Ghanaians just simply lack a sense of appreciation - Peter Sedufia writes

I think most Ghanaians just simply lack a sense of appreciation. We're all after the money, to be honest. A lot of the time, film industry folks complain that people have links and accesses but keep it all to themselves and don't share.

Let me tell you why they keep it to themselves: we're unappreciative.

Someone told me this when I started filmmaking as a newbie, but I never understood. 

In 2017, I discovered a South African distribution firm, and we started a good relationship. I wasn't selfish with this discovery. I shared with my fellow filmmakers, and now, that distribution company has become a go-to company for almost all Ghanaian filmmakers. 

About 50% of Ghanaian films you see on Netflix, apart from mine, I secured distribution deals for them. I just don't talk about that.

Some also went directly to the distribution firm, although a number of them later came back to me when they didn't get a response. 

In all these, none of these folks have reached out to say, "Oh, Peter, when are you available, I want to buy you lunch to say thanks." Or, even, just a tiny present. 

That gesture alone will remind me of your thoughtfulness and, hence, my willingness to share other contacts with you. Of course, I'll most likely say, "It's okay, it doesn’t matter."  

This is a very common practice in business. But people don't want to spend even a penny of what they're making on the person(s) that created the opportunity for them.

I'm not even asking for an envelope oo. Because, if I'm expecting something from you in terms of money, I'll discuss it with you before the deal even starts. 

Even the SINGLE person (name withheld for later) whom I first introduced to my agent and agreed to a 5% commission with has still not honoured his pledge after 4 years. He's had quite a good success with distribution and even got a deal with Netflix, which later was renewed for additional years. But still, my 5% commission yaamutu. When I asked, he said when he got paid, something came up for him, and he put mine on hold. We're talking about deals that have realised him more than Ghc 300,000. Lol

Ladies and Gentlemen, at this point, tell me if you have contacts, you'd share with such a person? 

He's a good example of "Why not to help people."

Please, industry folks, appreciating people who come through for you doesn’t take away from you; it only opens further doors. Normalise and make it a habit!