For Those Who Slept...6: West African Edition Hand-Painted Movie Posters from Ghana These posters were once the product of a much larger industry known as the "Ghanaian Mobile Cinema." This business started in the late 1980s when a few artistic, industrious groups of people formed video clubs. With a television, VCR, VHS tapes, and a portable generator they'd travel throughout Ghana setting up make-shift screening areas in villages void of electricity. An interesting selection of movies became popular because of this trade including both Hollywood action and horror, low budget American schlock, Bollywood films, Hong Kong martial arts movies, and native Ghanaian and Nigerian features (often referred to as "Nollywood"). As more people gained interest in this rising business, competition arose. Mobile cinema operators found a need to set their products apart, so an advertising motif came into play. With no affordable access to printing, the hand-painted movie poster was the most logical advertising vehicle. Skilled local artists were now part of this growing entertainment industry in Ghana, and they surely brought their own distinct touch to each film they were called upon to promote. By sewing together two used flour sacks, a perfect sized canvas for a movie poster was created. Each unique poster varies in size ranging from 40-50 in. width x 55-70 in. height. The ruggedness of these posters is immediately noticed. Though a specific poster might only be 10-20 years old, its appearance will far surpass its actual age due to the elemental toll one takes from constant transit, being rolled, folded, left in the sun, rain, etc. Today access to printing is far less expensive and movies have become more accessible to the general public in Ghana. The mobile cinema has all but passed away, but these hand-painted movie posters remain a wonderful, tangible product of the time. Original Artwork For Sale (click image for larger picture): "Death Wish 3" Painted by Heavy J for the Name Video Club in Nungua Market, early 2000s $1100.00 - Sold - "Zombie 2" Painted by Magasco for the Name Video Club in Nungua Market, early 2000s $1000.00 "Slither" Painted by J.A. Pastony This was a travelling poster, no video club, early 2000s $850.00 "Leprechaun" Painted by Flash for the Name Video Club in Nungua Market, early 2000s $850.00 "House" Painted by Flash for the Makosa Video Club in Nima, early 2000s $850.00 "Ghoulies in College" Painted by D.A. Armahsco for the Name Video Club in Nungua Market, early 2000s $850.00 "Freddy Vs. Jason" Painted by Casper for the Royal Video Club, early 2000s $700.00 "Eaten Alive" Painted by Awal Sunil Shetty for the JK Video Club, early 2000s $600.00 "Powers of Darkness" Painted by Leonardo This was a travelling "Nollywood" poster, no video club, early 2000s $400.00 Prints For Sale (click image for larger picture): To purchase a piece, or for more information...Please Click Here