Ghanaian Cinema and Arts Shine: From Ghana Movie Awards Nominations to Global Cultural Exchanges

The Ghanaian entertainment and creative landscape is currently experiencing a period of intense activity, marked by prestigious award recognitions and significant cross-border collaborations. Leading the headlines is actress and producer Ella Asante, who has secured two major nominations at the 2026 Ghana Movie Awards for her acclaimed film, 'KONE: The Depth of Friendship.' Asante, whose career began in Italy, is nominated for Best Picture and Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. The film, which has garnered a total of 10 nominations, explores themes of friendship within a local fishing community and will be a centerpiece at the awards ceremony scheduled for June 7 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

Adding to the momentum in the film industry is the return of Nigerian-based Ghanaian actor Qwasi Blay, popularly known as 'Most Wanted.' Blay has returned to Ghana to collaborate with celebrated comic actor and filmmaker Kyekyeku (Bismark Ofori) on a new cinema project. This partnership signifies the growing synergy between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, often referred to as Ghallywood and Nollywood. While specific details of the film remain under wraps, the collaboration is already generating significant buzz across West Africa, with fans eagerly awaiting updates via the actors' social media platforms.

On the international stage, African storytelling continues to gain visibility through initiatives like Pavillon Afronova. Now in its seventh year at the Cannes Film Festival, the pavilion serves as a vital hub for African creatives to network and amplify their narratives on a global platform. Locally, the arts scene is equally vibrant with the opening of 'SEEN,' a new photography exhibition by Stephen Nyamekye at AkunaPod in Labone. Nyamekye’s work turns the spotlight on Ghana’s unsung workers—such as fishermen and market women—challenging societal norms regarding visibility and dignity in a digital age by celebrating those who sustain everyday community life.

Broadening the scope of cultural dialogue, recent events in Paris have also highlighted the power of heritage in international relations. The Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government facilitated a series of cultural exchange events at UNESCO Headquarters, focusing on the 'Silk Road Civilization' and Tang poetry. These events showcased Shaanxi’s intangible cultural heritage, including Yaozhou porcelain and traditional peasant paintings, while fostering collaborative restoration projects between China and France. Together, these diverse developments in film, photography, and cultural heritage underscore a robust era of creative expression and diplomatic engagement for Ghana and the wider global community.