Tyler Perry did not wake up one morning to that level of support; he served his audience – Leila Djansi 

Ghanaian-American filmmaker Leila Djansi has joined the ongoing conversation about support for Ghanaian films, urging her peers to reflect on community engagement, humility and the power of storytelling that truly serves its audience.

The debate was reignited after film producer and director Shirley Frimpong-Manso expressed disappointment in an interview with Doreen Avio on Hitz FM that Ghanaians appeared more excited about Tyler Perry’s new film Straw than her own project, Chasing Lullaby. Shirley suggested that Ghanaians have failed to support their own filmmakers.

While some sided with her, many others argued that the comparison was unfair and failed to take into account the amount of investment Perry put in his production and promotion.

Leila Djansi took to Facebook to share her perspective, highlighting how Tyler Perry earned his support over time through authenticity, service and commitment to his community.

“Let’s get one thing straight. Tyler Perry did not wake up one morning to that level of support. I used to attend his plays in Georgia. That man built his audience from the ground up. He carried his entire community with him… He never served Hollywood. He served his audience,” she wrote.

Leila, known for films such as Ties That Bind, Like Cotton Twines and Where Children Play, further bemoaned what she described as clique behaviour, envy and a lack of community spirit among Ghanaian creatives.

“In Ghana, too many people operate in cliques. Gossip cliques. You only reward people in your circle… And when Ghanaians, ordinary people, buy your movies, you reward them by posting pictures of your Gucci purse,” she added.

The film maker also suggested that unlike other audiences who focus primarily on the value of the work itself, black communities often tie support to personal perception and emotional investment in the artist.

“There’s this thing I learned about us black people. We use support as reward. We reward you with our support if we are happy with you,” she wrote.

Leila, therefore, shared personal experiences where her efforts to support Ghanaian filmmakers were met with resentment or sabotage, leading her to withdraw from such efforts altogether.

She concluded her post with a critique of what she views as the toxic culture among some industry players and called for a shift in mindset, reminding creatives that storytelling is ultimately about service, not self-promotion.

“Being a storyteller is about service. Not fame. That gift is God’s gift. Use it to serve his earth. It’s not about you!”, she further noted.

Leila Djansi is a Ghanaian-American filmmaker known for tackling social issues through her works. She studied film in the United States and has earned awards and recognition for her strong female-led narratives and commitment to both African and diasporan storytelling. She has often spoken out about challenges in the Ghanaian film industry, particularly around professionalism, support systems and creative integrity.

Read Leila’s full article below: 

“A blogger reached out this morning asking for my thoughts on the lack of support for Ghanaian films especially in contrast to the overwhelming support Tyler Perry’s Straw is receiving.

Let’s get one thing straight. Tyler Perry did not wake up one morning to that level of support. I used to attend his plays in Georgia. That man built his audience from the ground up. He carried his entire community with him. He never served Hollywood. He served his audience. He rewarded those who bought his tickets and sat through his work. And he continues to serve them with both his humanity and his art. He could have moved to Los Angeles and built his studio, but no, he stayed in Georgia and tells stories that matter to his audience and his community. 

That is why they continue to support him. Because Tyler Perry is not just a businessman. He is a good person. He helps people. Whitney Houston. Prince Harry. Oprah. 

There’s this thing I learned about us black people. We use support as reward. We reward you with our support if we are happy with you. White people don’t care about you. They’re only interested in the work/service/art. 

Now let’s talk about your side. (I’m American ). 

In Ghana, too many people operate in cliques. Gossip cliques. You only reward people in your circle. You only support people in your circle. And when Ghanaians, ordinary people, buy your movies, you reward them by posting pictures of your Gucci purse. Flaunting your luxury to pepper the very people who spent their last dime supporting you.

It is gossip. Backbiting. Lies. Drag you on facebook with lies for no reason! Schadenfreude. Jealousy. Envy. And now political aggrandizement has joined the list.

Support what exactly? What kinds of stories? Stories about the human condition? The state of humanity in the country? People support relatability. 

Also be very careful when trying to support some people. Especially when you are supporting people you are ahead of. From personal experience, and I have receipts to prove it, the people you are trying to support often see you as a competitor. They set you as their standard. They want to be better than you. So they will either take the support and then push you down or they will reject the support outright because they do not want to admit that you are the reason anything happened.

I remember a couple of years ago I sent the Vice President of Acquisitions of a major major studio to watch and possibly acquire a Ghanaian film playing at a festival. The next morning I woke up to an interview with the filmmakers who found a way to refer to me, paraphrasing, as an underachiever. The interview was not about me but somehow my name was dragged into it. After it happened few more times, I stopped trying to support anyone in Ghana. 

There’s this desperation among the players to be “the only one.” Sharing the spotlight is out of the question. The insecurity and entitlement is so bad. That energy is destructive so no, no one will support. 

Being a storyteller is about service. Not fame. That gift is God’s gift. Use it to serve his earth. It’s not about you! 

Such a small country. With so much hatred for each other. I blame the British colonizers. Add the Portuguese ones too. 

Ghana is a crime scene!”