‘The Burial of Kojo’ makes history as first Ghanaian film to be eligible for Golden Globes

A 2018 drama film set in Ghana dubbed The Burial of Kojo is being considered for a Golden Globe nomination.

The drama, written and directed by Samuel ‘Blitz’ Bazawule, will become the first-ever from the West African country to be considered for the nomination.

The groundbreaking magical realism film was shot on location in Ghana and stars newcomers Cynthia Dankwa, Joseph Otsiman and Kobina Amissah-Sam. Blitz Bazawule produced ‘The Burial Of Kojo’ alongside Ama K Abebrese and Kwaku Obeng Boateng through Africa Film Society.

Bazawule could not hide his job over the recognition.

The news was greeted with a great deal of excitement in the movie sector. One of such icons was award-winning British-Ghanaian actress, television presenter and a producer Ama K Abebrese.

“Ghana has never had a film eligible for Golden Globes before for this category. This is great for filmmakers in Ghana, especially in this significant ‘Year of Return’.

“I hope that this is the door opener for film industry in Ghana to elevate with more films that have a global appeal and also help bring quality collaborations with international studios and partners to grow the film industry,” a visibly elated Abebrese told Face2Face Africa.

The film follows the story of Esi, as she recounts her childhood and the tumultuous relationship between her father, Kojo and her uncle, Kwabena. After Kojo goes missing on an illegal mining expedition, Esi embarks on a magical adventure to rescue her father.

‘The Burial of Kojo’ has been praised as a “Dazzling new film” by the TED Fellows Blog.

After a successful kickstarter campaign that got the attention and support of actor Jesse Williams and filmmaker Ava Duvernay, The Burial Of Kojo made its world premiere at Urbanworld Film Festival on September 21, 2018 at the legendary AMC Empire Theatre in Times Square, NYC.

The film was also selected to open the 2018 edition of Film Africa in London.