Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s ‘Agency for the Dead’ set for October 30 release

Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso is set to premiere her latest film, "Agency for the Dead," in cinemas on October 30, 2026. Produced by Sparrow Studios, the haunted comedy will be shown initially at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra Mall and West Hills Mall, followed by screenings at other venues nationwide, including the University of Cape Coast campus.

The cast includes Joselyn Dumas, Yvonne Okoro, Omari Dwamena, George Quaye, Rhoda Ampene, David Dontoh, Mawuli Gavor, and Anita Erskine. Frimpong-Manso, who wrote and directed the film, describes it as a comedic departure from her previous works, inspired by ghost stories and traditional Ghanaian beliefs about the supernatural. The plot revolves around two sisters who create fake ghost encounters to avoid eviction; their plan takes an unexpected turn when they inadvertently summon real supernatural entities, leading to a series of chaotic events as they attempt to seal the gateway between the living and the dead.

Frimpong-Manso emphasizes the film's comedic potential, stating it may be the funniest movie her team has produced. She acknowledges the challenge of crafting humor, noting that inducing laughter is a significant undertaking. This release adds to her prolific body of work, which includes films like "The Perfect Picture," "A Sting in a Tale," "Adams Apples," "6 Hours to Christmas," "Contract," "Potomanto," "Love or Something Like That," "Rebecca," and "Potato Potahto."

Her films often explore themes of relationships, family, social expectations, and contemporary Ghanaian life, earning her recognition from the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Beyond "Agency for the Dead," Frimpong-Manso is collaborating with filmmaker Peter Sedufia on "The 70 Slate," a trilogy of films marking Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary in 2027. The project, a collaboration between Sparrow Studios and OldFilm Productions, will delve into themes such as migration, independence, and modern society, with episodes scheduled for release in December 2026, July 2027, and December 2027.