The film industry rejected me – Clarence Peters

Clarence Peters has never been one to follow the conventional path, and his filmmaking journey reflects that.

The celebrated director spoke about the challenges he faced while trying to transition from music videos to film during an appearance on the WithChude podcast monitored by MyNewsGh.

He recalled that when he finally made the decision to return to filmmaking in 2020, the resistance was overwhelming.

Despite his reputation, many industry insiders dismissed him as “just a music video guy,” making it difficult for him to break into the film industry.

Clarence had always believed that streaming would shape the future of African cinema. Long before platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix became dominant, he saw how home videos thrived in Nigeria, realizing that cinema was more of an acquired taste.

However, by the time streaming platforms took off, he had been out of the film loop for too long and had to fight his way back into conversations.

The years between 2020 and 2023 were particularly difficult. He faced major setbacks but remained determined, building resilience along the way. Looking back, Clarence believes those struggles shaped his character, teaching him patience and the value of perseverance.

He expressed gratitude to the few individuals who supported him during these trying times, including industry veterans whose wisdom guided him through obstacles. Now, as he works towards reclaiming his place in the film industry, he remains optimistic about the future.

-MyNewsGH