British-Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung says African cinema is at a defining moment, attracting growing interest from global audiences and industry players.
His latest film, Son of the Soil, marks his first major African-set feature, shot in Nigeria with a predominantly African cast and crew.
The film premiered in Ghana at the 2025 edition of the Black Star International Film Festival, where it received strong audience acclaim.
“The reception was amazing at the festival. That really was the start of the journey,” he said, expressing gratitude to the festival organisers for providing a platform to launch the project.
Following its debut in Ghana, the film travelled to Nigeria, where Cheung said audience reactions were equally powerful.
“Each screening had tremendous energy; people were laughing, cheering, applauding. It reminded us why we do what we do,” he noted.
The film’s international run later extended to the United States and the United Kingdom, where audiences connected with its themes, reinforcing what the director describes as the global appeal of African storytelling.
“What stood out to me was how people from different countries connected to the story. It shows African films can cross borders and reach wider audiences,” he said.
The film’s success continued on Netflix, where it briefly topped the Nigerian movies category, an achievement Cheung says highlights the growing global appetite for African content.
“Seeing the film reach Netflix and connect with so many viewers was surreal. It shows the potential of African stories on international platforms,” he added.
Shot within just 18 days, Cheung praised the dedication and resilience of the African cast and crew, describing the production process as both challenging and inspiring.
“There was a real sense of family. Every day came with challenges, vehicle chases, boat scenes, even sequences on trains, but the commitment of everyone involved made it possible,” he said.
Beyond the film itself, the director emphasised the need for stronger collaboration within the industry, encouraging partnerships between African and international filmmakers to drive growth and innovation.
“There is so much talent across Africa, and collaboration is key,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the role of film festivals in elevating African cinema, noting that platforms like the Black Star International Film Festival provide opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing talent to the world.
Looking ahead, Cheung expressed interest in returning to Ghana for future productions, describing the continent as rich with opportunity.
“I would love to come back and make more films here. Filmmaking is collaborative, and working together is the key,” he said, thanking audiences for their support and describing the film’s journey as “unbelievable.”
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