Historically, I haven’t looked to the Venice Film Festival as much of a host for African stories. However, recent years have seen a notable increase which aligns with worldwide festival trends.
The 81st Venice International Film Festival is already underway and ends September 7, 2024.
It includes several African and diaspora narratives across its various sections and associated programs.
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Here’s a trailer for one of the titles, a Biennale College Cinema selection from Ghana titled “The Fisherman,” written and directed by Zoey Martinson.
The story follows Atta Oko, a retired traditional Ghanaian fisherman forced into an unlikely partnership with a modern, talking fish. With his quirky associates, Atta Oko pursues his dream of owning a boat while contending with the challenges of the modern world.
Main Cast: Ricky Adelayitar, Endurance Dedzo, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Dulo Harris.
Production: Luu Vision Media (Kofi Owusu Afriyie, Korey Jackson)