The Story⚡
A retired fisherman teams up with a talking fish and unlikely companions on a journey to secure their own boat. What started as an observation of local shifts has become a comedy that reached the Venice Film Festival and is now screening in Nigerian cinemas.
Tell Me More
Producer Kofi Owusu Afriyie explained that The Fisherman originated from a phone conversation about developments affecting the Jamestown fishing community, including plans for a new harbor. Director and writer Zoey Martinson developed this into a short script. With very limited resources, the team produced the short film, relying on determination and available means.
The short gained traction. It screened at festivals, won awards, including recognition at the Pan African Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival, and was licensed by HBO for a year. It was also shortlisted for the Oscars in 2019. A notable moment came at the Encounters Film Festival in England, where an older woman and her grandson approached the filmmakers. She said she had never seen Ghana portrayed in that light before and was glad her grandson could experience it. That encounter stayed with Afriyie and motivated expanding the story into a feature.
Martinson wrote the feature script. Funding came through the La Biennale di Venezia’s College Cinema program after an introduction and application. The project stood out because it appeared ambitious for the grant amount, yet the team delivered. Production company Luu Vision Media, which typically handles documentaries and television ads, took on this as its first narrative feature.
The story draws on Ghanaian storytelling traditions, such as Anansi tales, where animals speak, making the talking fish a natural element rather than something foreign. The film blends magical realism with comedy, following Atta Oko (played by Ricky Adelayitar) as he navigates retirement, teams up with the bougie, sarcastic fish, and works with two orphans and a strong-willed young woman on their quest. The cast includes Endurance Dedzo, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, and others, selected based on strong audition performances.
The production emphasizes vibrant visuals of Ghanaian culture, everyday humor, and the challenges of preserving traditional practices amid modernization. Executive producer Yvonne Orji is attached. The feature runs about 105-108 minutes and has been described as heartwarming, focusing on family, dreams, and resilience.
The Fisherman made history as the first Ghanaian film selected for the official competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it received the Fellini Medal (UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Award). It has screened at other festivals, including the Pan African Film Festival, and earned additional recognition, such as Best Director at AFRIFF.
As of May 15, 2026, the film has been rolling out in Nigerian cinemas nationwide, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, giving wider West African audiences access to this independent Ghanaian production.
In Summary
The Fisherman is still showing in cinemas nationwide.
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