the life and times of a genius, sculptor and philanthropist

A DOCUMENTARY FILM by Africa-Related

For five decades, Emeritus Professor of Sculpture, El Anatsui, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) has been an art scholar, sculptor and mentor. And, in these roles he has influenced and inspired a generation of artists locally and globally. The sculptures of El Anatsui are represented and shown in more than 60 major international museums, as well as globally recognized art galleries, auction houses and distinguished individual art collectors. Critical reviews of his art are featured in internationally respected art publications worldwide.

In April 2013, El Anatsui granted exclusive rights to Africa-Related Ltd., a Lagos/New York-based media/ production company to produce a feature film on his life and works. In exploring El Anatsui, this 90- minute feature film is an intimate journey from his childhood to the halls of the greatest museums in the world, his perceptions about life and the personal challenges and victories that have come to define him. It is a story told by people who know him best – family, friends, contemporaries, curators, students, agents, buyers, collectors etc.  It is a story told from an African perspective.

Over the next seven years, production would transport across historical landmarks – from his humble beginnings in Ghana where it all started, to Nigeria where his career took off, as well as to different corners of the globe where some of his exhibitions are held. These include the halls of the Royal Academy, London, the Centre Pompidou, Paris, the de Young Museum, San Francisco, the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, the Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf, the Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, (MoMA), New York, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Japan, Carnegie Museum Pittsburgh, Haus der Kunst Munich etc. The film will allow a world- wide audience meet the man behind the artworks while giving a better understanding of how his art form was developed from his childhood and life’s experiences.

Africa-Related Ltd. is honored to work with Professor Anatsui. Since 2013, we have covered significant grounds in filming and gathering of materials worldwide. This is the story of our journey so far. We look forward to your participation and support.