Ghana’s inaugural science fiction film, The B.A.T.U. Project: ADAM THE FIRST, has triumphed on the global stage, winning three major awards at the prestigious Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival (MiSciFi).
The film, written and directed by Majeed Sayibu, took home the “Best Zero Budget Feature” award for its outstanding quality despite financial constraints, the “Best Afrofuturism Film” award for its groundbreaking portrayal of African culture in a futuristic context, and the coveted MiSciFi BEACON award—equivalent to the Palme d’Or at Cannes—which honours the country of origin. This marks a historic moment for Ghana, cementing its place in the global science fiction genre.
Speaking at the awards ceremony on January 19, 2025, in Miami, Florida, Sayibu shared his gratitude: “We are incredibly honoured to have The B.A.T.U. Project: ADAM THE FIRST recognised with these awards. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our team. We are proud to represent Ghana on this prestigious platform and share our unique storytelling with a global audience.”
The film’s lead actor and producer, Agbeko “Bex” Mortty, and actress Etornam Adgbo joined Sayibu to celebrate the victory, concluding a week-long festival that showcased the best in science fiction cinema.
Ivan Quashigah, CEO of Farmhouse Productions, celebrated the milestone:
“Fantastic news that the first Ghanaian sci-fi film wins awards at such a prestigious festival. This is a big statement for the Ghanaian film industry, and I feel so proud and vindicated that we, on the National Film Authority panel, saw the promise of the movie and shortlisted it. Congratulations to the team and everyone connected to it!”
Artist and architect Asare Adjei praised the film’s themes:
“Adam The First raises profound questions about our collective responsibility toward our planet, the possibility of life on other planets, and the purpose of self-growth. It also offers glimpses of the tech future of Africa. This imaginative sci-fi adventure is a remarkable achievement for Ghana.”
The B.A.T.U. Project: ADAM THE FIRST follows Adam, a representative of the United African Federation, on a mission to repopulate a new planet after an apocalyptic event on Earth. Upon arrival, Adam encounters an earth-based entity threatening the survival of the new world. The film explores themes of humanity’s resilience, environmental responsibility, and the futuristic possibilities for Africa.
Produced by Q-Vision Ltd, a leading Ghanaian film production company, the movie exemplifies the country’s emerging prowess in global cinema. Q-Vision is committed to delivering innovative films that resonate with audiences worldwide.