The Eyes of Ghana

A beautiful look at Ghana’s liberation history through the lens of one of its film pioneers.

Acclaimed cinematographer Chris Hesse was present with his camera during Ghana’s liberation movement in the 1960s. He was also President Kwame Nkrumah’s personal photographer for many years. Hesse went on to play a vital role in establishing Ghana’s film industry. Now, the aging man lectures to a new generation of filmmakers at the film school in Accra, while he slowly but surely is losing his sight.

In the reckoning with the past, most of Hesse’s film rolls were burned. Fortunately, he cleverly sent all the negatives to London, where they have been safely preserved in a vault ever since. Before he goes completely blind, Hesse is reunited with his striking footage. It is the starting point for a wonderful story about Ghana’s history, Nkrumah’s fate and Hesse’s unique gaze.

The Eyes of Ghana is directed by Oscar-winner Ben Proudfoot, and executive producers are Michelle and Barack Obama.