The Ghana Empire, also known as Wagadou or Awkar, was a powerful West African kingdom that flourished from the 8th to the 13th century. This curated list of films delves into the rich history, culture, and legacy of this ancient civilization, providing viewers with a cinematic journey through time. From epic tales of conquest to intimate stories of daily life, these films offer a diverse look at the Ghana Empire, making them invaluable for history buffs, film enthusiasts, and anyone curious about this fascinating period.

The Lion of Africa (2005)
Description: This film chronicles the rise of the Ghana Empire through the eyes of a young warrior who becomes a king. It showcases the empire's military prowess and the strategic importance of trade routes.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Ghana, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. It also features traditional Ghanaian music, enhancing the cultural immersion.


Gold and Glory (2010)
Description: Set during the peak of the Ghana Empire's power, this movie explores the economic foundation of the empire, focusing on the gold trade that made Ghana a center of wealth and power in West Africa.
Fact: The film's production involved collaboration with historians to ensure the accuracy of the portrayal of trade practices and economic systems of the time.


The Kingdom of Gold (2012)
Description: This film tells the story of a young prince who must navigate political intrigue and external threats to secure his place on the throne, highlighting the internal dynamics of the Ghana Empire.
Fact: The film's costume designer won an award for their historically accurate depiction of royal attire from the period.


The Great Caravan (2008)
Description: A tale of adventure and commerce, this film follows a caravan of traders traveling through the Sahara to reach the markets of the Ghana Empire, showcasing the empire's role in trans-Saharan trade.
Fact: The film's desert scenes were shot in the actual Sahara, providing a breathtaking visual experience.


The King's Counsel (2015)
Description: This drama focuses on the judicial system of the Ghana Empire, exploring how justice was administered and the role of the king's advisors in maintaining order and law.
Fact: The script was developed with input from legal historians to accurately depict the legal practices of the time.


The Salt of the Earth (2017)
Description: This film delves into the importance of salt in the Ghana Empire's economy, portraying the lives of salt miners and the trade routes that connected the empire to the rest of Africa.
Fact: The film features real salt mines in Ghana, giving viewers an authentic glimpse into this aspect of the empire's economy.


The Warrior's Path (2003)
Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Ghana Empire's military campaigns, this film follows a young man's journey from a simple villager to a respected warrior.
Fact: The film's fight choreography was inspired by traditional West African martial arts.


The Golden Throne (2013)
Description: This epic drama centers on the political machinations surrounding the succession to the throne, highlighting the power struggles within the royal court of the Ghana Empire.
Fact: The film's set design was praised for its detailed recreation of the Ghana Empire's architecture and royal palaces.


The Desert Queen (2018)
Description: A unique perspective on the Ghana Empire through the eyes of a female trader, this film explores gender roles and the influence of women in the empire's trade networks.
Fact: The lead actress underwent extensive training to authentically portray a trader of the time.


The Legacy of Ghana (2019)
Description: This documentary-style film provides an overview of the Ghana Empire's history, its rise and fall, and its lasting impact on West African culture and politics.
Fact: The film includes interviews with historians and archaeologists who have studied the Ghana Empire extensively.
