As part of the Q&A series of the 10th Norient Film Festival 2021, the directors Paul Chandler, Jim Chuchu, Thomas Burkhalter, and Peter Guyer talked about the connection and common theme of their documentaries: music as a means of expression.
When two friends collect money for the so-called «suffering in America» in the streets of Accra, is it for fun, political provocation, or a prophecy? Two Swiss filmmakers will answer these questions with the help of seven musicians from Ghana – M3NSA, Wanlov The Kubolor, Adomaa, Worlasi, Akan, Mutombo Da Poet, and Poetra Asantewa – who have written new songs and produced video clips especially for the documentary film Contradict. A Norient Special with background articles. Edited by Thomas Burkhalter and Martyn Pepperell.
Short Essay by Grace TakyiIn Ghana, everyday life is widely ruled by the Christian religion. The artists portrayed in the film «Contradict» revolt against this religion’s tendency to dominate people’s histories – by writing their own.
Short Essay by Nana Akosua HansonThe WHO (World Health Organization) counts 2’816’000 people with a mental disorder in Ghana. Yet, there is hardly any talk about it public. According to Ghanaian journalist Akosua Hanson this is because of a toxic social system that is based on capitalistic demands. In her essay, she reflects on how the perspective of wholesomeness in African philosophies could tackle this problem.
Short Essay by Martyn PepperellWhen Peter Guyer and Thomas Burkhalter were filming Contradict, they worked with female Ghanaian creatives to assemble a portrait of a generation tackling the post-colonial struggles, and how they see feminism after it gained an increasing global presence. They asked: What would they do differently if women ruled the world?
Short Essay by Martyn PepperellWhen Peter Guyer and Thomas Burkhalter started making their film «Contradict» about the music scene in Ghana, an early topic of discussion was how to deal with the ethics of representation. Together with local artists, they decided to shoot a documentary that was not just about the scene, but created with it.
Short Essay by Martyn Pepperell«People in Ghana have gone overboard with religion, politics, and corruption», says FOKN Bois' Wanlov the Kubolor. A critical investigation of the relevance of religion and churches in Ghana.
Short Essay by Martyn PepperellCountry Music has been long associated with a strong focus on its country of origin. When Peter Guyer and Thomas Burkhalter were filming their «Contradict» in Ghana, they discovered that it is very popular in West Africa. According to the Ghanaian Country musician Nii Adotey, its roots reach all the way back to Irish and Scottish settlers, and yes, also to Africa.
Playlist by Thomas BurkhalterGhana offers contemporary music, inspired by international trends like trap and dancehall, mixed with local rhythms and melodies, sung in different languages, with topics related to corruption, to religion to champagne. Enjoy new tracks and clips.