Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, is once again pushing boundaries with his upcoming film Ibrahim Traoré — a bold cinematic project inspired by true events from Burkina Faso.
Lilwin made it clear that Ibrahim Traoré is more than just entertainment; it’s a mission to spotlight Africa’s untold stories in an interview with Graphic Showbiz.
“Ibrahim Traoré isn’t just a film, it is based on a true story from Burkina Faso. I want the world to see Africa’s richness, just like with my last movie, A Country Called Ghana, which is streaming on Amazon now,” he said.
The actor, who previously spent $300,000 on A Country Called Ghana, revealed that while that project made waves, it still demanded more for global recognition.
For Lilwin, aiming high in filmmaking means investing beyond typical local budgets.
“You can’t expect success on a shoestring budget. A Country Called Ghana cost around $300,000, yet even that required more for promotion. International standards demand serious investment.
“You can’t expect to achieve that with just a few thousands of cedis,” he explained.
According to him, achieving international appeal isn’t just about telling a story — it’s about quality at every level. From selecting the right locations and costumes to casting the best actors, every element must meet global expectations.
“Challenges are inevitable when you aim high. TV or YouTube releases are easier, but aiming for international platforms is a different ball game. Every detail — costumes, locations, actors — had to be perfect and it is not easy at all,” he emphasized.
Lilwin also revealed that the production faced several hurdles, including attempts to sabotage the project, but his team remained focused.
“During filming, we faced unexpected setbacks, resource shortages, even attempts to stop the film’s release.
“But true passion pushes you through. That’s what it takes to create something meaningful,” he said.
