Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has expressed her disappointment in the Ghanaian media for giving overwhelming attention to Tyler Perry’s latest movie Straw, while ignoring homegrown films. In a recent interview, she questioned why her own work doesn’t receive the same level of hype and support.
“Why are we talking about Tyler Perry’s movie when the same attention could boost a Shirley Frimpong-Manso film?” she asked. She cited her recently released film Chasing Lullaby, which premiered on Mother’s Day via her YouTube channel, Sparrow Station, as an example of local storytelling deserving of spotlight.
While Straw sparked global discussion for its portrayal of single-parent struggles, Shirley believes her own film—centered around the experiences of motherhood—is equally compelling. “We’ve made beautiful, thought-provoking films over the years, yet they’re not celebrated locally,” she said.
With over 17 years in the film industry and critically acclaimed titles like Perfect Picture, Scorned, and A Sting in a Tale, Shirley continues to advocate for more support for African cinema. She launched Sparrow Station on February 25, 2025, to distribute and showcase her productions.
Her comments have reignited conversations around media bias and the need to uplift African creatives who consistently deliver quality storytelling.