WUNRN
Ghana - Witches of Gambaga -
Film
FILM SEGMENT: http://www.witchesofgambaga.com/trailer/
The
Witches of Gambaga
is the extraordinary story of a community of women condemned to live as witches
in Northern Ghana. Made over the course of 5 years, this disturbing expose is
the product of a collaboration between members of the 100 strong community of
‘witches’ and women’s movement activists determined to end abusive practises
and improve women’s lives in Africa. Painful experience and insight come
together to create an intimate portrait of the lives of women ostracised by
their communities.
FILM SYNOPSIS
The Witches of Gambaga is the extraordinary story of a community of women condemned to live as witches in Northern Ghana. Made over the course of 5 years, this disturbing expose is the product of a collaboration between members of the 100 strong community of ‘witches’ and women’s movement activists determined to end abusive practises and improve women’s lives in Africa. Painful experience and insight come together to create an intimate portrait of the lives of women ostracised by their communities. Told largely by the women themselves, their incredible stories and struggles are conveyed to a wide range of audiences by the director’s narration. The film was completed in July 2010 by Fadoa Films Ghana and UK. It was directed by Yaba Badoe, and co-produced by Yaba Badoe and Amina Mama.
Why I made The Witches of Gambaga
“Within 24 hours of meeting women condemned to live as ‘witches’ at Gambaga
in March 1995, I knew that I had to make a documentary about their lives. The
more I listened to their stories, the more determined I became to use film as a
way to challenge beliefs that demonize women. Asana Mahama was tortured by her
brother who threatened to pluck out her eyes if she didn’t confess to witchcraft.
Bintook Duut was on the run for her life for three months before she found
refuge at the camp. Nobody knows the number of alleged witches who never find
sanctuary, but I wanted Ghanaians and other Africans, to hear what has happened
to women who have lived to tell their tales.”
Yaba Badoe, Director and Co-Producer
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Feminist
Africa
REPRESENTING WITCHES IN CONTEMPORARY
GHANA: CHALLENGES & REFLECTIONS ON MAKING THE "WITCHES OF
GAMBAGA" FILM
By Yaba Badoe
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