The prestigious Berlinale Spotlight Screening was launched in a momentous ceremony at the German Ambassador’s Residence, marking a historic moment as this globally renowned film event makes its debut on the African continent. The evening was rich with cultural exchange, enthusiasm, and anticipation for what promises to be a significant leap for Ghana’s film industry.
German Ambassador Daniel Krull opened the event with heartfelt remarks that spoke to the deep personal connection he holds with the Berlinale. “Berlinale is very close to my heart and the heart of my family, and my son is also working for the Berlinale,” he revealed. His words painted a vivid picture of his experiences at the Berlin International Film Festival, one of the world’s premier film festivals since its inception in 1951. “Whoever has a chance to spend time in Berlin in a very rainy and cold month of February, should make sure to attend the Berlin film festival,” Daniel Krull shared, evoking the magic that captivates thousands of festival-goers each year.
The event highlighted the collaboration between several institutions committed to promoting film as a medium for cultural dialogue. The partners that came together to make this event a success include the Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Goethe-Institut, the University of Media Arts and Communication’s Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), the German Embassy Accra, and the Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA).
The Berlinale Spotlight Screening is poised to elevate Ghanaian cinema by bridging the local and international film industries.
Prof. Samuel Manasseh Yirenkyi, Rector of UniMAC-IFT, who represented the Vice Chancellor of UniMAC, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, expressed his excitement for the unprecedented partnership. “UniMAC, by this partnership is ready to bridge the gap between local and international film industries. We are ready to provide unparalleled opportunities for Ghanaian filmmakers to network and learn from global networks,” he said, emphasizing the unique opportunities that lie ahead for emerging talents. Prof. Yirenkyi’s vision extended to a broader aspiration of showcasing Ghanaian narratives on the world stage. “We are also ready to elevate the profile of Ghanaian cinema so as to promote cultural diversity,” he added, highlighting the deeper impact of such international collaborations.
The launch was attended by prominent figures from the film industry and the diplomatic community, including GIZ’s Country Director -Dr. Dirk Aßmann, GAFTA’s President -Dr. Jim Awindor, Rector of the University of Media Arts and Communication-Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ)- Prof. Christina Hammond and Berlinale Spotlight Project Coordinator Jacqueline Nsiah.
The presence of veteran Ghanaian filmmakers Chris Hesse and King Boama Darko Ampaw lent the event a sense of continuity, honoring the legacy of African cinema. Chris Hesse, reflecting on the significance of the event, remarked, “We say thank you on behalf of all filmmakers,” expressing gratitude for the platform that will further inspire and elevate the craft of local filmmakers.
Guests were treated to an exclusive preview of trailers for the films set to screen at the Berlinale Spotlight Screening, igniting excitement and curiosity about the forthcoming showcase. Films such as “Dahomey” by Mati Diop, which won the coveted Golden Bear, and first feature films like “Who Do I Belong To?” by Meryam Joobeur and “The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder” by Inadelso Cossa, promised a diverse lineup celebrating both established and emerging talent.
The Berlinale Spotlight Screening, running from November 13 to 17, 2024, at UniMAC-IFT and Goethe Institut, will feature a compelling selection of films that have graced the Berlin International Film Festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness stories from across Africa and beyond, including “Certain Winds from the South,” the directorial debut by Ghana’s Eric Gyamfi, and “Letter from My Village” by the late Safi Faye, a tribute to her legacy in African cinema.
The launch concluded in high spirits, with lively networking, an array of local and international cuisine, and musical performances by Abiana, Josh Blakk, and the Blakknoters band that infused the night with rhythm and joy.
This historic collaboration not only heralds a new chapter for Ghanaian filmmakers but also positions Accra as a focal point for cinematic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue. The Berlinale Spotlight Screening is set to illuminate the shared stories that resonate across borders, championing a future where Ghanaian cinema can stand shoulder to shoulder with the global film community.
Noteworthily, UniMAC is a merger of the erstwhile Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) and the Ghana Institute of Languages by an Act of Parliament 2020 (Act 1059). The Act envisages a holding University with constituent Institutes with the power to award degrees of the holding University. UniMAC is uniquely positioned to deliver excellence in Media, Arts and Communications education at the tertiary level.
By Makida El Husseini
Level 400 Broadcast Journalism Student