Like Cotton Twines

In the 2016 drama film, Like Cotton Twines, American director Leila Djansi intimately explores the complex intersection of religion, gender roles, and cultural tradition against the vibrant background of modern-day Ghana. The narrative of the film unfolds through the central character, Jay Ellis (portrayed by Brian Angels), whose strength of conviction nudges him into a sobering confrontation with unsettling customary practices.

Jay Ellis, a young and optimistic American volunteer and teacher, travels to a rural community in Ghana with an aspiration to make a difference. He soon becomes invested in the lives of his new students but is particularly drawn to a bright, 13-year-old girl named Tuigi (portrayed by Yvone Okyere). Tuigi's invincible spirit and thirst for knowledge leave an indelible mark on Ellis who is deeply moved by her resilience in the face of adversity.

However, the story takes a consequential turn when Tuigi is forced to pay for her father's sins through an age-long cultural practice called Trokosi. Trokosi is a controversial ritual that demands a young virgin girl be offered to the local shrine as an act of appeasement for the wrongdoings committed by the family.

Ellis cannot bear to see Tuigi's future getting derailed and decides to do everything within his power to rescue her from this burdensome yoke of sacrifice. He faces opposition from the local authorities and the community, however, who see this tradition as a way of ensuring social stability. Ellis's unwavering determination to champion Tuigi's cause unpicks the disheartening innequality and corruption that underpin the society he has come to serve.

The various supporting characters in the movie serve to enhance the storyline and provide a broader context to the culture and custom at play. Each one, including Siko (Adjetey Anang), Naana (Luckie Lawson) and Headmistress (Irene Adotey), brings their unique perspective to the plot, giving the viewer a panoramic view of the complexity of the issue.

Brian Angels delivers a poignant and emotionally charged performance as the stoic Jay Ellis, perfectly capturing the character's internal turmoil as he grapples with the local customs and norms. Yvone Okyere is equally compelling as Tuigi, embodying the indomitable spirit of a young girl whose innocent world is abruptly interrupted. Their performances, combined with the remaining cast's ability to sink into their respective roles, make the narrative come alive and tug at the heartstrings of the viewer, urging them to reflect on the lingering effects of archaic cultural customs and the value of educating girls.

The visuals of the film add another layer to the storytelling. The Ghanaian landscape is captured in all its raw and rugged beauty, with lush green fields, muddy huts, bustling cityscapes, and vibrant local marketplaces. Even the costumes and the rich, earthy tones of cinematography aptly represent the culture, heritage, and traditions that lay the groundwork for the narrative. Director Leila Djansi artistically threads these elements together, employing them to reinforce the theme of social justice.

However, Like Cotton Twines is more than just a tragic tale set in an African village. It is a powerful commentary on the broader topics of human rights, social disparity, and cultural inflexibility. It forces the audience to question the accepted norms and challenges the audience's understanding of morality.

The film's title: 'Like Cotton Twines' is a poetic evocation of struggle and resistance. The imagery of cotton twining evokes the recurring theme of entanglement - of being caught in a web of archaic tradition and rigid societal norms from which escape is strenuous and difficult. It echoes the struggle of the characters trying to disentangle themselves from the clutches of regressive practices.

To sum up, More than just a movie, Like Cotton Twines is a thought-provoking masterpiece that explores the oppressive power of tradition and the crusade for freedom. It brings to light a controversial African tradition, sets the stage for dialogue about time-honored rituals and customs, and the need to reassess their relevance and impact on modern society. Its engaging storytelling, stellar performances, and vivid imagery make it a must-watch film.