Private Project

OHEMAA means Queen

From the lens of a modern-day woman, Hilda Afrakoma travels to her ancestral home of Ghana and explores the rich history of heroine Yaa Asantewaa.

  • Hilda Afrakoma
    Director
  • Hilda Afrakoma
    Writer
  • Hilda Afrakoma
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 45 seconds
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Hilda Afrakoma

Hilda Ohemaa Afrakoma is a Canadian-Ghanaian writer, director, and producer born and raised in Toronto. Her short film “1st KINGS” won Audience Choice at Canadian Screen Awards qualifying festival, Emerging Lens. Afrakoma has had two television shows in development: one with Winnipeg-based production company Buffalo Gals and the other with Montreal-based Pixcom. Currently, she's in the midst of pitching a science fiction drama series. Afrakoma is known for fusing her cultures to create diverse and engaging female-centered content.

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Director Statement

I've always been interested in historical female figures. When most people envision warriors men usually come to mind, however, many women have sacrificed themselves for their people, beliefs, and country. Yaa Asantewaa stands out because she's a Ghanaian heroine and what people would label a "badass." The British were adamant about taking "The Golden Stool," which contains the spirits and souls of the Ashanti Kingdom. The men were afraid. She stood up like the warrior queen she was and lead a series of rebellions. Yaa Asantewaa inspires me to stand up for my beliefs, promote female positivity, and persevere no matter the adversaries. If this isn't admirable--I don't know what is.

-- Afrakoma