AV Distribution

Fetu Afahye Festival Documentary

Logline
Fetu Afahye is the annual festival of the Cape Coast people of Ghana. The spiritual and mysterious, pomp and pageantry are all captured in this historical narrative. Combining academic research and up-close collection of scenery, slave castles, masquerades, night rituals and sacrifices, Fetu Afahye delves into this explosive cultural phenomenon.

Medium Synopsis
Fetu Afahye, a festival celebrated by the people of Cape Coast, Oguaa in Ghana, from the last week of July to the first Saturday of September marking the end of the old year and the ushering of the new. Historically, Cape Coast started as a fishing village belonging to the state of Fetu, one of the traditional states recording the arrival of the Europeans in 1471 on the coast, named Gold Coast, now modern Ghana. In the middle of the 17th century, a trading fort was built by the Swedes which was later taken over by the British, now named Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO designate monument. This small fishing village placed a pivotal role in the struggle against colonial rule. Fetu Afahye, like other traditional festivals in Ghana, is rooted in the cultural heritage of the people. The festival is uniquely multifaceted, reflecting a world view, that holistically integrate the religious, spiritual, artistic and political elements. Because the festival has many components, it is divided into several phases, taking place at different times and at different locations. The epitome of the festival is the grand procession of different ranks of chiefs, sub-chiefs, Asafo warriors, queenmothers, horn-blowers and masquerades. Other rituals take place 'behind-the-veil', so to speak, in the protection of the people. From animal sacrifices, warding of slave traders' spirits, pacifying the gods with prescribed food items and drinks. The atmosphere is 'charged' with menacing-looking men with swords, possessed women, mysterious dances of the priests and other fetishes priests.

Programming Descriptors
FORMS: Documentary, Short, Television
GENRES: Educational, Religious, Dance, Independent, Reality, Culture, Spiritual, Social Issue, History
NICHES: African, African American, Black, Third World, Student
Foreign Titles:ENGLISH