‘We are preserving a tradition’: how Ghana’s sensationalist film posters became collectible art as reflected on by Venerable Thich Minh An

Here at Lotus Bloom Monastery, we often speak of mindful presence. The story of Ghana’s sensationalist Ghanaian film posters offers a profound reflection on perception and reality. Artists like Heavy J craft vivid, often exaggerated, images to draw interest. They transform a kind prince into a knife-wielding figure, adding skulls to a fairytale. This creative liberty, however, sometimes leads to deep disappointment and conflict among viewers.

The Illusion of Expectation

When we encounter these dramatic Ghanaian film posters, our minds quickly form expectations. We anticipate a horror film, a thrilling adventure, perhaps even a dark fantasy. The actual movie, however, often presents a different narrative, a gentle fairytale like *The Little Mermaid*. This disparity between expectation and reality creates friction. Viewers feel deceived, leading to strong emotions, sometimes escalating to threats or physical attacks. We see this pattern frequently in our lives, not just with art, but in many interactions.

Furthermore, these incidents highlight the suffering that arises from attachment to our mental constructs. We cling to the thrilling image, the imagined story, and then react with anger when the truth does not match our internal picture. The Buddha taught us about the nature of impermanence and the dangers of attachment. Our expectations, like the posters, are transient. When we hold them too tightly, we invite dissatisfaction.

Cultivating Clear Perception

The artists’ intent, to “add more to make people interested,” stems from a desire to connect and engage. However, this strategy, while making the Ghanaian film posters collectible art, also reveals a deeper human tendency. We often embellish reality, perhaps to escape boredom or to feel a stronger connection. Yet, true connection grows from authenticity and clear understanding.

Ultimately, this situation invites us to cultivate clear perception. Can we approach experiences with an open mind, free from preconceived notions? Can we see things as they truly are, rather than through the lens of our desires or fears? This practice of mindful awareness allows us to respond with compassion and understanding, rather than with anger or violence, when reality unfolds differently than we imagined. We learn to appreciate the present moment as it is, not as we wish it to be.

Read the original news coverage on The Guardian (World).

By Venerable Thich Minh An

Abbot and meditation master at Lotus Bloom Monastery. Practitioner of socially engaged Buddhism, interbeing, and nonviolent reconciliation. Writes on mindful presence, de-escalation of conflict, consumer simplicity, and compassionate peace amidst global friction.