Black Star: Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Gone are the days when watching African movies meant, -lots of screaming, intangible pigeon English, 'over-the -top-acting, actresses rolling their eyes -strangely, angry people and women in submissive roles. Well, thankfully, the aforementioned issues are in the past -and a new dawn is being heralded by Ghana's own, Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Sparrow Productions) -of, 'Different Shades of Blue -fame. The director/writer/producer -of , 'Perfect Picture' (above) and past favourites like, - ‘Life and Living It’, and ‘Scorned’, - Shirley's modern and relevant films are a 'must see'. From the perfect lighting, to the gripping storyline and the talented actors -the quality of Shirley's films are a breath of fresh air -and she and Sparrow Production -are enjoying critical and commercial success across Africa, Europe and America. So, add a must watch, 'Perfect Picture' -to your to do list -the gripping tale (of friendship between three seemly perfect women) has all the twists and turns of a good drama, -and stars the cream of Ghana cinema, -Adjetey Annang; Chris Attoh, Kweku Sintim-Misa, Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson, Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku and Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong. Fabulous...xx

Black Star: Amma Asante

I was introduced to Amma Asante by a director friend of my -many moons ago. Sweet and unaffected, this multi talented lady -is pretty fabulous. An actress ('Birds of a Feather', Desmond's, Veronica, The Bill and off cause Grange Hill), writer ('A Way of Life' and 'Brothers and Sisters'), producer ('Brothers and Sisters') and director (of the award winning 'A Way of Life' -a provocative and bleak” portrayal of working class life in modern Britain. A must see drama about teenage angst -racism, hope and tragedy -it stars Brenda Blethyn and Michael Conway). Amma is not just a competent director, she is also a mean dresser. I have spied this uber groomed beauty out and about (in London) -dressed in high-end apparel with the most fabulous accessories. Keep on keeping Amma.