Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr, also known simply as Ato Yanney (born 22 January 1933, in the central region of Ghana) was an independent film maker and one of the pioneers of Ghana movie industry.

Education

He studied screenplay writing and directing at the London School of Film Technique. He later obtained a degree in film critique and appreciation.^[1] He studied at the Feature and Documentary Film Studios in Poland.^[2]

Career

He worked as a local recruit in the United Kingdom at the Ghana High Commission.^[3] He wrote short stories that were broadcast on BBC Home Service.^[2] Example's that can be cited are the Ominous sneeze^[4] and It came from Heaven^[5] Ato returned to Ghana and joined the Ghana Film Industry in 1963. He later became the head of production of the corporation. He mooted an idea that became the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).^[2] And as a consultant with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

Achievements

During the centenary of world cinema, he was awarded with a Certificate of Distinction in Scriptwriting. He was awarded with a GAFTA Osagyefo citation for promoting pan-Africanism.^[2] He was honored for contributing to the development of the Ghanaian Film Industry in film production and directing at the 40th anniversary of the industry.^[2]

Family life

He married Mrs. Paulina Yanney née Amegayibor, in the early 1970s, and the marriage was blessed with four children, Papa, Ato Yanney Jnr.^[14] Bianca and Kofi. He was previously married in England to Margaret Mead of blessed memory, and the affair produced three children by name Yvonne Yanney,^[15] Sidney and Velma.

Death

He died on the 10th April 2011 at the Tema General Hospital (Ghana) after a short illness.^[16]

References