Axe of Vengeance, an exhibition at the Grunwald Gallery
of Art, features hand painted posters created to advertise
Hollywood, Bollywood, Kung Fu, Nollywood and Ghanaian
films circulating in Ghana during the 1980s and 1990s.
The posters and the venues where they were shown have
become obsolete, as viewing has shifted from makeshift
theaters to in-home film viewing. The exhibit features a
recreation of a traditional cinematic space and viewing
experience where visitors can view the films Isakaba Boys, Secret
Adventure, The Snake Girl, and Oganigwe. IU Cinema will present two films
from this era. This exhibit is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Themester, Henry
Radford Hope School of Fine Arts, History Department, African Studies Program, and Black Film
Center/Archive. Special thanks to Marissa Moorman, Betsy Stirratt, Bob Smith, Carmela Garritano
and Fred Amata. Screenings are free, but ticketed.
Tickets: (812) 855-1103
15
Black is Black: Mamma Mia
(2000) Directed by Bob Smith Jr.
Sunday - September 9 - 6:30 p.m.
The film tells the story of a wealthy foreigner who arrives in Ghana with oodles of cash and a limo.
He proceeds to seduce young women with the lure of his money and the good life but before too
long, trouble ensues. Bob Smith Jr. got his start in Ghanaian cinema as an actor and has become a
Renaissance man: producing, directing, writing and acting in his own films. His first claim to fame
was as the character "Diabolo," who famously turned into a snake. (Digital Presentation. 80 min.
Not rated.)
Axe
of
Vengeance
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Oganigwe
(1999) Directed by Fred Amata
Saturday - September 15 - 9:30 p.m.
Oganigwe explores the trado - cultural practices and relationships in rural Nigeria, and highlights
the dependence on the gods in determining good and evil. A village prince must choose a wife, and
through dance and rhythmic expression, the single women of the village must reveal their femininity
and readiness for womanhood. The royal mothers position their daughters to be chosen as the next
queen. When the prince chooses a girl of low lineage, mothers plot to discredit her purity. The girl is
led to the grove of Oganigwe, for the all-knowing and powerful deity of justice to determine her fate.
But Oganigwe is a just deity and good must triumph over evil. Strange things begin to happen in the
village and justice comes to rule but what will happen with the prince and the maiden that stole
his heart? (Digital Presentation. 90 min. Not rated.)
Axe of Vengeance 15
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