Venice Award–Winning Comedy The Fisherman Opens in Cinemas Across East Africa

The internationally acclaimed comedy adventure, The Fisherman, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Zoey Martinson, will open in cinemas across Kenya and Zambia on April 3, 2026, with screenings in Nairobi, Mombasa and Lusaka.

Fresh off its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious UNESCO Fellini Medal, The Fisherman has quickly become one of the most celebrated African comedies on the international festival circuit. The film has since earned 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.

Blended with magical realism, heart, and laugh-out-loud comedy, The Fisherman follows Atta Oko, a retired fisherman who dreams of finally owning his own boat and becoming the envy of his village. But when he forms an unlikely partnership with a sarcastic talking fish, his quiet life spirals into a wildly unexpected adventure that takes him from his coastal home into the chaos of the modern city of Accra.

What begins as a simple dream soon becomes a hilarious journey about ambition, friendship and the courage it takes to chase a new future no matter how strange the path may be.

Speaking to the press at the Pre-screening of The Fisherman in Nairobi, Kenya, Writer-director Zoey Martinson expressed her excitement ahead of the official premiere of the film in East Africa. “The Fisherman has come a long way to reach this milestone. Seeing the culture and heritage of Ghana being told humorously and sensationally 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.” She added. Writer-director Zoey Martinson, whose work spans film, television and international theatre, brings her signature comedic voice to the screen. Martinson has previously directed projects for Hulu/Disney+, HBO Max, A24/Showtime, and Mzansi Magic (DStv).

Seasoned Ghanaian producer, Kofi Owusu-Afriyie present at the pre-screening also noted that bringing the film to East Africa and Kenya in particular was in line with strengthening the film sector in Africa and making African-made and produced films accessible to all.

“We choose to start with Kenya and Zambia as they proved to have a thriving and established film industry, as seen by the large numbers of people who watch and support locally and African-produced films. 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, and by creating platforms where locally produced films are accessible, we hoped to foster collaborations and boost production of African-based films.”

Present at the pre-screening was also the renowned film stars Ricky Adelayitar who played Atta Oko, William Lamptey as Kobina and viral dance star 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 experience the comedy adventure in cinemas beginning April 3, 2026.

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