The Representation of the Kasena Culture through Kasem Language Films

Abstract

The film camera is one of the greatest technological inventions the world has ever had. Many countries have used filmmaking as a tool for promoting their culture. Thus, as a result of enculturation, some Ghanaians unfortunately propagate the images they see in these foreign films in theirs. This research, therefore, is an exploration of the content of some Kasem language films such as Kwara Jei (2010), Anɛmana (2014), and Chira Kambia (2015). The study assessed how the images in these films relate to the Kasena culture in their description and depiction of some traditional Kasena institutions using a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as instruments; and Kasem language and cultural experts, film tutors, Kasem language film directors, and Kasena Vora (Soothsayers) as participants. It emerged that there are indeed some forms of misrepresentation in some of the films with respect to issues bothering on the portrayal of Kasena chieftaincy and the Vogo practise among others. The Kasem language film directors also admitted to copying some of their cultural representation from films from Nigeria and other foreign films. This work recommends that Kasem language film directors endeavour to research by contacting heads of traditional institutions, Kasem language and cultural experts to guide them on how best to represent the Kasena culture in Kasem language and cultural films.