Big Ghun's 'Vibes The Movie' lands five REFFA nominations, continues international run

Ghanaian filmmaker Nicholas "Big Ghun" Nartey has achieved a significant milestone for local cinema as his debut feature film, Vibes The Movie, earned five nominations at the 2026 Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA). The production from PB Studios Africa has been recognised across comedy, filmmaking craft and technical categories, marking another major international recognition for the project.

The film received nominations for Best Comedy Film, Best Ghanaian Film, Best Debut Film, Achievement in Sound and Achievement in Soundtrack. Nartey himself is individually recognised in three categories: Best Debut Film, Achievement in Sound and Achievement in Soundtrack, underscoring his multifaceted contribution to the production.

Announced at an event at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Friday, October 9, the nominations were part of REFFA's showcase of African storytelling and creative talent. The festival's 2026 theme, "Reimagining Africa: Stories beyond Borders," focuses on connecting African narratives with global audiences—a mission that aligns directly with Vibes The Movie's trajectory.

What the film is about

Written and directed by Big Ghun, Vibes The Movie blends comedy, rap and dramatic elements to tell the story of two friends navigating unemployment and low-wage work. When they attempt to escape their circumstances, they embark on unpredictable business ventures that drive the film's narrative. The cast includes Big Ghun and Jeffrey Nortey in lead roles, alongside popular Ghanaian entertainers Clemento Suarez, Aaron Adatsi, Feli Nuna, Giovani Caleb and Krymi Music.

The film expands a web series concept featuring characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui into a full-length feature rooted in contemporary Ghanaian life, touching on themes of friendship, ambition and the pressures of self-improvement.

Building momentum in 2026

The REFFA nominations cap a remarkable year for the production. Earlier in 2026, Vibes The Movie won an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in February and claimed Best Comic Film at the Ghana Comedy Awards. The film was also nominated for Best African Film and Best Ghallywood Film at the 2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival in Canada, demonstrating its appeal across multiple international platforms.

Perhaps most significantly, the film became available on Amazon Prime Video in the United States and United Kingdom, marking a major breakthrough for Ghanaian cinema. The global streaming release provides Ghanaian diaspora audiences and international viewers with easy access to the production, with further expansion planned.

Why it matters for Ghana

Big Ghun's success represents a growing wave of Ghanaian filmmakers gaining international recognition and distribution. While Nollywood (Nigerian cinema) has long dominated African film conversations globally, Ghallywood productions are increasingly competing at major film festivals and securing streaming deals that validate the quality and appeal of local storytelling.

The REFFA nominations signal that Ghanaian comedy and creative narratives resonate with continental audiences and film industry professionals. For emerging filmmakers and production studios in Ghana, this success demonstrates a viable pathway to international markets without necessarily relocating or abandoning local creative identity.

Additionally, the film's themes around economic pressures and entrepreneurship reflect real challenges many young Ghanaians face, making it culturally relevant while remaining entertaining enough to succeed internationally. As Ghana's film industry seeks to compete with regional neighbours and establish itself as a creative hub, productions like Vibes The Movie showcase both artistic merit and commercial potential.