King of Sanwi
Synopsis
A companion to Pelourinho: They Don’t Really Care About Us, King of Sanwi traces Michael Jackson’s relationship to the African continent from the Jackson 5’s 1974 arrival in Senegal to his 1992 coronation in Côte d’Ivoire, connecting his early reception as a child star to his later recognition as king.
United States, Ghana
Languages: English, French
Cast & Crew
Directed by Akosua Adoma Owusu
Produced by Akosua Adoma Owusu
Animation by Akosua Adoma Owusu
Edited by Dylan Bowman
Sound Design & Mix by Kari Rae Seekins
Selected Screenings
• BFI London Film Festival
• New York Film Festival
• Brooklyn Rail — Holiday Film Series
• Ann Arbor Film Festival
• Athens International Film and Video Festival
• Batalha Centro de Cinema
• Haus der Kulturen der Welt, 2022
• VIDEO WINDOW, Kunsthalle Lucerne, Art Space Walcheturm Zurich, 2023
• Oberhausen International Short Film Festival
Selected Writings
Akosua Adoma Owusu’s marvelous short “King of Sanwi” offers fierce competition — Roger Ebert Online
Reworked archival video… made visceral by Owusu’s richly material direct animation effects. — New York Film Festival