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International journalist and producer Amma Prempeh recently showcased her documentary, Ghana’s first Kente Culture Story Documentary Film – “The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans,” at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
The screening, held on February 3, 2025, kick started Black History Month celebrations and was hosted by Dr Adjei-Associate Vice President of Indigenous Research Memorial University, Canada.
This screening follows the documentary’s premiere on 26th August 2023 in Kumasi, Ghana at the golden eagle cinema and 10th September, 2023 at the African Regent Hotel and its subsequent growing recognition.
Amma Prempeh’s self-funded documentary delves into the origins, intricate artistry, captivating history, and enduring beauty of Ghana’s Kente fabric.
It highlights how Kente weaving supports a significant portion of Ghana’s economy and the communities dedicated to preserving its history, development, and commercial aspects.
Following the screening, students engaged in a Q & A discussion with Amma Prempeh and Mr Osei-Bonsu Safo-Kantanka, a monarchical historian from the Asante Kingdom’s Manhyia Palace.
Safo-Kantanka, an expert on Kente cloth, provided further insights into the fabric’s cultural significance.
As the granddaughter of Ashanti King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Amma Prempeh brings a unique perspective to the film, which explores the evolution of Kente from its origins to its current status as a symbol of Ghanaian national pride.
The documentary also touches on how Kente’s popularity has expanded beyond its royal and fashionable applications to encompass human rights activism.
Kente weaving, which stems from cultural traditions of the Ashanti, Volta, and Northern regions of Ghana, was officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage during the 19th session in Paraguay on December 4, 2024.
The fabric’s durability, complex designs, and aesthetic appeal contribute to its rich symbolism and diverse interpretations, representing not only Black identity but also broader African concepts.
Speaking to journalists after the screening of the Kente Film at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Amma Prempeh said, “I’m excited about this opportunity to bring Ghana to Canada and the world through my documentary ‘Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans’.
“Over the year’s I was inspired to put together this film because I realized the growing popularity among black Africans around the world and most of them had not the slighted knowledge about this iconic fabric from Ghana. I’m really happy that I have the chance to share the history, the concepts and the origin of Kente with the world.
“I would also like to take this moment to thank God for how far He’s brought me in this project, my amazing mum Mrs Mabel Prempeh, my brother Emanuel N K Prempeh, the entire Prempeh family, my late father Mr Kwasi Prempeh whom I am sure is cheering me on from heaven along with my late brother Edusei Prempeh, my friends and amazing high-profile casts and production team who encouraged me and pushed me on when I encountered some storms in making this film. I am glad I got to the finish line and the film is gaining positive feedback”.
Memorial University of Newfoundland, established in 1925 is the largest university in Atlantic Canada and the sole university in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This public research university, based in St. John’s, has additional campuses in several locations and offers a wide range of programs from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees, including online courses.
