Shining beyond the silver screen: Chris Attoh’s cinematic journey
In an exclusive heart-to-heart interview on Asaase Radio's "Sunday Night," Ghanaian luminary Chris Attoh discusses his multifaceted journey in the film industry, his aspirations, and his insights on the evolving landscape of cinema in Ghana and beyond.
Ghanaian actor and film director Chris Attoh, in a candid conversation on “Sunday Night,” takes listeners on a journey through his life, marked by creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in film.
The dialogue unfolds the layers of Attoh’s personal and professional evolution, offering a glimpse into the heart of one of Ghana’s most esteemed figures in the entertainment industry.
Chris Attoh reminisces about his early exposure to the arts, crediting his family’s rich creative heritage as the bedrock of his artistic inclinations, from tales of his father’s pioneering role in introducing coloured photography to Ghana as well as having the notable part of Dr Kwame Nkrumah‘s photographer.
His famous family members, such as his brother Ken Attoh and his cousin Michelle Attoh, were part of his film industry journey.
His father, Fred Attoh, also encouraged his children to pick up the hobby of reading, which impacted his and his siblings’ journeys in the creative arts.
Chris also shares that his numerous videotapes VHS tapes, and watching American movies shaped his cinematic journey creatively and dynamically.
Attoh also shares another role model in life that impacted his now role in the creative industry, ” My brother Ken who is a successful cinematographer, producer also sometimes director I think was also my first mentor…everything Ken did I wanted to do.”
Educational Journey
Through having his brother as his creative role model, he pursued a degree in painting at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST).
He emphasizes KNUST as a critical part of his creative and cinematic journey: “My time at KNUST was what I like to call the era of becoming a man,” referring to his father’s laissez-faire approach when he started his undergraduate studies.
He shares his independent journey while in school to keep himself afloat, working while he was in the UK, and while he was back in Kumasi, he kept himself occupied part-time for radio work with Capital and Fox.
The first steps to the silver screen
Chris Attoh always had high expectations for Ghana’s film industry. Coming from a rich creative heritage, knowing American movies, and having more experience with the film industry, he became critical of our movies, noting that Ghana has a lot of untapped potential.
Moreover, Attoh also notes that he was weary of his brand, which made him not accept every actor role. He eventually accepted Shirley-Frimpong Manso’s “Life and Living It” as his debut role, which led to his subsequent rise as a household name in Ghana and beyond.
Crafting stories: sitting on the directors’ and producers’ chair
From his time as an actor, Chris Attoh naturally evolved into a producer and director; he says, “You are the product of your environment. You know, you will learn a few things from the directors on set the producers on set. But it becomes the natural order of things if you are a storyteller. Because after a while, just acting will become limited.”
Attoh asserts that we live in a time where “you can’t be sitting and waiting…you need to create the part.”
On the other hand, Chris Attoh notes that directing and producing requires “A lot of confidence, a lot of determination, a lot of bravado and a lot of Jesus.”
Chris further elaborates his point by emphasizing the fact that major social agendas that can be discussed through film, anything thing from rape to domestic violence, realities of life, holding up a mirror to society. These are the genres he hopes to delve more into.
Having worked with other productions in Nigeria, South Africa, and the USA for the recent movie that he directed and produced, “Nine,” Attoh believes Ghana is in a better position now and has had an opportunity to grow.
Vision for Ghanaian Cinema: A Global Stage Awaits
Attoh passionately speaks about his dream for Ghanaian cinema to gain recognition on a global scale. “I see Nine going on the Netflix platform…if not on Netflix, then in something bigger…I see nine things that will speak to the world, showing Ghana in a different light and in a light that is inviting and exciting,” he shares, symbolizing his broader ambition for Ghanaian narratives to find their place in the world’s cinematic landscape.
He also underscores the importance of inspiring the next generation in a heartfelt admission. “I aspire to inspire until I expire,” he declares, underlining his commitment to leaving a lasting impact beyond cinema.
Chris Attoh’s dialogue on Asaase Radio’s “Sunday Night” unveils a man whose life and work are interwoven with the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, creativity, and an unyielding hope for the future.
His story is a personal triumph and a beacon for aspiring creatives worldwide. In his words and works, Attoh embodies the spirit of perseverance, the power of storytelling, and the importance of legacy.
Asaase Radio 99.5 broadcasts on radio via 99.5 in Accra, 98.5 in Kumasi, 99.7 in Tamale, 100.3 in Cape Coast and on our affiliates Azay FM 89.1 in Takoradi, Bead FM 99.9 in Bimbilla, Mining City 89.5 in Tarkwa, Sissala Radio 96.3 in Tumu, Somuaa FM 89.9 in Gushegu, Stone City 90.7 in Ho and Wale FM 106.9 in Walewale
Tune in to broadcasts online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
Live streaming on facebook.com/asaase99.5. Also on YouTube: AsaaseXtra.
Join the conversation. Call: 020 000 9951 or 059 415 7777. Or WhatsApp: 020 000 0995.
#AsaaseRadio
#TheVoiceofOurLand
#WeAreHere
#WeLoveOurLand
