Broadcast Media Africa has learnt that ‘Otokunor’, a Ghanaian film produced by Philmtools Media Limited, has made it to four international film festivals.
Starring veteran actor Fred Amugi, the short film has been selected for the 2023 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, the Orlando Urban Film Festival,
the Kano International Film Festival, and the Blackstar International Film Festival.
‘Otokunor’ is a film set in a typical Ga fishing James Town in Accra. It tells the story of a young boy who is faced with the challenge of abandoning fishing for school. His father, played by Fred Amugi, is unyielding to his decision to leave the shores for the classroom.
The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) is a prominent film festival in Toronto that celebrates cultural diversity.
The Orlando Urban Film Festival (OUFF) is Florida’s first African-American film festival. The Kano International Film Festival, first held from 28th to 30th September 2022 in Kano, the iconic epicentre of Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood film industry, is organised by Classical Film Modern Academy.
The Black Star International Film Festival is a non-profit festival in Ghana celebrated annually to bridge the gap between African movie cinema and the global community of moviemakers.
Produced by actor Daniel Kofi Ewusie, the thirty-minute film, ‘Otokunor’, was written by Kwame Kyei Baffour.
Kofi Ewusie is widely known for producing the award-winning James Town Fisherman television series, which features the late Psalm Adjeteyfio (TT).
Speaking about the film, Kofi said, “Filmmaking in Ghana is beautiful. Filming in vernacular is exciting and challenging when you know your audience and viewers will mostly be foreign-based and away from the locations and lingua of the cast.”
The filmmaker, however, stressed that he faced challenging circumstances with access and permit to shoot the film.
“Despite the difficulties, I’d still like to sincerely thank the Accra Metropolitan Authority, the James Town traditional council and opinion leaders. Without their assistance, we would not be here today,” he added.
