ALTHOUGH award-winning Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi welcomes the introduction of the National Film Authority's Film Development Fund, he insists funding alone will not be enough to revive Ghana's  film industry without broader structural reforms.

While the fund shows the government's commitment to supporting the creative industry, Kuadzi maintains Ghana's film sector also needs better distribution, skills training, investment and supportive policies to compete on the global stage.

“I commend the Government of Ghana and President Mahama for introducing the Film Development Fund. It is a welcome and encouraging initiative that demonstrates a commitment to supporting the industry.

“However, funding alone is not enough. The industry also needs investment in distribution, film education, skills development, international co-production opportunities, tax incentives and policies that attract private investment.

“Sustainable growth will come from a combination of financial support and long-term structural reforms," he told the Graphic Showbiz in an interview on Tuesday, July 14.

His remarks land right in the middle of an ongoing industry conversation about the newly launched Film Development Fund, with stakeholders still weighing in on whether it can truly reshape Ghana’s film sector.

Kuadzi said Ghana had talented filmmakers but still lacks the strong support system needed to build a successful and sustainable film industry.

Explaining why many Ghanaian filmmakers continue to struggle financially despite the growing international interest in African stories, he pointed to several long-standing challenges, including weak distribution networks, inadequate funding, piracy, poor marketing and inconsistent  film production.

"Several factors contribute to this challenge. Limited distribution, limited funding, piracy, inadequate marketing and irregular production output all affect profitability," he said.

Drawing comparisons with Nigeria's Nollywood, he noted that its success did not happen overnight but was built on years of consistent production and cultivating a loyal domestic audience.

“Nollywood has grown because it has consistently produced  movies over the years and built a strong local audience, just like Kumawood did at its peak. Ghana has talented filmmakers, but we need government, investors, broadcasters, distributors and filmmakers to work together.“We also need to see filmmaking not just as an art but as a business that can create jobs and make money,” he said.

Offering advice to emerging filmmakers hoping to break into the international market, Kuadzi urged them to remain authentic while pursuing world-class standards.

"Tell authentic stories with world-class execution. Don't imitate what is already successful elsewhere. Invest in your craft, collaborate with professionals, build relationships across Africa and internationally and always maintain high standards.

“Success today is no longer determined by geography but by quality, professionalism and persistence. Your local story can have global relevance if it is told honestly and excellently," he said.

Kuadzi is one of Ghana's most accomplished casting directors with credits on major productions including Beasts of No Nation, Azali, The Fisherman, Borga, Black Earth Rising, Snowfall, Sidechic Gang and Aloe Vera.

He is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MK Casting and the Africa Monologue Challenge, an initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging acting talent across the continent.

He recently became the first African to win the Artios Awards two consecutive times. The Casting Society presents the prestigious honours for excellence in casting across film, television, theatre, commercials and unscripted programming.