On Friday 31^st Jan, 2013, host of the Taxi Driver programme on Hitz 103.9 fm, Blakk Rasta interviewed Nigerian film director Frank Raja on what the latter think of the current state of Ghana’s movie industry.

Full name Frank Arase Raja, came to Ghana in the early 2000s through Ghanaian revered filmmaker, Abdul Salam of Venus Films. Asked how he got into the industry and how he came to Ghana to start directing movies, Frank said “well I started producing and directing movies in Nigeria. Abdul Salam who is a marketer, used to market few of my movies here in Ghana.

“First it was Samira Yakubu the costumier who invited me to Ghana for the shooting of the movie ‘Official Prostitute’ with the late Suzzy Williams. Abdul met with me again and he was like I love what you have been doing, I’ve sold a couple of your movies and so I think you and I could do something.

“It died out after I went back to Nigeria but he called me back later, bought me ticket, we discussed on what to do with the Ghanaian film industry. We discussed money, signed contract and we took off and from there, we’ve worked till date.

Bluntly, Blakk asked, in Ghana right now, apart from you being a director, is there any director you strongly admire in the Ghanaian film industry? “Shirley Frimpong-Manson” Frank revealed. Controversial Blakk pushed further, more than Leila Djansi?

“Yeah Leila too is doing great but then they all have their strong points too. What about Shirley do you like? Asked Blakk Rasta. “Maturity. In her story, in her human relationship, and her social media and all of that. She is very matured.” Frank let out.

Who is your favourite actor? “Majid Michel” Frank said emphatically. Frank also gave to understanding that when it comes to making films, he makes commercial films for Abdul Salam but when it comes to his own self produced and directed movies, he likes more of family relatable stories.

Though Frank has directed few movies that critics described as soft porn movies – The Heart of Man, Threesome, and others. he made it clear that he does not believe in the assertion that sex sells. “Well, I don’t believe in the assertion that sex sells. Yes sex sells but that is not what I believe in as a film director.”

On record, Frank Raja has directed all the A-list actors (even when they had not become stars or celebs) – Nadia Buari, Jackie Appiah, John Dumelo, Van Vicker, Yvonne Nelson, Prince David Osei, Martha Ankomah, Juliet Ibrahim, Yvonne Nelson, and the likes that Ghana can boast of.

GhanacClebrities.Com wishes him well in his chosen field. May he grow to become the best film director Africa has ever produced… Until then…MOTWUM!!