Osarfo Anthony, a renowned African horror screenwriter, has urged filmmakers across the continent to make meaningful contributions to the global horror film industry.
This call to action came after Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari expressed her desire to delve into the horror genre during a recent interview. “I have a preference for horror and thriller films. At N.S. B Studios, we strive to challenge ourselves and create something unique,” Nadia shared.
Osarfo expressed his excitement upon hearing Nadia’s intentions to explore different genres. “I felt a tremendous joy when Nadia mentioned her willingness to try new things during her interview with Abeiku Santana a few days ago. It’s essential to embrace variety and diversity in storytelling. I’m thrilled that she is ready for this challenge.”
He pointed out that horror is one of the cinema’s most lucrative genres. “There is compelling evidence showing that horror films engage audiences, attract large viewership, and provide significant returns on investments. Sadly, we Africans have largely missed out on this profitable opportunity,” he lamented.
Osarfo also voiced his frustration over the lack of African representation in discussions and data regarding horror screenwriters and filmmakers. “When I look up ‘the 10 best horror movies of all time,’ not a single African film is listed. I’m in the process of developing educational materials for a horror presentation, but unfortunately, all the referenced screenwriters, films, filmmakers, directors, and prominent works I come across are non-African,” he revealed.
Despite these hurdles, Osarfo remains hopeful about the future. “I envision a time when Africa will contribute significantly to the global horror film landscape. It’s entirely achievable,” he concluded.
Story by Obaapa Janee
