CHRONICLE OF A MODERN KING - Kees-Jan Husselman
CHRONICLE OF A MODERN KING
Year: 2022
Length: 50:30 minutes
logline: A power game is unfolding within the Ghanaian immigrant community of Amsterdam: the Ashanti king of the Netherlands, Nana Nyanin, appointed by the Ghanaian community in the Netherlands, must protect his position against the rise of a highly traditionalist queen from Ghana.
Synopsis:
In the suburbs of Amsterdam, the large community of Ghanaian Ashanti’s Nana has appointed Nyanin as king to unite and represent their people in the Netherlands. A council of elders nominated him for this position in 2016 because of his strong commitment to his community. Nana Nyanin is an example of a successful Ghanaian in the Netherlands. He speaks Dutch and English and has a good job by Ghanaian standards. For many people in this vulnerable immigrant community, he is a support and rock.
Every month the Ashanti community gathers at Nana Nyanin’s home. His modest apartment in Bullewijk is called ‘the palace’. King Nana Nyanin has an almost divine status here and he forms a bridge between his people and Dutch society. He organizes events in honor of Ashanti holidays and teaches how to live according to traditions. But he also wants to make his people aware of how a good life can be built up in the Netherlands. According to him, the extreme sides of the Ashanti culture do not fit with that. He is very Christian. He has let go of the strong belief in the spirit world and associated rituals
But not all Ashantis in the Netherlands follow Nana Nyanin. His position is threatened by Nana Ama Serwaah, a tough traditionalist, who has been named Queen of the Netherlands by the High King in Ghana. The supreme king, the Asantehene, is the highest authority within this culture. Nana Ama Serwaah has his letter as proof. She firmly believes in the spiritual Ashanti myths, which are inextricably linked to kingship. Her father held an important position in the Ashanti Empire. Nana Ama Serwaah does not speak Dutch or English and has no job. But for the traditionalist Ghanaians here, that doesn’t matter. According to the rules of their tribe, she is the rightful leader.
In this observational documentary, we see how a closed immigrant community seeks support and connection in old traditions. We become part of major events in which their culture is celebrated with great theatrical spectacle. The intense experiences of age-old dances, music, singing and spirituality are palpable. But we also experience the enormous contrast with the urbanized, western environment to which they have to relate. And we see how these two leaders try in their own way to strengthen their position within their communities.
credits: Special thanks to King Nana Kwasi Nyanin Ayebiafo, Queen Nana Ama Serwaah Nyarko
screenplay & direction: Kees-Jan Husselman
camera: Jorne Tielemans, Jan Wich
camera Ghana: Twumosi Richmond, Derrick Bosiako
sound: Sam Huisman, Sander Schreuders
production manager: Hugo Naber
editing: Patrick Minks
sound design/mixing: Sam Huisman
music: Merlin Angad Gaur
translation: Harry Pallemans, David Djani
postproduction image: Load Lux & Lumen
grading: Petro van Leeuwen
Thanks to Asanteman Royals of Netherlands, Ohene Agyekum, Nana Ama Yeboaah, All those present at the Akwasidee, Grand durbar, appointment and award, Esther Onyina, Obaapanin Martha Twumasi, Nana Amakye, Nana Akosua Afriyee, Ambabodnaae, NannaPanatu Tu HEY ms. Sophia Horner-Sam, Osofu Teacher Owusu,God’s restoration International Ministry,Reverend Agyei Adomako, Charity’s House, Ds. Emmanuel Koney, The visitors and employees of Akwaaba Zorgcentrum, Asanteman Traditional Council of Holland, George Owuso, Nana Kwaku Agyeman, Prince Robert Mensah, Mary Asiedu Nyarko, Joana Asiedu Nyarko, Emmanuel Kofi Asiedu Nyarko, Nana Antengwi Bosiako, Nim Ama Achiaa Kontire hemaa, Mr. Phillip Okyere Secretary Nana Obuoba Kwarten Amanin Asantehene Otunfuo Osei Tutu II Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III Edwin Verstegen Madeleen Husselman Ruut Tinholt Hans Husselman Kees Buitelaar Boonstra, Veronica Nimo Kyerewaa, Gloria Kwaning
final editing: Kees Vlaanderen
producer: Digna Sinke
The development of this film was realized in the IDFAcademy & NPO fund Workshop
This film was produced by SNG Film in co-production with Human and with support from NPO Fund.