Popular Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, known widely as Lilwin, has revealed that his latest film, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, cost him a staggering $500,000 to produce — making it one of the most expensive self-funded movie projects in the country.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Lilwin opened up about the emotional and financial toll the project has taken on him.
“Captain Ibrahim Traoré took every ounce of effort, money and support I could gather. It has been very financially demanding.
“I had to take out a loan of about $400,000 in addition to my own money as well as help from others, bringing the total to around $500,000,” he shared.
Lilwin, who is known for blending culture, history, and entertainment in his films, explained that many people often underestimate the cost of producing high-quality African films.
“When it comes to filmmaking in Africa, especially in Ghana, we work with specific budgets. Unfortunately, many people do not believe us when we mention how much our movies cost, but it is the truth,” he said.
Comparing the Ghanaian film landscape to others across the continent and beyond, Lilwin pointed out that in Nigeria, some movies now cost over $1 million to produce, and in the West, it’s not unusual for a single film to hit $30 million in production costs.
“If you want your movie to be accepted internationally, you cannot just tell any story. It has to be rich in African culture, our history, our traditions and our folklore.
“That is why I focus on African stories that showcase who we are,” he emphasized.
Lilwin’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré is reportedly inspired by the real-life leader of Burkina Faso, known for his courage and bold approach to leadership.
The film seeks to explore themes of patriotism, resilience, and the modern African identity through a cinematic lens grounded in authenticity.
