FOUR African film production studios have secured a joint €80,000 grant to produce A Dream To Die For, a musical drama. The winning studios include Nigeria’s Guguru Studios, Ghana’s Driving Park Limited and AdomiBridge Studios, and Togo Films from Togo. This film, written by David Masterwille, delves into the lives of young musicians entangled in Ghana’s illegal mining economy, known locally as ‘galamsey.’
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, executive secretary of Ghana’s National Film Authority, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting its potential to foster cross-cultural ties and stimulate growth in the African film industry. ‘Co-productions between African filmmakers are vitally important for the growth of our film industry,’ Asante said during the announcement of the co-production agreement.
The financial backing for this project comes from the European Union and is supported by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (ACP), the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), and Creation Africa Ghana, an initiative of the French embassy in Ghana. This funding is part of the CLAP ACP initiative, which aims to support co-productions among African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. By complementing existing partner funds, CLAP ACP strives to elevate the quality and quantity of locally produced content, facilitating its entry into international markets.
‘A Dream To Die For’ is set to highlight the challenges and aspirations of young musicians in the illegal mining sector. Galamsey, a term derived from ‘gather them and sell,’ represents small-scale gold mining in Ghana. This industry has significant social and environmental impacts, and the film aims to bring these issues to light through a compelling narrative.
The collaborative production is expected to leverage the unique strengths of each studio involved. Guguru Studios, known for its innovative storytelling, will bring a fresh perspective to the film. Driving Park Limited and AdomiBridge Studios, both from Ghana, will provide local insights and expertise, while Togo Films will add a cross-border element to the project. This fusion of talents and resources is anticipated to produce a high-quality film that resonates with audiences both within and outside Africa.
The grant not only provides financial support but also offers a platform for the studios to share resources, knowledge, and expertise. This is expected to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual growth among African filmmakers. The film’s production will involve local talent, from actors to technical crew, providing job opportunities and promoting skills development in the region.
Funding initiatives like CLAP ACP are crucial for the development of the African film industry. By supporting co-productions, they help African filmmakers to overcome financial and logistical barriers, allowing them to focus on creativity and storytelling. This grant is a testament to the potential of African cinema and its ability to produce world-class content.
As the production of A Dream To Die For gets underway, there is optimism about its impact on the African film industry. The film is expected to shed light on important social issues while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the continent. It will also serve as an inspiration for other filmmakers, demonstrating the possibilities that arise from collaboration and international support.
The €80,000 grant awarded to the four studios marks a significant milestone for African cinema. The production of A Dream To Die For promises to be a groundbreaking project, highlighting the challenges of illegal mining while celebrating the resilience and creativity of young African musicians. This initiative underscores the importance of co-productions in fostering growth and development in the African film industry, paving the way for more collaborative projects in the future.
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