Pieli takes centre stage as Ghana Cinema Week lights up Tamale

The Northern region capital Tamale basked in the warm glow of cinematic revival on Friday, as Day 1 of Ghana Cinema Week unfolded under the National Film Authority Ghana (NFA).

This nationwide initiative, a passionate brainchild of the NFA, aims to reignite the flames of Ghana's rich cinematic culture and empower local storytellers to capture the essence of the nation through their lenses.

The Radach Lodge and Conference Centre transformed into a cinema hub for movie enthusiasts, buzzing with anticipation as patrons settled in for a double feature. King Faisal's "Pills" kicked off the festivities, followed by the highly-anticipated "Piele" Series from the renowned Northern producer, Leonard AK of OBL Studios.

Adding a touch of star power to the evening were legendary figures from Northern Ghana's cinematic landscape. The iconic Zimboo, with his timeless charm, graced the event alongside Ahmed Adam, a name synonymous with Northern film. Even the Minister, a figure of authority both on and off-screen, lent his presence to the celebration.

And for a dash of youthful energy, Alhassan from the popular TV series "Yolo" mingled with the crowd, bridging the gap between generations of film lovers.But the night truly belonged to "Piele" Series, a pilot episode of the popular series waiting for production due to luck of funding.

This thought-provoking film, helmed by Leonard AK, promises to be a powerful exploration of a uniquely Ghanaian story specifically the Dagbon culture. Tamale, the beating heart of Northern cinematic culture, resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them eager to delve into the world woven by AK's vision.

As Day 1 of Ghana Cinema Week drew to a close, one thing was clear: Tamale's love for film burns bright. The NFA's initiative has not only rekindled a passion for the cinematic arts but also provided a platform for local voices to be heard, network sessions with producers and movie enthusiasts.

Producers from the north appealed for more support in the form of funding among several other things to be able to meet the demand and unearth more talents in the North. With more screenings and events lined up for the rest of the week, one can only imagine the stories waiting to unfold at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre in Tamale.