The National Film Authority (NFA) has awarded GH¢20,000 to two runners-up in the 2026 European Union Film Festival’s pitching competition to support the development of their film projects, extending financial support to filmmakers beyond the overall winner.
The first runner-up, Deladem Duvi, whose project is titled “Unfinished Business”, and second runner-up Adwoa Sarfo Oppong-Nyarko’ “I See You” each received GH¢10,000 after their story ideas were assessed during the pitching competition.
The projects were scrutinised for their creative potential and social relevance, with the grants intended to help the filmmakers advance their ideas beyond the competition stage.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Kafui Danku underscored that the awards demonstrated the Authority’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian filmmakers in developing their stories into productions.
She described the funding as an investment in the talent and future of Ghana’s film industry, providing the recipients with an opportunity to nurture their ideas and work towards bringing them to the screen.
“This is an investment in their talent and in the future of Ghana storytelling. We remain grateful to our president, John Dramani Mahama, for his continuous support for Ghani’s field industry, which strengthens our effort to create opportunities to give.” she stated
The awards come amid wider efforts by the National Film Authority to address funding constraints in Ghana’s film industry through its flagship Film Fund, which is intended to create more opportunities for filmmakers to strengthen production quality.
According to Ms Danku, the demand for funding is evident in the more than 100 applications received by the Film Fund, with filmmakers seeking a combined GH¢95 million against the fund’s current capital of GH¢20 million.
The figures point to a substantial gap between the financing sought by filmmakers and the resources currently available through the fund, highlighting the challenge of meeting the industry’s production needs.
The overall winner of the pitching competition was Kwaku Edusei Acquah, whose project “Abonsam Cartoons” was selected from 10 story ideas presented at the EU Pitch Café at the British Council.
The pitching competition formed part of the 2026 European Union Film Festival, which featured 21 films from Ghana and Europe under the theme Peace, Tolerance and Inclusion.
The festival also provided training opportunities for industry participants through masterclasses covering different aspects of filmmaking and the creative business. Kofi Boachie-Ansah led a session on intellectual property, sound, listening and creative negotiation; Nii Darku facilitated a masterclass on vertical filmmaking; Betel Svanekiaer handled animation and storytelling; while Belinda AMA Aflakpui led a session on costume, make-up and representation.
The pitching competition was evaluated by a panel comprising Bee Arthur, Head of Business and Marketing at the NFA; Kofi Adinkra, Executive Producer Apiokor; Co-founder of TD Africa Films; Danny Damah, Programme Officer for Private Sector, Trade and Culture at the EU Delegation, Margo Pitura; and award-winning actor Adjetey Anang.
Beyond the competition and masterclasses, Ms Danku encouraged Ghanaians, expatriates and creative professionals to visit the Cinema Train, explore its facilities and share ideas on improving its services.
The festival seeks to promote cultural exchange, diversity and dialogue between Ghana and Europe through film, while creating opportunities for filmmakers and other creative professionals to exchange knowledge, build networks and explore collaborations.
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