The Eyes of Ghana to premiere in April, spotlighting rare Nkrumah-era footage

A new feature-length documentary chronicling Kwame Nkrumah’s political legacy through rare archival footage is set to premiere this April, offering audiences an unprecedented visual journey into Ghana’s early post-independence history.

Titled The Eyes of Ghana, the film draws inspiration from the life and work of Chris Hesse, a 93-year-old former personal cameraman to Dr. Nkrumah, who has spent more than seven decades preserving rare visual records of Ghana’s nation-building years. His extensive archival work captures critical moments in Ghana’s liberation struggle and the formative years of independence.

Speaking on AM Show on Friday, April 10, producer Nana Adwoa Frimpong explained that the documentary is both a tribute to Chris Hesse and a broader cultural effort to reclaim and retell Ghana’s history through authentic African perspectives.

She noted that Mr. Hesse began his work at just 30 years old, accompanying Dr. Nkrumah across Ghana and abroad, documenting landmark political events, diplomatic engagements, and nation-building milestones during the early years of independence. His footage provides a rare first-hand visual account of a defining era in Ghanaian and African history.

According to her, the documentary features approximately 15 minutes of carefully curated material selected from over 300 hours of archival footage—most of which has never been publicly seen. The film aims to bring these historical records to life for modern audiences while preserving their authenticity.

“He has been waiting to tell his story for more than 70 years. This film is really an homage to him, to Ghana’s history and to this rising generation of storytellers who want to see Ghana’s story told in full,” she said.

The documentary also explores deeper questions about historical narrative—particularly how history is recorded, interpreted, and who ultimately gets to tell it. It highlights the importance of African-led storytelling in reshaping global perceptions of the continent’s past.

Ms. Frimpong emphasized that many audiences, especially outside Africa, remain unfamiliar with the depth and significance of Nkrumah’s legacy and Ghana’s pioneering role in African independence movements. The film seeks to bridge that gap through powerful visual storytelling.

The Eyes of Ghana will be screened twice with free admission to the public. The first screening is scheduled for April 16 at 6:00 pm at the National Theatre of Ghana, with doors opening at 5:00 pm. The second screening will take place on April 18 at 5:00 pm at the University of Ghana Cedi Conference Centre, with doors opening an hour earlier.

Members of the filmmaking team will be present at both events to engage audiences and participate in post-screening discussions, offering further insight into the archival research and production process behind the documentary.

Background

Production on the film began five years ago with the aim of documenting Chris Hesse’s extraordinary journey as Dr. Nkrumah’s personal cinematographer. Over time, the project evolved into a broader exploration of Ghana’s historical memory and the power of cinema to preserve cultural identity across generations and continents.

From its inception, Hesse envisioned sharing his story with the world, firmly believing that Ghana’s narrative is a global one. Since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has received international attention, with audiences moved by Hesse’s testimony, Nkrumah’s enduring legacy, and the vibrancy of Ghana’s historical journey.