Culture

Zambia’s first feature film on Netflix set for release

Published

1 year ago

August 25, 2023

Zambian’s first ever film to be featured on global streaming platform, Netflix, will be released on Sunday, August 27, according to a press release by the outfit.

The movie is the first feature film out of Zambia to hit the global platform, Netflix on 27th August 2023. Set your reminders on Netflix and enjoy this one-of-a-kind story out of Africa to the world.

The movie, “Can you see us?” written by one of Zambia’s most prolific and legendary script writers, Lawrence Thompson, was filmed in Zambia in 2021 with a cast of over 150 actors and crew members, with Kenny Roc Mumba, a recipient of the renowned Lories Award and Promax Award, directing, and produced by multiple award winning a pan-African producer, Yasmin Dodia.

According to a profile of the film,”Can You See Us?” tells the true life story of a young boy named Joseph who has albinism and emphasises the various difficulties he encounters as he grows older and how music and love help him to cope with them.

“It is a suspenseful tale of variety and self-discovery that is both inspirational and aspirational. The movie’s emotional appeal touches everyone’s heartstrings and inspires a shift in perception of others around the world who are albino. The story transcends the boundaries of culture, religion, race, and nationality,” it says.

“Produced by Yasmin Dodia, one of few female pan-African producers with unwavering passion for African stories, her pursuit of excellence, and her ability to create authentic and impactful content that continues to inspire and captivate audiences while leaving a lasting impression.”

Dodia, who also spoke on the film, said:

“To add an element of authenticity to the scene, we asked a random actor to portray the character’s father. Little did we know that this decision would lead to an unexpected revelation.

“As the audition unfolded, Thabo, the young girl we had brought in, blew everyone away. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, confirming the producers’ instincts were spot on.

“But what shocked us even more was the unexpected talent of the random actor we had chosen to play the father. His portrayal surpassed all the other candidates we had shortlisted. It was clear that fate had intervened, and we had stumbled upon an incredible duo that would bring our story to life in ways we could never have imagined.

“Can You See Us” is a film that challenges preconceived notions, explores the depths of human connection and delves into the complexities of perception.

“It is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the unconventional. Through this story, we aim to shed light on the experiences of those living with albinism, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding,” she added.

The upcoming release of the feature film is coming barely a month after Netflix released Africa’s first-ever original animated series “Supa Team 4,” created by Zambian writer, Malenga Mulendema.

Related Topics:Featured Film Movie Netflix Zambia

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”