Artistic expressions with the use of costumes in selected Ghanaian video films: The freedom and responsibilities of the costumier as an artist

Abstract

The increase in advertisements for newly produced films in Ghana is a testament that the Ghanaian film industry has become one of the fastest growing businesses in the country. Contemporary film producers or directors have continued the tradition of their forebears in the use of various traditional visual elements of communication, particularly the use of costumes. Costumes are powerful visual elements employed in film productions for effective characterization and to offer vital narrative cues to viewers. While acknowledging that costumiers have the freedom to express themselves in constructing costumes, both for utilitarian and aesthetic purposes, it is equally important for such artistic expressions to be accompanied by some responsibilities to social norms. Employing a qualitative approach and relying on purposive sampling to sample two Ghanaian video films, this study relied on content analysis to explore how costumes have been used in films. Anchored on the theory of representation, the study contributes to the ongoing debate on the ways in which costumes are used in video film productions. The findings revealed that some costumiers in the third historical phase of film making in Ghana have not articulated their artistic freedoms and equal responsibilities associated with costuming films. This calls for regular in-service training and workshops for costumiers.