The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) kicked off its 10th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday September 24 with an opening ceremony at Untamed Empire in Accra.
The night featured music and screenings of films such as Depth of Us, The Fisherman, Water Girl, and Keeper of the Lake from Ethiopia, alongside works from other continents.
Founder and Chair, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante highlighted the festival’s growth since its inception, noting that it has become a vital platform for filmmakers despite challenges with funding and expertise in the early years.
“This year alone, we had submissions from 127 countries, and 27 countries made it through. I think that’s such a huge victory,” she said.
BSIFF has secured key partnerships, including a deal with Majestic Cinema in Ivory Coast, which will expand into Cameroon and introduce mobile cinemas. It has also partnered with Semikitan, Africa’s largest dubbing and subtitling company, to bridge English- and French-speaking markets.
Additionally, the festival signed with Nigeria-based NAL Group to distribute Ghanaian films across the continent and globally.
“We are surrounded by French African countries, and if we are not able to expand into those countries, it limits our reach. This deal will allow French films to cross into English-speaking countries and vice versa,” Juliet explained.
The festival opened with Sweet Palm Wine, a Ghanaian production, and will close with the world premiere of Nigeria’s Son of the Soil. Other notable screenings include Coin Quest, a film by a Kumasi-based filmmaker.
Asante emphasised the importance of collaboration, education, and children’s programming, adding that BSIFF remains committed to amplifying African stories.
“People who don’t tell their stories eventually vanish, because we all become stories. BSIFF gives the platform for our stories to be told, amplified, supported, and to grow,” she said.
The 10th anniversary celebrations continue until Sunday at Untamed Empire, with organisers inviting the public to “bring family and friends for a big film party.”
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