The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, delivered a poignant message during the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana. He urged the next government, set to take office in 2025, to prioritize the funding of a film documenting the life and accomplishments of Azumah Nelson, a legendary Ghanaian boxer. This call came amidst discussions on the importance of recognizing and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural narratives through cinema. The Ga Mantse’s address, articulated by broadcaster Nathaniel Attoh, highlighted the necessity for the government to invest in high-impact productions that reflect important aspects of the nation’s history and identity.
In his powerful keynote, the Ga Mantse underscored the importance of Azumah Nelson not only as an accomplished athlete but also as a cultural symbol for the Ga people and the broader African community. He emphasized that Nelson’s journey encapsulates cultural heritage, inspiration, and a vision for the future that resonates deeply with the African experience. As a custodian of Ga Adamgbe culture, the Ga Mantse believes that Nelson’s story is emblematic of the narratives that the government should actively pursue and support through cinematic productions. This sentiment fosters an appreciation for storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and promotion.
The summit also witnessed the participation of key figures in the creative arts sector, including Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts, and Culture, Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and the Tourism Minister for Rwanda. Their presence, alongside influential industry leaders such as Nigeria’s celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, reflects the collaborative spirit envisioned for the growth and advancement of the African film industry. The involvement of high-profile individuals underscores the significance of the summit as a platform for discussing strategies and initiatives that can enhance Africa’s presence in the global film landscape.
Organized by the National Film Authority (NFA), the Africa Cinema Summit aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the African film sector. By bringing together filmmakers, policymakers, and cultural leaders from across the continent, the summit creates a vital space for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing African cinema today. The call to action from the Ga Mantse aligns with the overarching goals of the summit, which seeks to highlight the potential of African storytelling as a means of cultural expression and identity reinforcement.
As the summit progresses, discussions revolve around the critical need for government support in funding creative projects that portray Africa’s diverse narratives. The Ga Mantse’s emphasis on Azumah Nelson’s story serves as a compelling example of how films can influence national identity and cultural pride. By advocating for investment in such impactful stories, the Ga Mantse not only honors Nelson’s legacy but also sets a precedent for how narratives rooted in local culture can contribute to a richer, more diverse film industry in Africa.
With the Africa Cinema Summit drawing to a close on October 10, 2024, there remains a strong sense of optimism for the future of African cinema. The aspirational messages delivered by leaders at the summit emphasize an urgent call for concerted efforts to bolster the film industry through collaboration, funding, and a cohesive vision that promotes Africa’s stories to the global audience. In this spirit, the Ga Mantse’s appeal for a film celebrating Azumah Nelson stands as a testament to the importance of cultural storytelling and its role in shaping the legacy of African athletes and historical figures.
