Four African film production studios have been awarded a joint grant of €80,000 to produce a musical drama titled A Dream To Die For. The studios include Nigeria’s Guguru Studios, Ghana’s Driving Park Limited and AdomiBridge Studios, and Togo’s Togo Films. The film, penned by David Masterwille, explores the lives of young musicians entangled in Ghana’s illegal mining economy, known locally as ‘galamsey.’
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the executive secretary of Ghana’s National Film Authority, emphasized the collaboration’s importance, stating, “Co-productions between African filmmakers are vitally important for the growth of our film industry.” She highlighted the project’s potential to foster cross-cultural ties and stimulate the African film industry’s growth.
The European Union is providing financial backing for the project, supported by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (ACP), the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), and Creation Africa Ghana, an initiative of the French embassy in Ghana. This funding is part of the CLAP ACP initiative, which aims to support co-productions among African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. By complementing existing partner funds, CLAP ACP strives to elevate the quality and quantity of locally produced content, facilitating its entry into international markets.
A Dream To Die For will spotlight the challenges and aspirations of young musicians in the illegal mining sector. Galamsey, derived from ‘gather them and sell,’ represents small-scale gold mining in Ghana with significant social and environmental impacts. The film aims to shed light on these issues through a compelling narrative.
The production is expected to leverage the unique strengths of each studio involved. Guguru Studios will bring innovative storytelling, while Driving Park Limited and AdomiBridge Studios will provide local insights and expertise. Togo Films will add a cross-border element to the project. This fusion of talents and resources is anticipated to produce a high-quality film that resonates with audiences within and outside Africa.
The grant not only provides financial support but also offers a platform for the studios to share resources, knowledge, and expertise. This is expected to foster cooperation and mutual growth among African filmmakers. The film’s production will involve local talent, from actors to technical crew, providing job opportunities and promoting skills development in the region.
Funding initiatives like CLAP ACP are crucial for the development of the African film industry. By supporting co-productions, they help African filmmakers overcome financial and logistical barriers, allowing them to focus on creativity and storytelling. This grant testifies to the potential of African cinema and its ability to produce world-class content.
As the production of A Dream To Die For gets underway, there is optimism about its impact on the African film industry. The film is expected to highlight important social issues while showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage. It will also inspire other filmmakers, demonstrating the possibilities that arise from collaboration and international support.
The €80,000 grant awarded to the four studios marks a significant milestone for African cinema. The production of A Dream To Die For promises to be a groundbreaking project, highlighting the challenges of illegal mining while celebrating the resilience and creativity of young African musicians. This initiative underscores the importance of co-productions in fostering growth and development in the African film industry, paving the way for more collaborative projects in the future.
