Ghanaian filmmaker Nana Kofi Asihene is set to challenge perceptions of morality with his highly anticipated neo-noir and directorial feature debut, TWO . Currently in production, the film is about sixty percent complete, with post-production set to commence after January 30th.
TWO is a neo-noir film that follows Marcus, a man who has retired and disavowed his life of crime after intentionally botching a task. Reformed and living a conservative life in a church, he falls in love and marries Elara, a girl in the church. As he settles in married life, his past comes calling when his mentor and boss comes back into his life. The appearance of Vic sets him on a path to tie up loose ends and leave his past for good.
The film has an impressive cast that includes Gideon Boakye as Marcus Koranteng, Dela Seade as Elara Adjei, Senanu Gbedawor as Vic Togbor, Louis Lamis as Inspector Obeng, and other seasoned Ghanaian actors.
“Characters will not be archetypes of sin or saintliness,” director Asihene says. “They will be believers who count their pennies and dreamers who lie to survive. Their faith will be sincere and complicated. We will see people kneel in church and later want to kill, because faith and survival are not always in the same language”
TWO navigates themes such as the conflict between good and evil, the clash of perception and reality, moral ambiguity, and even spirituality. “The story follows a man torn between his past, present, and future,” Asihene explains. “Things from his past come back to haunt him, and he must tie up loose ends to protect the life he has built in the church and with his family. What makes it exciting is that it does not lean left or right. It stays in the middle. Life is not black and white; it is full of grey areas. This film will challenge audiences to think differently about morality and overcoming one’s past.”
Mostly set against the vibrant backdrop of Accra and its surrounding areas, the film juxtaposes the bustling streets of the city with the intimate culture of a small Ghanaian church. As director Asihene describes, “our setting is candid, showing both the light and dark sides of the city.” With production ongoing, Asihene says his team are considering shooting select scenes abroad, possibly in Lagos, Abuja, or Cape Town, to expand the scope of the story.
Written by Louis Lamis, TWO is directed by Asihene and co-produced by Isaac ‘Yaw Skyface’ Mensah, Aphua Larbi-Amoah, and Asihene’s own production company which is previously responsible for his short films, AAHI (Taboo) and Wrong Way. “This is a landmark collaboration in Ghana, and possibly in Africa,” says Asihene. “We are paving the way for African filmmakers to realize that we must come together to produce high-quality work. Nobody is coming to save us. Nigeria is doing this well, and we are on the path to achieving the same.”
Nana Kofi Asihene is an award winning director, filmmaker and creative consultant. With over 150 music videos, short films and commercials shot, he has built a personal visual language that seeks to address the issues and spark inquest by using metaphoric relationships. His experience in crafting visual experiences through his background in music, photography, fashion and production design is invaluable to this project. His film Wrong Way premiered at the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) and S16 Film Festival in 2025.
Louis Lamis is an award-winning director and producer with nearly two decades of experience creating compelling content that resonates deeply with audiences. He has directed and produced over 100 stage plays, more than 400 television episodes, and over 350 radio drama episodes, along with feature films, short films, and documentaries. Renowned for his ability to craft stories that are both powerful and relatable, Louis brings this proven strength to make this project impactful and unforgettable.
Aphua Larbi-Amoah works as a producer and writer, and has worked on several local and international projects. She started as a production assistant and worked her way up to being a producer on different sets.
Isaac ‘Yaw Skyface’ Mensah is a cinematographer and filmmaker with over a decade of experience. After his graduation from Takoradi Technical University, he started his creative journey directing music videos for several top notch artists. In the past five years, he has directed and produced several films to positive reviews.
The production approach for TWO has been unique and meticulous. Comparing it to his previous works, Asihene says, “Even for short films, a lot of work went into pre-production, which includes preparing actors, sets, costumes, and sound. On a feature, the level of work multiplies. We leave no stone unturned, tweaking the script on set to achieve deep, emotionally connected performances.”
He acknowledges the challenges of creative collaboration: “Gathering talented creatives inevitably leads to friction. Learning to navigate disagreements and keep everyone aligned is part of the success of the project.”
Asihene’s team are already exploring possible distribution options even while the film is yet to be released. It is likely the film goes through the festival circuit, but the producer-director says they also want a major cinema release before turning to video-on-demand platforms. “We want the story to reach as many people as possible in Africa and the diaspora,” Asihene adds. “Maximizing distribution is key for a story this important.”
With its blend of action, moral complexity, and Ghanaian cultural nuance, TWO promises to be a bold addition to the African neo-noir landscape, and a testament to what local filmmakers can achieve through collaboration and uncompromising attention to detail.
