The Africa Film Society has recently opened its Library, Theater, and Exhibition Space in East Legon, Ghana, as part of its commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating cinema from Africa and the African Diaspora.
This initiative, founded by Ghanaian filmmaker Blitz Bazawule, is dedicated to curating a collection of books, films, and vinyl soundtracks for both filmmakers and cinephiles.
The 50-seat Arthouse Theater will serve as an extension of the long-running program ‘Classics In the Park’, offering screenings of classic and contemporary films to members and diverse audiences.
The launch of the film library, theater, and exhibition space was announced in an official statement released on September 24, 2024.
The initiative aims to empower, educate, and encourage the art of filmmaking to tell African stories while also nurturing new filmmakers and cultivating an audience for their work. Notable industry legends such as Kwaw Ansah, King Ampaw, David Dontoh, Fred Amugi, and Akofa Edjeani graced the launch event with their presence, celebrating this milestone with the Africa Film Society.
In addition to providing resources for filmmakers and cinema lovers, the Africa Film Society is actively involved in preserving early African films from 1950 to 1980 through initiatives such as ‘Classics In The Park’, which offers free outdoor cinema to communities.
This includes the acquisition, restoration, and redistribution of these films from their original reels to introduce them to a new generation of audiences.
Story by Obaapa Janee
