The European Union Ambassador to Ghana has expressed hope that the partnerships, training and creative exchanges fostered by the 2026 European Union Film Festival will translate into new film projects and stronger international collaboration for Ghana’s film industry.
He urged filmmakers and other industry players to build on the relationships and opportunities created during the week-long festival, which combined film screenings, masterclasses, cross-cultural exchanges and pitching sessions aimed at strengthening professional skills and creating pathways for collaboration between Ghana and Europe.
“We hope this festival will need to new partners, new projects, and many more can mean stories, reads, and audiences around the world. So as we close this edition, let’s remember, the festival is tonight, but the conversations, the collaborations, the friendships should continue.” he stated.
The festival, held under the theme Peace, Tolerance and Inclusion, showcased 21 films from Ghana and European Union member states, using cinema to encourage dialogue across cultures while highlighting diverse stories and perspectives.
The festival culminated in a gathering at the EU Ambassador’s residence, bringing together diplomats and members of Ghana’s creative industry for award presentations, recognition of participants and screenings of Rule of Thumb and Mr. Nobody Against Putin.
Beyond the screenings, the programme offered industry training in areas including intellectual property, creative negotiation, vertical filmmaking, animation and storytelling, and costume, make-up and representation.
The festival also featured a pitching competition in which 10 finalists presented their film ideas to an industry panel. Kwaku Edusei Acquah’s Abonsam Cartoons emerged as the overall winner, while the National Film Authority awarded GH¢10,000 each to runners-up Deladem Duvi, for Unfinished Business, and Adwoa Sarfo Oppong-Nyarko’s “I See You” to support the development of their projects.
Together with the festival’s pitching awards and other project support, the programme provided GH¢40,000 in cash support for film projects and pitches.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote cultural exchange between Ghana and Europe while helping creative professionals strengthen their skills, build industry networks and explore opportunities for future productions.
The EU hopes the connections established during the festival will extend beyond the event itself, leading to films and creative partnerships capable of reaching audiences in Ghana, Europe and beyond.
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