Azali

Azali is a 2018 Ghanaian drama film produced by Ananse Entertainment with Kwabena Gyansah as the director. As the first Ghanaian film shot primarily in the Dagbani language, Azali presents an engaging, fresh perspective on life in rural northern Ghana. This captivating feature film garnered wide acclaim both domestically and internationally and was Ghana's submission for the Best International Feature Film Category at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020.

The film tells the harrowing and emotionally compelling story of a 14-year-old girl, Amina, portrayed by talented debutante Asana Alhassan. This riveting drama unfolds in a small village in northern Ghana. The desperate desire of Amina’s mother to save her from the prevalent practice of early forced marriages leads to unforeseen consequences, setting the overall tone for an emotional roller-coaster ride throughout the film.

In an unforeseen twist of events, Amina's mother bargains for her to be married off to her cousin in Accra to avoid what she perceives is a worse fate at the hands of a local suitor who is old enough to be Amina's grandfather. However, things don’t unfold as planned. The truck Amina is traveling in to Accra has an accident, leaving her stranded in the city. She then spends her existence navigating the harsh realities of Accra, where she finds herself in the grimy underbelly of society inhabited by child beggars, petty traders, and commercial sex workers.

Another pivotal character in the heart-wrenching drama is Amina's mother, played by experienced Ghanaian actress Akofa Edjeani Asiedu. Her performance captures the heartbreaking desperation of a mother forced by tradition and circumstance to take unimaginable measures to protect her child. She brilliantly personifies the conflict between tradition, culture, and the well-being of a child.

The film also stars Adjetey Anang, one of Ghana's most renowned actors, who plays the character of the human trafficker. Anang's character becomes instrumental in Amina's journey, posing significant challenges and exposing her to the stark realities of human trafficking, raw survival, and resilience.

Azali is a significant contribution to Ghanaian cinema, especially due to its focused and detailed portrayal of the harsh realities faced by many young girls in Africa today. The film challenges its audience to engage with issues such as child marriage, illiteracy, poverty, and human trafficking that particularly afflict marginalized, rural communities. The film straddles the line between a grim reality check and engrossing drama while keeping its audience riveted.

Distinguished for its authentic storytelling and moving performances, Azali has gained international recognition. Its choice of the Dagbani language, sparsely used in Ghanaian cinema, gives it an aura of authenticity and offers a refreshing break from mainstream cinematic experiences. The film not only reflects the socio-cultural landscape of northern Ghana but also opens up a new canvas for understanding the intricacies of societal norms in Africa.

In addition to the gripping story, Azali shines in other areas of film-making as well. It features captivating cinematography that transports the audience to the bustling metropolis of Accra and the sparsely populated landscapes of Northern Ghana. The visuals add a layer of attraction to this thought-provoking film. The director, Kwabena Gyansah, encapsulates the essence of trauma and resilience in a hostile world through his masterful storytelling, blending harsh realities with a strong narrative fluently paced to keep the audience deeply embedded in Amina's journey.

The new face in the cast, Asana Alhassan, delivers a stellar performance despite this being her first acting experience. She embodies the innocence, naïveté, endurance, and strength of character necessary for the role, providing a solid backbone for the intensity of the film's narrative.

In conclusion, Azali is a poignant exploration of an adolescent girl's struggle for survival in a complex world of tradition, exploitation, and hardship. It is a distinguished accomplishment in Ghanaian cinema, providing an insightful perspective on the critical issues affecting young girls in Africa today. With its brilliant performances and compelling narrative, Azali is a film that leaves a lasting impression and ignites profound conversations about the societal norms that continue to exist in the modern world.