News
‘Ato Kwabena’ Shines in Hollywood, As It Enjoys A Well-Attended Premiere.
The Hollywood premiere of ‘Ato Kwabena‘, a crime drama directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Elorm Condobery, marked a historic moment for African cinema on October 15th at the Los Angeles Film School.
The film captivated attendees with its authentic portrayal of Ghanaian life and storytelling. The event was graced by some members of the cast and crew, celebrating Ghanaian culture and spotlighting African storytelling in the heart of Hollywood.
For Elorm Condobery a Los Angeles Film School alumnus, the premiere felt like a homecoming. Returning to Hollywood to present ‘Ato Kwabena’, a project deeply rooted in his experiences, was a full-circle moment.
Set in Accra’s Labadi neighbourhood, where he grew up, the film delves into the community’s struggles and resilience, paying homage to their strength. Filmed entirely in Ghana and in the local language, Ato Kwabena‘ brings an unfiltered look into the lives of its characters, creating a raw and relatable viewing experience.
The film follows young Ato, portrayed by Emmanuel Nartey, whose life is turned upside down when his sister is abducted by local criminals. Facing limited resources, Ato embarks on a dangerous journey into the criminal underworld, bringing to life a gripping tale of courage and survival.
The writer and director have described the film as a “classic good triumphs over evil story,” which highlights the resilience of those in marginalized communities.
Official Poster
“My main goal is to raise awareness. Every day, countless atrocities are committed against women that go unnoticed or unpunished. While this story is set in Ghana, these issues are prevalent worldwide. I made this film to shed light on this reality. The message is clear: ‘Let’s protect our women”. He’s also captured to have said in an interview publication with this outlet.
The film’s high-quality production was enhanced by the collaboration of acting talents as well the efforts of producer Ama K. Abebrese and creative producer Kuukua Eshun, both seasoned filmmakers who have collaborated on notable projects.
With a successful Hollywood premiere, ‘Ato Kwabena‘ is already generating buzz in the industry with Ghanaian audiences particularly anticipating its release. Meanwhile, the producers are also in discussions with major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Tubi, and Prime Video, to expand the film’s reach. This push toward streaming will allow audiences worldwide to experience a uniquely African narrative that explores themes of family, bravery, and survival.
The premiere of ‘Ato Kwabena’ at such a prestigious venue demonstrates the growing recognition of African cinema on global stages.
Here are some images from the Hollywood premiere.
