McBrown’s ‘Ama’ goes all-Twi

Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown says her upcoming film, Ama, was produced entirely in Twi, with the production deliberately avoiding English dialogue to preserve the authenticity of its Ghanaian setting and story. Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM’s Cruise Control, McBrown said the film was written in Twi and that actors were expected to deliver their lines exactly as contained in the script throughout production. “It’s a typical Ghanaian movie with no single dot of English. The script was scripted in Twi. We went according to the dialogues as in the lines of the script. We never compromised on that,” she said.

According to McBrown, the language choice forms part of the film’s broader creative direction, allowing the characters and issues explored in the story to be presented in a manner that reflects Ghanaian culture and everyday experiences. At the centre of Ama is a young girl determined to pursue her own dreams, but whose aspirations come under pressure from parents who seek to make important decisions on her behalf. McBrown said the story highlights the delicate balance between parental responsibility and allowing young people to develop their own identities and make informed choices. “The story is about a young girl who has a vision, but sometimes your parents want you to do what they want, forgetting that they need to guide you and not impose their decisions on you,” she said.

The film tackles several social issues, including forced marriage, honesty, tradition, parental guidance and respect for the laws of Ghana. Through the experiences of its central character, the production seeks to examine how family expectations, cultural practices and individual aspirations can collide. Beyond its storyline, McBrown said she was particularly excited about the opportunity the film provides for relatively unknown actors to gain exposure. She disclosed that the cast is made up largely of new faces, with herself and actor-comedian Dr Likee serving as the most recognizable personalities in the production. “One thing I love about the movie is that it has new faces, myself and Likee are the only popular faces in the movie,” she said.

McBrown explained that her decision to give emerging actors an opportunity was influenced by the break she received early in her own career. She recalled that Miracle Films gave her an opportunity in 2001, an experience she considers an important part of her journey in the Ghanaian film industry. “I had the opportunity 25 years ago in 2001 from Miracle Films and I am always proud talking about him,” she stated. She said that experience had strengthened her desire to create similar opportunities for others who are seeking their own breakthrough in the creative industry. “I want somebody to feel that way about me too,” she added.

The project therefore represents more than a new acting role for McBrown, combining her celebration of Ghanaian-language storytelling with an effort to introduce fresh talent to a wider audience. Ama is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of activities marking McBrown’s 25 years in Ghana’s entertainment industry. With its all-Twi dialogue, focus on contemporary family and cultural issues and emphasis on emerging performers, the film is positioned as both a celebration of Ghanaian storytelling and an opportunity to spotlight a new generation of actors.

By: Joyce Owusu