The highly anticipated 8th edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) is making a resounding comeback, this time with a focal point on the intersection of “Tech in Film: Unveiling the Impact of Technology on Filmmaking in Africa. This event is geared towards casting a spotlight on the significant role that technology now plays within the African filmmaking domain.
Scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from September 18th to 24th, 2023, Philippa Bentuma Arthur, the Director of BSIFF, expressed how this chosen theme harmoniously resonates with the festival’s core mission of applauding the strides achieved in cinematic artistry across the continent and advocating for an industry that consistently stretches its creative boundaries.
Juliet Asante, the CEO of the National Film Authority and the founder of BSIFF, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the vital importance of embracing a tech-driven future for filmmakers.
At the event’s inauguration, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, the Ambassador of the European Union in Ghana, delivered a keynote address. He underscored the EU’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the Ghanaian filmmaking and creative sectors, emphasizing their investment in nurturing the artistic ingenuity of the youth. As a gesture of solidarity, the EU plans to host workshops and actively participate in the Awards and Closing Ceremony of the Festival, while also contributing European films during BSIFF 2023.
Distinguished partners supporting the 8th Edition of the Black Star International Film Festival include the European Union, Mann Robinson Distribution, WiFlix, Indie Rights, Tecno Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, the Spanish Embassy, NAFTI, the University of Ghana, School of Performing Arts, Infocus BCW, CompuGhana, the National Film Authority, Black Market Records, Hype.Flix, Ghana Cinema Week, Goethe Institut, GHMovieFreak, and Elewa TV.
Salient components of the 8th edition encompass:
Film Screenings: Attendees will be treated to a captivating array of films from skilled global filmmakers. These films will vividly showcase the innovative integration of technology throughout various stages of filmmaking, ranging from pre-production to post-production.
Workshops and Industry Summit: Experts from both the industry and technology enthusiasts will lead interactive sessions and panel discussions, shedding light on the latest trends and breakthroughs in film technology. Participants will gain invaluable insights into how technology is reshaping the landscape of African filmmaking.
Black Star Vibes: In collaboration with Hype.Flix, Afro Cinema Plus, and Ghana Cinema Week, BSIFF will offer a diverse range of engaging film-centric activities at the Black Star Square. This encompasses drive-in screenings, the Shorts on Shots program, the Blackstar Music Concert [BMC], a film museum, and even a BSIFF E-sports tournament.
Awards Gala: The pinnacle of the festival will feature a grand awards gala, providing a platform to honor and acknowledge exceptional achievements in filmmaking. A total of ten awards will be bestowed, celebrating remarkable creativity.
The festival is poised to evolve into a central hub for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry stakeholders to forge connections, collaborate, and cultivate synergistic partnerships. This networking milieu will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the exploration of potential collaborative ventures.
All individuals are extended an invitation to join the Black Star International Film Festival from September 18th to 24th for a week brimming with cinematic excellence, enlightening discussions, and unforgettable experiences.
