Ghoulies 2 Movie Poster - Hand Painted Ghanaian Horror Art

This unique hand-painted movie poster from Ghana vividly captures the essence of the 1987 horror-comedy film "Ghoulies II". Rendered in vibrant oil paints on recycled flour sack canvas, the artwork showcases the mischievous and grotesque creatures central to the film, reflecting the distinctive and imaginative style of Ghanaian artists.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters are a remarkable form of African art that emerged in the 1980s alongside the rise of mobile cinemas. Local entrepreneurs, equipped with televisions, VCRs, and sometimes portable generators, traveled from village to village, screening films in open-air settings or social clubs. To attract audiences, they commissioned local artists to create large, eye-catching posters.

These posters were typically painted on recycled flour sacks sewn together, providing a durable and readily available canvas. Artists enjoyed creative freedom, often embellishing or altering scenes to make the posters more enticing, resulting in unique interpretations that sometimes diverged from the actual film content. This practice not only served promotional purposes but also allowed artists to express their individual visions, contributing to the posters' status as collectible art pieces.

Over time, these posters have gained international recognition, with exhibitions in museums worldwide, celebrating their bold aesthetics and cultural significance. They offer insight into Ghana's adaptation of global cinema and the resourcefulness of its artists in creating compelling visual art with limited resources.

Film Information

"Ghoulies II" (1987)

• Genre: Horror-Comedy
• Director: Albert Band
• Cast: Damon Martin (Larry), Royal Dano (Uncle Ned), Phil Fondacaro (Sir Nigel Penneyweight), Kerry Remsen (Nicole), J. Downing (P. Hardin)
• Plot: The film follows a group of small, demonic creatures known as Ghoulies who stow away in a carnival's haunted house attraction called "Satan's Den". Initially mistaken for part of the show, their presence boosts the attraction's popularity. However, as the Ghoulies become increasingly malevolent, the carnival workers must find a way to stop them before they wreak havoc on the entire fairground.

"Ghoulies II" is the sequel to the 1985 film "Ghoulies" and continues the blend of horror and comedy that characterized the original. Directed by Albert Band, the movie was released in 1987 and has since become a cult classic among fans of the genre. The film's setting in a carnival funhouse provides a colorful backdrop for the antics of the Ghoulies, whose mischievous and deadly behavior escalates throughout the story.

The practical effects used to bring the Ghoulies to life are a notable aspect of the film, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of 1980s horror cinema. The movie's combination of humor and horror, along with its unique setting, distinguishes it within the genre and contributes to its enduring appeal among enthusiasts of cult horror films.

Experience more about these unique Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters at TribalGH's collection of Ghana movie posters.

Discover archived pieces in TribalGH's Ghana Movie Posters Archives.