Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr recently attended a private screening of the documentary "The Eyes of Ghana" in Accra, Ghana. The event was hosted by the Akuna Group and took place on October 31, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr described the experience as memorable, noting that the documentary had deeply moved her and reinforced the need to protect historical records for future generations. She expressed appreciation to the Akuna Group for hosting the event.
The documentary "The Eyes of Ghana" is a feature-length film directed by two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ben Proudfoot. It follows 93-year-old Ghanaian cinematographer Chris Hesse, who served as the personal cameraman to Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The film explores Hesse's decades-long efforts to preserve and repatriate over 1,300 reels of historical footage documenting Ghana's independence, Nkrumah's presidency, and the wider African liberation movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
The historical footage faced the threat of destruction following the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from power. However, Hesse had secretly preserved the collection, safeguarding an important visual record of Ghana's political history and Africa's struggle for independence. The film has attracted international attention, with former United States President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama serving as executive producers through their production company, Higher Ground Productions.
American internet personality IShowSpeed is also among the producers of "The Eyes of Ghana." The documentary premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and has subsequently featured at international film events, including the Hamptons International Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival. The screening in Ghana further brought attention to efforts to preserve and make the country's historical archives accessible to the public.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr's attendance at the private screening and her reflections on the documentary have drawn attention to the broader importance of historical preservation, cultural identity, and African storytelling. She highlighted the significance of Africans telling their own stories and preserving their history. The mayor's comments have resonated with many, emphasizing the need for Africans to take ownership of their narrative.
The documentary's screening in Ghana is part of a larger effort to promote cultural heritage and historical preservation in Africa. The event was organized by the Dikan Centre, which aims to make Ghana's historical archives accessible to the public. By showcasing films like "The Eyes of Ghana," the centre hopes to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Africa's rich cultural heritage.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr's participation in the film premiere demonstrates her commitment to promoting African heritage and cultural identity. Her engagement with the documentary and its themes underscores the significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in preserving Africa's history. The mayor's attendance at the event has been well-received, with many praising her efforts to promote African storytelling and historical preservation.
Key points
- Mayor Aki-Sawyerr attends Ghana film premiere, highlighting importance of preserving African history
- Documentary "The Eyes of Ghana" explores Chris Hesse's efforts to preserve historical footage of Ghana's independence
- Film premiere promotes cultural heritage and historical preservation in Africa
