Sika Osei
This is the first time a Ghanaian-Caribbean co-production has received a major mainstream US theatrical release traditionally reserved for Hollywood movies.
AMC ? which owns over 1,000 theatres with over 11,000 screens in Europe and America ? is by far the largest theatre chain in the world. The AMC teams were so moved by the subject matter and production quality of the film that they are excited to show it to audiences across the US and possibly around the world this culturally relevant and timely film.
The dramatic feature film ‘Joseph’ opens in Ghanaian cinemas from Friday, January 24 at Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall and West Hill, Watch & Dine, Kumasi City Mall and Global Cinemas, Weija.
‘Joseph’ tells the dramatic story of a successful, young doctor in Jamaica, haunted by childhood memories of his beloved grandfather in Accompong, the Maroon village founded by runaway slaves. Despite the family conflict caused by Joseph’s curiosity about his Ashanti origins and the death of Kweku, his close friend from Ghana, Joseph is determined to travel to West Africa and discover his true identity.
Joseph’s highly symbolic journey mirrors the pilgrimage made by many Caribbean and African-American people to the slave castles of the Cape Coast, curious to learn more about their African roots. Similarly, the movie is certain to spark the curiosity of many Ghanaians wanting to know more about their long-lost ‘cousins’ who live in faraway lands but still retain many aspects of their African identity. In fact, several remarks were made at the premiere about the similarities in culture and lifestyle between Jamaica, Barbados and Ghana, and the positive portrayal of Africa in the film.
‘Joseph’ was the opening film for the Barbados International Film Festival BIFF. It opened to a five-minute standing ovation amidst emotional tears and was released to never-ending long lines of eager fans across the island.
‘Joseph’ is set to be released in 43 cinemas across Nigeria, also on January 24, the same day as in Ghana.
‘Joseph’ would open in Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana and all the other islands in the Caribbean. The cultural ministers have requested it to be shown in high schools and universities as well.
The film has been selected for screening at the largest black film festival in the USA, the prestigious Pan-African Film & Arts Festival in Los Angeles, February 11-23.
‘Joseph’ was co-written and directed by veteran award-winning director Marcia Weekes (Chrissy, ‘Barrow Freedom Fighter’). The cast include Jamaican star Kevoy Burton, Ghanaian/Nigerian super star Mawuli Gavor, Sika Osei, Harold, Soca Queen Alison Hinds, R&B star Shontelle Layne, Miss Malaika Miriam Owusu-Poku and others.