Before the Festival, Learn the Language: Black August Twi Classes Open

Film carries language far beyond subtitles. A greeting establishes relationship, a name holds history, and a proverb can carry an entire argument in a few words. For audiences drawn to Afrikan-centered cinema, learning the language surrounding the work creates a richer way to watch and listen.

Abibitumi’s Black August Twi language classes and cultural orientation begin Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 p.m. GMT. The eight-class program is open to in-person learners at Jamrock Restaurant at the University of Ghana and to online participants through Zoom.

• Begins: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. GMT
• Attend: Jamrock Restaurant at the University of Ghana or online via Zoom
• Program: Eight classes with Twi language instruction and cultural orientation
• Cost: 500 GHS or US$50
• Member offer: 50% off for members of selected organizations

Language changes how we receive culture

The Abibitumi Abibifahodie Film Festival is concerned with who tells Afrikan stories, through which institutions and on whose terms. Language belongs inside that conversation. Colonial languages often mediate how Afrikan realities are introduced to the world; learning Twi gives viewers another route into meaning.

Ɔbenfo Ọbádéle Kambon is leading the program with university-level training in linguistics and a focus on Akan, including Asante Twi, Akuapem Twi and Fante. The goal is practical conversational growth accompanied by cultural orientation, especially for repatriates and others who want to participate more fully in Ghanaian life.

Eight classes will not make anyone fluent, but they can sharpen the ear, establish disciplined practice and make the next film, conversation or community gathering sound different. Black August is an apt moment to begin recovering that capacity.

Register for the Black August Twi classes.

Source: an August 28, 2026 announcement by Ɔbenfo Ọbádéle Kambon for Abibitumi and the Decade of Our Repatriation. Watch the original announcement.