Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, has said that the authority is on a mission to revive the interest of Ghanaians in cinemas.

“We are in the realm of affairs to promote the kind of quality stuff that we know people will like to consume so that it brings back that whole excitement about going to the cinema and watching Ghanaian-produced films,” he shared in an interview on the Girls Aloud Podcast.

He adds that the film industry lacks the requisite support, which has hindered its progress for a long time.

He is, however, certain that the new set of NFA executives will invest more resources to revive the industry.

“We know it is going to be a very hard battle, but it’s going to go a long way in restoring the way the industry used to be,” James Gardiner added.

Meanwhile, NFA has joined the Screenwriters Guild of Ghana (SWGG) and Producers Guild of Ghana (PGG) in a meeting intended to establish global standards for Ghanaian filmmaking and build a sustainable, competitive film industry.

In a bid to strengthen copyright laws and foster robust, collaborative relationships with the country’s creative guilds, the Authority reiterated its commitment to setting statutory frameworks that ensure Ghanaian storytelling in films meets international standards.

NFA highlighted ongoing efforts to secure grants for filmmakers and revealed that discussions are underway with key stakeholders to facilitate smoother access for foreign productions to Ghanaian crew, equipment, and logistics.

Stakeholders are also preparing for the upcoming National Film Dialogue on 30th July, where pressing topics such as insurance for equipment and logistics will be addressed.

Community representatives affiliated with the film industry will also participate, offering input and exploring solutions to current challenges.

During the meeting, the SWGG and PGG emphasised the importance of recognising all sectors that interact with film production and assisting them in integrating effectively into the evolving industry landscape.

The guilds also called for enhanced incentives for foreign productions and guaranteed inclusion and fair treatment of Ghanaian crew members.

“This is not just about film—it’s about creating a legacy of professionalism and pride,” said James Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA. “When we raise the bar for storytelling, we raise the profile of Ghana itself.”