Wizards of the Lost Kingdom Movie Poster - Hand Painted in Ghana

This hand-painted movie poster represents the fantasy adventure film "Wizards of the Lost Kingdom," released in 1985. The poster, created with vibrant colors and dynamic illustrations, captures the essence of the movie's magical and adventurous themes, embodying the unique style of Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters are a unique form of African art, originating from the need to advertise mobile cinema screenings across Ghana during the 1980s. These posters are typically painted on recycled flour sacks by local artists, showcasing their creativity and resourcefulness. The artists often interpret movies onto canvas with bold colors and exaggerated features, making each poster a one-of-a-kind piece. These posters have been displayed in museums worldwide and are highly collectible due to their distinct artistic value and cultural significance.

This art form began with the arrival of video technology in Ghana, which allowed small-scale film distributors to show movies in various locations. To attract audiences, they commissioned large, colorful posters from talented local artists. Over time, as television became more widespread, the mobile cinema business declined, making these posters a rare and valuable part of Ghana's cultural heritage.

Film Information

"Wizards of the Lost Kingdom" (1985)

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Director: Héctor Olivera
• Cast: Bo Svenson as Kor, Vidal Peterson as Simon, Thom Christopher as Shurka, Barbara Stock as Queen Udea, María Socas as Acrasia, and Dolores Michaels as Aura.
• Plot: In the kingdom of Axeholme, the evil sorcerer Shurka overthrows the king with the help of the king's wife. The king's court wizard, Wulfrik, teleports his son Simon and their friend Gulfax to safety, giving Simon a powerful magic ring. Simon teams up with the warrior Kor to free the kingdom and rescue Princess Aura. Along their journey, they face various magical creatures and challenges, ultimately defeating Shurka and restoring peace to Axeholme.

The movie "Wizards of the Lost Kingdom" is known for its blend of fantasy and adventure, featuring a mix of sword and sorcery elements. Directed by Héctor Olivera, the film includes a notable cast with Bo Svenson as the heroic warrior Kor and Vidal Peterson as the young protagonist Simon. The story revolves around Simon's quest to reclaim his kingdom from the evil sorcerer Shurka, filled with mythical creatures, magic, and heroic battles.

The film has a cult following due to its charmingly low-budget production and imaginative storyline. Despite its initial mixed reviews, it remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of 1980s fantasy films.