Leila Djansi warns against Ghanaian filmmakers’ obsession with Netflix

Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi has cautioned local filmmakers against over-reliance on Netflix, arguing that the platform is not the ultimate solution for building a sustainable film career.

Speaking on her social media page, Djansi explained that Netflix deals can often be restrictive and not lucrative enough for smaller markets. “Why are Ghanaians always overly excited about Netflix?

In other territories, filmmakers are rejecting Netflix minimum guarantees because they’re too low and rights-restrictive,” she said.

Djansi further noted that Netflix’s focus has shifted toward IP-driven content such as comics, novels, sequels, and celebrity documentaries, often favoring South African projects over those from smaller African markets.

“Netflix is NOT the golden ticket. And they are focused on South African content these days,” she added.

She also criticized the lack of transparency in Netflix contracts, highlighting the absence of detailed accounting or revenue breakdowns.

“Is Netflix even giving you accounting? No backend. No revenue waterfall. For a filmmaker chasing a career, that’s not how you build longevity,” Djansi said.

Drawing on her personal experience, Djansi revealed that she has handled Netflix deals since 2014, using time-limited licenses and then selling her films to other platforms to maximize revenue.

“Some of my titles have not yet even streamed in Africa. I am still holding out for a good deal,” she stated.

Djansi concluded that filmmakers must focus on long-term distribution strategies, including a mix of cinema, TV, subscription-based streaming, and ad-supported platforms, rather than chasing the allure of a single streaming platform.