Ethnographic Film Series

Organised by SOAS Department of Anthropology & Sociology in conjunction with Royal Anthropological Institute

Wednesday 4 October 1pm, Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS

J. C. Abbey, Ghana’s Puppeteer by Steven Feld, 55 min / 2016

This film presents an exceptional fifty-year artistic career, from Accra’s streets to Ghana’s villages to international TV. In fifteen delightful puppet shows, Mr. Abbey chronicles Ghana’s music since independence in 1957. The marionettes perform ethnic songs, dances and stories, but equally the sounds of highlife, Afro-jazz, Afro-rock, reggae, and contemporary hiplife. This fifth feature in Steven Feld’s “Jazz Cosmopolitanism in Accra” series mixes the styles of historical documentary and contemporary music video.

For further information on the films please contact: RAI Film Officer, Caterina Sartori, film@therai.org.uk

All are welcome, booking not required.