Animations
“Abrefi Kɔtɔ”, Animation Inspired by Asante Culture Set to Premiere in Accra.
The highly anticipated animated film ‘Abrefi Kɔtɔ‘, written and directed by female Ghanaian animator Karen-Happuch P. Henneh, is set to premiere on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall.
The film dives into Ghana’s Asante heritage, weaving a tale of empowerment, innovation, and cultural pride through the story of a young woman’s courageous journey in pre-colonial Ghana.
‘Abrefi Kɔtɔ‘ draws inspiration from the rich traditions of the Asante kingdom, exploring the cultural significance of kente cloth. Today, however, women have also taken up the art of kente weaving, a change that ‘Abrefi Koto’ brings to life by imagining a powerful catalyst for this evolution.
Karen-Happuch P. Henneh protagonist, a self-taught warrior, stands as a symbol of resistance, as she fights for women’s rights within a society that traditionally limited their roles.
The film promises to transport audiences into a world filled with the sounds of Asante music, the dialect and the reverence for mother nature. Through vivid storytelling and intricate animation, the film uncovers the messages hidden within the patterns of kente cloth, echoing the silent language of resilience and empowerment.
Reflecting on her inspiration for the film, Karen-Happuch said in a statement “Representation matters. Growing up, I craved stories that reflected my world, where characters looked like me and spoke my language. This film is more than just entertainment; it calls for empowerment.”
She has proudly represented Ghana at the International Annecy Animation Film Festival in France for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, establishing her as one of the country’s rising animators. Her project “Abrefi Kɔtɔ“, the only one from West Africa garnered international attention in 2023, becoming one of the top eight stories supported by the prestigious Annecy Animation Film Festival, International Animation Film Market, and Kickstarter.
Do well to catch the premiere on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall.
