The internationally celebrated comedy adventure The Fisherman, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Zoey Martinson, is set to open in cinemas across Kenya and Zambia on April 3, 2026. Screenings will take place in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lusaka.
The film arrives fresh from its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Fellini Medal.
Since then, The Fisherman has become one of the most acclaimed African comedies on the international festival circuit, earning Best Feature at the American Black Film Festival, Best Ghanaian Film at the REFFA Awards, and a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture.
Blending magical realism with heartfelt comedy, the film follows Atta Oko, a retired fisherman who dreams of owning his own boat and becoming the envy of his village.
When he forms an unlikely partnership with a sarcastic talking fish, his quiet life spirals into a wild adventure that sweeps him from his coastal home into the chaotic modern city of Accra.
What begins as a simple dream transforms into a hilarious journey about ambition, friendship, and the courage to chase a new future—no matter how strange the path.
Speaking at a pre-screening event in Nairobi, writer-director Zoey Martinson expressed her excitement ahead of the film’s East African premiere.
“The Fisherman has come a long way to reach this milestone. Seeing the culture and heritage of Ghana being told in a humorous and sensational way and seeing Kenyans being able to relate to it is just astounding,” Martinson said.
“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.”Martinson, whose work spans film, television, and international theatre, has previously directed projects for Hulu/Disney+, HBO Max, A24/Showtime, and Mzansi Magic (DStv).
Seasoned Ghanaian producer Kofi Owusu-Afriyie, also present at the pre-screening, noted that bringing the film to East Africa—and Kenya in particular—aligns with efforts to strengthen the continent’s film sector and make African-made productions accessible to all.
“We chose to start with Kenya and Zambia as they have thriving and established film industries, as seen by the large numbers of people who watch and support locally and African-produced films,” Owusu-Afriyie said.
“With government-backed support from commissions like the Kenya Film Commission and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, we see great potential for The Fisherman in East Africa. By creating platforms where locally produced films are accessible, we hope to foster collaborations and boost the production of African-based films.”
Also in attendance at the Nairobi pre-screening were renowned film stars Ricky Adelayitar, who plays Atta Oko; William Lamptey as Kobina; and viral dance sensation Endurance Grand as Shasha.
Produced by Luu Vision Media with producers Kofi Owusu-Afriyie and Korey Jackson, The Fisherman continues its global theatrical rollout across Africa following successful festival and theatrical runs worldwide.
Audiences in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lusaka can catch the comedy adventure in cinemas starting April 3, 2026.
