Sankofa

A contemporary African-American model who is initially disconnected from her roots. Her encounter with Sankofa triggers a journey through memory, slavery's history, and awakening to ancestral heritage. Through the journey, Mona shifts from passivity to active embrace of her African identity.

An elderly drummer who channels the spirits of enslaved ancestors and acts as a guardian of sacred spaces. He tries to block tourists from Cape Coast Castle and leads Mona toward the memory of the Maafa. His music and chants anchor the film's spiritual current.

A house servant who, through Sankofa's intervention, embodies the life of her enslaved ancestors. She gradually embraces rebellion, joins the secret society, and participates in the fight against cruelty. Shola's arc culminates in an act of defiance against her rapist master.

An African-born field hand who remembers the old ways and embodies maternal strength. Her relationship with her mixed-race son Joe highlights the complexities of heritage and power. Nunu resists oppression and influences others toward resistance.

A rebellious West Indian slave who champions fellow slaves' freedom and often risks his own life. Named after the Yoruba god of thunder, he inspires others to resist cruelty and to challenge the system from within.

A headman whose loyalty is split between his masters and his fellow slaves, showing both compassion and the realities of slave hierarchy. He deeply loves Nunu and seeks to protect her from harm.

Nunu's mixed-race son who is brainwashed by Father Raphel to view Africans as devils, causing him to become a harsh enforcer on the plantation. He ultimately commits a grave act against his mother before facing the consequences of his actions.

The plantation's religious teacher who propagates anti-African ideology, portraying enslaved people as devil-worshippers and pushing Joe away from his roots. His indoctrination stands as a chilling example of how ideology can uphold oppression.