In an era where the preservation of cultural heritage is more critical than ever, Open Foundation West Africa proudly hosted a pivotal workshop to empower professionals in the Ghana Film Industry. This workshop was themed  “Mastering the Essentials of Contributing Film & Television Content to Wikipedia,” and was a collaborative effort involving Open Foundation West Africa, The Africa Narrative, the National Film Authority, FESPACO, the US Embassy Ghana, and the Wikimedia Foundation. Beyond the workshop, the collaboration with the partners as mentioned above is under a major campaign dubbed the AfroCreatives WikiProject. The campaign aims to measurably enhance information on Wikipedia about the art and industry of African film.

The significance of this workshop cannot be overstated. In a world increasingly driven by digital content, the Ghanaian film industry must have a strong presence on platforms like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is not just a repository of knowledge; it’s a global stage where cultures, histories, and stories are shared with millions. We aimed to equip Ghana’s film professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that the rich narratives of Ghanaian cinema are represented accurately and comprehensively on this global platform. 

The workshop brought together various industry players, including actors, film directors, lecturers, professors, and other film professionals. This gathering of minds was more than just a training session; it was a meeting of the minds, where each participant brought their unique perspective to the table. The session allowed these professionals to learn how to leverage Wikipedia to document the vibrant and dynamic world of Ghanaian film.

Through detailed presentations and hands-on activities, participants were guided on the essentials of contributing content to Wikipedia. They learned not just the technical skills required to edit and add information to Wikipedia but also the critical importance of accurate and responsible content creation. In a digital age where information spreads rapidly, ensuring that Ghanaian films are represented accurately on global platforms is a responsibility that we all share.

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the training on uploading images, videos, audio, and documents to Wikimedia Commons. This practical training equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to share their work globally. Wikimedia Commons is an essential tool for filmmakers and industry professionals, providing a free and accessible platform to share media that can be used worldwide. Participants were trained on the practical aspects of media uploading, including licensing considerations, technical specifications, and best practices for ensuring that their content is accessible to a global audience.

This training was particularly impactful as it opened new avenues for filmmakers to share their work. By uploading media to Wikimedia Commons, Ghanaian filmmakers can ensure that their work is not only preserved but also accessible to educators, students, researchers, and enthusiasts around the world.

The workshop was not just a one-way flow of information; it was an interactive session that piqued the interest of all participants. The attendees asked a range of insightful questions that led to deep and meaningful conversations about the role of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons in promoting Ghanaian films. These discussions highlighted the growing awareness among industry professionals of the importance of digital documentation and the need for a concerted effort to ensure that Ghana’s rich film heritage is well-represented online.

Participants left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that their contributions to Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons are not just about adding information—they are about telling the story of Ghanaian cinema to the world. This workshop was a significant step forward in empowering the Ghanaian film industry to take control of its digital narrative, ensuring that the voices of Ghanaian filmmakers are heard and celebrated on a global stage.

In light of this, the AfroCreatives WikiProject +film Ghana Edit-a-thon was launched after the workshop. The Edit-a-thon seeks to solicit contributions about the Ghana film industry on Wikipedia and its sister projects. It runs from 14th August to 16th August 2024.

Here’s a link to register: bit.ly/3XhwkCe

As we continue collaborating with organizations like The Africa Narrative, the National Film Authority, FESPACO, the US Embassy Ghana, and the Wikimedia Foundation, we are committed to furthering the cause of digital documentation for the Ghanaian film industry. This workshop was just the beginning, and we look forward to hosting more sessions that will empower industry professionals to take full advantage of the digital tools available to them. 

Together, we can ensure that the stories of Ghanaian cinema are preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.