“The experiences of what we have lived, do live, and are suffering … is the cry from the heart of our
ancestors.”
Thomas Sankara,
Former President of Burkina Faso, Founder of the
Paul Robeson Diaspora Prize for the Pan African Film Festival, Ouagadougou (FESPACO)
Sankofa Challenge—da’ Movie!
Inaugural Class of 2024
PRODUCTION OFFICE:
SANKOFA EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE (SEI)
C/O KHAFRE, INC., 300 MAIN STREET, Indianola, MS 38751, USA
All rights reserved. No part of this script may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system of any nature, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of SEI the copyright owner. Licenses issued by the Copyright
Licensing Agency, or any other reproduction rights organization do not apply.
THIS PRODUCTION PACKAGE IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED TO ANY PERSON OTHER
THAN THE ADDRESSEE WITHOUT THE PRIOR CONSENT OF SANKOFA EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE.
© SANKOFA EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE 2025
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land
A Feature Film by the Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI)
Logline:
A celebration of love, resilience, and gratitude, ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land follows the fight to preserve
Africa’s traditional textile methods—centered on organic cotton and natural dyes—while honoring the global legacy
of cotton and its connection to the Motherland.
~~~
Synopsis:
Rooted in the lush cotton fields of Mali and the indigo-rich dye pits of southwestern Nigeria,
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land is a sweeping cinematic journey that fuses a passionate love story
with a powerful act of ancestral remembrance. More than a film, it is a movement—a reverent
“Thank You” to Africa’s “cotton-pickin’ ancestors,” whose labor, sacrifice, and creative genius
shaped the global cotton industry from the Mississippi Delta to Manchester, England.
At the heart of this story is Rasheeda Napon, a fiery, justice-seeking attorney on a personal
quest to honor her late mother’s legacy, and Jiallo, a master artisan and spiritual custodian of
Adire—the ancient Yoruba textile tradition of resist-dyed cotton. Their paths cross at the
International ADIRE Festival, a celebration of cultural heritage and sustainability. What begins as
a partnership rooted in advocacy quickly deepens into a love story grounded in mutual respect,
passion for tradition, and a shared vision for Africa’s future.
Together, Rasheeda and Jiallo take on the environmental and economic threats facing West
Africa’s organic cotton industry—fighting against counterfeit textiles, exploitative trade practices,
and the spread of toxic synthetic dyes. Their mission becomes a symbolic and literal reclamation
of ancestral knowledge, environmental justice, and economic independence. Through their eyes,
we see a world where sustainability is not a trend, but a birthright; where design is a form of
resistance; and where love—both romantic and cultural—can spark transformation.
Under the creative direction of award-winning Malian filmmaker Cheick Oumar Sissoko, this
full-length feature will unfold as a lyrical fusion of drama, historical reflection, and documentary
realism. Woven through the narrative are moments of stunning visual storytelling: the rhythmic
beat of hand-drumming in Osogbo; the silent resilience of the Mississippi Delta’s cotton fields;
the spirited chants of textile workers in Kano; and the ancestral whispers found in every bolt of
hand-dyed cloth.
Anchored by the management team of Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI); under the direct
leadership of Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, Assistant Professor of Public History at Thee Jackson State
University and Olushola Osasana and Oby Osasana, co-owners of BelArt Africa. ADIRE: The
Beauty in Our Land is part of a broader global initiative to establish monuments of gratitude in
Segou, Mali; Manchester England; and the Mississippi Delta, USA. These sacred spaces,
like the film itself, honor the untold stories of those whose hands picked, spun, and dyed the
cotton that clothed the world—but were never thanked.
~~~ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land
A Feature Film by the Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI)
Executive Summary
Film Title: ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land
Production Budget: $2,570,000
Executive Producer: Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, SEI
Director: Cheick Oumar Sissoko
Production Lead: Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI)/Sankofa Challenge—The Movie!
Premiere (table-readings): FESPACO 2025, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land is a heartfelt tribute to culture, tradition, sustainability, and
the enduring legacy of cotton. At its center is the interwoven story of Rasheeda Napon, a
passionate attorney seeking justice for her mother, and Jiallo, a master textile artisan dedicated to
preserving the ancient art of Adire—the West African indigo-dyeing tradition passed down
through generations.
Together, they stand on the frontlines of a global movement to protect Africa’s organic cotton
industry—confronting threats posed by synthetic dyes, counterfeit imports, and environmental
exploitation. Their journey spans three pivotal regions of the global cotton economy: the
ancestral lands of West Africa, the historic Mississippi Delta, and the industrial heart of
Manchester, England.
Through the vibrant International ADIRE Festival, the film honors ancestral wisdom, cultural
resistance, and the transformative power of love for the Motherland. It celebrates the beauty of
traditional craftsmanship while acknowledging the painful truths behind the cotton trade’s legacy.
Led by Executive Producer Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, Assistant Professor of Public History at
Thee Jackson State University, the story is also part of a larger international effort to erect
monuments in Mali, Mississippi, and Manchester. These sacred sites offer a long-overdue
“Thank You” to Africa’s “cotton-pickin’ ancestors”—our beloved grandmama’nem—whose
labor built global empires but whose sacrifices were never formally acknowledged.
Cultural & Historical Relevance:
• Reclaims and honors the legacy of enslaved and minimally compensated African laborers.
• Highlights West Africa’s role in the origins and innovation of cotton and textile design.
• Centers the voices and knowledge of artisans, farmers, and women cultural bearers.
