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Title: FILM EDUCATION IN GHANA: A NARRATIVE STUDY OF JIM FARA AWINDOR
AND VITUS NANBIGNE
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Authors: Sika Koomson and Marilyn Parker-Longdon ,Ghana |
Abstract: This paper studies two of Ghana’s foremost film instructors: Jim Fara Awindor and Vitus
Nanbigne. Using narrative design as the research approach, the study delineates on the teaching
philosophies and approaches as well as the major contributions of the two instructors to film
education in Ghana. Major findings of the study included the two facilitators almost sharing the
same circumstance leading to their career and professional path. They both come from the
Northern areas of Ghana, they both attended the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI)
and they both won scholarships for their post-graduate studies outside of Ghana. The two
facilitators also, officially, started their profession as film teachers at NAFTI. Whilst Nanbigne
believes in an explorative approach to teaching, Awindor goes by what he terms the Philosophy
of the Mind approach that goes beyond the curriculum to include life experiences that will mould
the students, not only for scholarship but for the world. Jim’s contributions to film education in
Ghana included the acceptance of documentary making as a specialised area in film education,
whilst Vitus has contributed diversely in the areas of film history in Ghana and in Africa. The two
facilitators mentioned the lack of key needed facilities as the major impediments to film education
in Ghana. The study recommends concerted efforts by film scholars to document the professional
journeys of the major film facilitators in Ghana and document their achievements and
contributions. The study also calls for support from various stakeholders, to provide the necessary
equipment and materials that will facilitate film education to realise its intent of training
professional filmmakers in Ghana. |
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