Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Dowuona
Hi Sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me. My journey as a filmmaker was not something that was in mind whiles growing up.
Growing up I wanted to be an airhostess, actress, midwife, teacher or a public servant like my mum.
I wasn’t so sure of what I really wanted but I knew I loved arts so that was what I focused on. After high school I just decided to go to a film school (National Film and Television Institute now UniMAC Institute of Film and Television) to train as an actress but unfortunately they did not offer “Infront of the camera” courses but only “behind the camera” courses. I opted for what I thought would be the easiest to get a job after graduating which to me was Television Production.
I fell in love with it as time went on and gradually fell in love with film Directing as well.
After earning my degree I had my one year national service at a TV station and I honestly did not like the experience for myself and also for some of the workers there, I wouldn’t like to go much into details but yeah..
After service, I had to stay home for a while due to personal reasons which almost led me into depression. My colleagues were working at various tv stations and companies and I was heartbroken because I felt I was being left behind but one friend of mine who is actually my co-founder encouraged me and let’s say I am glad things turned out how it did! because I was able to start my own production company together with my co-founder. And this came about because of my experience during my National service. As a graduate you are not able to express your creativity because no one wants to listen to you. Secondly the workers there were underpaid, whiles some received no pay at all.
Together with my co-founder, we came up with Film Etoile, a film production company in Ghana We were actually 3 founders but one left, I believe he wasn’t really seeing the vision and I totally understand him because in the beginning things were really though. We created this production company not only for ourselves but to create jobs for our friends as well.
We struggled a lot but with much sacrifice and dedication we are here now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road was not smooth. We had to sacrifice a lot and at some points felt like giving up. We started with people who resigned because they did not see any growth.
People do not know this but there was a time I had to seek for funds from crowds. Sending out envelops to family, friends and acquaintances and sometimes you open the envelops and get crushed. Hmm.. well, maybe some were also struggling themselves.
I also sent out various emails to NGO’s requesting for investments and funds but no reply.
We were also not receiving jobs in the beginning. My co-founder and I had to sacrifice using our little money to fund projects for ourselves to use as portfolio even though he had quite some works already.
And I am so glad to my team that stayed with us throughout, also sacrificing themselves without pay so we can get to where we are now. We started with no equipment, nothing but now we have so much and I am grateful to God and my team.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Film Etoile is a Ghanaian film production company, began operation in 2016, registered in
accordance with the laws of Ghana on January 9, 2018.
The company holds a broad portfolio in
audio-visual services, with highly experienced team members and an educational background in
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, from the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Ghana. Our
strength lies in our teamwork, our ability to listen, integrity, dedication and living up to
expectations.
Each team member is good at multitasking; therefore, we are able to handle any
pressure or deadline, always ahead of time with delivery demands. Excellence in written and verbal communication in both English, French and our Ghanaian Languages. We operate in both Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and always available to travel should the need arise.
The company has enjoyed a steady growth based on bold storytelling, cinematic production value, exciting innovation, and client satisfaction.
SERVICES
• Documentaries
• Animation
• Feature Films
• Television Commercials
• Photography
• Corporate Events and Videos
BRAND EXPERIENCE AND WORKS
www.filmetoile.com
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favourite childhood memory is playing with my cousins and the kids in my family. Growing up I lived with my grandma, mother and little sister. My cousins lived opposite us, and there were a lot of kids there as well so you will always find me there. I can stay there throughout till night and my grandma will come over and call me to come home to sleep. I miss her so much and her arms. She was the best.
I miss the stories my grandma used to tell us about the early days of my country, Rawlings chain lol and a whole lot.
Those days there were no electronic gargets like phones, well except televisions. We had a lot of playtime and family time.
Those are my favourite childhood memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.filmetoile.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naa_afoncia/ https://www.instagram.com/film_etoile/
