Societe Generale Ghana has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the creative sector with the official launch of the third edition of its flagship arts initiative, ARTENT!ON.
The unveiling took place at the La Foundation for the Arts in Accra and brought together executives of SG Ghana, creative industry leaders, and emerging artists.
The bank, in partnership with Africa Movie Box (AMB), announced that this year’s edition would focus primarily on empowering young Ghanaian filmmakers to tell socially impactful stories through short films. Managing Director of Societe Generale Ghana, Hakim Ouzzani, emphasized the bank’s belief in art as a powerful vehicle for change, innovation, and sustainability.
“As a bank, we pride ourselves on values of innovation, responsibility, and sustainability. We have always believed in the power of art to carry these values powerfully. It is for this reason that we are challenging filmmakers in this year’s ARTENT!ON to highlight key social or environmental issues plaguing our society,” Mr. Ouzzani said.
Hakim Ouzzani
A Platform for Emerging Filmmakers
Since its inception, ARTENT!ON has evolved into one of Ghana’s most influential creative arts platforms. Initially serving as an avenue for the exhibition of diverse art forms, it has now grown into a powerful talent-discovery initiative, opening doors for young creators to gain visibility and experience.
This year, the programme has been restructured to specifically spotlight the filmmaking industry. A total of 25 participants, grouped into five teams, will be selected to receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and production support. Each team will be tasked with producing a short film aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The films are expected to address pressing social and environmental concerns while promoting positive narratives about Ghanaian culture and identity.
To further motivate participants, Societe Generale Ghana has announced attractive cash prizes for the best three productions. The winning team will walk away with GH¢50,000, while the second and third-place teams will receive GH¢30,000 and GH¢20,000 respectively.
Submissions for participation officially opened on 1st September and will close on 29th September. During this period, young creatives across the country are encouraged to apply and seize the opportunity to transform their stories into impactful cinematic pieces.
The films produced will not only be showcased to the public but will also serve as a springboard for participants to gain access to larger industry platforms.
The initiative has earned commendation from industry stakeholders, especially Africa Movie Box (AMB), which has been a consistent partner in delivering ARTENT!ON. Edwin Otta, Director of Business Development at AMB, praised SG Ghana for its pioneering role in supporting the creative arts sector.
“Today we see a lot of other financial institutions supporting the arts, making contributions, which is important. But we must applaud Societe Generale Ghana for being one of the first institutions to take that bold initiative to support the industry. Their commitment is helping to transform young talents into recognized filmmakers.”
Edwin Otta
Driving Sustainable Impact Through Art
SG Ghana’s decision to align ARTENT!ON with the SDGs highlights its broader corporate social responsibility agenda. The bank is not only investing in the growth of the arts but is also leveraging creativity as a medium to inspire societal change.
By empowering filmmakers to highlight issues such as climate change, gender equality, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment, ARTENT!ON 3.0 goes beyond entertainment—it is a call to action.
The initiative also reflects SG Ghana’s philosophy of creating shared value. By bridging finance and art, the bank is providing an enabling environment for Ghana’s youth to merge creativity with purpose, ultimately contributing to national development.
As ARTENT!ON enters its third edition, expectations are high among stakeholders and participants alike. With its renewed focus on film, the programme promises to leave a lasting impact on both the creative industry and society.
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