Osarfo Anthony Calls on African Filmmakers to Make Their Mark in Global Horror Industry
Osarfo Anthony, an acclaimed African horror screenwriter, is urging filmmakers across the continent to step up and make their mark in the global horror film industry. His call to action comes in the wake of a recent interview with Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari, who expressed a keen interest in exploring the horror genre.
“I prefer to do horror and thriller films. Yes. At N.S.B Studios, we like to challenge ourselves. We want to do something creative,” Nadia said during the interview.
Osarfo responded with enthusiasm, particularly impressed by Nadia’s willingness to embrace new challenges. “I was thrilled to hear Nadia express her desire to venture into other genres. It’s time for African cinema to embrace more variety and diversity. I’m proud she’s taking on this challenge,” Osarfo remarked.
The screenwriter also highlighted the enormous commercial potential of the horror genre, pointing out that it consistently ranks as one of the most profitable in cinema worldwide. “The data is clear: horror films captivate audiences, draw large crowds, and yield impressive financial returns. Unfortunately, as Africans, we’ve largely excluded ourselves from this lucrative space,” Osarfo explained.
In addition to calling for more African involvement in horror filmmaking, Osarfo expressed frustration over the lack of representation in global discussions about the genre. “When I search for ‘the 10 best horror movies of all time,’ not a single African film appears. I’m currently working on a course focused on horror, but all the resources, references, and examples are non-African,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Osarfo remains optimistic about the future of African horror cinema. “I firmly believe that Africa has the talent and creativity to make a significant impact on the global horror industry. It’s not just possible, it’s essential—and it’s time for us to be part of the conversation,” he affirmed.