Amma Prempeh, a film maker, has made Ghana proud as she engaged in three historic meetings in Washington DC on Wednesday April 17, 2024 with H.E Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and students of Howard University, during the meetings.
Ghana’s first Kente Culture Story Documentary Film, produced, directed and funded by award winning Amma Prempeh, which shares the rich story behind Ghana’s iconic cultural fabric known as Kente, which has gained global popularity over the centuries, was premiered at the meetings.
The Film – The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans reveals the intricate artistry, cultural and political significance of Ghana’s Kente fabric. It also delves into the origins of kente, the captivating history and timeless beauty of this iconic textile which has evolved beyond being the cloth of Ghanaian royalty to a global political symbol in the US and a symbol of resistance among rights activists.
The film has thus been premiered at the top university in the world and best black historic university in America, within barely three months.
Howard University, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ Alma mater, established by President Abraham Lincoln in April 15, 1865 is known to be the best black historic university in the USA. The premiering of the Kente documentary at Howard University was at the instance of its Department of African Studies.
Msia Kibona Clark, PhD, noted in a correspondence that the film will resonate with our students, as it explores the rich history and cultural significance of Kente cloth to Ghanaians and African people globally.
Msia Kibona Clark mentioned that African American tradition of wearing Kente cloth during graduation ceremonies is seen every year at Howard University and that the documentary “will resonate with our students who may not know the history of the fabric that has been so popular in their communities”.
Amma Prempeh, the award winning journalist and the Director and Executive Producer of the film, discussed the documentary and answered questions from the audience during the Question and Answer session.
The film premiered on February 1, 2024 at Harvard Kennedy school/Harvard University.
Before the premiering of the documentary at 6.30 pm at the Howard University’s Locke Hall 105, Amma Prempeh, a journalist and lawyer, had the honour of meeting with Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA at 12 noon, earlier on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Washington DC.
Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama noted that the film, which has detailed all about the Kente fabric, is so important in the system and culture and recommended that Ghana Tourism Authority should support Amma Prempeh, as she promotes tourism.
Amma Prempeh also met with the Congresswoman Barbara Lee briefly in her 2470 Rayburn HOB office, where the Kente documentary film was exclusively screened for her viewing.
She was later presented with a customised Kente stoll and a premiere booklet.
The two had first met in New York City on September 18, 2022 at a W E B Du Bois Museum Foundation Event.
