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Award-winning actress, Ama K. Abebrese says Ghanaian actors should have different accents to get international movie roles.
She made this comment after movie director Leila Djansi’s advice that Ghanaian actors should learn to switch their accents to secure more roles in the West.
In an interview with Accra based radio, Leila Djansi, urged African actors to learn to switch their accents before seeking international jobs.
According to the 'Sinking Sands' director, speaking with an African accent during auditions in the West can go against an actor. She added that she has lost several jobs due to her African accent.
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Her comments have, however, gotten many talking and some saying she is asking African actors to change their identity by trying to behave like westerners.
However, actress Ama K. Abebrese stated that she understands the “Sinking Sands” director adding that she has seen auditions like that.
“I understand where Leila is coming from. Because, the reality of the matter is when you are in LA, Hollywood, sometimes you get that cast profile and they say American or UK accent or we’re looking for someone with a Jamaican or Ghanaian accent and I have been to auditions like that. For her as a director to say that, there is nothing wrong with it,” she said.
Ama K. Abebrese was quick to add that the situation does not apply to everyone.
She mentioned names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Djimon Hounsou among others who have the same accents in movies adding if actors can learn different languages, it gives them a better chance when auditioning.