“Some Film Producers Wanted to End My Dreams” – Yvonne Nelson

Ghanaian actress and movie producer Yvonne Nelson has revealed the struggles she faced in the film industry, including attempts by the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) to sabotage her career.

 Yvonne opened up about the challenges she faced, particularly from her outspoken nature and determination to address issues within the industry.

Yvonne explained that her outspokenness led to a ban from FIPAG. “I was banned by a group of men in the industry. They call themselves FIPAG. Something happened on set, and they got together. When you are a woman and you are vocal, when you are unhappy with things around you, and you want to talk about them, people just don’t like that. They feel like you just came into the industry. Why are you talking too much? Why are you complaining so much? That was what I faced because they felt I complained about everything I was unhappy about,” she shared.

In reflecting on the situation, Yvonne stated, “I believe in their minds, they wanted to intimidate me, to end my dreams, to teach me a lesson, and to silence me as a young girl in the industry.” Despite these efforts to undermine her, Yvonne refused to be discouraged.

Following the ban, Yvonne took matters into her own hands by starting her own production company, ‘YN Productions,’ with support from people like Kelvin Kobiri, who is now involved in ministry. “I just decided that I can do my own thing. I can produce my own movies. Why don’t I try? So, I registered a company around that time and started producing my own movies,” she said. She further credited Kelvin for his belief in her, noting that he helped fund her first few films.

However, her journey was far from smooth. Yvonne recounted one of the most painful moments in her career when her first production was stolen during the editing process. “The first production got stolen after editing. Armed robbers entered the editor’s studio and stole all his drives. We lost everything we had shot. I believe it was sabotage. They knew Yvonne, we banned her, what is she doing again? She is producing, okay, we shall see. So, I felt that there was a lot of hate going on in the industry,” she revealed.

Though devastated, Yvonne and her team reshot the entire production at significant cost. Undeterred by these setbacks, Yvonne went on to successfully produce 14 movies, including Kotoka, Heels and Sneakers, and several others. She also teased the upcoming release of her new film, Summer.

Reflecting on her journey, Yvonne acknowledged the difficulties she has faced in the film industry. “For me, I have been through a lot as an actor and producer. I have seen the industry, I have tasted the hate, the greatness, and the goodness. It can be a toxic place. If you are not strong enough, I don’t think you would last,” she concluded.

Last week, The Career Trail program aired the 4th episode of its New Edition, focusing on Yvonne’s early life. The next episode, airing on Saturday, April 5, will dive into her journey as a school owner and author.