Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Shirley Frimpong-Manso was born on March 16, 1977, in Kwahu Pepease in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

In 2000, Frimpong-Manso graduated from the National Film and Television Institute, also known as NAFTI, in Ghana. Shortly thereafter, she worked as a presenter at Radio Gold, a private station in Accra.

In 2003, Frimpong-Manso took a significant leap by establishing Sparrow Productions, marking the beginning of her journey as an influential filmmaker.

Through her work, Frimpong-Manso aims to tell progressive African stories from an authentic African perspective. Recognizing the need for change in how Ghana was portrayed in films, she became determined to challenge existing stereotypes and narratives. Frimpong-Manso's films often feature fierce female leads, depicting African women as empowered individuals capable of leading complex lives and being the primary breadwinners for their families.

In 2013, Frimpong-Manso was ranked as the 48th most influential person in Ghana by E.tv Ghana. At the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards, she received the prestigious Best Director award, solidifying her position as a talented filmmaker. Additionally, her movie "A Sting in a Tale" earned recognition for the Best Soundtrack award at the same event. The film "A Sting In A Tale" also won the Audience Favorite-Narrative Feature award at the 18th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival.

Frimpong-Manso is a principal of Sparrow Station, a video streaming service that showcases African entertainment from Sparrow Productions and other African film producers. This platform contributes to the accessibility and exposure of African cinema, furthering its recognition on a global scale. In December 2019, her movie "Potato Potahto" became available for streaming on Netflix, further solidifying her position as a prominent filmmaker with international appeal.

In both her personal and professional life, Frimpong-Manso has found a strong collaborator in her husband, Ken Attoh. They share a child together and have successfully merged their talents to create compelling and impactful films.