In a revealing interview on Joy News’ The Career Trail show, monitored by News and Vibes, actress and producer Yvonne Nelson shared a powerful story of how her commitment to speaking out against the wrongs in the Ghanaian film industry nearly led to the collapse of her career.
According to Nelson, her outspokenness about issues in the industry, especially regarding gender bias, made her a target for the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG).
Nelson explained that her criticism, particularly her refusal to stay silent about on-set challenges, drew the ire of industry leaders, mostly male figures who were not used to a woman challenging the status quo.
She was banned from the association for what they deemed her “complaints” and her refusal to accept what she felt was an unjust system.
“The more I spoke up about issues, the more resistance I met,” she said. “They didn’t want me to rock the boat. The message was clear: If you’re a woman and you voice dissatisfaction, you’re a problem. I was being made an example of, but I wasn’t going to remain silent.”
Faced with this opposition, Nelson refused to let the ban define her. Rather than letting the industry’s harsh actions crush her spirit, she took it as a challenge to redefine her future. “I didn’t want to be a victim of circumstances. So, I decided to produce my own films,” she recalled.
Determined to make her mark, Nelson launched her own film production company and began creating films on her terms.
She met Kelvin Kobri, who believed in her vision and became an integral part of her new journey, helping fund her early film projects.
These films marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing Nelson to take full control over her career and the narratives she wanted to tell.
Despite the immense financial and emotional sacrifices involved, Nelson’s decision to pursue her own projects paid off, carving out a space for herself in an industry that once tried to silence her.
Looking back, she sees the struggle as a pivotal moment that shaped her into the successful producer she is today.
“I’ve always believed in standing up for myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” she said. “Today, I’m not just an actress; I’m a creator, and I’m proud of what I’ve built.”
Source: NewsandVibes.com
