Go behind the scenes at TIFF with 'The Eyes of Ghana' directed and produced by Double Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot - AmNews Curtain Raiser

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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Go behind the scenes at TIFF with 'The Eyes of Ghana' directed and produced by Double Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot









DON'T MISS 'THE EYES OF GHANA' AT TIFF

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR





"The Eyes of Ghana is a superb movie."

"A momentous documentary about the struggle to survive,

 an industry and country in constant change, and a story

 that prides itself on the highest principles of

 preservation."

– Matthew Creith, The Wrap [Full review]
_______________

"It’s an exceptional human portrait with a wider lens."

"The Eyes of Ghana unfolds with a strong dramatic twist."

"Beautifully shot by Brandon Somerhalder and David

 Feeney-Mosier, the vivid colours of the Rex Theatre 

provide a vibrant canvas and sense of renewal."

"As the score by Proudfoot’s frequent collaborator Kris 

Bowers swells well an audience looks up at the images 

projected on screen, one sees the significance of this 

history—the good and the bad—in every frame."


– Pat Mullen, POV Magazine 
[Full review]
_______________

"The process of filmmaking from start to finish has rarely

 looked so important as it does here, and while it

 suggests the work is never done, it sensationally reflects

 a medium with an unusual capacity to bring people

 together."

– Stephen Saito, The Moveable Fest [Full review]
_______________



"The Eyes of Ghana Is Enlightened Perfection at

 Preserving Cinematic History"

"Witnessing the grand finale of this film unfold...is proof

 that when humanity comes together, there is nothing we

 can’t achieve. Unity and the human spirit should never be

 underestimated – especially when it comes to preserving

 our legacy as a people."



"Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher

 Ground ProductionsThe Eyes of Ghana, is a stunning

 execution and history of two very different men bonded

 through love of country and making sure its history is

 held onto for generations to come."




"If there’s one thing director Ben Proudfoot excels in is

 bringing humanity and heart to the screen. The manner

 in which this journey is crafted is a sight to behold, leaving

 audiences more educated and enlightened than before

 they entered the theatre."




"The dynamic duo of Proudfoot and Kris Bower’s special

 gift is bringing stories to life with a thorough and

 invigorating orchestral score serving as its own

 character. In The Eyes of Ghana, they stay true

 to the continent by blending African instrumentation with

 sweeping cinematic themes and recorded score

 with the trailblazing Chineke! Orchestra...featuring

 guest Ghanaian instrumentalists, including master

atenteben flutist Dela Botri, and Ghanaian percussionists

 vocalists, the authenticity of the score became a spiritual

 restoration."



"Bring tissues and be prepared to have your heart bursting

 with pride for The Eyes of Ghana represent the eyes of

 every collective group of humans who fight to maintain


 history in its purest form for eternity."


Carla RenataThe Curvy Critic [Full review]
_______________


"The Eyes of Ghana is a testament to what authentic

 community care truly is."


"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. Storytelling was a key element in colonization and

 imperialism. The Eyes of Ghana is a documentary filled

 with heart. An example of how storytelling can ignite

 resilience and connect to joy. I loved this film."


– Jeanine T. Abraham, VisAbleBlackwoman | Medium [
Full review]
_______________



"As a testament to the beauty of film, it’s a moving piece.

 As a document showing the transition from colonial rule

 to democracy and to something more troubling, it

 illuminated a corner of history I didn’t know about. And as

 a film, it soars. It flies because of its enthralling subject

 matter and an incredibly powerful scored delivered by Kris

 Bowers. Sweeping and emotional, it reaches operatic

 heights with the emotions it generates. It’s gorgeous."


– TD Rideout, The Mind Reels [Full review]
_______________




"A love letter to the power of cinema.”
– Christopher Campbell, Nonfics
_______________

 


Opening Night Film of TIFF Docs Section of the
50th Toronto International Film Festival




Spotlights 93-Year-Old Documentarian's Archive of Lost Films From Africa's Liberation Era

Directed and Produced by Ben Proudfoot

Produced by Moses Bwayo, Nana Adwoa Frimpong, Anita Afonu, and others

Executive Produced by Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and John Akomfrah


Original Score by Composer Kris Bowers

 

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