Ghana’s Karen-Happuch makes history with ground-breaking animation film

Ghanaian animator Karen-Happuch has made history with her trailblazing animation film, Abrefi Kɔtɔ, which sold out three consecutive screenings at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, marking a major milestone for both the Ghanaian film industry and women in the male-dominated animation field.

Drawing from Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, Abrefi Kɔtɔ tells an inspiring story of empowerment set in the ancient Asante Kingdom. The film follows a determined young woman who defies societal expectations, offering a powerful message about female representation and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Since 2017, Karen-Happuch has steadily built her career in animation. Her project Abrefi Kɔtɔ has gained international acclaim, having been selected as one of the top African stories for the Anim’Ato Mada 2022 residency in Madagascar. It was also recognized as one of the best animation projects from Ghana at the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s MIFA pitch session.

This achievement places Ghana on the global map as a hub for innovative storytelling, with Abrefi Kɔtɔ becoming the only West African film selected among the top eight stories at the Annecy Animation Film Market and recognized by Kickstarter in 2023. Supported by a successful Kickstarter campaign with backing from international supporters, the film’s success was even more remarkable given the challenges Karen-Happuch and her team faced, including limited resources and a lack of professional equipment. Despite these obstacles, Karen-Happuch’s unwavering dedication brought Abrefi Kɔtɔ to life, shattering barriers in the animation industry and inspiring young creatives worldwide to pursue their dreams.