Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for greater professionalism, sustainable investment, and the strategic positioning of African narratives as the continent’s film industry seeks to compete globally.

Speaking at the inaugural Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) 2025 in Accra, the Vice President stated that African stories must be told with “purpose and excellence” to resonate with international audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity.

The maiden edition of REFFA brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, and creatives from across the continent to celebrate excellence in African cinema and explore pathways for regional and international market access.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged emerging filmmakers and actors to prioritise depth and quality over mere visibility, noting that professionalism is essential for African cinema to compete effectively in global markets.

“Our stories are rich, authentic, and powerful. But they must be told with the excellence they deserve if we are to claim our rightful place in the global film industry,” she said.

The Vice President commended REFFA for creating a platform that not only recognises talent but also facilitates market access, noting that it is a critical challenge for many African filmmakers who struggle to distribute their work beyond local audiences.

Highlighting the economic dimensions of the creative sector, the Vice President called on investors, development partners, and industry stakeholders to adopt a long-term perspective on film-industry investment.

She noted that Africa’s film industry has significant potential to generate employment, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and meaningfully contribute to GDP growth in Ghana and other countries, particularly as global audiences increasingly seek diverse and authentic narratives.

Ghana’s film industry, referred to as “Ghallywood,” continues to cite inadequate funding, infrastructure gaps, and limited distribution networks as major constraints.

The Vice President expressed optimism about REFFA’s potential to nurture emerging talent and elevate African storytelling on the world stage.

She congratulated all award recipients and participants, calling the festival a “significant milestone” for Ghana’s creative arts sector.

The festival featured film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions on film financing and distribution, and networking sessions designed to connect African creatives with international industry players.

REFFA 2025 awarded films across multiple categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, with entries from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal, among others.