In Memory · 22 Jan 1933 — 10 Apr 2011
“Great stories don't just entertain — they change perspectives, bridge cultures, and leave a legacy that outlives the screen.”
The Late Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr. — Founder & Film Director
Tribute
A Tribute to the Late Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr.
The Founder
Ato Kwamina
Yanney Snr.
Born on the 22nd January 1933 at Senya Bereku in the Central Region of Ghana, Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr. became one of the most important and pioneering figures in Ghanaian cinema.
He worked at the Ghana High Commission in London in the early 1960s, before enrolling at the Kilburn Polytechnic and the London School of Film Technique to study screenplay writing and directing. He later pursued a degree in film critique and appreciation at the University of London.
During this period he wrote short stories broadcast on BBC Home Service — most notably “The Ominous Sneeze” and “It Came from Heaven.”
20+
Documentaries
1963
Returned to Ghana
2011
His Legacy Lives
Career
Head of Production.
Ghana Film Corp.
In 1963 he returned to Ghana and joined the Ghana Film Industry Corporation, rising to become Head of Production — writing and directing over twenty documentaries in addition to several feature films. He later studied at the Feature and Documentary Film Studios in Poland.
He mooted the idea for the establishment of NAFTI (National Film and Television Institute) and was instrumental in grooming a generation of celebrated Ghanaian film directors — among them Kwaw Ansah, George Bosompim, Ivan Quashigah, and Yaw Boakye.
He was a regular contributor to the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times on social, political and religious issues.
Filmography
Documentaries
- The Market Day
- Cult of Twins
- Population Census
- Golden Pod
- Rainbow Colors
- New Breed
- 20+ additional productions
Features & Screenplays
- His Majesty's Sergeant— Writer / Director
- Death on Wheels— Writer / Director
- The Last Show— Writer / Director
- Genesis Chapter X— Screenplay
- No Tears for Ananse— Screenplay
Recognition & Awards
Award
GAFTA Osagyefo Award
Posthumously, for works promoting Pan-Africanism
Award
Certificate of Distinction
Script writing — Centenary of World Cinema
Award
Ghana Film Industry
Honoured at 40th anniversary celebrations
Award
International Recognition
Awards received in Germany, Australia and Poland
Crew on outdoor location — Tema, Ghana
Flamboyant Damsel Ltd (Films)
The Company Today
Rooted in Ghana.
Resonating worldwide.
Flamboyant Damsel Ltd was established in Tema, Greater Accra — a city at the heart of Ghanaian culture and commerce. Today the company continues the work Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr. began: telling African stories with world-class craft, ambition and care.
Operating across film production, advertising, and events planning, Flamboyant Damsel carries his legacy of authenticity, diversity and uncompromising excellence forward in every project.
Start a ProjectVision
01
To shape culture and conversation by telling powerful African stories and creating experiences that move, connect, and inspire.
Mission
02
We fuse the art of filmmaking with the strategy of advertising and the energy of live events to deliver creative solutions rooted in authenticity, diversity, and excellence.
Ready to create a film, campaign, or live event that carries the spirit of Flamboyant Damsel Ltd (Films) forward?
Start a Project