Accra launches international film festival

The inaugural Accra International Film Festival (AIFF) takes place in the Ghanaian capital from 25-30 June.

Central to the festival is its tribute to 15 African and American actors who have made a significant impact on African cinema as well as among the African diaspora.

The festival will feature Ghanaian films such as No Time To Die by King Ampaw and The Warrior Queen by Hezekiah Lewis; films from Britain such as Jack the Giant Slayer by Brian Singer; and Nigeria's Tribe by Ifeanyi Onyeabor.

Among the 15 movie celebrities receiving achievement awards are actresses Jackie Appiah from Ghana and Genevieve Nnaji from Nigeria.

The American film director, producer and actor Bill Duke will also be a special guest of the festival in Accra where he will lead workshops for actors and filmmakers.

The veteran Duke is known for his roles in Commando and Predator, Bird on a Wire, and Payback.

The festival includes a red carpet reception at La Palm Royal Hotel, screenings at Silverbird Cinema and an awards ceremony at the State House, due to be attended by the nation's president John Mahama.