London Feminist Film Festival: The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo + panel discussion with Louisa Uchum Egbunike and Anna Umbina

Director: Yaba Badoe / 2014 / Ghana, UK / Rating: PG / 79 mins
The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo explores the artistic contribution of one of Africa’s foremost woman writers, a trailblazer for an entire generation of exciting new talent. The film charts Ama Ata Aidoo’s creative journey in a life that spans seven decades from colonial Ghana through the tumultuous era of independence to a more sober present day Africa where nurturing women’s creative talent remains as hard as ever.

Over the course of a year the film follows Aidoo as she returns home to her ancestral village in the Central Region of Ghana, launches her latest collection of short stories in Accra and travels to the University of California, Santa Barbara to attend the premiere of her seminal play about the slave trade, Anowa.

With contributions from Carole Boyce Davies, Nana Wilson-Tagoe and Vincent Odamtten, The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo gives a fascinating insight into the life of this important feminist poet and novelist.

“What a tour de force! I have enjoyed and been moved by Ama and her work though this brilliantly crafted film.”
Salem Mekuria, filmmaker and artist

“A wondrous journey and a beautiful tribute.” Wangui Wa Goro – Writer, translator and activist

Award:
Best Documentary Feature–Silicon Valley African Film Festival (2014)