VENICE AWARD-WINNING COMEDY THE FISHERMAN PREMIERES IN KENYA AND ZAMBIA


By Jared Odhiambo

Nairobi, April 1, 2026 

The internationally acclaimed comedy adventure The Fisherman is set to premiere in cinemas across Kenya and Zambia on April 3, marking its highly anticipated East African debut following a successful global festival run.

Written and directed by Zoey Martinson, the film will be screened in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lusaka, bringing its distinctive blend of humour, magical realism, and authentic African storytelling to regional audiences.
The film recently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious UNESCO Fellini Medal. It has since garnered further international recognition, including Best Feature at the American Black Film Festival, Best Ghanaian Film at the REFFA Awards, and a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding International Motion Picture.

Blending comedy with fantasy, The Fisherman follows Atta Oko, a retired fisherman who dreams of owning a boat and elevating his status within his village. His life takes a surreal turn when he partners with a sarcastic talking fish, propelling him on an unexpected journey from his quiet coastal home to the bustling city of Accra.

Speaking during a pre-screening in Nairobi, Martinson expressed enthusiasm about the film’s regional release, noting its cultural resonance and universal themes. She remarked that the story encourages audiences to dream beyond their circumstances, adding that
 “sometimes the universe sends help in the most unexpected form, even if it’s a talking fish.”
Veteran Ghanaian producer Kofi Owusu-Afriyie observed that bringing the film to East Africa aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the African film industry and expand access to locally produced content. He explained that Kenya and Zambia were selected due to their vibrant and growing film sectors, expressing hope that increased accessibility of African stories would foster collaboration and boost production across the continent.

The pre-screening event also featured cast members including Ricky Adelayitar, who plays Atta Oko, alongside William Lamptey and viral dance sensation Endurance Grand.
Produced by Luu Vision Media, the film is backed by producers Kofi Owusu-Afriyie and Korey Jackson, with executive production by Yvonne Orji.

With its compelling narrative, international acclaim, and strong African identity, The Fisherman is poised to captivate audiences across East Africa as it continues its global theatrical rollout.

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