An African Election by Jarreth Merz (89 mins)

We’re delighted to be showing Jarreth Merz’s new film ‘An African Election’, as part of its UK DOGWOOF release in November. “A suspenseful, well-edited documentary by Swiss film-maker Jarreth Merz filled with big personalities, colourful speech-making and high-stakes intrigue” – Screen Daily

In 2008, while the world turned its gaze to the first presidential race in the United States in which an African American was running for president, the African nation of Ghana was also making history. ‘An African Election’ takes an in-depth look at the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa.

Watch the trailer

The 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa, serve as a backdrop for this feature documentary that looks behind-the-scenes at the complex, political machinery of a developing world democracy struggling to legitimize itself to its first world contemporaries. At stake in this race are the fates of two political parties that will do almost anything to win.

Director Jarreth Merz follows the key players for almost three months to provide an unprecedented insider’s view of the political, economic and social forces at work in Ghana. He builds suspense by taking the viewer down the back roads of the nation to capture each unexpected twist and turn in a contest that is always exciting and never predictable. Throughout the film, Merz depicts the pride and humanity of the larger-than-life politicians, party operatives and citizens who battle for the soul of their country.

Swiss born, Jarreth Merz grew up in Ghana. This film sees him return after a 28-year absence.

Post Film Discussion

Join us for a post-film discussion about the film and the many issues it raises such as how to hold governments to election promises; the legacy of Nkrumah post independence; and the close ties that connect Ghana’s political life and the British Ghanaian diaspora. We will be joined by a number of speakers, including Adjoa Andoh, actor, campaigner and TPFF board member. Bristol born, Adjoa is dual heritage British Ghanaian. Her theatre career includes lead roles in the West End as well as the National Theatre; she starred in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Invictus’; her TV roles included Casualty; and her campaigning commitments have included Fair Trade and the Trade Justice Movement.

Booking Information

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, 7.30pm, £6/£4 . Book here.

Getting There

http://www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk/p295.html

Underground

Seven Sisters (Victoria Line) – take Tottenham High Road exit, five mins walk from the station. Exit from exit 1, Tesco should be on your right hand side. Walk straight up the road and past CONEL, which will be on the left, and turn left. Bernie Grant Arts Centre is just past the town hall and before the leisure centre and Marcus Garvey Library.

Buses

149, 259, 243, 476, 230, 123, 41, 341

Trains

Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale.