Kobina De Graft-Johnson Shares His Journey and Vision for Ghanaian Cinema

Internationally-acclaimed Ghanaian cinematographer, director, and producer Kobina De Graft-Johnson recently appeared on 3Music TV's 3hread Special with host Essilfua Boris-Hemans. During the interview, Kobina offered a glimpse into his journey from an accountant to a celebrated filmmaker, touching on his passion for storytelling and his commitment to elevating Ghanaian cinema on the global stage.

Kobina began by sharing how his career took a transformative turn. Initially, he started as an accountant, but his love for photography gradually led him to explore videography, eventually blossoming into a full-fledged passion for filmmaking. His work has since caught the attention of major brands like Vogue, BET, and Brussels Airlines. Currently, Kobina is channeling his talents into his feature film, KING OF TEMA.

Reflecting on his early days in Ghana, Kobina recalled how he began taking pictures as a hobby. However, it wasn't until he moved to the United States that his career truly took off, allowing him to collaborate on larger projects and refine his craft.

When asked about his thoughts on the Ghanaian film industry compared to the international scene, Kobina made it clear that he disagrees with the notion that there is no Ghanaian movie industry. He believes that Ghana has a wealth of great stories, particularly in the Kumawood sector, and while the quality of production may not always match international standards, there are still excellent productions being made by dedicated filmmakers. He encouraged others to view the industry as a growing one with immense potential, rather than dismissing it as non-existent.

Essilfua then asked Kobina what sets Ghanaian cinema apart from other film industries. Kobina emphasized that the unique aspects of Ghanaian culture—our language, traditions, and way of life—are what distinguish us. Using Jollof rice as an example, he explained that certain cultural elements are deeply rooted in our identity and cannot be authentically replicated elsewhere. Kobina believes that staying true to local stories and traditions is key to making Ghanaian cinema stand out on the global stage, while also acknowledging the need to meet higher production standards.

The conversation then shifted to Kobina's upcoming film, KING OF TEMA. He expressed his love for local content, which he feels resonates more deeply with audiences. The film follows the story of a young man named Paa Kwesi, whose mother is battling cancer. When help from family and friends fails to materialize, Paa Kwesi turns to a friend on the streets of Tema, leading him down a path of actions he would never have imagined taking for money.

Kobina, who grew up in Tema, revealed that much of the film will be set in the city. He is committed to producing the film in Tema to keep the economic benefits within the community, employing actors, crew, and welfare services. Initially conceived as a series, King of Tema evolved into a feature film, and Kobina is excited to bring his vision to life.

In closing, Kobina shared that the film will be premiered in Tema, reinforcing his dedication to the community that shaped him. He urged audiences to anticipate the release of King of Tema and left viewers with a powerful reminder: the Ghanaian movie industry is not dead—it is growing and poised for greatness.