IShowSpeed teams up with Obamas for ‘The Eyes of Ghana’ screenings

Streamer IShowSpeed is bringing the documentary The Eyes of Ghana to US cinemas for a one-night screening event in collaboration with former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

Streamer IShowSpeed is bringing the documentary The Eyes of Ghana to US cinemas for a one-night screening event in collaboration with former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The film will be screened on October 28 in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC.

The Eyes of Ghana follows Ghanaian cinematographer Chris Hesse, who, as his eyesight declines, tries to save more than 1,000 films documenting Africa’s struggles for independence in the 1950s and 1960s.

“It is a great honour to be part of The Eyes of Ghana and help bring this extraordinary piece of history to the big screen,” IShowSpeed said. He added that he felt a strong connection to Ghana after visiting the country earlier this year.

In a separate statement, the streamer said: “His camera captured the birth of African independence and his determination to preserve those images has ensured that future generations can witness it for themselves. I’m humbled by his legacy and proud to help bring his story to my community.”

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., was granted Ghanaian citizenship following his visit to the country, which drew positive attention. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who announced that the streamer would be issued a Ghanaian passport, urged him to “keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud”.

The streamer has more than 200 million followers across social media platforms and is known for his high-energy content and livestreams. He was included on TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Creators list in 2025.

Online creators have increasingly ventured into filmmaking and theatrical distribution. YouTube star Markiplier directed, produced, starred in and distributed the horror film Iron Lung earlier this year. The film grossed $50 million worldwide against a reported budget of $3 million.

Other YouTubers have also moved into filmmaking. Kane Parsons and Curry Barker released their films The Backrooms and Obsession, respectively, this year.