Synopsis

Boxing is show business with blood—a tough sport, which has always found its top competitors from the poorest neighborhoods. Bukom, a fishing village on the outskirts of Ghana’s capital Accra, is one such locale. Grounded in a long, proud tradition of wrestling that over the years developed into boxing, Bukom trains its young people to fight—and win. This film tells the story of three boxers from Bukom. Twenty-two year-old George is excited to fight overseas for the first time, but has girlfriend troubles at home. Yarkor, known as the First Lady of Boxing, is using the memory of her cheating ex-boyfriend to fuel her fire. Meanwhile Joshua is training for a world title, with the help of a shady American manager. A story of the ambitions of modern Africans,The Fighting Spirit is a look at a nation through the eyes of those fighting for their dreams, for respect and reward, and for their tribe and their home.

Details

(80mins) | Ghana, United Kingdom

Language:

English, Ga with English subtitles

Production

Directors:

George Amponsah

George Amponsah was born in Britain to Ghanaian parents and won a scholarship to attend the documentary course at Britain's National Film and Television School. He has made a number of documentaries, including The Importance of Being Elegant (2004), winner of the Best Documentary Prize at the 2005 Zanzibar International Film Festival. His work has also won awards from the BBC and the Royal Television Society.