Black Star International Film Festival, Ghana, launches 8th edition
Launched under the theme “Tech in Film: Exploring the Role of Technology in Filmmaking in Africa,” the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) has stated that its 8th edition will highlight the significant role that technology is playing in filmmaking on the African continent.
The new edition is scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from September 18 through September 24, 2023.
Proud sponsors of the 8th edition include stakeholders from the continent and beyond. It is supported by the European Union, University of Ghana – School of Performing Arts, the National Film Authority, Black Market Records, Hype.Flix, Ghana Cinema Week, Mann Robinson Distribution, WiFlix, Indie Rights, Infocus BCW, CompuGhana, Goethe Institut, GHMovieFreak, Elewa TV, Tecno Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Spanish Embassy and NAFTI.
The Ambassador, European Union of Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, attended the event and spoke as a guest speaker. The EU, according to H.E. Razaaly, will keep assisting Ghana’s film industry and creative sectors because “they value investment in youth and their creativity and thus, want to create more opportunities for young people”. They would also be using the BSIFF 2023 to showcase some European films.
“With the EU’s support to BSIFF we want to continue in the same vein in encouraging conversations on film across communities, cultures and languages thus we will be supporting with some workshops and the Awards & Closing Ceremony of the Festival this year,” said H.E. Razaaly.
The networking opportunities of the festival will promote idea exchange and the investigation of potential partnerships. Filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other industry participants can interact, work together, and develop lasting collaborations through the festival.
The eighth edition of BSIFF will features these highlights:
1. Film screenings where guests will get the chance to watch a wide range of stimulating films from accomplished filmmakers throughout the world. They’ll demonstrate the creative ways that technology was used from pre-production to post-production.
2. Leading interactive workshops and panel discussions on the most recent developments in film technology, hosted by industry professionals and tech enthusiasts.
3. BSIFF will host entertaining and interesting film-related events in the Black Star Square in collaboration with Hype Flix, Afro Cinema Plus, and the Ghana Cinema Week. Activities such as: Drive-in screenings, Shorts on Shots program, the Blackstar Music Concert (BMC), a film museum, Film Games: BSIFF E-sports tournament, etc.
4. The festival will come to a close with an Awards Gala that will honour remarkable filmmaking accomplishments with up to 10 awards.
The 8th edition’s theme “reflects the festival’s commitment to celebrating the advancements in cinema on the Continent and advocating for an industry that continually pushes boundaries,” said Philippa Bentuma Arthur, Director of BSIFF.
In a statement from Ms. Juliet Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority and founder of BSIFF, “the future is tech and filmmakers need to advance with the times.”
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
