Award-winning Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has announced early bird tickets for her upcoming feature film The Return of Makunse, priced at GHC 70 as part of celebrations linked to Ghana’s approaching 70th independence anniversary.

Only 1,000 of the discounted tickets are available, with the film scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release from 4 December 2026.

The offer forms part of the broader promotional push for the movie, which is the first production under “The 70 Slate,” a three-film cinematic project created to mark Ghana’s 70th year of independence in 2027. The slate is a collaboration between Frimpong-Manso’s Sparrow Studios and Peter Sedufia’s OldFilm Productions.

The Return of Makunse

The Return of Makunse is described as a story rooted in home, family, ambition, love and the unexpected journey back to where it all began. It explores themes of migration, the promises and realities of life in the diaspora, and the pull of returning home. The film is positioned as both entertaining and reflective, drawing on Ghanaian culture, music and storytelling.

The cast is notably star-studded. It includes Frederick Yeboah, Fella Makafui, Joselyn Dumas, Selassie Ibrahim, Brian Angels, James Gardiner, Augustine Abbey (popularly known as Idikoko), Jeffrey Nortey, Yvonne Okoro, Araba Praba, De-Love Augustt and Kylie Ocloo-Dzaba, among others. The combination of established names and familiar faces has generated significant anticipation among local cinema audiences.

Frimpong-Manso, one of Ghana’s most recognised filmmakers, has built a reputation for polished, character-driven stories that often centre strong performances and contemporary Ghanaian experiences. She founded Sparrow Productions and has directed and produced multiple features that have screened both locally and internationally.

Her partnership with Sedufia on The 70 Slate brings together two prominent production houses with complementary strengths in drama and broader commercial storytelling.

The early bird campaign is being rolled out across multiple venues. Tickets at the special GHC 70 price are available for screenings at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra Mall and West Hills Mall, Ozone Cinemas at Oyarifa Mall, and additional locations including ICGC Zoe Temple in Tema and Bukom Boxing Arena.

Specific purchase instructions appear on the promotional posters shared by the filmmaker for each venue.

The nationwide release strategy aims to make the film accessible beyond Accra, reflecting a deliberate effort to engage audiences across the country as Ghana approaches its milestone anniversary. The 70 Slate itself comprises three films: The Return of Makunse in December 2026, followed by Nkrumah’s Red, Gold and Green in July 2027 and a contemporary remake of the classic I Told You So later in 2027. Together they are intended to examine aspects of Ghana’s past, present and future through cinema.

Industry Observers

Industry observers see the project as an ambitious attempt to revitalise cinema-going culture while creating work for large numbers of cast and crew. Frimpong-Manso has previously emphasised the importance of telling Ghanaian stories with authenticity and elevating local narratives on screen.

The timing of The Return of Makunse, arriving just months before the official 70th independence anniversary in March 2027, positions it as an early cultural contribution to the national celebrations.

Promotional materials highlight the film’s visual ambition, promising strong cinematography, original music with roots in places such as Jamestown, and performances that capture both humour and emotional depth.

The limited early bird allocation of 1,000 tickets is designed to reward early supporters and build momentum ahead of the December opening.

As of mid-November 2026, the campaign is actively encouraging purchases through the designated cinema and venue channels. Frimpong-Manso has continued to share updates directing audiences to the relevant posters for each location, stressing the celebratory link to Ghana at 70.

For Ghanaian film enthusiasts, the release of The Return of Makunse represents more than a single movie opening. It marks the public beginning of a multi-film initiative that seeks to use the big screen to reflect on national identity, migration experiences and cultural memory.

With a high-profile cast, experienced filmmakers at the helm and a clear connection to a significant national milestone, the film is already generating conversation in entertainment circles.

Audiences interested in the discounted tickets are advised to act promptly, as the early bird allocation is capped. The Return of Makunse is set to open on screens across Ghana on 4 December 2026, offering viewers an early cinematic engagement with the themes surrounding the country’s 70th anniversary year.