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The Eyes of Ghana

Play trailer Poster for The Eyes of Ghana 2025 1h 30m Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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From Oscar®-winning director Ben Proudfoot, THE EYES OF GHANA is a stunning feature documentary following 93-year-old documentarian Chris Hesse--personal cinematographer to forgotten African icon Kwame Nkrumah--as he races against blindness and time to rescue and repatriate a secret trove of over 1,300 films that captured the birth of African independence in the fifties and sixties. Yet unseen by the public, these films may not only rewrite Ghanaian and African history--but world history itself.

Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Screen International The exchange of ideas gives the film its vital energy: Hesse lectures to an appreciative audience of young Ghanaian filmmakers and encourages them to ask questions of him. Oct 9, 2025 Full Review Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups Produced for Netflix by Michelle and Barack Obama, this fascinating documentary puts vibrant cameraman Chris Hesse, 93, at its center. Rated: 4/5 Sep 16, 2025 Full Review Matthew Creith TheWrap “The Eyes of Ghana” concludes with a “Cinema Paradiso”- inspired ending, overflowing with hope and love for the people of Ghana and the rapid change that has occurred within a short period. Sep 9, 2025 Full Review Brooke Obie Black Girl Watching An inspiring opus of not only Kwame Nkrumah’s but Chris Hesse’s life and the urgency of African filmmaking and historical preservation. Sep 20, 2025 Full Review Jeanine T. Abraham VisAbleBlackwoman (Medium) In a time where politicians are rewriting history, it is vital for stories like this to be told and preserved for future generations. I loved how this film clearly lays out how powerful storytelling is in framing identity and controlling people Rated: 5/5 Sep 17, 2025 Full Review Carla Renata The Curvy Film Critic If there's one thing director Ben Proudfoot excels in is bringing humanity and heart to the screen. The manner is which this journey is crafted is a sight to behold leaving audiences more educated and enlightened than before they entered the theatre. Sep 12, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Ben Proudfoot

Director

Edmund Addo

Self

Anita Afonu

Self

Chris Hesse

Self

Chris Tsui Hesse

Self

Anita Afonu

Producer
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The Eyes of Ghana

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Movie Info

Synopsis From Oscar®-winning director Ben Proudfoot, THE EYES OF GHANA is a stunning feature documentary following 93-year-old documentarian Chris Hesse--personal cinematographer to forgotten African icon Kwame Nkrumah--as he races against blindness and time to rescue and repatriate a secret trove of over 1,300 films that captured the birth of African independence in the fifties and sixties. Yet unseen by the public, these films may not only rewrite Ghanaian and African history--but world history itself.
Director
Ben Proudfoot
Producer
Anita Afonu, Moses Bwayo, Nana Adwoa Frimpong, Ethan Lewis, Vinnie Malhotra, Ben Proudfoot, Brandon Somerhalder
Production Co
Breakwater Studios, Higher Ground Productions
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 30m