Key Production Locations:
• Abeokuta, Nigeria
• Mopti & Segou, Mali
• Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• Mississippi Delta, USA
• Manchester, England
Partnerships & Collaborators:
• KHAFRE, Inc.
• Bel Art Cotton Africa• Kora Films
• Ivory Coast Pictures
• Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU)
• Jackson State University (JSU)
• FESPACO – Pan African Film Festival, Burkina Faso
• NANTAP – National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners
• New Dawn University (NDU)
• University of Ibadan
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Friederich Alexander Universität, FAU, Germany
• Et al
Impact Goals:
• Increase global awareness of sustainable African textile traditions.
• Support rural African cotton farmers and women-led textile cooperatives.
• Establish monuments of gratitude in Mali, Mississippi, and Manchester.
• Educate global audiences about the historical and spiritual significance of Adire.
Funding Request:
The production team is requesting $2,570,000 in funding to support principal photography, international
travel and logistics, historical research, festival coordination, post-production, marketing, and outreach
initiatives. This budget ensures the film meets high cinematic and ethical standards while remaining true to
the communities it represents.
Funding / Impact Vision
We are seeking $2,570,000 (or $513,00-Nigeria only) to complete this landmark international
co-production. These funds will support:
• Principal photography in Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, England, and the U.S.
(Mississippi Delta)
• Authentic set design and wardrobe using hand produced Adire textiles
• On-location production of the International ADIRE Festival
• Archival research and integration of oral histories and community narratives
• Post-production, music scoring, and international festival circulation (FESPACO 2025
premiere)
The film is produced in partnership with the Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI), Kora
Films, and supported by a coalition of institutions, mentioned above.
This project aligns with global priorities for:
• Cultural preservation
• Sustainable development
• Environmental health
• Diaspora engagement
• Ancestral justice and historical recognition
• Self-determination
• Fulfilling the spirit of Ubuntu ~~~FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land
Premiered at FESPACO 2025:
Honoring Cotton, Culture, and Ancestors
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land, a poignant celebration of Africa’s
textile heritage and the global legacy of cotton, debuted at FESPACO 2025. This inspiring film
shed light on the importance of organic cotton and natural dyes as the foundation of cultural
preservation, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
At its heart, the film pays homage to Africa’s “cotton-pickin’ ancestors”—the millions of enslaved
and minimally compensated Africans, whose labor built the global cotton industry. Their
contributions span the cotton plantations of the Mississippi Delta, the textile mills of Manchester,
England, and the origins of cotton cultivation in Mali and Burkina Faso. Executive Producer Dr.
C. Sade Turnipseed, Assistant Professor of Public History at Thee Jackson State University, leads
the international movement to establish monuments in these regions, as a collective “Thank You”
to grandmama’nem.
Incorporating the teachings of Thomas Sankara and the principles of Sankofa, the film explores
the connections between history and the present. Rasheeda Napon, an attorney, and Jiallo, a
master artisan, team up to protect Africa’s organic cotton industry and preserve traditional dyeing
techniques, while addressing the dangers of counterfeit textiles and harmful synthetic dyes.
Produced by the Sankofa Empowerment Initiative (SEI) and a coalition of global institutions that
include: KHAFRE, INC, Bel Art Cotton Africa, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), Pan
African Film Festival, Ouagadougou (FESPACO), National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts
Practitioners (NANTAP), New Dawn University (NDU), and faculty members at Jackson State
University (JSU), et al … ADIRE celebrates the International ADIRE Festival, a vibrant
gathering that unites communities from across the world in love for culture, resilience, and
sustainability.
“Through maximal engagement of the beneficiaries of African sweat equity labor and their
myriad cultural contributions across the globe, the envisioned impact of this initiative promises to
be nothing short of transformative,” said Dr. Turnipseed.
Critical Review
A Tribute to Cotton and Ancestors:
ADIRE—The Beauty in Our Land
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land is more than a film—it is a movement of gratitude, love, and
resilience. At its core, the film honors Africa’s “cotton-pickin’ ancestors,” whose sweat equity
built the foundation of global cotton economies in the Mississippi Delta, Manchester, England,
and West Africa.
Slated to be directed by the former Minister of Culture in Mali, Cheick Oumar Sissoko, the film’s
script artfully weaves together the past and present, immersing viewers in the beauty of organic
cotton and the traditional dyeing methods that define Adire. From the lush cotton fields of Mali
to the bustling marketplaces of Lagos, the cinematography celebrates the vibrant colors and rich
textures of African textiles.
Rasheeda Napon’s fierce pursuit of justice and Jiallo’s deep love for his craft serve as the
emotional anchor for a narrative that elevates the importance of sustainability, authenticity, and
cultural preservation. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of ancestral
wisdom and collective action.
Executive Producers Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, Shola Osasana, and Obi Osasana all advocates for
historical preservation and cultural reconnection, lend authenticity and purpose to the project. Dr
Turnipseed’s leadership in establishing monuments in Mali, the Mississippi Delta, and
Manchester, England, underscores the film’s broader message: a profound “Thank You” to the
African ancestors who shaped the world through their labor and creativity … But were never
thanked!
ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land is a cinematic triumph that combines education, inspiration, and
gratitude. It challenges audiences to acknowledge the legacy of cotton, celebrate African
ingenuity, and support sustainable practices for the future.
Join us in honoring our ancestors, preserving our traditions, and celebrating the beauty in our
land.
For press inquiries, schedules, and interviews, please contact:
“ADIRE: The Beauty in Our Land”
A Feature Film by the Sankofa Empowerment Initiative
info@khafreinc.org
+1.662.347.8198