BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Filmmaker and CEO of Anak's Studios, Samuel Anakwah, is all about embracing talent within multimedia film production. It's all happening inside Anak's Studios on Main Street, where he's offering free lessons to those interested in film.
"I want filmmakers to come together to bring out the hidden talent from the people of Buffalo," said Anakwah. "I don't really see a lot of Black-owned production companies, so being a Black man, I found it difficult to open. Some people don't have the money to go to school for it. I have the talent, equipment, and studio, so why not? I just teach them."
Amartey Laryea studies computer information systems. He says once he got ahold of a camera, he couldn't stop learning new skills from Anak's Studios.
"Throughout a couple of months, I just kind of grew to have a passion for doing it. I just picked up the camera and started working with it," Laryea said. "I feel like it's better working in a team than working alone, and it's much more fun."
Anakwah's sister, Nana Esi Addo, is a publicist at Anak's Studios. She says her brother has always been passionate about film.
"For him to decide to incorporate the people of Buffalo shows how much he wants to be in the community," said Addo. "I'm excited for him. I'm excited for me as well because when my brother goes up, we all go up."
Anakwah hopes many in the Buffalo community will collaborate.
"I want us to come together and show that Buffalo can be the hub for filmmaking today," he said.
If you're interested in film and want to embrace your talent, you can call Anak's Studios at (404) 528-3007.
