Ghanaian filmmaker, Shirley Frimpong Manso, has called on authorities to take serious action to protect the creative works of filmmakers from piracy.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz after the showing of her stage play, Honeymoon Hotel, at the National Theatre on June 20, 2025, Shirley expressed frustration about how piracy continues to harm the Ghanaian film industry.
She described the situation as heartbreaking and discouraging for people who dedicate their lives to storytelling.
“It’s absolutely devastating. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project for months or even years, only to have it snatched away the moment it’s released. How are we supposed to survive like this? Piracy doesn’t just steal films; it extinguishes the passion behind them, discouraging their journey and dreams and sends a chilling message to creators: ‘Don’t bother trying’. That’s the reality for many of us,” she said.
According to the filmmaker, piracy has been an issue for years, and it’s time for real enforcement, not more talk.
She believes it is time for relevant authorities to stop the talk and start taking real action against those who pirate creative works.
“We’ve talked about this for years. We’ve had enough discussions; we need real, enforceable action! This isn’t just a plea; it’s a necessity. Protecting our creative works must be a priority for our authorities,” she stressed.
She also urged the public to stop consuming pirated content, explaining that piracy affects not only filmmakers but the entire creative chain, from actors to editors to technicians and everyone else involved in production.
“Every time you choose pirated content, you’re undermining not just filmmakers but the entire community of artists, technicians, and storytellers who give so much to create meaningful experiences. Piracy robs us all,” she added.
AK/BAI
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