National Film Authority Reacts To Spike Lee’s Comment 

Ghana’s National Film Authority has disclosed failure in linking up with American filmmaker and actor, Spike Lee, during his visit to Ghana was not from its end.

The Authority in a statement said it made an effort to meet the renowned actor, however, it proved futile.

This comes after Lee in an interview stated none of the members of Ghana’s film industry approached him during his three days visit to Ghana alongside the United States vice President, Kamala Harris.

In an interview with Asaase radio, he is quoted to have said, “I did not know that there is a thriving film industry in Ghana, I know about Nigeria. And I made the point that it was publicised that I was coming and no one approached me from the film office. I would have loved to meet the people in the film industry here [in Ghana].”

But the Authority in Ghana reacted to this in a press statement saying efforts to meet him were hampered by his busy schedule.

“As excited as we were to hear this news after he landed on air, the Authority’s CEO was on her way to meet Mr Lee to reiterate the positioning when the Authority was informed that his schedule was busy for the evening.”

It continued, “given the circumstances, the Authority relayed a goodwill message from the CEO reiterating Ghana’s welcome and particularly the film industry and expressed our desire to commence a conversation”.

The Authority finally called on organisers of such trips to inform the necessary agencies to ensure that Ghana takes full advantage of all opportunities for the benefit of all.

Below Is The Full Statement:

The National film authority has for the past 3 years worked assiduously to position Ghana as a film and content destination and called on the world to shoot in Ghana.

The CEO of the Authority recently returned from a round table during the recent Oscar week to meet the Industry to explore this very positioning

We have become aware of a circular on the visit of Mr Spike Lee. As excited as we were to hear this news after he landed on air, the Authority’s CEO was on her way to meet Mr Lee to reiterate the positioning when the Authority was informed that his schedule was busy for the evening…

Given the circumstances, the Authority relayed a goodwill message from the CEO reiterating Ghana’s welcome and particularly the film industry and expressed our desire to commence a conversation.

We use the opportunity to call on all organizers of such trips to inform the necessary agencies to ensure that Ghana takes full advantage of all opportunities for the benefit of all.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini