Streamer IShowSpeed is working with the Obamas to bring documentary The Eyes of Ghana to US theatres
Streamer IShowSpeed is bringing the documentary The Eyes of Ghana to theatres in the United States for a single night of screenings in collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama, Variety reported on Tuesday.
The film will be screened in theatres in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC on October 28.
The Eyes of Ghana follows Ghanaian cinematographer Chris Hesse, who, as his eyesight declines, attempts to rescue more than 1,000 films capturing Africa’s fight for independence in the 1950s and 60s.
“It is a great honour to be part of The Eyes of Ghana and help bring this extraordinary piece of history to the big screen,” IShowSpeed said. He said he felt a great connection to Ghana after having visited the country this year on his Speed Does Africa tour.
Talking about Hesse’s work, the streamer said, “His camera captured the birth of African independence and his determination to preserve those images has ensured that future generations can witness it for themselves. I’m humbled by his legacy and proud to help bring his story to my community.”
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, was granted Ghanaian citizenship after his visit to the country brought positive attention. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announcing the decision to issue the streamer a passport, told him to “keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud”.
He has a massive follower base of over 200 million across social media and is known for his high-energy content and livestreams. He was on TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME 100 Creators list last year.
Online creators have been making inroads into cinema, with YouTube star Markiplier directing, producing, starring in and distributing the horror film Iron Lung earlier this year. The film made $50m at the global box office, a massive amount compared to its $3m budget.
Also this year, YouTubers Kane Parsons and Curry Barker released their films The Backrooms and Obsession, both of which went on to become box office successes.
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