The New Generation of Producers haven’t seen the Real Movie Business – Socrate Safo Reveals

Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker and creative arts advocate Socrate Safo has shared a sobering perspective on the current state of Ghana’s movie industry, claiming that many modern-day producers have never experienced the level of financial success that once existed within the sector.

Speaking during an interview with Roman Fada on Entertainment Lounge, Socrate Safo reflected on the industry’s golden era, describing a time when movie production was highly profitable, and producers could confidently invest in projects with expectations of strong returns.

According to him, the structure of the industry has changed dramatically over the years, making it increasingly difficult for filmmakers to generate substantial revenue from their productions.

“The current crop of movie producers haven’t seen money in the industry,” he stated, emphasising that many younger producers entered the business at a time when the commercial systems that once supported filmmaking had already weakened.

Socrate Safo explained that in earlier years, producers benefited from strong movie distribution channels, high audience demand, and booming physical sales. He noted that the industry once created significant economic opportunities for actors, directors, marketers, and production teams alike.

However, he believes piracy, poor distribution systems, inadequate investment, and changing viewing habits have gradually affected profitability within the sector. According to him, many producers today struggle to recover production costs, making sustainable filmmaking increasingly challenging.

The veteran filmmaker also highlighted the impact of digital transformation on the industry, arguing that while online platforms and streaming services have changed content consumption globally, many Ghanaian filmmakers are still trying to adapt to the evolving landscape.

His comments on Entertainment Lounge have reignited conversations about the need for stronger support systems for Ghana’s film industry. Stakeholders continue to call for improved infrastructure, investment opportunities, effective copyright enforcement, and policies that promote local film consumption.

Despite his criticism of the current state of the industry, Socrate Safo remains hopeful that Ghanaian cinema can regain its strength if deliberate efforts are made to rebuild the business side of filmmaking.

For many observers, his remarks serve as both a reflection on the industry’s past success and a warning about the urgent need to create a sustainable future for the next generation of movie producers.