Ghanaian film becomes first from nation to be eligible for Golden Globe nom

In a first for film entries from Ghana, director Samuel “Blitz” Bazawuke’s “The Burial of Kojo” has become eligible for a Golden Globe nomination in the Best Foreign Film category.

The film, which is currently streaming on Netflix as well as playing in theaters, is the story of a young woman who travels back and forth through a spiritual world in an attempt to save her father, who has gone missing after going on an illegal mining trip. It is also Bazawuke’s directorial debut.

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WHAAAAAAT!!!! @TheBurialOfKojo is up for a Golden Globe Nomination. First ever for Ghana. Just Wow!!!
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— Blitz Bazawule (@BlitzAmbassador) November 8, 2019

“Born from a newspaper article and a Kickstarter campaign, Bazawule skillfully captures the beauty of a family, even when the circumstances aren’t beautiful,” reads an official description. “THE BURIAL OF KOJO is an essential human story of courage and survival. THE BURIAL OF KOJO is a 2019 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) Official Selection and 2018 Urbanworld Film Festival Best Narrative Feature Winner.”

The film is being distributed by Ava DuVernay‘s company Array, which according to its website, is a grassroots distribution, arts and advocacy collective focused on films made by people of color and women.

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Back in February, DuVernay tweeted, “I wanted to distribute this film from the minute I heard @BlitzAmbassador was making it. My dream came true.”

A month later she wrote “I am so proud to distribute this film. I invite you to enjoy @BlitzAmbassador’s gem, THE BURIAL OF KOJO. You’re in for a sumptuous, gorgeous treat.”

The official list of Golden Globes nominees is scheduled to be announced Dec. 9 and the ceremony will take place Jan. 5, 2020.