Directed by
Sam Blitz Bazawule
Made by
ARRAY Releasing
Discover the intricate plot of The Burial Of Kojo (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Esi reflects on her formative years spent in a vibrant village in rural Ghana, where she resides in a stilted community reminiscent of the actual village, Nzulezo. Here, she lives with her father, Kojo, and her mother, Ama, who diligently supports their modest income through her sewing craft. Kojo, once a city dweller, escaped to the village due to a haunting tragedy, believing that “only water could cleanse the past.” His bond with Esi runs deep, often taking her on boat rides across the serene waters, sharing captivating stories that seem to hold deeper meanings understood only through their conclusions.
Their tranquil life takes an intriguing turn when an unexpected guest appears — an elderly blind man hailing from “the realm in-between,” a mysterious place described as where “everything is upside down.” He confides in Esi about a sacred white bird she must protect, which is being pursued by a sinister crow that presides over the land in-between.
Their lives shift yet again when Esi’s estranged uncle, Kwabena, arrives to reconnect with Kojo. The brothers had severed ties years ago, but Kwabena convinces Kojo to leave their village and relocate to the city, where they move in with Esi’s grandmother. There, Esi and her grandmother enjoy a Spanish-language Mexican telenovela that parallels their lives, featuring a rivalry between two brothers vying for the affection of the same woman. This tale strikes a chord, revealing that Kojo and Kwabena had similarly competed for love, with a tragic history revealing that the woman they loved died on her wedding day to Kwabena because of Kojo’s drinking and reckless driving.
Though initially hesitant, Kojo eventually agrees to join Kwabena in an illegal gold mining operation designed to restore their fortunes. However, betrayal lurks as Kwabena throws Kojo into an abandoned mineshaft and disappears. In a frantic search for her father, Esi and Ama turn to the police, leading to a desperate investigation into Kojo’s disappearance.
As Esi grapples with her father’s absence, she is haunted by visions of the crow ruling the enigmatic land in-between. It dawns on her that the crow symbolizes her uncle Kwabena, whose life ended in the same drunk driving incident that claimed the life of his beloved. The sacred white bird, she realizes, represents her father. With this newfound understanding, Esi recognizes that she alone has the strength to rescue him from the clutches of the past.
Track the key events of The Burial Of Kojo (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Esi's Early Life
Esi grows up in a vibrant village in rural Ghana, spending her formative years in a stilted community reminiscent of Nzulezo. She lives with her father, Kojo, and mother, Ama, who supports their modest lifestyle by sewing.
Kojo's Escape
Kojo, once a city dweller, escapes to the village due to a haunting tragedy in his past. He believes that only water can cleanse his memories, symbolizing his attempt to wash away guilt and sorrow.
Boats and Stories
Kojo often takes Esi on boat rides across serene waters, sharing captivating stories that carry deeper meanings. These moments strengthen their bond, as Esi finds comfort and wisdom in her father's tales.
The Arrival of the Blind Man
An unexpected guest, an elderly blind man from 'the realm in-between', arrives in their village. He reveals to Esi her responsibility to protect a sacred white bird from a sinister crow, foreshadowing future conflicts.
Uncle Kwabena's Return
Esi's estranged uncle, Kwabena, returns to reconnect with Kojo after years of separation. Their reunion stirs up old wounds, as Kojo reminisces about the tragic events that led to their estrangement.
Relocation to the City
Persuaded by Kwabena, Kojo leaves the village and moves to the city with Esi and her grandmother. This change in environment introduces new challenges and highlights the complexities of their familial relationships.
Telenovela Connections
In the city, Esi and her grandmother watch a Spanish-language Mexican telenovela that parallels their own family's rivalry. The story reflects the competition between Kojo and Kwabena for a woman's affection, deepening the dramatic tension.
The Tragic Past
Esi learns about a tragic history involving Kojo and Kwabena competing for love, leading to devastating consequences. The woman's untimely death on her wedding day to Kwabena is intricately tied to Kojo’s reckless behavior.
