Barnflix Nights: Cedric Bansah’s Intimate Film Experience at Barn Door
In this episode of `Those Who Gather`, we talk to Cedric Bansah, the host of Barnflix — Accra’s weekly film night at Barn Door Beergarden. From trivia quizzes and popcorn breaks to unhurried conversations after the credits roll, Barnflix is redefining how we gather around cinema.
The Essentials
Hello, welcome to "Those who Gather". Can you tell us your name and what you host on Gaderin?
My name is Cedric Bansah. I host Barnflix at Barn Door Beergarden every Wednesday at 7pm.
Give us the backstory. How did this all begin?
I saw a tweet from Kevin, the event organizer working with the Nyaniba group, asking to get in touch with any film enthusiasts who had clout. I reached out to him to put my name in the hat and we set up a meeting with one of the marketing managers for a pitch.
What’s the experience really like — beyond the promo caption?
Barnflix is a warm and unhurried room of strangers and friends sharing a story, reacting together, and staying to talk long after the credits. Beyond experiencing the carefully curated stories, it’s also about feeling part of a small, fleeting community.
Style, Vibes & Rituals
Walk us through a hosting day — what’s your routine?
- Make my way to the venue at least 2 hours before the event starts.
- When I get there, I check on reservations and compile the ones I received from my DMs and from Gaderin, with the calls made to the Barn Door front desk.
- I set up the connection from my laptop to all 3 TV screens and the projector screen.
- I cue up the film of the day, its poster, and all other files I need for the screening including but not limited to Thank You and Intermissions cards.
- I do a sound check to make sure the film audio is great and my mic is working ok.
- At 7pm, I welcome my guests and introduce the film.
- Before I roll, I engage them in a mini trivia quiz with free popcorn prizes.
- Halfway through the film, I skip to the Intermission cards to give the audience enough time to visit the bathroom or order some food if they have to. I use this break to get interactive with the audience and ask them questions about the film and what they’ve observed so far.
- Intermission ends after 7 minutes and the movie resumes.
- At the end of the movie, I go round to get some audience thoughts and reactions to the film before I close the show.
What do you wear when you host? Do you have a go-to style or signature look?
I wear what I’m comfortable with in my personal style.
What music sets the tone for your sessions?
Glad that you asked this. It depends on my mood for the day, but if the film has a really good soundtrack, I play songs from the movie’s music album. Otherwise, whatever I’m listening to that day is what sets the tone.
Signature scent, drink, or pre-hosting ritual?
The smell of popcorn from Barn Door’s kitchen is definitely a signature scent.
Mind Behind the Moment
What inspired this experience — and what do you want people to feel?
Barnflix was inspired by a love for films that spark conversation, and by the desire to create a welcoming space outside the usual cinema. A place where people can slow down, share a story, and leave feeling both moved by the film and connected to the people around them.
What’s the most unexpected thing a guest has ever said or done?
When I screened Moonlight (2015), one of my guests let out a scream of shock when the handjob scene came on 😂.
How do you keep things fresh every time?
I craft the trivia questions around interesting details behind the plot of the movies or behind-the-scenes moments from filming, press, or pre-production.
Off-Duty
What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday in Accra?
Doing any kind of chill activity with my friends is perfect for me. Doesn’t matter the theme or vibe as long as we’re doing it together.
What local spot do you swear by that’s still kind of under the radar?
Palm Moments at Asylum Down.
Frozen Spoon at Kass Towers, Airport Residential Area.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am Awkwafina’s biggest hater.
Big Picture
What does “gathering differently” mean to you?
For me, “gathering differently” is about creating spaces where people can connect through shared experiences. At Barnflix, that means small, intentional film screenings that invite conversation, spark curiosity, and make the audience feel part of something rather than just spectators. It also means building a platform for the next generation of filmmakers, giving their work a place to be seen, discussed, and appreciated.
In a sentence, why should someone book your experience?
Because Barnflix offers an intimate, thoughtfully curated movie night where the connections you make are as memorable as the movie itself.
Hosting in one word?
Challenging.
Book a spot for the next Barnflix movie night FOR FREE at thegaderin.com/barnflix