Ghanaian Film ‘The Fisherman’ Set For Nigerian Premiere At AFRIFF

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Ghana’s critically acclaimed film ‘The Fisherman’, the country’s first official selection at the Venice Film Festival in 81 years, is set to make its Nigerian debut at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Following its September 19 release in Ghana, the award-winning comedy-drama arrives in Lagos boasting a string of international accolades, including the UNESCO Fellini Medal. Directed by Ghanaian-American filmmaker Zoey Martinson, the film has screened on four continents and received top honours at the American Black Film Festival, winning Best Director and Best Narrative Feature.

Scheduled to premiere in Nigeria on November 7, ‘The Fisherman’ tells the story of Atta Oko, a retired Ghanaian fisherman who embarks on one final adventure with the help of a talking fish. The film combines whimsical storytelling with a reflective exploration of climate displacement, cultural erosion, and generational conflict.

Speaking on the film’s relevance to West African audiences, Martinson said, “Nigerian audiences will recognise their own coastal communities in this story. Climate change and rapid development don’t respect borders. This is our shared West African reality, told with the humour and resilience that define us.”

The movie features a diverse cast, including Ricky Adelayitar, TikToker Endurance Grand, Fred Amugi, Adwoa Akoto, and Dulo Harris, who provides the voice of the talking fish. Since opening at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, ‘The Fisherman’ has won six international awards and received praise for its technical mastery and innovative approach to West African narratives.

The film is executively produced by Nigerian-American actress Yvonne Orji through her production company In & Thru, marking a significant milestone in African cinema. Orji’s involvement demonstrates that stories rooted in African culture, told with creativity, humour, and heart, can resonate on the global stage.

‘The Fisherman’ promises Nigerian audiences a unique cinematic experience, blending cultural authenticity, social commentary, and playful storytelling while highlighting pressing issues affecting coastal communities across West Africa.

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