Spotlight: Ama Ampadu - Championing Diverse Voices in Film at BFI Filmmaking Fund
Ama Ampadu, a Ghanaian native raised in north London, serves as the senior production and development executive at the BFI Filmmaking Fund. She transitioned to this role after working as an independent producer on international films, such as Yared Zeleke’s Lamb, which made history as the first Ethiopian film to screen at Cannes in Un Certain Regard in 2015. Ampadu manages approximately 40 projects, many of which are debut works, at various stages of development, including Bijan Sheibani’s The Arrival and Babak Jalali’s A Town In Nova Scotia. She is currently a member of the 2026 Critics’ Week jury at Cannes.
The BFI office where Ampadu works is a bustling, welcoming, and creative space that fosters a strong sense of community among colleagues. The office features hot desks that allow for interaction with different team members and a hybrid work culture that combines office and remote work days. This setup enables flexibility for tasks like script reading while maintaining a collaborative environment.
When Ampadu arrives at the office, she typically kicks off her day with meetings, grabbing a coffee before joining either virtual or in-person discussions. Her journey in the film industry began as a set intern, followed by various freelance production roles post-graduation. She credits her friends for their support and assistance in networking and housing, which helped alleviate living expenses during her early career.
Ampadu finds joy in her job's emphasis on risk-taking, supporting diverse narratives, and recognizing film as a public good. She takes pride in the success of the films she has worked on, such as Mark Jenkin’s Rose Of Nevada and the directorial debuts showcased at Cannes. Cannes Film Festival holds a special place in her heart, offering a platform to engage with the global film industry and celebrate Black women filmmakers through the inclusion department's annual lunch event.
In her professional journey, Ampadu values connecting with equity financiers who champion unique voices and original stories, especially from debut filmmakers. She acknowledges the challenges in the industry, from financing to distribution, and the importance of sustaining businesses across the value chain to foster creativity and innovation.
Growing up, Ampadu admired Spike Lee's Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing. If not in the film industry, she envisions working in an art gallery. Currently reading Toni Morrison's The Source Of Self-Regard, Ampadu unwinds by listening to music, exploring art galleries, and dining out. In a hypothetical biopic of her life, she envisions director Mati Diop capturing her story, with Diop potentially choosing the actress to portray Ampadu.
In conclusion, Ama Ampadu's journey in the film industry reflects her passion for supporting diverse voices, taking creative risks, and fostering a collaborative environment within the BFI. Her dedication to amplifying unique narratives and connecting with industry stakeholders underscores her commitment to advancing the art of filmmaking.