Govt acquires 200-acre land for a film village

In a move to boost the creative arts industry, government has announced plans to establish a film village which would be the hub of filmmaking for the struggling industry. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta disclosed that 200 acres of land has been acquired for the film village. Such villages are solely dedicated to the creative arts industry, housing film studios, productions, training, distribution and marketing of films as well as premiering of movies and film festivals. “Mr. Speaker, government has also identified and acquired 200 acres of land to support a village for the creative arts,” Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament on Thursday November 15 when he presented the 2019 budget statement. He also announced that an ultra-modern Film Production Studio would be constructed. Creative Arts Industry Bill The Finance Minister said the Creative Arts Industry Bill is now in Parliament for deliberation and passage into Law. “The Creative Arts Fund is incorporated in the Bill to ensure the economic viability of the Creative Arts Sector in the economy. “In addition, government in 2019, will pursue the passing of a Legislative Instrument to establish a Secretariat for the National Film Authority and will also facilitate the construction of an ultra-modern Film Production Studio to attract the international film community.” He recalled a declaration by President Akufo-Addo that 2019 would be a “year of return” when he led a delegation to the USA for the commemoration of the 400 years of slavery. The Ghana Tourism Authority, he said, is leading a campaign that will see a great number of African Diaspora from the United States of America, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom return to Ghana on a pilgrimage to promote heritage tourism in 2019. The 2019 budget statement of government is under theme, “A Stronger Economy for Jobs and Prosperity”. By Isaac Essel | editors.3news.com | Ghana