Yvonne Nelson Reveals Challenges and Sabotage in Film Industry
Renowned Ghanaian actress and producer Yvonne Nelson has opened up about the tough experiences she endured while trying to establish her career in the Ghanaian movie industry. Speaking on JoyNews and Joy Learning TV’s The Career Trail, Yvonne revealed that members of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) once banned her, an act she believes was meant to end her career dreams.
According to Yvonne, her vocal nature and willingness to speak out against unfair practices in the industry didn’t sit well with some of the male figures in power. She explained that being a woman who voiced her concerns made her a target. “They didn’t like that I complained when I wasn’t comfortable with something. They felt I was new and had no right to question anything,” she noted. The ban, she said, was a form of punishment intended to silence and intimidate her.
Rather than allow the ban to break her spirit, Yvonne took a bold step forward by launching her own film production company, YN Productions. With support from individuals who believed in her vision—particularly Kelvin Kobiri, now a preacher—she was able to produce her own films. Kelvin, alongside Abdul Salam who had also supported her early career, funded her first few productions.
Despite her proactive efforts, Yvonne revealed that she continued to face sabotage. One of the most painful incidents occurred when her first movie under her production company was stolen during the editing phase. Armed robbers broke into the editing studio and stole all the hard drives containing the footage. Yvonne strongly believes the theft was an act of sabotage, possibly orchestrated by people who wanted to see her fail. “They knew I had been banned. They didn’t expect me to be doing anything productive again. So when I started producing, it was like, ‘we’ll show her,’” she recalled.
The loss of the movie was both emotional and financial, as it meant redoing the entire project. But Yvonne didn’t give up. She and her team reshot the film at great cost. Her resilience eventually paid off. Over the years, she has gone on to successfully produce 14 films, including Kotoka and Heels and Sneakers. She also announced that her upcoming movie Summer will be released soon.
Reflecting on her journey, Yvonne admitted that her time in the industry has been filled with ups and downs. “I’ve experienced hate, love, sabotage, and success. This industry can be toxic. If you’re not mentally strong, it’s easy to give up,” she said.
Last week, The Career Trail aired the fourth episode of its new season, focusing on Yvonne Nelson’s early life. The next episode, airing on Saturday, April 5, will explore another dimension of her journey—her ventures as a school owner and author.
Through it all, Yvonne’s story remains a testament to persistence, courage, and the power of believing in oneself despite overwhelming obstacles.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0