Less than 30% of graduates of film schools in Ghana make films: Most becoming commentators and observers of the few that dared to try,” she said.
The South Korean filmmaking example
The National Film Authority CEO attributed the gap to a lack of emphasis on practical training in film education. She argued that film schools in Ghana continue to churn out certified graduates who lack the high-level practical skills needed to work on major productions. She said: “After film school, we are still not prepared for the job market.
“Sadly, we continue to theorize ourselves even more. Taking pride in the degree when the craft is in the ‘making’ and no amount of reading can teach how to focus pull.”
Asante emphasized that the film industry has the potential to revolutionize the creative space and employ many people, citing the example of South Korea. “Film is a serious business that can change economies… go ask South Korea!
“Film has the capacity to revolutionise not only the creative space, but the entire job market as it can employ so many people, but how do we get there with educated filmmakers who have low high level practical skills?”
Practical education versus theory
To address this challenge, Asante advocated for a more practical approach to film education, where students can gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to succeed in the industry. She also emphasised the need for film educators to have practical experience in the industry, rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Asante added: “Recently I took a trip to observe the winners in this space. The one dynamic that runs through is training and not just any training, training that gives you the needed skills to jump from the class room to a $1million plus production and handle the camera or light like a pro?
“How do we continue to have people who have never been strong in a technical and practical space, train the next generation for a technical and practical space?”
