First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has been unveiled as patron for the annual Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF).
At a recent ceremony held at the African Regent Hotel in Accra, the politician and creative arts lover was outdoored to industry stakeholders including Tourism Minister Catherine Afeku.
Speaking at the event, filmmaker Juliet Asante, who also oversees the festival, emphasized what a special bond that has been fostered between the First Lady and the arts fraternity in general, praising her decision to be part of the festival: “Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo’s decision to become a special friend of the art is driven by her understanding and appreciation of the urgent strides the industry needs to affect minds, give hope to young people and re-position Ghana as an attractive business and tourist destination.
On her part, Mrs. Akufo Addo, who joins Mr Adu in the capacity, reiterated her excitement about being named patron as it reflects her desire to contribute to the creative arts space, while affording her an opportunity to shine a positive light on women’s strides in society: “as one passionate about women and children I am happy that we can come together to examine the role of women and change the narrative to reflect the enormous contribution of women to society,” she said.
“Film as a tool for changing the global narrative of women will definitely foster an environment that is supportive of women. I am not an expert on films but as a social observer, I have followed the success stories of women over the century who have done incredible things but whose stories have not been told. If this is done it will be an example for the younger generation and break the myth that women are less than men,” the First Lady further submitted.
First held in 2016, the film festival serves as a forum for advocacy, as well as a merging point for Ghana’s film industry, and that of the international market.
