A special screening of the restored classic "His Majesty's Sergeant" (1984) was held at Genesis Cinema in London's Bethnal Green on September 19. The event, organized by Flamboyant Damsel Films and Grace Abounds LTD, honored Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and celebrated 103 years of Ghanaian cinema. The film, directed by the late Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr, tells the story of young Gold Coast soldiers recruited into the British Army during World War II.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to the UK, H.E. Acquinas Tawiah Quansah, attended the screening and encouraged Ghanaian filmmakers to take advantage of government funds to support film production and distribution. He commended the organizers for preserving Ghana's cinematic heritage and stressed the need for quality productions. The event brought together filmmakers, diplomats, and film enthusiasts, including key stakeholders from the UK-African film industry and members of the Ghanaian community in London.
The screening was also attended by Ghana's legendary cinematographer, Rev. Dr. Chris Hesse, aged 94, who served as Director of Photography on the original film. He shared his experiences working with the late director Ato Kwamina Yanney Snr and shooting on 35mm PANAVISION. The audience was treated to a live musical performance by FADU, a Dutch-born Ghanaian Afrobeats sensation.
The event was supported by several organizations, including the National Film Authority, IPMC Ghana, Gatlink Studios, and Rainbow Radio International. The organizers stated that the screening was more than just a film showing - it was a tribute to Dr. Nkrumah, a celebration of Ghanaian cinema, and a moment to honor their fathers who fought and filmed before them.
The film "His Majesty's Sergeant" was restored by Ato Yanney Jnr, the son of the late director, after being lost for over 25 years. The restoration was a significant achievement, and the screening provided an opportunity for audiences to appreciate Ghana's cinematic heritage. The event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Ghanaian film culture.
The celebration of Dr. Nkrumah's birthday and Ghanaian cinema legacy is significant, as it recognizes the contributions of Ghana's first President to the country's cultural development. Dr. Nkrumah founded the Ghana Film Industry Corporation in 1961, which made films like "His Majesty's Sergeant" possible. The event demonstrated the continued relevance of Dr. Nkrumah's vision for Ghana's cultural and creative industries.
The London screening was a successful tribute to Dr. Nkrumah and Ghanaian cinema, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate Ghana's rich film heritage. The event showcased the country's cinematic achievements and provided a platform for Ghanaian filmmakers to share their work with a wider audience. Key points:
Key points
- The screening celebrated Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's birthday and 103 years of Ghanaian cinema.
- The restored film "His Majesty's Sergeant" was showcased at the event.
- The event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Ghanaian film culture.
