From global festival acclaim to East African screens, The Fisherman is finally making its regional debut—bringing with it a refreshing mix of humor, magic, and heartfelt storytelling.
The internationally celebrated comedy adventure, written and directed by Zoey Martinson, officially opens in cinemas across Kenya and Zambia on April 3, 2026, with screenings set for Nairobi, Mombasa and Lusaka.
Fresh off its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious UNESCO Fellini Medal, The Fisherman has quickly positioned itself as one of the most exciting African comedies on the global stage.
Its success has only continued, earning Best Feature at the American Black Film Festival, Best Ghanaian Film at the REFFA Awards, and even securing a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards.
Blending magical realism with laugh-out-loud comedy, the film follows Atta Oko, a retired fisherman played by Ricky Adelayitar, whose simple dream of owning a boat takes an unexpected turn. His life is flipped upside down when he teams up with a sarcastic talking fish—launching him into a chaotic yet hilarious adventure that stretches from his quiet coastal village to the buzzing streets of Accra.
Alongside Adelayitar, the film features standout performances from William Lamptey and viral dance sensation Endurance Grand, adding energy and charm to an already vibrant storyline.
Speaking during a pre-screening in Nairobi, Martinson shared her excitement about bringing the film to East African audiences.
“The Fisherman has come a long way to reach this milestone. Seeing the culture and heritage of Ghana being told humorously and sensationally and seeing Kenyans being able to relate to it is just astounding,” she said.
She added that the film carries a deeper message beneath its comedic surface:
“The film speaks of dreaming bigger beyond your circumstances, and sometimes the universe sends help in the most unexpected form—even if it’s a talking fish.”
For producer Kofi Owusu-Afriyie, the decision to launch in East Africa was both strategic and symbolic. With support from institutions like the Kenya Film Commission, the move reflects growing confidence in the region’s appetite for African stories and its expanding film industry.
Produced by Luu Vision Media alongside Korey Jackson, The Fisherman continues its global rollout, reinforcing the power of African storytelling on the world stage.
As the film hits cinemas this April, audiences can expect more than just laughs—it’s a vibrant, feel-good journey about ambition, friendship, and the courage to chase dreams, no matter how unconventional the path may seem.
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