The Burial Of Kojo

Esi grows up in a vibrant village in rural Ghana, spending her formative years in a stilted community reminiscent of Nzulezo. She lives with her father, Kojo, and mother, Ama, who supports their modest lifestyle by sewing.

Kojo, once a city dweller, escapes to the village due to a haunting tragedy in his past. He believes that only water can cleanse his memories, symbolizing his attempt to wash away guilt and sorrow.

Kojo often takes Esi on boat rides across serene waters, sharing captivating stories that carry deeper meanings. These moments strengthen their bond, as Esi finds comfort and wisdom in her father's tales.

An unexpected guest, an elderly blind man from 'the realm in-between', arrives in their village. He reveals to Esi her responsibility to protect a sacred white bird from a sinister crow, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Esi's estranged uncle, Kwabena, returns to reconnect with Kojo after years of separation. Their reunion stirs up old wounds, as Kojo reminisces about the tragic events that led to their estrangement.

Persuaded by Kwabena, Kojo leaves the village and moves to the city with Esi and her grandmother. This change in environment introduces new challenges and highlights the complexities of their familial relationships.

In the city, Esi and her grandmother watch a Spanish-language Mexican telenovela that parallels their own family's rivalry. The story reflects the competition between Kojo and Kwabena for a woman's affection, deepening the dramatic tension.

Esi learns about a tragic history involving Kojo and Kwabena competing for love, leading to devastating consequences. The woman's untimely death on her wedding day to Kwabena is intricately tied to Kojo’s reckless behavior.

Despite initial doubts, Kojo agrees to join Kwabena in an illegal gold mining operation aiming to restore their fortunes. This decision marks a turning point, as it intertwines Esi’s family deeper into the realm of danger and betrayal.

In a shocking turn of events, Kwabena betrays Kojo, throwing him into an abandoned mineshaft and disappearing into the shadows. This act of betrayal leaves Esi and Ama in a state of desperation as they search for Kojo.

Esi and Ama turn to the local police for help, leading to an urgent investigation into Kojo's disappearance. The search for Kojo intensifies as the family grapples with the fear of loss and uncertainty.

As Esi copes with her father's absence, she becomes haunted by visions of the crow, which represents her uncle Kwabena. This haunting symbol amplifies her fears and burdens, forcing her to confront the darker aspects of her family's past.

Esi and Ama's bond deepens as they face the struggle of Kojo's absence together. Their relationship evolves as they find strength in their shared experiences and the memories they hold of Kojo.

Esi realizes that the crow symbolizes her uncle Kwabena, whose life was also claimed by a drunk driving incident. This moment of clarity prompts her to connect the dots, revealing the complexity of her family's history.

With her newfound understanding, Esi acknowledges the sacred white bird represents her father. She draws upon her inner strength, ready to rescue him from the past and confront the shadows that have plagued their family.