Hajia Hawa Meizongo
- Born Year
- Position Queen Mother of The Hausa Society in Accra
My Story
Born into a family of journalists including my late father who was amongst the early operators of the Hausa service at the GBC. Born in “Caolin” and an avid lover of cinema with a knack for good stories. Owns a personal library with films from around the world.
I informed my husband about my desire to produce a film. He asked if I had a script and I wrote “Gyagbele” and looked for people to help me produce. Luckily, I met some amazing people at Ghana Films who helped me bring it to life. This was followed by “Who’s Fault”, a blockbuster featuring McJordan Amartey, centered on family drama and rural-urban migration which was a prevalent phenomenon at the time. All my stories are family stories, I cherish those types of stories more than action films. I relate better to them.
At the time we sent our films to Ghana Films for 2 weeks but my second film, Who’s Fault, was so successful it screened for six weeks at the Ghana Films theatre and then continued screening at Rex Cinemas. I have about 26 productions to my credit.
Working as a full-time producer was extremely challenging and tedious. No help from the government or anyone. I produced my films, run promos and ads, printed posters and sent then sent it to Ghana Films who screened it for a 45-55 split. 45% tax-free for Ghana films and 55% subjected to tax deductions went to the producer. Selling videotapes after the cinema runs was very challenging. Finding buyers and dealing with piracy issues were extremely demanding. This impeded progress. Passion was what fuelled us.
The film industry is sinking although the situation compared to our time, appears to be slightly better. I think this is the most comfortable time for this job. A producer, to some extent, has more options now to recoup their investment. One can produce a film and instead of screening, decide to sell the rights to their film to movie distributors and streaming platforms and move on to another project.
ProducSon can be quite catastrophic financially. It’s a very risky business. For instance, taking a loan for a film and then having a low turnout. UlSmate disaster.
I want all my movies to be preserved so that my work and names will transcend Sme. I’m ever ready for what is required on my part.
My Awards
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YearFilm of the Year in Ghana Films Award
My Filmography
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1995Gyagbele as Producer
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YearWho’s Fault as Producer
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YearShadow in the Dar as Producer
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YearOpen Minded as Producer
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YearMoney Swine as Producer
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YearIndecent Favor as Producer
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YearReign as Producer
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YearBreaking the Rule as Producer
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YearDangerous Twins as Producer
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YearPart of Me as Producer
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YearLove is Wicked as Producer
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YearTill Death as Producer
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YearGambling with Marriage as Producer
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YearAgainst My Wish as Producer