Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr, also known simply as Ato Yanney (born 22 January 1933, in the central region of Ghana) was an independent film maker and one of the pioneers of Ghana movie industry.
Education edit
He studied screenplay writing and directing at the London School of Film Technique. He later obtained a degree in film critique and appreciation.[1] He studied at the Feature and Documentary Film Studios in Poland.[2]
Career edit
He worked as a local recruit in the United Kingdom at the Ghana High Commission.[3] He wrote short stories that were broadcast on BBC Home Service.[2] Example's that can be cited are the Ominous sneeze[4] and It came from Heaven[5] Ato returned to Ghana and joined the Ghana Film Industry in 1963. He later became the head of production of the corporation. He mooted an idea that became the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).[2] And as a consultant with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Works edit
In 1984 he shot "His Majesty's Sergeant"[6] on PANAVISION (35MM), the first of its kind in Ghana [7] with the re-mastered and television version(2005) registered under the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).[8][9][10] This work has been screened for research purposes at Harvard University Center for African Studies, Southern Methodist University in Dallas and Boston University.[2] After its disappearance from the British film Laboratory for 25 years, it was launched in the United Kingdom by Big "H" Entertainment and Flamboyant Films in March 2011.[2]
- No Tears For Ananse (Screenplay)
- Genesis Chapter X (Screenplay)[11]
- Market Day
- Cult of Twins
- Population Census
- Golden Pod
- Rainbow Colors
- New Breed
- Death on Wheels
- The Last Show[2]
- Panoply of Ghana[12]
- Old Simpson Series(writer)[13]
Achievements edit
During the centenary of world cinema, he was awarded with a Certificate of Distinction in Scriptwriting. He was awarded with a GAFTA Osagyefo citation for promoting pan-Africanism.[2] He was honored for contributing to the development of the Ghanaian Film Industry in film production and directing at the 40th anniversary of the industry.[2]
Family life edit
He married Mrs. Paulina Yanney née Amegayibor, in the early 1970s, and the marriage was blessed with four children, Papa, Ato Yanney Jnr.[14] Bianca and Kofi. He was previously married in England to Margaret Mead of blessed memory, and the affair produced three children by name Yvonne Yanney,[15] Sidney and Velma.
Death edit
He died on the 10th April 2011 at the Tema General Hospital (Ghana) after a short illness.[16]
References edit
- ^ ""His Majesty's Sergeant" Shows At Alliance Francaise". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Ato Yanney Snr celebrated with His Majesty's Sergeant". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
- ^ "Ghana High Commission Ghana High Commission is set to co ordinate". Brazil Consulate.
- ^ "BBC Home Service Basic - 6 December 1961 - BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Schedule - BBC Programme Index".
- ^ "His Majesty's Sergeant (1983)". Archived from the original on February 5, 2021.
- ^ Yanney, Ato Kwamina, His Majesty's Sergeant (Drama, War), Tommy Ansah, Surinder Singh Ghuman, Tony Trent, George Brigars Williams, Big H Entertainment, retrieved 2020-11-10
- ^ "His Majesty's Sergeant (1983)". BFI. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021.
- ^ "Ato Yanney's "His Majestys Sergeant" For London Film Africa 2012". Peace FM Online. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
- ^ Team (2019-11-24). "Chris Hesse To Attend Screening Of His Majesty's Sergeant". GhMovieFreak. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
- ^ "GENESIS CHAPTER "X" (1978)". BFI. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017.
- ^ "Films". MIFF 2020.
- ^ "Ato yanney's old simpson series shows on cine afrik". June 2014.
- ^ "Cine Afrik announces special programming for Independence Day". Retrieved 2023-09-03.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Yvonne Yanney". Discogs.
- ^ ""His Majestys Sergeant" Shows at Alliance Francaise".
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