Two talented Ghanaian film students have made history by launching a groundbreaking international exchange program. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani and Kekeli Joachim from the University of Media, Arts and Communication-Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) departed Ghana on May 26, 2025. Their destination: the prestigious University of Television and Film Munich (HFF München) for a transformative six-week cultural and film exchange.
This landmark initiative, known as African Dialogues@HFF, represents the first official partnership between these two renowned film institutions. Moreover, the program carries special significance as it honors the remarkable legacy of King Ampaw. The celebrated Ghanaian filmmaker broke barriers as the first Black student to graduate from HFF Munich decades ago.
The exchange program promises to reshape international cinema education through meaningful collaboration. Both universities recognize that cinema can transform global storytelling when diverse voices are given platforms. This historic partnership opens new doors for African and European film students to learn from each other.
African Dialogues@HFF Creates Historic Bridge Between Ghana and Germany
The African Dialogues@HFF program emerged from two years of careful planning and collaboration. Both institutions worked tirelessly to create an exchange that would build meaningful bridges between Ghanaian and German students. Their shared vision focuses on using film as a powerful tool for cultural understanding.
During their Munich stay, Joanna and Kekeli will collaborate with German students on an exciting film project. The short film will draw inspiration from personal encounters with local Munich residents. This approach ensures authentic storytelling that reflects real human connections across cultures.
Significantly, the film’s post-production phase will take place back in Ghana using UniMAC-IFT’s state-of-the-art facilities. This arrangement demonstrates the program’s commitment to equal partnership between both institutions. The reciprocal nature ensures that both countries contribute their unique strengths to the creative process.
HFF Munich Students to Experience Ghana’s Rich Film Culture
The exchange program continues with an equally important second phase later this year. From August 15 to September 26, HFF Munich students will travel to Accra for their own immersive experience. They’ll work alongside Ghanaian students to produce another collaborative film project that celebrates local stories.
Both film projects will receive prestigious showcases at respected international venues. The completed works will be featured at the Goethe-Institut, DOK.fest, and Filmschoolfest Munich. These platforms ensure that the students’ creative collaborations reach global audiences and industry professionals.
Furthermore, the reciprocal nature of the program ensures balanced cultural exchange. German students will gain invaluable insights into African filmmaking traditions and storytelling techniques. This mutual learning approach creates lasting benefits for all participants from both continents.
King Ampaw’s Pioneering Legacy Inspires New Generation of Filmmakers
HFF Munich specifically chose UniMAC-IFT as its African partner because of a remarkable historical connection. Decades ago, King Ampaw made history as the first Black student to study at HFF Munich. His groundbreaking achievements as both director and actor continue to inspire African filmmakers worldwide.
“African Dialogues@HFF is a way to honour King Ampaw’s legacy and reconnect our two film industries,” explained Mr. George Bosompim, a respected UniMAC-IFT faculty member. This tribute acknowledges how Ampaw’s pioneering journey opened doors for future generations of African cinema professionals.
The program celebrates Ampaw’s contributions while highlighting the ongoing value of African stories in global cinema. His legacy demonstrates how one individual’s courage and talent can create lasting impact. Today’s students carry forward his vision of connecting African and European film communities through meaningful artistic collaboration.
Ghanaian Students Bring Unique Skills and High Expectations to Munich
Both selected students expressed genuine excitement about their upcoming German experience and learning opportunities. Joanna, who specializes in fiction directing, shared her ambitious goals for the exchange program. Her focus centers on expanding her directing skills and scriptwriting techniques through hands-on collaboration.
“I’m expecting to learn a lot, especially about directing fiction films and scriptwriting,” Joanna explained enthusiastically. “I hope to bring back knowledge to help others in Ghana.” Her commitment to sharing newfound knowledge demonstrates the program’s broader impact on Ghanaian film education.
Meanwhile, Kekeli brings his cinematography expertise and clear vision for professional growth to the partnership. “My aim is to become a better visual storyteller,” he stated confidently. “This programme will open my eyes to new possibilities in film.” His dedication to visual storytelling promises to enrich the collaborative projects.
UniMAC-IFT’s Comprehensive Training Gives Students Competitive Advantage
The Ghanaian students bring distinctive advantages from their comprehensive training at UniMAC-IFT to the collaboration. Unlike HFF Munich’s specialized approach, UniMAC-IFT offers broad training across multiple departments including sound and production design. This diverse skill set positions them as valuable contributors to the joint projects.
Their well-rounded education enables them to understand various aspects of film production beyond their primary specializations. This knowledge allows for more effective communication and collaboration with their German counterparts. The comprehensive training demonstrates UniMAC-IFT’s commitment to producing versatile film professionals.
Additionally, this broad-based approach reflects African filmmaking traditions where practitioners often wear multiple hats. The students’ versatility will likely impress their Munich peers and faculty. Their diverse skills contribute to the program’s success while showcasing African film education excellence.
Equal Partnership Ensures Accessible Opportunities for All Students
The African Dialogues@HFF program emphasizes equality in education and aims to eliminate production gaps between institutions. Both Ghanaian and German students will use identical equipment and face similar challenges during their collaborative projects. This approach ensures fair learning opportunities regardless of geographical background.
Professors and faculty from both institutions collaborated extensively to develop this comprehensive program structure. In November 2024, UniMAC-IFT lecturers visited Munich to help shape the exchange concept. Similarly, Prof. Nicolas Wackerbarth, HFF’s Head of Fiction, spent two weeks in Accra offering masterclasses and support.
The program receives full funding from African Dialogues@HFF, making it accessible to deserving students regardless of financial circumstances. Students receive stipends covering living expenses during their international stays. This financial support ensures that talent, not economic background, determines participation in this transformative opportunity.
Three-Year Program Promises Lasting Impact on Cross-Continental Cinema
The African Dialogues@HFF program is designed to run for three years with hopes for extended partnerships. Beyond the individual films produced, the exchange represents a celebration of untold stories waiting for global audiences. It creates rare opportunities for African and European creatives to learn on equal ground.
Before departure, families of Joanna and Kekeli gathered at UniMAC-IFT for a touching ceremony. They signed official bonds marking not just professional adventure beginnings, but personal journeys into global cinema. This emotional moment highlighted the program’s significance for students, families, and institutions alike.
By carrying King Ampaw’s legacy forward, these students illuminate Ghanaian talent on the international stage. Their efforts promise to reshape how African stories are told, perceived, and valued worldwide. This exchange program creates lasting bridges between continents through the universal language of cinema.
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