American-based Ghanaian movie producer Leila Jewel Djansi
American-based Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi has urged Ghanaian movie industry players to stop defending ‘mediocrity’ and learn how to accept criticism.
In a lengthy Facebook post, the award-winning producer expressed frustration with the level of unprofessionalism and stagnation in the industry.
“Good and bad can coexist in anything. But at what point do we stop excusing the bad and start fixing it?” she questioned.
Djansi challenged filmmakers to compare Ghanaian films to those from other countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa.
“Take two of your most recent critically acclaimed films from the previous 3 years and compare them to two of the most recent critically acclaimed films from Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa. Look at them side by side and ask yourself if we are actually gaining any momentum.
“In 2018, we got Azali for the Oscars, and since then, every single submission has been a joke. A literal joke. Some of the films would convince you to burn your Ghana card,”
Djansi claimed that the problem is not a lack of talent or stories but a refusal to put in the necessary work to elevate the industry.
Djansi also shared an experience about a meeting with a Creative Artists Agency (CAA) agent who criticized her films for lacking “explosions.”
She took his advice and pushed herself to take creative risks in her next project.
“What he actually said to me was, ‘go take risks with your storytelling.’ I grew up,” she revealed.
The filmmaker urged industry players to stop dismissing criticism as envy or hate and instead use it as a catalyst for growth.
“Stop enduring mediocrity, please. Instead of these knee-jerk reactions, instead of acting like people just want to hate, forget the who and the how and actually listen. Sit with the criticism. Use it to rise,” Djansi advised.
ID/KA
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