Watch Kukurantumi

Kukurantumi is a Ghanaian film that was released in 1983. Directed by King Ampaw, the movie is set in a small village called Kukurantumi, located in the eastern region of Ghana. The film is a drama that tackles the issues of education and development in a rural African community. The movie stars Evans Oma Hunter as Joe, a young man who returns to Kukurantumi after completing his education in the city. He is full of new ideas and eager to help his community progress. However, his ideas are met with resistance from the elders of the village, who are more interested in maintaining the status quo.

Joe's first task is to convince the villagers to send their children to school. He meets with opposition from the chief and others who are skeptical of the benefits of education. However, Joe is relentless in his efforts, and with the help of Amy Appiah's character, a young teacher named Elizabeth, he starts a school in the village. The school eventually attracts more students, including the chief's children.

As Joe's influence grows, he becomes involved in a series of conflicts with the chief and other elders. He challenges traditional practices such as forced marriages and the use of witchcraft to solve disputes. His bold actions cause tension in the village, and he becomes the target of people who are resistant to change.

One of the film's most compelling scenes takes place during a tribal council meeting. Joe, who is not a member of the council but has been invited to attend, speaks out about the need for development in the community. His passionate speech resonates with the other members of the council, and they agree to establish a road linking the village to the rest of Ghana.

The film's themes of education, development, and tradition versus modernity are universal, and the story is relatable to people from various backgrounds. It highlights the struggle of marginalized rural communities to gain access to basic services such as education and healthcare. It also sheds light on the tensions that often arise between people with different ideas and values.

The actors give strong performances, and the movie is notable for showcasing the talent of some of Ghana's most accomplished actors. David Dontoh, who plays the chief, is particularly noteworthy in his portrayal of a man torn between tradition and progress.

The film's pacing is slow at times, but this is to be expected in a movie that aims to capture the rhythms of rural life. The cinematography is beautiful, and the scenery of the village is vividly captured.

Overall, Kukurantumi is a thought-provoking film that addresses issues that are still relevant today. It is a testament to the power of cinema to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. It is a must-see for anyone interested in African cinema or issues of social justice.

Kukurantumi is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.