Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr.

Ato Kwamina Yanney Sr. (22 January 1933 – 10 April 2011) was an award winning Ghanaian independent filmmaker and one of the pioneers of Ghana film industry.

Education Yanney attended the Kilburn Polytechnic (London), then studied screenplay writing and directing at the London School of Film Technique, and the University of London (E.D). He later obtained a degree in film critique and appreciation. He studied at the Feature and Documentary Film Studios in Poland.

Career Yanney worked as a local recruit in the United Kingdom at the Ghana High Commission. He wrote short stories that were broadcast on BBC Home Service. and It came from Heaven Ato returned to Ghana and joined the Ghana Film Industry in 1963. He later became the head of production of the corporation. He mooted an idea that became the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) on PANAVISION (35MM), the first of its kind in Ghana with the re-mastered and television version (2005) registered under the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). This work has been screened for research purposes at Harvard University Center for African Studies, Southern Methodist University in Dallas and Boston University. Market Day Cult of Twins Population Census Golden Pod Rainbow Colors New Breed Death on Wheels The Last Show Old Simpson Series (writer)

Achievements During the centenary of world cinema, he was awarded with a Certificate of Distinction in Scriptwriting. He was awarded with a GAFTA Osagyefo citation for promoting pan-Africanism. Bianca, and Kofi. He was previously married in England to Margaret Mead, whom he had three children with; Yvonne Yanney, a British Musician, Sidney, and Velma.

Yanney Sr. died after a short illness at Tema General Hospital, on 10 April 2011, at the age of 78.