Day One Recap: Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival Opens With Power, Purpose & Kmtyw Splendor

The inaugural Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival lit up Accra on opening night, carrying the confident glow of a cultural renaissance. From the first swirl of Red, Black & Green fabrics on the carpet to the final late-night conversations, the evening unfolded like a living drum chant—steady, warm, and purposeful.

A Red, Black & Green Arrival (5:00 PM)

OzoneCinema shimmered with color and anticipation as guests, filmmakers, elders, students, and media arrived in Red, Black & Green Elegance.
Live instruments drifted through the space. Cameras flashed. Conversations sparked like flint stones.
It was more than a reception—it was a reunion of creators determined to tell their own stories on their own terms.

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Opening Ceremony: A Gathering of Vision (7:00 PM)

1. Opening Performance

The night began with dance and music that called ancestors close and set an electric tone for the festival.

2. Welcome Remarks – OzoneCinema Representative

A warm message celebrated the cinema’s partnership with Abibitumi and its pride in hosting the inaugural edition.

3. Opening Remarks – Dr. Obadele Kambon

Dr. Kambon offered reflections grounded in Abibifahodie—Black liberation—and gave attendees a glimpse of the upcoming Abibitumi Conference (Dec 12–14, 2025). His words curved through the hall like a well-thrown spear, direct and resonant.

4. Festival Address – Onuora Abuah, Festival Director

He articulated the mission: a festival where Black film breathes freely, without distortion, erasure, or apology.
A space for reclamation.
A space for vision.
A space for cinematic independence.

5. Announcement of Official Selections

Filmmakers and categories were introduced, greeted with appreciative applause from the audience.

6. Introduction of the Jury

This year’s jury is a constellation of respected artists, producers, scholars, and creatives representing the broad spectrum of African and Diasporan film excellence:

• Abraham Haile Biru (President)
• Ama K. Abebrese
• Adjetey Anang
• Selikem Geni

Their collective experience forms a powerful compass for evaluating the festival’s films.

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Feature Screening: You Hide Me (8:30 PM)

The night’s centerpiece was a Feature Screening: You Hide Me, directed by one of the foundational figures of African cinema, Nii Kwate Owoo (Ghana)
The screening received an outstanding applause and comments from Ghana and online.

Nii Kwate Owoo was present the Legacy Award 2025 for his lifetime dedication to films that inspire.

A retrospective conversation followed, offering rare insight into the film’s creation and its larger historical context.

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Closing Notes & Connections (10:30 PM)

Final remarks highlighted the screenings and discussions scheduled for the weekend.
But the night didn’t disperse immediately—pockets of conversation lingered like embers.
Filmmakers exchanged contacts. Elders shared reflections. Students absorbed inspiration. Music softened the edges of the night.

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A Powerful Beginning

Day One set the festival’s tempo: unapologetic, grounded, visionary.
If the energy of opening night is any indication, the coming days promise films that challenge, conversations that clarify, and connections that strengthen the global Abibifahodie movement.

Stay tuned for the Day Two recap. The story continues.