Film exploring power of Ghanaian game ‘Ampe’ set to screen in Accra this June

Exciting news awaits film enthusiasts in Accra as ‘Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl’ is set to grace the screens in the Ghanaian capital.

The film, directed by Claudia Owusu and Ife Oluwamuyide, celebrates Black girlhood across the African diaspora through the lens of the traditional Ghanaian game, Ampe.

It explores themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and nostalgia, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of Black women and girls. As the film gears up for its screening in Accra, let’s take a closer look at its festival screenings, collaborations, and the talented filmmakers behind it.

The Ampe documentary has been making waves on the festival circuit, gaining recognition and earning a spot in several prestigious events. Among the upcoming festivals set to showcase the film are the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana (June 30 – July 2), the Blackstar Film Festival in Philadelphia (August 2-6), the New York African Film Festival in New York City (May 28), and the San Francisco Documentary Festival in San Francisco (June 1-11).

These platforms provide opportunities for audiences to engage with the film’s powerful storytelling and its celebration of Black girlhood.

In Accra, upcoming community screenings include showings at Terra Alta on June 10, Black Girls Glow on June 17, and the Library of African Diaspora on June 24.

Notably, the film has already delighted audiences at past festivals, including the Flatpack Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, Seattle Black Film Festival, Salem Film Fest, Cinema Columbus, Film Africa, Indie Memphis, and the Urbanworld Film Festival.

These screenings have helped to garner attention and positive responses for the film, further fueling anticipation for its upcoming screenings in Accra.

The creators, bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the project. Claudia Owusu, a Ghanaian-American Writer and Filmmaker based in Columbus, Ohio, delves into the spaces Black women and girls inhabit, exploring their relationships with safety, carefreeness, and self-ownership. Through her work, she aims to foster a sense of community and tell intimate stories that resonate with audiences.

Ife Oluwamuyide, a Nigerian-American visual artist and filmmaker, splits her time between Columbus, OH, and Brooklyn, NY. Her exploration of black womanhood in her work seeks to reclaim narratives and celebrate the complexities and beauty of the Black female experience. With a focus on visual art, she aims to make this exclusive medium more accessible and inclusive.

As the Accra community eagerly awaits the screenings of “Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl,” there are additional collaborative projects and community screenings on the horizon.

These include collaborations with the Wexner Center for the Arts, Classics in the Park – Africa Film Society, and Games for Change Africa.

The Ampe Film promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of Black girlhood, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences in Accra and beyond.

With its festival success, collaborations, and talented filmmakers at the helm, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

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