Renowned Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker, Kwaku Sintim Misa, popularly known as KSM, has shared his thoughts on the current state of the Ghanaian film industry, emphasizing that while the country possesses talent and resources, it still lacks the proper structure to thrive.
The filmmaker noted that Ghana’s film industry has great potential.
“In Ghana, our film industry is amazing. We have all the ingredients for a great film industry, but I don’t think we have the recipe right yet.”
KSM
He acknowledged that although some producers in Ghana have managed to figure out this “recipe,” the majority are still struggling to find their footing.
He attributed this challenge to the fact that Ghana’s film sector is still in a developmental phase. Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, he explained that the Nigerian film industry has had more years of exposure and experience, which has allowed it to refine its production and distribution systems over time.
In contrast, Ghana, he said, has not had a solid, long-term system in place, particularly when it comes to distribution.
“Somebody will hustle to make money, then hustle to pay for the film. And after paying for the film, the actors, and everyone else involved, they now have to hustle again just to distribute the film. There are no proper distribution outlets.”
KSM
KSM recounted earlier years when CD and DVD formats served as the primary means of distribution in Ghana. According to him, after a film was completed, producers would burn it onto CDs or DVDs and market them on the streets. “This is not a distribution system and the recipe is not working,” he stressed.
Despite these challenges, the renowned filmmaker praised some filmmakers who have managed to get their movies into cinemas.
However, he pointed out that due to the absence of a well-developed distribution network, even these films struggle to reach wider audiences across the country.
“We have some great filmmakers in Ghana. Even now, I know great films. In places with a developed system, once a film is released in one cinema, it is simultaneously shown in others — Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Sunyani — reaching over 200 cinemas at the same time. But in Ghana, because we don’t have a well-developed system, a film may premiere at Silverbird in Accra, and then the producers have to manually arrange for showings in Kumasi. That kind of model doesn’t support industry growth.”
KSM
KSM Reveals Biggest Breakthrough as an Actor
The renowned Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker revealed that his biggest breakthrough as an actor was landing a role in the acclaimed US television series “Law & Order”.
Though it stands out as a career-defining moment, KSM says his appearance in “Law & Order” was the result of a journey that began in childhood.
“It’s very interesting because for as long as I can remember, I wanted to act. I don’t know what I saw in acting. I remember back in the day, my eldest brother went to study in the UK, and I remember writing to him, asking him to find a school in the UK for me to come and act.
“Anytime I went out and came back, I had a story. I always had imagination, so anytime I returned, I had a story. Sometimes, I would say, ‘this is what I’m going to tell them when I get home.’ The funny thing is, my family used to tag me as a ‘liar’. Interestingly, that was the beginning of a writer.”
KSM
Driven by this passion, the renowned comedian pursued Theatre Arts, becoming one of the pioneer students at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Ghana.
While in the United States, KSM honed his craft and gained invaluable experience in the acting industry. However, he noted that his first-ever film role actually came during a visit back home to Ghana.
“In the US, I got some mileage in film and in acting. I acted in a very popular series called ‘Law & Order’, which I think was my biggest deal because that series was one of the highest-rated primetime shows in the US. To appear on it was a big deal.”
KSM
He further highlighted other significant milestones in his career, including his groundbreaking achievement as the first African to perform an original one-man show in the US, “Thoughts of a Confused Black Man”. “I was the first African to have done an original one-man play on Broadway,” he proudly stated.
In addition to his success in the US, KSM’s creative vision has also made a lasting impact in Ghana. He is the mastermind behind several unforgettable productions such as “Saga of the Returnee” and “Afia Siriboe”, solidifying his position as a key figure in both the international and local entertainment scenes.
KSM advised young people to pay close attention to their natural talents, emphasizing that anything one excels at with ease is a clear indication of their gift. He further emphasized that talent is not confined to the creative arts.
“I always tell people, anything you can do that comes without effort, most likely is your talent. There are people like that — you teach them computers, they just sit behind it, they know what they are doing. Whatever they do, they do it effortlessly. And I tell people to take note of that. If you can do anything without major effort but at the same time excel, most likely it’s your talent. So pay attention to that.
“The other mistake that people make is that they think that talent refers only to the arts — like singing, dancing, acting, and painting. It is not true. You can be a talented mathematician, architect, or chemist, because it comes to you effortlessly. Don’t limit talent to the creative arts alone. Talent is broad, and everyone has a talent.”
KSM
