Just days before principal photography commenced in Ghana, Icon International was brought into the production to strengthen local operations and oversee the final stages of pre-production. With an international cast and crew due to arrive within days, our role was to establish the local production infrastructure required to deliver a complex overseas shoot with confidence and precision.
Based on the extraordinary true story of Ousman Umar, Viaje al país de los blancos follows a young Ghanaian boy’s journey from his village to Europe, exploring migration, resilience and hope through one of the most remarkable personal stories of recent Spanish cinema. Filming on location in Ghana demanded close collaboration with local communities, authorities and suppliers while remaining sensitive to the cultural authenticity at the heart of the film.
Working across multiple locations, Icon negotiated filming agreements with property owners, tribal elders and government officials, prepared locations ahead of the shooting schedule, coordinated local supporting artists, secured accommodation, organised catering and managed the day-to-day logistics required before the arrival of the international production team. Once filming began, our responsibilities evolved into unit management, coordinating local operations and acting as the principal link between the international production and local crew, suppliers and community representatives.
International productions often rely on experienced local leadership to bridge cultural, logistical and operational challenges. By combining practical production expertise with strong relationships on the ground, Icon helped create the conditions for a smooth and efficient shoot, allowing the filmmakers to focus on bringing this powerful true story to the screen.
Beyond the Film
Our relationship with Ousman did not end when filming was completed. Since working together on Viaje al País de los Blancos, Icon has continued to collaborate with NASCO Feeding Minds, the NGO founded by Ousman to create opportunities for young people in Ghana through digital education.
NASCO builds and supports computer classrooms in rural communities, providing access to technology, information and training, with the wider goal of creating opportunities for young people to build their futures at home. Since 2012, tens of thousands of students have passed through its classrooms.
For Icon, the relationship is a reminder that the stories we help tell can continue long after the cameras stop rolling, building connections and contributing to lasting change.