Christian Saint brings Ghanaian culture to life through a lens focused on African stories

Ghanaian filmmaker and visual storyteller, Christian ‘Kaptin’ Saint is known for his work that spans multiple genres and formats. His films — marked by a passion for African stories — explore identity, culture and social dynamics, achieved through a blend of cinematic aesthetics and compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally.

He is celebrated for bringing Ghanaian culture and stories to the forefront, highlighting African voices that are often overlooked, thus garnering him critical acclaim.

GQ: How has your belief in African storytelling as a way to end misrepresentation shaped your work?

Most of the projects I have worked on reflect my beliefs as an African Artist combined, of course, with the client’s branding and vision. However, the Warrior King film project for Trapstar London, is one project dear to my heart. It focused on documenting and sharing contemporary African myths and legends that circulate in Ghana, from the slave trade to our Independence Day all reflected in digital storytelling.

The story is about a middle-aged man named Michael who has roots in Ghana but was raised in the United Kingdom as his family migrated there for greener pastures. Michael returns to the motherland on Independence Day, highlighting the powerful symbol of liberation and resilience that can be deeply connected to the broader narrative of African diaspora and the transatlantic slave trade. This journey served as a bridge between the past and present, exploring how the echoes of the slave trade still influence the identity, culture, and collective memory of the diaspora. It also explored the emotional impact of standing on the same ground where ancestors were once held captive, juxtaposed with the pride of celebrating Ghana’s freedom.

In this project, I collaborated with local storytellers, cultural historians and artists from different mediums across the city of Accra. The goal was to capture and present these narratives in a way that honours our traditional roots while making them accessible to a global audience. The project culminated in a series, which included a short film and cinematic contemporary photographs designed to immerse users in the rich tapestry of African folklore.

[...] The project received positive feedback for its authenticity as the film accumulated one million views in five days of premiere via Instagram. It has played a role in broadening the representation of African cultures, demonstrating how thoughtful and respectful storytelling can counteract misrepresentation and foster greater understanding.

GQ: What aspects of African culture do you find most compelling to explore and integrate into your projects?

African art is known for its vibrant colours, intricate patterns and symbolic meanings. These elements are often deeply tied to cultural and spiritual beliefs in which I use these visual elements in set design, costume, and cinematography. For instance, incorporating traditional patterns into costume designs or using symbolic colours and motifs in set design helps convey cultural context visually.

Cinematic techniques like colour grading and camera angles can also be used to emphasise these visual elements and enhance the overall aesthetic of the film. Also, African cultures place a strong emphasis on community, identity and the interplay between the individual and the collective. I explore these themes by focusing on character relationships and community dynamics within the project, whether through photography or film. This involves portraying the core cultural fabric and communal values, which helps highlight the importance of collective identity and shared experiences [...] and ensures that the stories told are both authentic and engaging, bridging cultural gaps while providing a meaningful cinematic experience.

GQ: Having collaborated with media giants such as GQ and The FADER, what do you think are the key differences in how African creativity is perceived locally versus globally?

In my experience, the perception of ‘African creativity’ within Africa, versus the perception from Western audiences (especially via social media) can vary significantly, and this difference often shapes how projects are approached and received. These differences in perception can be due to things like social class, political vantage points, cultural contexts, even age or religion.

Living in Ghana/Africa, the local audiences often have a deep understanding and appreciation of the nuances within the various cultures. They recognise the subtle references, traditional elements, and cultural significance that are embedded in creative works. Our creativity is a multifaceted phenomenon that  is authentically woven from local experiences, customs and current and historical issues. African creators and artists frequently tell tales that profoundly connect with their communities by drawing inspiration from their own experiences. This is where the magic happens; the layers of meaning behind the art are just as important as the artwork itself.

Compare that to the perception of African creativity held by certain Western audiences. They frequently take a cursory understanding of it and rely on generalisations or stereotypes. This can result in a fairly superficial representation of African cultures that is obsessed with the ‘exotic’ or ‘novel’ and overshadows their depth and complexity. It would be like trying to enjoy a fine meal by just looking at it or only tasting the garnish.

The grace of African creativity is in its capacity to dispel myths and provide a more complex picture of the continent. It’s about real, meaningful stories, not just bright colours and beats. Ultimately, creativity is an effective way to foster change, understanding and connection.

GQ: Your work often involves a deep understanding of both visual and conceptual art. How do you stay inspired and continue to innovate in a space that is constantly evolving?

Studying both historical and contemporary African art helps me understand how visual storytelling has evolved and how it can be reimagined in modern contexts. Also, I keep abreast of technological advancements in filmmaking, such as VR, AR and new digital tools. Experimenting with these technologies can lead to innovative storytelling techniques and visual experiences, while leveraging digital platforms for distribution and audience engagement allows me to explore new formats and reach broader audiences.

Understanding how digital media is consumed can also inform how I approach storytelling, depending on the project. Learning new skills and techniques also helps me stay at the forefront of filmmaking practices, and regularly seeking feedback from peers, mentors and audiences helps me understand what resonates and what could be improved. Reflecting on this feedback informs my creative process and helps refine my approach.

GQ: What are some untapped narratives or themes within African culture that you’re eager to explore?

African cultures are continuously bursting with unexplored and colourful history and folklore that can offer fresh perspectives and resonate with a global audience. Currently, I am still in research mode focusing on African spirituality, myths and legends that offer rich storytelling opportunities.

Another angle I am also looking into is highlighting stories of powerful women, both historical and contemporary, that can offer new perspectives on gender roles. Exploring matriarchal societies like the Akan or the role of women in African revolutions and resistance movements could be particularly powerful. Also, With Africa facing unique challenges related to climate change and conservation, telling stories centred on the environment, sustainability and the relationship between people and the land can highlight urgent issues while celebrating the continent’s natural beauty. Lastly, stories that connect the African continent with its global diaspora, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange, can resonate with audiences both in Africa and abroad.