Ghanaian cinema reached a historic milestone as The Fisherman, produced by Kofi Owusu-Afriyie of Luu Vision Media, premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, marking Ghana’s first official selection at the esteemed event. Written and directed by Zoey Martinson, the film debuted to a packed, enthusiastic audience, receiving a standing ovation for its powerful storytelling.
Though screened out of competition, The Fisherman garnered significant acclaim, winning the prestigious Fellini Medal, awarded by UNESCO’s Enrico Fulchignoni Prize. This accolade, one of ICFT-UNESCO’s highest honors, celebrates films that embody the values of peace and tolerance that UNESCO promotes globally.
Martinson’s story, inspired by her time in Keta, captures themes of resilience, community, and the livelihood of Ghana’s coastal regions. Filmed entirely in Ghana, The Fisherman showcases the nation’s talent, featuring renowned actors such as Ricky Adeleyitar, Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, and Kiki Romi, alongside Nigerian actor Dulo Harris. Other notable cast members include Fred Amugi, Roselyn Ngissah, Dorothy Konadu, Mynna Otoo, and Adjeezay, among others.
The film’s artistic excellence shines through the work of a skilled creative team, including Adam Carboni as cinematographer, Gifty Mawuena Sossavi on costume design, and Douglas Baiden on production design. Edited by Jasmin Way with a compelling score by Avi Amon, the film also features impressive visual effects by Nurudeen Tahiru and Daria Amai Shelton, with casting directed by Mawuko Kuadzi.
Producer Kofi Owusu-Afriyie reflected on the festival experience, calling it a “surreal moment” for Ghanaian cinema. “To see this story resonate with such a diverse audience is a triumph not only for The Fisherman but for the entire African film community,” he remarked.
Produced by Luu Vision Media, led by Owusu-Afriyie and King Luu alongside Korey Jackson, The Fisherman is currently seeking distribution. Audiences can follow its journey on Instagram at The Fisherman Film.
Critics praised the film for its rich cultural narrative and visual artistry, setting a new standard for Ghanaian cinema on the international stage. Its success at Venice signals a proud achievement for Ghana and a promising future for African cinema.
