Ghanaian animator Karen-Happuch has achieved a historic milestone with her groundbreaking animated film, Abrefi Kɔtɔ. This remarkable work sold out three consecutive screenings at Accra’s Silverbird Cinemas, marking a turning point for Ghana’s film industry, especially for women in the predominantly male-led field of animation.
The story of Abrefi Kɔtɔ is deeply rooted in Ghana’s cultural heritage and draws inspiration from the legacy of the Asante Kingdom. Set against this vibrant historical backdrop, the film follows Abrefi, a courageous young woman who defies traditional expectations and challenges the societal norms of her time. Her journey symbolizes empowerment, resilience, and innovation—a message that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Abrefi’s determination to break through the boundaries imposed on her reflects a broader narrative of self-discovery, liberation, and the pursuit of dreams, capturing viewers’ imagination and highlighting the importance of female representation in stories.
Karen-Happuch’s dedication to the animation industry began in 2017, and since then, she has steadily built her reputation, paving her own path in a field with limited resources and infrastructure in Ghana. Her journey led her to create Abrefi Kɔtɔ, a film that has received substantial international recognition.
It was selected as one of the top African stories for the Anim’Ato Mada 2022 residency in Madagascar, where it stood out among many creative projects across the continent. Additionally, Abrefi Kɔtɔ was highlighted as Ghana’s top animation project at the MIFA pitch session during the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a prestigious global event for animation professionals.
Adding to its list of achievements, Abrefi Kɔtɔ was chosen as one of the top eight stories worldwide by the Annecy Animation Film Festival, the International Animation Film Market (MIFA), and Kickstarter in 2023. This placed the film on the global stage as the only West African selection—a rare accomplishment that cements Ghana’s potential as a hub for innovative storytelling in animation. The project’s Kickstarter campaign saw tremendous support from backers around the world, validating its universal appeal and further showcasing the reach of African stories.
Karen-Happuch and her team at KHPH Studios faced numerous challenges on the journey to bring Abrefi Kɔtɔ to life. In addition to limited financial resources, they had to work without access to high-end professional equipment that is typically necessary for animation production. However, the team’s dedication and passion drove them to innovate and push through these obstacles, culminating in the successful premiere of Abrefi Kɔtɔ in cinemas.
This significant achievement has not only elevated Ghanaian animation on the world stage but also served as an inspiring example for countless young people in Ghana and across Africa, encouraging them to pursue careers in animation, storytelling, and other creative industries.
Through her work, Karen-Happuch has shattered the glass ceiling, proving that African stories, and particularly those led by women, can captivate and impact audiences globally. Abrefi Kɔtɔ represents a triumph of storytelling, cultural pride, and artistic perseverance, signaling the beginning of a new era for Ghanaian animation and offering a beacon of inspiration for future creators.