A local filmmaker is calling out for community collaboration to diversify Buffalo’s film industry.
Filmmaker and CEO of Anak’s Studios Samuel Anakwah is all about having communities come together to embrace talent within multimedia film production.
“I want all the filmmakers to come together as one so we can bring out the hidden talent from the people in Buffalo,” Anakwah says. “I don’t really see a lot of Black owned production companies. All of the production companies I see are White owned, so being a Black man, or someone from Africa I found it difficult to open it. But I knew where I am definitely going to attract people.”
And it’s all happening inside his Anak’s Studios on Main Street where he’s also offering free lessons to those interested in film.
“Some people don’t have the money to go to school for it. I have the talent, equipment, and the studio, so why not. I just teach them,” he says.
21-year-old Amartey Laryea studies computer information systems.
He shares with 7 News reporter Yoselin Person that once he got a hold of a camera he couldn’t stop learning some skills from Anak’s Studios.