Watch Paa Joe & The Lion

Paa Joe & The Lion is a captivating documentary film that tells the story of Paa Joe, a Ghanaian carpenter who specializes in crafting extravagant coffins in the shape of animals, luxury cars, and musical instruments. The film takes place in Accra, Ghana, and provides an insight into Paa Joe's life, as well as his artistic process and the industry he operates in.

The movie follows Paa Joe as he collaborates with his son, Jacob Tetteh-Ashong, to create a lion-shaped coffin for a wealthy American buyer. As they navigate through the challenges of completing the project, the movie provides a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana's fantasy coffin tradition. Alongside this, we see the fraught relationship between Paa Joe and his son, who is trying to earn his place as an artist in his own right, often subverting his father's commands and techniques.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the intricate detail and aesthetic appeal of the coffins that Paa Joe designs. We learn that the tradition of fantasy coffins in Ghana dates back to the 1950s, with Paa Joe's mentor, Kane Kwei, recognized as one of the pioneers of this art form. These coffins are used to celebrate the life of deceased loved ones and to provide a unique approach to mourning. The viewer is blown away by the imagination and skill required to create a life-size replica of a lion, or a camera, or even a pack of cigarettes. This emphasis on creating a theme for a loved one's final moments offers a unique, celebratory take on death, which many viewers may find new and refreshing.

The documentary is shot with a deft touch by British director Ben Wigley, capturing the artistic details of coffin-making with precision and flair. The film is interspersed with interviews from Paa Joe's family members, as well as industry insiders, who provide invaluable context on the coffin-making tradition and its role in Ghanaian culture. We gain an intimate insight into Paa Joe's personal life too, and the familial strife between himself and his sons, especially his fraught relationship with Jacob, who is often subverting his father's commands and techniques. This drama strikes a central point in the film about how traditions survive, promote, and evolve across generations, and the different interpretations in-between.

The documentary is beautifully scored too, utilising African instruments and tones, which provide a compelling backdrop to the mayhem that can be encountered as commissioned works drag on, exposing the necessary tension of artistic production. The pacing is deliberate, giving the viewer to appreciate the craft, at times allowing it to become meditative. The visuals shine, with the intricacies of Paa Joe's designs captured in all their glory so that every detail is visible. The documentary uses the power of striking visuals and educational discourse to engage and exhibit the stunning progression of this long-standing art form.

In conclusion, Paa Joe & The Lion is a rich, absorbing documentary that provides a fascinating insight into the fantasy coffin tradition in Ghana. With beautiful visuals, stirring music, and excellent storytelling, the film succeeds in providing an unforgettable insight into the life of Paa Joe, a talented coffin artist. It's a story about artistry, family, and tradition, with the added benefit of shining a light on celebrations surrounding funeral customs that offer dignity and a unique approach to mourning. This documentary is a worthwhile and thoughtful exploration on the less often thought of cultural traditions and rites present across the globe.