Otumfuo Endorses Regal Film Festival and Awards
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has offered his full backing for the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA), an initiative founded by Ghanaian film producer, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Selassie Ibrahim.
His Majesty’s endorsement came after Ms Ibrahim led a high-profile delegation of Ghanaian and Nigerian film practitioners on a courtesy call to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to brief the Asantehene on the festival’s mission and upcoming activities.
Explaining the vision behind the initiative, Ms Ibrahim stated that REFFA is designed to bridge the gap between content producers and consumers while reviving the Ghanaian film industry through strategic cross-border collaborations, particularly with Nigeria’s Nollywood.
“Our local industry has faced significant challenges, making it difficult to sustain our trade. Having completed part of my education in Nigeria, we decided to collaborate with Nigerian industry stakeholders to help put our film sector back on its feet,” she noted.
Ms Ibrahim emphasised that REFFA encompasses masterclasses, networking opportunities, and professional recognition designed to position African cinema on the global stage.
“We train practitioners on content packaging, distribution, and scriptwriting. Just two weeks ago, we organised a masterclass on scriptwriting here in Kumasi because quality storytelling is crucial to breaking into the global market. REFFA is about impacting lives, building capacity, and creating jobs across the creative value chain—from screenwriters and technical crew to costume designers and hairstylists,” she explained.
She added that while the creative sector contributes significantly to the national economy, it requires greater structured support.
“The President is doing his best for the creative arts, and as industry players, we must also take proactive steps. With Otumfuo’s endorsement, we know our message will reach the global community.”
2026 REFFA
Announcing details for the 2026 edition, Ms Ibrahim disclosed that the main festival will take place from December 8 to 12, 2026, with over 300 film submissions received from 36 African countries.
Ahead of the main festival, she announced a major public awareness float in Kumasi scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, which is expected to be graced by the Queen Mother of the Asante Kingdom, Asantehemaa Nana Yaa Akyaa II.
Endorsement
Welcoming the delegation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the initiative as a good idea, noting that unified action among top African actors and producers is essential to building investor confidence.
“I recently read reports highlighting the difficulty your sector faces in attracting capital. Collaborative initiatives like this demonstrate to investors that putting money into African cinema yields real commercial returns. It is commendable that lead actors from Ghana and Nigeria have united for this cause. This will advance your profession, enrich society, and benefit Africa as a whole,” the Asantehene remarked.
Otumfuo added, “You have my full backing and encouragement. The film profession touches every household daily, and it deserves our collective support. Nigeria’s film industry has made impressive strides; this partnership will accelerate regional development and enable African cinema to compete globally.”
Members of the delegation included Bill Asamoah, Ramsey Nouah, Fred Amugi, Osas Ighodaro, Christiana Awuni, James Gardiner, Gloria Sarfo, Roselyn Ngissah, Irene Opare, Clement Bonney, and others.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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