Looking for the best Ghanaian films can be a challenge so we’ve curated a list to help you choose the right film to watch on a relaxing evening.
The films below feature Ghanaian creatives, cast, crew, or locations. They’re all available to watch right now on a variety of streaming platforms.
The Burial of Kojo (2018)
Writer, composer, and director: Blitz Bazawule
This drama was shot entirely in Ghana. Even though it was filmed on a micro-budget, it features plenty of great new talent and a local Ghanaian crew.
The film tells the story of Kojo and Esi, a father-daughter duo. It’s infused with themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and loss. Kojo is not only left by his brother to die in one of the abandoned mines in Ghana, but Esi does all that she can to save her father. This young, brave girl journeys to the spirit world to try her best to save him, a true mark of unconditional love and sacrifice.
This is why it was awarded the Best Long Narrative Film by the Luxor African Film Festival. In addition, it became the first Ghanaian feature film to premiere in several countries worldwide.
You can stream this film on Netflix.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Starring: Abraham Attah, Jude Akuwudike, Kurt Egyiawan, and Idris Elba
This critically acclaimed war drama captured the hearts of people all over the world. It follows the story of Agu, played by Abraham Attah, who is a child soldier fighting in a civil war in a West-African country. The film depicts Agu’s brutal journey, his tumultuous relationship with the other child soldiers, and conflicts with a fearful commander (Idris Elba).
This is a harrowing yet intriguing story and it’s possibly one of the greatest war films to come out from Africa — and Ghana — in this century. It’s most compelling when it depicts the lives of African children who’ve been forcefully captured and turned into soldiers.
You can stream this film on: HBO Max, Netflix, Starz, Showtime, and CBS All Access.
Like Cotton Twines (2016)
Writer and director: Leila Djansi
This American-Ghanaian drama follows the life of an American teacher named Micha Brown (played by Jay Ellis) who volunteers his services in a small Ghanaian village. However, his American background didn’t prepare him for the social, religious, and other intersectional issues that his students and the community at large face.
Brown tries to prevent one of his promising female students from falling prey to the sex slave trade. It’s a beautiful but sad tale of hope and dreams in a small village.
The strong cast helped propel this film to international screens is a combination of talented, well-known American and Ghanaian actors.
This film can be streamed on Netflix or Amazon.
Azali (2018)
Director: Kwabena Gyansah
This Ghanaian-based drama follows the life of Amina, a 14-year-old girl who wants to escape from an arranged marriage. Growing up in a poverty-stricken household, she’s forced to marry and become the fourth wife of an old man in her small village.
In her desperate attempt to forge a life for herself, she’s sent to Accra in hopes of a better life. There she falls in love with Seidu, but she’s forced into prostitution to survive the harsh realities of her new life. However, Seidu eventually rejects her. The film is an intricate story that shows the hardships that Amina has to endure while she finds herself and her way home.
The unique thing about this film is that it was entered for the Best International Feature Film for the 92nd Academy Awards. Making it the first Oscar feature film to be submitted by Ghana. Even though it didn’t win, the director, Kwabena Gyansah, made a formidable impression on international platforms.
This film can be streamed on Netflix.
Summary
These are the films that have taken the international streaming service by storm, winning an array of local and international awards and have broken records in the film industry.
These acclaimed movies capture the essence of the talent in the Ghanaian film industry. Most importantly, they have launched the careers of many talented actors, directors, and writers. Check them out on the streaming services that have been provided.
