Highlights: DELA Premieres at KNUST, Kumasi
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui , premiered in The Great Hall at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on August 4, 2025.
BY Africa-Related, Ghana
Photos: blaxTARLINES /KNUST Museum
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui , premiered in The Great Hall at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on August 4, 2025. The celebrated Emeritus Prof. El Anatsui, took center stage in the award-winning biographical documentary, as well as in person. He walked the same stage at the prestigious Great Hall, where, as a young undergraduate in 1968, he collected his degree in Fine and Applied Arts.
Staff and students turned up in mass to pay homage to the old student, who went on to become a globally renowned sculptor. The event highlights include a music performance by Buju Baja, an exhibition of artworks in the film, showing drawings, illustrations and paintings by Bright Ackwerh, Uchenna Ohagwu, Yifat Bezalel and Ghariokwu Lemi.
In her opening remarks, the film’s director, Oyiza Adaba thanked the organizers and urged viewers to take note of the many lessons from Prof. Anatsui’s life and legacy. On his part, the Artist acknowledged KNUST for its solid foundation in shaping his entire being. He spoke fondly of his days at the University and the profound impact on trajectory of his career, while also charging students to chart their paths with courage and authenticity.
The screening event is part of the on-going DELA Campus Tour, and was hosted by the Department of Painting and Sculpture/KNUST Museum/blaxTARLINES.
Senior members of the Faculty in attendance include Dean School of Arts and Built Environment Prof. Karî’kachä Seid’ou, Edwin K. Bodjawah Head, Department of Painting and Sculpture, George Buma Ampratwum and Kwaku Boafo Kissiedu (Castro). Also present were Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh (Painting), Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Amenuke, (Sculpture), Mr. E. Eyram Donkor (Sculpture), Prof. Ebenezer Kofi Howard (Vice Dean-Faculty of Art), Dr Kofi Adjei (Ceramics), Prof. Samuel Nortey (Ceramics) and Rev. Martin Owusu Adi-Dako ( Communication Design).
Follow the film: @elanatsuifilm.
EL Anatsui’s SPEAKS at DELA KNUST PREMIERE
“As a teacher, I’ve taught for many years, 5 years in Winneba and 47 years in Nigeria and I’ve learned from my students... The journey in art is so interesting. Art teaches us so many things in unique ways.”
EXHIBITION: Artworks In The Film
Photo Gallery
DELA Premieres In GHANA
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui Premieres at Black Star International Film Festival in Ghana to rave reviews.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui Premieres at Black Star International Film Festival in Ghana to rave reviews.
Prof. El Anatsui holds his Achievement Award - a gold bar with a black star /Photo by Africa-Related
The evening of September 22 marked the first screening of the biographical documentary at the World Trade Center in Accra, Ghana. The film’s subject, Professor El Anatsui was ushered into the decorated venue by The Anyako Cultural Troupe, while piano genius Funsho Ogundipe of AYETORO performed alongside Trombonist Elikplim Amewode after the screening. There was a brief Q & A with film Director Oyiza Adaba, followed by a citation presentation, done by Dr. Odoi Oddoye. The film was well received by the audience made up of dignitaries that included diplomats, family, friends, artists and colleagues.
Acceptance Speech
Professor El Anatsui opened his acceptance speech with the challenges faced with continuous camera exposure in over 10 years of filming. He also advised the organisers on the use of the term "lifetime achievement," emphasizing it should be ongoing for living individuals.
He reflected on the global perspective of art and suggested that there are still aspects of art that have not been addressed. He also referenced the "art is life" slogan by KNUST, highlighting the complexity of life and its integration into art.
Cultural Influences and Artistic Journey
The Emeritus Professor recounted his early career beginning post-school, influenced by Western teachings with little emphasis on local culture. He noted how the discovery of Adinkra signs excited him as a young man growing up in the rural Volta region.
He also compared the Renaissance period in Europe with the abstract Adinkra signs, emphasizing their cultural significance and citing his influence by abstract art originating from the cultural center in Kumasi. He touched briefly on the challenges and contributions in Art, noting the ease of following but the difficulty of extraction.
For a moment the globally celebrated sculptor reflected on the balance between family and societal influences on his artistic journey, and dedicated the award to society, highlighting its significant role in his development.
He ended by thanking the Black Star International Film Festival organizers for their honor and acknowledged the societal contributions to his growth.
Citation
Black Star International's Tribute honors Professor Anatsui for his transformative works that have changed global perceptions of African art.The citation highlights Professor Anatsui's innovative use of local organic materials and education in his art. We emphasize Professor Natri's contributions to African art on the world stage, showcasing African artistry globally. The tribute acknowledges Professor Anatsui's extraordinary contributions to art and culture in Africa and beyond.
About Black Star International Film Festival
BSIFF IS A CULTURAL ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO NURTURING, EDUCATING AND INSPIRING LOVE FOR THE BUSINESS OF FILM IN AFRICA.
BSIFF provides a platform that inspires love for film and cinema; supporting independent African filmmakers to reach distribution opportunities, the right network, worldwide audience, film education, acquire relevant skills and that push their creative boundaries beyond limit.
PHOTOS FROM DELA SCREENING
