Azali

In the poignant drama Azali, released in 2018, we follow the harrowing journey of 14-year-old Amina, a spirited girl from northern Ghana. To protect her from an unwanted marriage to an elderly man, her mother makes the difficult decision to send her away to Burkina Faso. However, fate takes a darker turn when Amina is kidnapped and brought to the bustling, unforgiving streets of Accra. Here, amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life, she is thrust into a world filled with unanticipated challenges and violent realities that threaten her innocence and dreams.

As Amina navigates the perils of life in the slums, the film beautifully explores themes of resilience, identity, and the quest for freedom against the backdrop of societal expectations. The character of Amina is portrayed with a depth that resonates, capturing her struggle not just for survival, but for autonomy in a world that seeks to dictate her fate. Azali deftly weaves together moments of despair and hope, ultimately asking whether true escape lies in physical distance or in reclaiming one's own narrative. This gripping tale delves into the complexities of adolescence, the weight of familial ties, and the spirit of a young girl determined to carve out her own path amid overwhelming odds.