In a landmark moment for Ghanaian cinema and its emerging talent, model and actor Emmanuel Wilberforce, widely known online as “Protein,” has secured a coveted spot in the official selection of the 79th Locarno Film Festival.
His debut feature film, Ego Reach We All (Our Time Will Come), directed by Amartei Armar, will enjoy its world premiere at the prestigious Swiss event running from August 5 to 15, 2026.
The announcement, shared enthusiastically by the actor on social media this weekend, has sparked pride across Ghana and the African diaspora. “THIS IS A WIN FOR GHANA AND BEYOND,” Protein posted alongside striking images, expressing gratitude to the team behind the project. The film, a Ghana-France co-production, stands among 103 world premieres at Locarno, which features 233 films from 69 countries and highlights diverse voices in contemporary cinema.
Protein, showcases his modeling and fitness persona, transitions from social media influence to international film recognition. Based in Ghana, he has built a following through charismatic content blending fashion, fitness, and personal storytelling.
This selection marks a significant breakthrough for someone whose career began outside traditional acting pathways.
The film Ego Reach We All (Our Time Will Come) explores themes likely resonant with Ghanaian experiences, given the title’s evocative phrasing suggesting ambition, collective progress, and generational timing. While full plot details remain under wraps ahead of the premiere, its inclusion in Locarno’s program underscores the festival’s commitment to African storytelling.
Locarno has historically supported global south narratives through sections like Open Doors, which focuses on developing cinema regions.
This achievement arrives amid a broader renaissance in African filmmaking. Ghana’s film industry, often called “Ghallywood,” has long produced popular local content, but international festival breakthroughs have been rarer compared to neighbors like Nigeria’s Nollywood or Senegal’s arthouse scene. Protein’s casting and the film’s Franco-Ghanaian collaboration signal growing cross-border investment and interest in West African talent.
Public Reaction
Industry observers note that Locarno, one of Europe’s major festivals alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, provides exceptional visibility. World premieres here often lead to further festival circuits, distribution deals, and critical acclaim.
For a first-time feature actor, this exposure could open doors to larger roles and help elevate Ghanaian stories globally.
Protein’s journey reflects the modern multi-hyphenate artist: leveraging social media for personal branding while pursuing serious acting ambitions. His fitness-focused content resonates with audiences valuing discipline and self-improvement, themes that may parallel the film’s narrative of reaching personal and collective potential.
The Locarno selection comes at a dynamic time for the global film industry. With streaming platforms hungry for authentic international content and audiences seeking diverse perspectives post-pandemic, stories from Africa are gaining traction.
Recent successes of films from the continent at major festivals highlight increasing opportunities for actors like Protein.
Production on Ego Reach We All spanned locations across Ghana, involving a cast that includes talents such as Barbara Yong-Jin, Emmanuel Owusu Ofori, and others. The multi-year diligence mentioned by team members in earlier updates paid off with this official selection.
For Ghana, this represents more than one actor’s success. It spotlights the country’s creative potential on the world stage, potentially inspiring younger generations to pursue film careers. Government and private sector support for the arts could further amplify such wins, turning individual breakthroughs into industry growth.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds around how the film will be received. Locarno’s audiences and juries value bold, culturally rooted narratives. Protein and the cast are expected to attend the premiere, offering a moment for Ghanaian representation amid Switzerland’s lakeside glamour.
This story also intersects with evolving discussions in entertainment about non-traditional paths to acting success. Many contemporary stars build initial fame through digital platforms before transitioning to screen roles.
Protein’s trajectory exemplifies how authenticity and consistent personal branding can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Looking ahead, the film’s reception could influence future co-productions. France has long supported African cinema through funding and partnerships, and this project exemplifies fruitful collaboration. Success here might encourage more such initiatives, benefiting actors, directors, and crews across Ghana.
Protein’s social media followers have reacted with excitement, using the post to celebrate national pride and personal achievement. Comments like “Big protein” and enthusiastic emojis reflect the warmth and support within his community.
The 79th Locarno Film Festival promises a rich program, including works from established auteurs like Hong Sang-soo alongside emerging talents. Placing a Ghanaian debut feature among them validates the vibrancy of new voices in global cinema.
As August nears, all eyes will turn to Locarno. For Protein, this is just the beginning of what could be a promising acting career.
For Ghanaian cinema, it’s another step toward greater international recognition and the realization that “our time will come” or perhaps, has already arrived.
