DIGITAL FILM SCHOOL PROJECT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GLOBAL DIALOGUE – PROF. BLANKSON

All PHOTOS by RAPH DASSAH

Accra, GHANA – February 08, 2023: The President of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) has said that learning to make films through digital means is an opportunity for young Ghanaian creative talent to tell their own story to the world and contribute to global dialogue.

“Digital learning is on the rise, and Africa is on the forefront of the trend. With almost half the population under the age of 18, young people in countries across the continent are more digitally connected than ever, and they are ushering in new possibilities for an increasingly online world.”

Prof. Abeku Blankson was speaking at the launching of Digital Film School Africa (DFS Africa) yesterday at Alisa Hotel, Accra.

DFS Africa aims to combine the African perspective of visual storytelling with an innovative and practical approach to filmmaking. The program aims to offer a unique learning environment that connects instructors, mentors and students across the Africa and beyond.

The project is an endeavor between African University College of Communications and Ghana YMCA, in cooperation with WELTFILME e.V. and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

At the moment, DFS Africa is offering introductory courses in Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Producing.

“It’s a work in progress,” explained WeltFilme’s Alexander Pfeuffer emotionally, “but we hope the sponsors will keep supporting us.”

The goal is to add other specializations in film such as editing, directing and sound, among others.

“This is still significant especially for us in Ghana, because our film industry is facing a lot of challenges,” explained Prof. Blankson. “This DFS Africa project will help solve some of the problems] by taking advantage of digital technology.”

According to Samuel Asamoah, National Programmes Director at project partner Ghana YMCA, the DFS Africa goal is to create an all-inclusive virtual hub that guarantees open access to film education and media freedom.

”Admittedly, the few film schools located on the African continent are usually found in big cities, and their programs are often prohibitively expensive. Recognizing that digital learning is on the rise, and Africa is on the forefront of this trend, DFS Africa offers limitless possibilities for increased film education in Africa,” said Mr. Asamoah.

Rogier Hardeman, also of WeltFilme, said this is only the beginning.

“We are offering a blended learning concept, with peer-to-peer engagement and practical sessions in an interactive learning environment. We also have skilled instructors and mentors.’

Participants for the pilot phase of the project have been drawn from young men and women filmmakers as well as tertiary students who have the potential to become screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, editors and sound technicians.

The DFS Africa project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).