Reels of Praise: 20 Years of Grace – The Farmhouse Story

By Peter Martey Agbeko

When lights dim, voices hush and the first frame flickers onto the screen, there is an unmistakable hush – a blend of anticipation and shared memory.

For two decades, Farmhouse Productions has invited Ghanaian audiences into that sacred space between dream and reality, crafting stories that entertain, educate and ultimately elevate the human spirit.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Christian Service Church, East Legon, friendships will be rekindled and legacies honoured as Farmhouse marks its 20th anniversary with a thanksgiving music concert themed Reels of Praise; 20 Years of Grace – anchored in Psalm 100:4 and beginning at 5pm.

In many ways, this celebration is equally a tribute to one man’s vision: Ivan Kwakuvi Quashigah, the Ghanaian filmmaker whose childhood in Keta – surrounded by buzzing cinema halls and vibrant community performances – kindled a lifelong love of storytelling.

Born on December, 28, 1966, Ivan’s cinematic journey took him from the dusty streets of the Volta Region to the hallowed halls of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Accra, where he studied directing and scriptwriting. He further honed his leadership skills with an Executive Master’s degree in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA Graduate School – a combination of creativity and leadership that would come to define his work.

But long before Farmhouse existed, Ivan cut his teeth in the creative sector – spending more than a decade in the advertising and production departments of Mullen Lowe Lintas Ghana where he eventually became Executive Director of Advantage Productions, a subsidiary of the group. That period refined his mastery of visual communication and storytelling, shaping a generation of youth-centric narratives before he ventured into independent production.

Founded in 2006, Farmhouse Productions began as a bold bet on Ghana’s creative potential – a belief that stories rooted in local experience could resonate far beyond our borders. Over the years, Farmhouse has become synonymous with high-impact television, social relevance and technical excellence. From television commercials and documentaries to serial dramas and full-length features, the company’s portfolio reflects not only artistic versatility but a sincere commitment to social impact.

Among its watershed achievements are the youth series “Things We Do for Love” and its spiritual successor, “YOLO (You Only Live Once)”. These series did more than entertain; they shaped conversations about adolescence, health, relationships and responsibility. YOLO, in particular, garnered critical acclaim – winning seven out of eight awards at the 2016 Ghana Movie Awards and positioning Farmhouse as a production house capable of marrying purpose with popularity.

Farmhouse has also collaborated with major local and international partners – including MTN Ghana, Tullow Oil, UNDP, Ford Foundation and development agencies – producing content that carries both brand messaging and human narratives. Its reality-show offerings such as MTN Hit-maker Seasons 1 – 3 and TV3 Talented Kidz have spotlighted emerging talent, while documentary work has inspired action on pressing societal challenges.

In response to the global pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Farmhouse demonstrated its adaptability yet again by launching the Farmhouse Movies App – a bold pivot into digital distribution that sustained creative output and safeguarded jobs during uncertain times.

Beyond content creation, Ivan’s influence has grown to encompass leadership within the wider film ecosystem. In August 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the National Film Authority (NFA) – the statutory body responsible for regulating, promoting and supporting Ghana’s film industry under the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935). In this role, he pledges to elevate local storytelling while strengthening industry standards and opportunities for filmmakers nationwide.

Yet, as Farmhouse reaches this 20-year milestone, those who know Ivan best describe him not merely as a visionary director or an executive but as a mentor, a community builder, and a custodian of stories that reflect the best of Ghanaian life. His career – spanning advertising, television and film – has earned more than 18 local and international accolades, including prestigious festival awards.

As the lights go up on January 10, and voices fill the sanctuary with music of thanksgiving and praise, Farmhouse Productions will celebrate more than longevity.

It will celebrate grace: the grace of creativity that refuses to be confined by convention; the grace of resilience through industry shifts and global upheavals; and the grace of community – artists, partners, staff and audiences – united by a shared belief in the power of storytelling.

For Ivan Kwakuvi Quashigah and the many who have walked with him, the last 20 years have been a reel of memories -triumphs and trials alike – worthy of praise. And as the cameras roll into the next act, one thing is clear: the story is far from over.

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