Ghana’s first Venice Film Festival selection, The Fisherman, earns standing ovation and prestigious award.

Ghanaian cinema reached a new milestone as The Fisherman, produced by Kofi Owusu-Afriyie of Luu Vision Media, made its official debut at the prestigious 81st La Biennale Venice Film Festival. This marks Ghana’s first-ever official selection at the globally renowned festival, where the film premiered to a sold-out audience, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Though it screened out of competition, The Fisherman received high acclaim, earning the distinguished Fellini Medal

awarded by UNESCO’s Enrico Fulchignoni Prize. This prize, now in its 36th year, is one of the most significant honors given by ICFT-UNESCO, celebrating films that best represent UNESCO’s values of peace and tolerance.

Directed and written by Zoey Martinson, The Fisherman draws from Martinson’s personal experiences in Keta, bringing to life a powerful story of Ghanaian resilience, community, and coastal heritage. Filmed entirely in Ghana, the movie features some of Ghana’s most celebrated talent, including Ricky Adeleyitar, Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, and Kiki Romi, as well as Nigeria’s Dulo Harris.

The film’s impressive cast is rounded out by Fred Amugi, Roselyn Ngissah, Dorothy Konadu, Mynna Otoo, Adjeezay, Adwoa Akoto, Princess Fathia Nkrumah, Papa Osei, Andrew Adote, and Shadrack Agyare. Its visual artistry shines through cinematography by Adam Carboni, costume design by Gifty Mawuena Sossavi, and production design by Douglas Baiden.

Additional creative talent includes Jasmin Way as editor and Avi Amon as composer, with stunning visual effects crafted by Nurudeen Tahiru and Daria Amai Shelton. Casting was directed by Mawuko Kuadzi, completing the film’s top-tier team.

“The Venice premiere was a surreal moment for us,” said producer Kofi Owusu-Afriyie. “To be here and to witness this story resonate with people from diverse backgrounds is a triumph for Ghanaian cinema and the African film community as a whole.”

Produced by Luu Vision Media under Owusu-Afriyie and King Luu, alongside Korey Jackson, The Fisherman is currently seeking distribution. The team invites audiences to follow the film’s journey on Instagram at The Fisherman Film.

Film critics are already hailing The Fisherman as a new standard in Ghanaian cinema. With its compelling story, rich cultural depth, and global recognition, the film’s success at Venice marks not only a historic achievement for its creators but a proud moment for Ghana and the entire African film industry.