Watch Children of the Mountain

Children of the Mountain is a 2016 drama film directed and written by Priscilla Anany. It follows the story of a young woman named Essumannta (played by Rukiyat Masud) from Ghana who is faced with a series of challenges in raising her son Adusi (played by Adjetey Anang) who has a cleft lip. She lives with her mother in a small village and works as a street vendor, but the birth of Adusi becomes a turning point in her life.

In the beginning of the film, we see Essumannta giving birth to Adusi. However, the child is born with a cleft lip, which is seen as a bad omen in Ghanaian culture. Essumannta's mother believes that Adusi is cursed, and wants her daughter to do away with the child. Essumannta opposes her mother's wishes and decides to raise the child on her own, despite the difficulties that come with caring for a child with a cleft lip.

As the film progresses, we see Essumannta struggling to make ends meet while raising Adusi. She tries to get him the medical attention he needs, but the healthcare system in Ghana fails her repeatedly. The film explores the heartbreaking reality of a mother's fight against poverty, superstition, and a lack of access to healthcare. Essumannta is forced to make difficult decisions that will affect her and her son's future.

Throughout the film, we see Essumannta's resilience and determination to do what is best for her son. Adusi's cleft lip becomes a symbol of the challenges Essumannta faces in trying to provide him with a good life. The film also explores the themes of motherhood, family, and community. Despite the hardships she faces, Essumannta is supported by her community, who come together to help her raise her son. There are also moments of joy and tenderness in the film, such as Essumannta's interactions with her son and her blossoming friendship with Sarpong (played by Bex), a man who offers her support and companionship.

The cinematography in Children of the Mountain is beautiful, showcasing the lush landscapes of Ghana, the vibrant colors of the markets, and the intimate moments between the characters. The film also features a stirring original soundtrack that adds to the emotional weight of the story.

Children of the Mountain is a poignant and powerful film that sheds light on the realities faced by mothers and children living in poverty in Ghana. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the strength of maternal love. Rukiyat Masud delivers a stunning performance as Essumannta, capturing both the character's strength and vulnerability. The film also features strong supporting performances from Adjetey Anang and Bex.

Overall, Children of the Mountain is a must-see film that offers a moving portrayal of a mother's unwavering love and the challenges she faces in trying to provide for her child. It is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere who work tirelessly to secure a better future for their children.

Children of the Mountain is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.