Entering Illegal Activities
Despite initial doubts, Kojo agrees to join Kwabena in an illegal gold mining operation aiming to restore their fortunes. This decision marks a turning point, as it intertwines Esi’s family deeper into the realm of danger and betrayal.
Betrayal in the Mines
In a shocking turn of events, Kwabena betrays Kojo, throwing him into an abandoned mineshaft and disappearing into the shadows. This act of betrayal leaves Esi and Ama in a state of desperation as they search for Kojo.
Desperate Search
Esi and Ama turn to the local police for help, leading to an urgent investigation into Kojo's disappearance. The search for Kojo intensifies as the family grapples with the fear of loss and uncertainty.
Visions of the Crow
As Esi copes with her father's absence, she becomes haunted by visions of the crow, which represents her uncle Kwabena. This haunting symbol amplifies her fears and burdens, forcing her to confront the darker aspects of her family's past.
Mother and Daughter Bond
Esi and Ama's bond deepens as they face the struggle of Kojo's absence together. Their relationship evolves as they find strength in their shared experiences and the memories they hold of Kojo.
Understanding the Symbols
Esi realizes that the crow symbolizes her uncle Kwabena, whose life was also claimed by a drunk driving incident. This moment of clarity prompts her to connect the dots, revealing the complexity of her family's history.
Embracing Her Strength
With her newfound understanding, Esi acknowledges the sacred white bird represents her father. She draws upon her inner strength, ready to rescue him from the past and confront the shadows that have plagued their family.
Meet the characters that bring The Burial Of Kojo (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Esi
Esi is a young girl navigating her formative years amidst a backdrop of familial struggles and haunting pasts. She possesses a deep connection with her father, Kojo, and seeks to understand the complexities of her family's legacy. Her resilience is tested as she confronts the realities of love, betrayal, and the journey toward healing.
Kojo
Kojo is Esi's father, a man marked by past mistakes and tragedies stemming from his reckless behavior. His attempt to flee from the memories of his past leads him back into dangerous waters, both metaphorically and literally. Kojo's struggle for redemption becomes central to his character arc as he faces his demons.
Kwabena
Kwabena is Esi's estranged uncle, whose reintroduction into the family creates ripples of conflict and betrayal. His persuasive nature leads Kojo astray, emphasizing themes of ambition and rivalry. Kwabena's tragic end serves as a reminder of the consequences of unresolved familial disputes.
Ama
Ama is Esi's mother, a diligent woman who works hard to support her family through her sewing craft. Her strong presence is crucial in maintaining the family's stability, and she embodies the themes of love and perseverance. Ama's character reflects dedication to family amidst challenges.
Uncover the settings of The Burial Of Kojo (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the struggles and values of a rural community while blending traditional themes with modern issues. This time period focuses on familial bonds, personal redemption, and the intrusion of urban life on rural simplicity.
Location
Nzulezo, rural Ghana
Nzulezo is a unique stilted village situated in rural Ghana, built over a series of lakes and waterways. Known for its picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, it provides a glimpse into traditional community life. The village is reminiscent of diverse yet interconnected stories that intertwine the lives of its residents.
Explore the core themes of The Burial Of Kojo (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Redemption
The theme of redemption runs deeply throughout the story as characters confront their past choices and seek forgiveness. Kojo's journey from a haunted past to reclaiming his relationship with Esi symbolizes the struggle for personal salvation. Esi's realization of her strength to overcome her family's history represents a powerful desire to break the cycle of trauma.
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the movie, showcasing the complexities of relationships between parents and children as well as siblings. Esi's connection with her father, Kojo, and her grandmother highlights the importance of heritage and tradition. Additionally, the estrangement and reunion between Kojo and Kwabena illustrate how family ties can be both a source of support and conflict.
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Betrayal
Betrayal emerges as a significant theme, particularly illustrated through the actions of Kwabena. His manipulation leads to devastating consequences for Kojo, marking a turning point in the family's plight. This theme underscores how greed and past grievances can corrupt relationships, leading to tragic results.
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