Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, is once again pushing boundaries with his upcoming film Ibrahim Traoré — a bold cinematic project inspired by true events from Burkina Faso.
Lil Win made it clear that Ibrahim Traoré is more than just entertainment; it’s a mission to spotlight Africa’s untold stories.
“Ibrahim Traoré isn’t just a film; it is based on a true story from Burkina Faso. I want the world to see Africa’s richness, just like with my last movie, ‘A Country Called Ghana’, which is streaming on Amazon now.”
Lil Win
The actor, who previously spent $300,000 on ‘A Country Called Ghana’, revealed that while that project made waves, it still demanded more for global recognition. For him, aiming high in filmmaking means investing beyond typical local budgets.
“You can’t expect success on a shoestring budget. A Country Called Ghana costs around $300,000, yet even that requires more for promotion. International standards demand serious investment. You can’t expect to achieve that with just a few thousands of cedis.”
Lil Win
According to him, achieving international appeal isn’t just about telling a story — it’s about quality at every level. From selecting the right locations and costumes to casting the best actors, every element must meet global expectations.
“Challenges are inevitable when you aim high. TV or YouTube releases are easier, but aiming for international platforms is a different ball game. Every detail — costumes, locations, actors — had to be perfect, and it is not easy at all.”
Lil Win
The filmmaker also revealed that the production faced several hurdles, including attempts to sabotage the project, but his team remained focused.
“During filming, we faced unexpected setbacks, resource shortages, and even attempts to stop the film’s release. But true passion pushes you through. That’s what it takes to create something meaningful.”
Lil Win
Lil Win Spends $500,000 on Ibrahim Traoré Movie
The popular Ghanaian actor and filmmaker revealed that his latest film, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, cost him a staggering $500,000 to produce, making it one of the most expensive self-funded movie projects in the country.
Lil Win opened up about the emotional and financial toll the project has taken on him.
“Captain Ibrahim Traoré took every ounce of effort, money, and support I could gather. It has been very financially demanding. I had to take out a loan of about $400,000 in addition to my own money as well as help from others, bringing the total to around $500,000.”
Lil Win
The actor, who is known for blending culture, history, and entertainment in his films, explained that many people often underestimate the cost of producing high-quality African films. “When it comes to filmmaking in Africa, especially in Ghana, we work with specific budgets. Unfortunately, many people do not believe us when we mention how much our movies cost, but it is the truth,” he said.
Comparing the Ghanaian film landscape to others across the continent and beyond, the filmmaker pointed out that in Nigeria, some movies now cost over $1 million to produce, and in the West, it’s not unusual for a single film to hit $30 million in production costs.
“If you want your movie to be accepted internationally, you cannot just tell any story. It has to be rich in African culture, our history, our traditions, and our folklore.
Lil Win
“That is why I focus on African stories that showcase who we are.”
Lil Win’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré is reportedly inspired by the real-life leader of Burkina Faso, known for his courage and bold approach to leadership. The film seeks to explore themes of patriotism, resilience, and the modern African identity through a cinematic lens grounded in authenticity.
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