One of the world’s most prolific streamers, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as iShowSpeed, alongside the former US presidential family, the Obamas, is working behind the scenes to bring the resonant piece of Ghanaian film, ‘The Eyes of Ghana’.
- Darren Jason Watkins Jr. (iShowSpeed) and the Obamas are collaborating to bring the Ghanaian documentary 'The Eyes of Ghana' to theaters.
- Produced by Higher Ground, Breakwater Studios, and iShowSpeed, the film tells the story of cinematographer Chris Hesse, who documented Africa's independence era.
- 'The Eyes of Ghana' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and showcases over 1,000 films hidden after Ghana's first president was overthrown in 1996.
- A special one-night-only theatrical screening is scheduled for October 28 with a select guest list.
Barack and Michelle Obama, via their production studio, Higher Ground, are partnering with Breakwater Studios and iShowSpeed to bring the Ghanaian documentary, ' The Eyes of Ghana ', to theaters.
The documentary, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, follows the Cinematographer Chris Hesse, whose eyesight is deteriorating, endeavors to salvage over 1,000 films documenting Africa's struggle for independence during the 1950s and 1960s.
These recordings remained hidden for several decades following the 1996 overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, the inaugural president of Ghana and a prominent leader in the African liberation movement.
“It is a great honor to be part of ‘The Eyes of Ghana’ and help bring this extraordinary piece of history to the big screen.
I felt a profound connection to Ghana when I visited this year, and learning about Chris Hesse’s work deepened my understanding of the country and its people,” said IShowSpeed.
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“His camera captured the birth of African independence, and his determination to preserve those images has ensured that future generations can witness it for themselves.
I’m humbled by his legacy and proud to help bring his story to my community,” he added.
As seen on Variety, the plan is a one-night-only screening on Oct. 28, with an exclusive guest list for attendance.
“Chris Hesse spent more than six decades documenting and safeguarding an extraordinary chapter of Ghanaian and African history,” stated Ethan Lewis, head of non-fiction at Higher Ground.
“Higher Ground is proud to partner with iShowSpeed, Ben Proudfoot, and Breakwater Studios and this accomplished team of artists to bring this remarkable story to theaters on Oct. 28th.
‘The Eyes of Ghana’ speaks to the power of film to preserve our collective memory, and to the responsibility we share in making sure these stories reach the next generation.”
Alongside iShowSpeed, other producers of the film include Nana Adwoa Frimpong, Moses Bwayo, Anita Afonu, Brandon Somerhalder, Lewis and Vinnie Malhotra.
As for the executive producer roles, Barack and Michelle Obama, Sir John Akomfrah, Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, Paula Madison, Dan and Lian Gill, Max Johnson, Jonathan E. Lim, Michael Risley, Josh Rosenberg, David Treatman, and Esther Wojcicki are taking charge.