Many lovers of African films have decried the decline in good Ghanaian films over the years. The Ghanaian film industry took an early lead role in film making within West Africa by producing several acclaimed African movies such as “Heritage Africa” and “Love Brewed in African Pot”. However, it has degenerated into a mediocre industry compared to Nigeria’s Nollywood in recent times. There have been various attempts at reviving Ghana’s film industry and if the new film written, produced and directed by Shirley Frimpong Manso is anything to go by, then certainly there is a future for good African movies from Ghana.

“Life and Living It” was recently premiered at the Ghana National Theatre with the pomp and pageantry of a Hollywood movie. The movie has been described as a breath of fresh air and the fact that thousands of people have already thronged different venues to see it, makes it the Ghanaian movie of the moment. The acting is completely believable and the story is rich, crisp and well told. It isn’t the typical Ghanaian or Nigerian movie which you must see parts two and three in order to fully understand it. There is no witchcraft, voodoo or bloody armed robberies; just a simple love story.

The movie tells the story about the problems and challenges of modern Ghana and their impact on relationships. The subject includes divorce; temptations and infidelity; womanizing; the life and choices of career women; the value of family and friendship among many others. It beautifully revolves around four male friends, their love lives and how their lives are intertwined. What would a father do to win custody of his son or what wouldn’t a mother do to keep custody of her son? Would you allow your good friend, a player to date your younger sister? Can one truly forget his/her first true love? What are you willing to do to make your relationship work?

“Life and Living It” tells these stories and more with wonderful cinematography and a spectacular cast including Brew Riverson Jnr, Chris Attoh, Adjetey Anang and Nana Kwame Osei-Sarpong. Also starring Rama and Bibie Brew. It is the must-see African movie for this Valentine’s Day.

For more information visit the film’s website.