Two UniMAC-IFT students travel to Germany for exchange programme 

A significant moment in Ghana’s film history is happening now. Two final-year students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication-Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) are participating in an international exchange program. They are heading to Germany's University of Television and Film Munich (HFF München).

This initiative is called African Dialogues@HFF. It is the first collaboration between these two institutions. The goal is to reshape global storytelling with a more inclusive perspective.

The program has been planned for two years. On May 26, 2025, Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani and Kekeli Joachim left Ghana for Munich. Joanna studies fiction directing, while Kekeli focuses on cinematography.

In Munich, they will work with German students and faculty. Together, they will create a short film based on personal experiences. This project aims to challenge traditional Eurocentric narratives and highlight Afrocentric viewpoints.

The partnership honors a cinematic legacy. HFF München chose UniMAC-IFT as its African partner due to King Ampaw's influence. He was the first Black student at HFF München and inspired this collaboration.

Mr. George Bosompim from UniMAC-IFT explained the program's purpose clearly: “African Dialogues@HFF allows our students to go to HFF München.”

The exchange will last three years and was carefully structured. In November 2024, UniMAC-IFT faculty visited Munich to develop the concept together.

Representatives included Mr. Bosompim, Mr. Eugene Odame, and Mr. Yao Ladzekpo. They worked with their German counterparts on logistics and creative strategies.

Selecting students for this program was competitive. Applicants had to submit their motivations along with film concepts and technical visions. After review, Joanna and Kekeli were chosen as the standout team.

Joanna expressed her excitement: “I want to learn about directing films in fiction.” She hopes to gain broader knowledge that she can share in Ghana.

Kekeli shared his goals too: “I aim to become a better visual storyteller.” He looks forward to learning new techniques beyond visual storytelling.

He also noted differences between the institutions: “At UniMAC-IFT, we cover all basics early on.” He mentioned that HFF lacks certain departments like sound or production design.

During their six weeks in Munich, Joanna and Kekeli will produce a short film under ten minutes long based on local encounters. Filming will occur in Germany; post-production will take place in Ghana at UniMAC-IFT facilities.

Later this year, HFF students will visit Accra from August 15 to September 26 for a similar project with Ghanaian students.

These projects may be fiction or documentary-based and will be showcased at events like Goethe-Institute or DOK.fest in Munich.

This initiative promotes equality among participants by using the same equipment under similar conditions, fostering mutual respect between cultures.

The International Office of HFF München coordinates the program with support from faculty members like Prof. Karin Jurschick and Prof. Nicolas Wackerbarth. Funding covers all expenses for students during their stay.

To emphasize this partnership's importance, Prof. Wackerbarth visited Accra in March for workshops with UniMAC-IFT students while planning future cooperation.

On May 19th, guardians of both students gathered at UniMAC-IFT to sign official bonds marking this journey’s beginning—both professional and personal.

As they embark on African Dialogues@HFF, they carry hopes from both institutions along with King Ampaw’s legacy toward a more inclusive future in cinema.

This exchange represents not just learning but also cultural connection—a celebration of untold stories across continents.