King Ampaw

King Ampaw is a Ghanaian filmmaker and actor born in Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He is known for starring as the second lead role with the late Hollywood actor, Klaus Kinski in Werner Herzog's sensational film Cobra Verde (1987) which he also co-produced.^[1] He also co-produced the film African Timber [de] (1989) directed by Peter F. Bringmann.^[2]

His early life was steeped in the rich cultural traditions of his homeland, which later influenced his work in film. Ampaw pursued his education in Europe, where he studied at the prestigious Academy of Film in Berlin, Germany. This academic background provided him with a solid foundation in film theory and practice, shaping his distinctive approach to filmmaking^[3][4]

King Ampaw was born on 25 July 1940 in Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He attended the Academy of Film in Potsdam, Germany in 1965. In 1966 he also enrolled at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria and the Hochschule für Fernsehen und Film München, Germany (HFF Munich) from 1967 to 1972 where he studied with Werner Herzog and Wim Wenders. He graduated as a film director with his first film They Call it Love.^[1]

On his return to Ghana, he became a senior director at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) from 1979 to 1982 when he left GBC to form his own film company, Afro movies Ltd.^[1] King Ampaw wrote, directed and produced his own films such as Kukurantumi, Road to Accra (1983), Juju (1985) and No Time to Die (2006).^[5] Most of his films have been co-funded with his company Afromovies Ltd and international agencies and governments such as No Time to Die which was funded by the European Union and the French Government.^[6] His films have been praised internationally and have won numerous awards including the Film Critics Award for Kukurantumi, Road to Accra at FESPACO, the Input Film Award for Juju in Czech Republic and the Talifa Film Festival Award in Spain for No Time to Die.

He was the first Filmmaker to be given an Honorary Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigeria.^[7] At the 2012 NAFTI Film Lectures, he was honoured for his immense contribution to the film industry and cross-cultural collaborations between Ghana and Germany.^[8] He also received another Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 at the Accra International Film Festival.^[9] He is a founding member of FEPACI (African Filmmakers’ Union), FESPACO, the Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA) and the Directors’ Guild of Ghana (DGG).^[1]

King Ampaw is currently working on a film titled "The Son and Sun of Africa", which is about the life of the legendary Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah which will be his last film, to complete his creative works.^[1][8]

Ampaw's films are known for their unique blend of African storytelling with European cinematic techniques. His work often explores themes of identity, tradition, and the intersection of African and Western cultures. Ampaw is particularly renowned for his ability to capture the nuances of Ghanaian life, presenting them in a way that resonates with both local and international audiences. His films are celebrated for their humor, social commentary, and the use of non-professional actors, which adds an authentic touch to his narratives^[10][11]

King Ampaw's contributions to African cinema are exemplified by his notable works, including No Time to Die and Kukurantumi: The Road to Accra. These films have not only been critically acclaimed but have also been instrumental in putting Ghanaian cinema on the global map. Kukurantumi: The Road to Accra, in particular, is considered a landmark in African filmmaking, showcasing the everyday struggles and resilience of the Ghanaian people. Ampaw's films have been screened at numerous international film festivals, earning him a reputation as a leading voice in African cinema^[12][13]

Beyond his work as a filmmaker, King Ampaw has made significant contributions to the broader African film industry. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting African cinema, including serving as a mentor to young filmmakers across the continent. Ampaw has also played a key role in the establishment of film institutions in Ghana, which have provided training and resources for emerging filmmakers. His efforts have helped to nurture a new generation of African filmmakers who continue to push the boundaries of the medium^[14][15]

King Ampaw's legacy in the film industry is marked by his pioneering work and his commitment to telling authentic African stories. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to cinema, both in Ghana and internationally. His films continue to be studied and celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance. As one of the foremost figures in African cinema, Ampaw's influence extends beyond his own body of work, inspiring filmmakers across the continent to embrace their cultural heritage in their storytelling^[16][17]

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• They Call it Love (1972)^[18]
• Kukurantumi, Road to Accra (1983)^[18]
• Juju (Nana Akoto) (1985)^[19]
• No Time to Die (2006)^[20]
• Cobra Verde (1987)^[21]

In 2007, King Ampaw was awarded "Best Actor award at the 4th African Film Festival of Tarifa in Spain.^[18] He presented during the 20th anniversary of the "Pan-African Film and Arts Festival in Georgia, Atlanta, in 2008.^[18] He won The Film Critics Award for Kukurantumi at Fespaco in Ouagadougou and Input Film Award for Nana Akoto in Czechoslovakia^[18] He is also the winner of Honorary Award at an edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), in Nigeria.^[18] Additionally, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Accra International Film Festival (AIFF) in 2013.^[18]

He is married with two sons.^[7]