Nigerian actress Destiny Etiko has called for greater unity between Ghana and Nigeria's film industries amid discussions over the involvement of several Nigerian stars in Ghanaian actor LilWin's upcoming movie, 'A Journey to Africa'. Etiko emphasized that Ghanaian actors also work on Nigerian productions, particularly YouTube films, arguing that Nigerian stars appearing in Ghanaian movies should not be a source of controversy. Her comments come as anticipation builds around LilWin's production, which brings together prominent Ghanaian and Nigerian actors in what is being positioned as a cross-border film collaboration.
Destiny Etiko questioned why Ghanaians would object to Nigerian actors being invited to work on a Ghanaian production, stating that the presence of Nigerian actors in the Ghanaian production should be viewed as an opportunity for collaboration rather than a reason for tension between the two countries. She noted that the movement of actors between Ghana and Nigeria is not a one-way arrangement, with Ghanaian actors and entertainers also travelling to Nigeria to work on film projects, particularly productions made for YouTube.
According to Etiko, top Ghanaian celebrities are currently in Nigeria shooting YouTube films, and she believes that the focus should be on creating opportunities for artistes across Africa rather than drawing lines based on nationality. She encouraged Ghanaians and Nigerians to embrace cross-border collaborations and work towards strengthening the continent's creative sector. Etiko's comments highlight the long-standing relationship between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, with actors from both countries regularly appearing in each other's productions.
Etiko dismissed suggestions that public expectations surrounding 'A Journey to Africa' were putting her under pressure, stating that she was not allowing public expectations to weigh on her. The actress emphasized that she believes such collaborations can help bring African creatives closer together while creating opportunities for actors and filmmakers beyond their respective home countries.
The upcoming film, 'A Journey to Africa', has generated interest among movie lovers, with Etiko and other prominent Ghanaian and Nigerian actors set to star in the production. LilWin, the Ghanaian actor behind the project, has previously spoken about the challenges of working with Nigerian actors, including issues related to payments. Etiko's comments are seen as a boost to the project, which aims to promote cross-border collaborations between Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmakers.
Etiko's call for unity between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries has been well-received by some, who see the potential for increased collaboration and creativity between the two countries. The actress emphasized that Ghanaians and Nigerians should accept and love themselves as Africans, and work towards pushing the industry forward. Her comments have sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of cross-border collaborations in the African film industry.
As the African film industry continues to grow and evolve, Etiko's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration between different countries and industries. With 'A Journey to Africa' set to be released soon, fans and industry observers will be watching with interest to see how the project is received and whether it will pave the way for future cross-border collaborations between Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmakers.
Key points
- Destiny Etiko urges Ghanaians and Nigerians to support cross-border collaborations in the film industry.
- Etiko dismisses suggestions that public expectations surrounding 'A Journey to Africa' are putting her under pressure.
- The actress emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration between different countries and industries in the African film sector.
