TheNational Film Authority says Ghana’s new Film Development Fund is designed as a long-term revolving financing mechanism rather than a one-off government intervention, as it moves to address chronic funding gaps in the creative sector.

Speaking on theAsaase Breakfast Show on Friday (22 May), Dr. Bismarck Odum-Sackey, a communications team member of the NFA, said the fund responds to decades of industry lobbying for structured financial support to enable filmmakers to produce competitive, high-budget films.

He noted that while government has committed a seed allocation of GH¢20 million, only GH¢5 million is currently available to kick-start operations.

According to him, the fund is anchored in law under the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), with multiple financing streams including government allocations, grants, donations, service charges, and industry contributions.

“This is not a one-time intervention. It is a revolving fund. Money is given to filmmakers, recovered after production, and reinvested into other projects,” he explained.

Dr. Odum-Sackey said successful applicants could access up to 60% of production budgets, with repayment structured without interest, distinguishing it from commercial bank loans.

He added that the model is designed to sustain itself beyond government seed funding if properly managed and supported by industry participation.