Tech Takes Center Stage as the Black Star International Film Festival returns with its 8th Edition.

The 8th instalment of the Black Star International Film Festival [BSIFF] is making a return, this time with the overarching theme of “Tech in Film: Unveiling the Impact of Technology on Filmmaking in Africa.” The festival is geared towards spotlighting the substantial role that technology now occupies in the realm of African filmmaking.

Marked on the calendar for September 18th to September 24th, 2023, the event is set to unfold in Accra, Ghana. Philippa Bentuma Arthur, the Director of BSIFF, shared that the chosen theme perfectly mirrors the festival’s dedication to celebrating the strides made in cinematic artistry across the continent and advocating for an industry that consistently pushes its creative boundaries.

Ms. Juliet Asante, the CEO of the National Film Authority and the founder of BSIFF, echoed the sentiment, underlining the significance of adapting to the tech-driven future for filmmakers.

Present at the launch was H.E. Irchad Razaaly, the Ambassador of the European Union in Ghana, who delivered a keynote address. H.E. Razaaly emphasized the EU’s commitment to bolstering the Ghanaian filmmaking and creative sectors, highlighting their investment in youth and their artistic ingenuity. As a gesture of support, the EU plans to host workshops and partake in the Awards & Closing Ceremony of the Festival, while also contributing European films during BSIFF 2023.

Backing the 8th Edition of the Black Star International Film Festival are esteemed partners including the European Union, Mann Robinson Distribution, WiFlix, Indie Rights, Tecno Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Spanish Embassy, NAFTI, 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.

Noteworthy elements of the 8th edition include:

1. Film Screenings: Attendees will be treated to a captivating array of films from talented global filmmakers. These films will vividly demonstrate the innovative integration of technology in various phases of filmmaking, spanning from pre-production to post-production.

2. Workshops and Industry Summit: Experts from 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 African filmmaking landscape.

3. Black Star Vibes: Collaborating with Hype.Flix, Afro Cinema Plus, and the Ghana Cinema Week, BSIFF will offer a plethora of engaging film-centered 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.

4. Awards Gala: The festival’s climax will feature a grand Awards Gala, a platform to recognize and honor outstanding accomplishments in filmmaking. Up to ten awards will be presented, celebrating exceptional creativity.

The festival is poised to become a nucleus for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry stakeholders to forge connections, collaborate, and cultivate partnerships. This networking environment will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of potential joint ventures.

All are invited to join the Black Star International Film Festival from September 18th to 24th for a week filled with cinematic brilliance, enlightening conversations, and indelible moments. The official festival program and ticket details can be accessed at www.bsiff.org.