OUR CREW
Victoria Aryee Twum-Gyamrah is an archaeologist, performing artist and an art and cultural heritage enthusiast.
I am concerned with creating #StoriesThatMatter, and bringing to the fore the contributions of Ghana and West Africa to human development. Working with the Department of Archaeology & Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, I employ knowledge and skill from my three passions to tutor and add value to the discipline of Archaeology.
Vickee holds an MPhil in Archaeology and a BA in Archaeology and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, and is working on her PhD there.
Rebecca Oheneasah is an independent filmmaker and Dean of Studies at the University of Media Arts & Communications (UniMAC). She has 20 years of experience working in Ghana’s film industry as a director, producer and production manager and teaching young filmmakers.
I am interested in history, documentary and ethnographic filmmaking contextualized within the issues of representation, race, identity and Pan Africanism, and in how they feed into Ghana's film industry.
Rebecca holds a PhD in Visual Anthropology from the University of Ghana, a MFA in Documentary Studies & Production from Hofstra University, a BFA in Film Directing from NAFTI and a Post-graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Abena Lotus is an educationalist, business woman and humanitarian. She promotes Wisdom Boxing Gym and Girl Box, is a travel consultant and planner, and has worked with several NGOs (INSPYA, Reachout World Missions, Ghana Red Cross Society).
I am a zealous and inquisitive. My interest in understanding human societies and love for volunteerism led me to Bɛnpaali.
Abena holds a MPhil in Archaeology
& Heritage Studies and a BA in Archaeology and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana.
Daniel K. Azumah is an animator, graphic designer and a product of Achimota Senior High School and the National Film and
Television Institute (NAFTI).
He is currently teaching animation at NAFTI while developing his own films.
I like to solve problems and extend my help to people where I can, such as by helping young people express themselves freely no matter the limitations that may come their way. Being on the Bɛnpaali team allows me to do just that.
Daniel holds a BFA in Animation from NAFTI (National Film + TV Institute), now the University of Media, Arts and Communication).
Mawuli Dagadu currently teaches at UniMAC and partly works as a line producer and production manager for television.
Benpaali isn't only a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their films. It is a safe space for self-taught and professional filmmakers to share their experiences without any sense of unworthiness. It is a family, a community of open-minded filmmakers ready to consume knowledge from the learned and the experienced. And this is where I belong.
Mawuli holds a BA from NAFTI (National Film + TV Institute), now the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
Zonke Guddah is a researcher of cultural heritage, ethnography, and archaeology, and has been involved with several archaeological studies across Ghana. Interacting with and learning from people from diverse backgrounds is an element that enriches her progress and personality.
Benpaali is a platform that provides the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and to impact society through film and filmmaking. I think of it as an incredible way to involve not just myself and the team but everyone from all over the world. I love films, music, reading books and to travel to learn about other cultures. I believe films simply mirror society by either depicting or predicting human relations and issues. Ultimately, volunteering with Bɛnpaali has helped develop my organizational and presentation skills as an individual.
Zonke holds an MPhil in Archaeology and a B.A in Archaeology with Psychology from the University of Ghana, and is working on her PhD at the University of Victoria.
Susan Wilcox is an educator, ethnographer, photographer, and designer. Through SEW Consulting, she collaborates in the creation of humanizing pedagogy and projects rooted in social justice. She previously held a teaching & research appointment at the University of Ghana, Legon (Department of Archaeology & Heritage Studies).
Benpaali is the sweet synergy of my love for art and culture, young people's power, Pan Africanism, and justice.
Susan holds a EdD in Curriculum & Teaching (Teachers College, Columbia University), an EdM in Educational Technology (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and a BFA in Communications Design & Photography (Parsons School of Design/The New School).