Fred Kudjo Kuwornu’s latest documentary, We Were Here, offers an unprecedented exploration of the largely overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe. Produced by Do The Right Films, the film takes viewers on a journey through six European nations—Italy, Spain, Portugal, the UK, France, and the Netherlands—uncovering the hidden stories of African Europeans who shaped history as diplomats, artists, scholars, and knights.
Through a masterful combination of historical reenactments and modern cinematic techniques, Kuwornu breathes life into the figures immortalized in Renaissance masterpieces. The documentary also features interviews with leading scholars, curators, and activists, prompting audiences to reconsider long-standing Eurocentric narratives and embrace a broader understanding of cultural identity and representation.
“Through this cinematic exploration, I sought to provide a critical tool and reference point for all Europeans, particularly those of African descent,” said Kuwornu. “Understanding these centuries of interaction helps dismantle the idea that African presence in Europe is solely a modern phenomenon.”

A Creative Blend of History and Art
We Were Here reimagines works by artists like Diego Velázquez and Annibale Carracci, using dynamic storytelling to transform static images into narratives that resonate today. The film challenges traditional cinematic portrayals by presenting African figures in 15th-century European attire, offering a fresh aesthetic vocabulary.
“This artistic endeavour asks, what would these Black faces, frozen on canvas, tell us if they could speak?” Kuwornu shared. “We aimed to transform passive observation into active engagement, inspiring curiosity about the layers of history behind these artworks.”
Revisiting European Identity
The documentary underscores the need to rethink what it means to be “European,” challenging the deeply ingrained association of Europe with whiteness. While Northern Europe grapples with its colonial past, Southern Europe faces its own amnesia regarding centuries of African presence.
“For me, the film was crucial in dismantling the notion of Europe as a monolithic identity,” said Kuwornu. “It reveals the complex, multicultural tapestry that has always defined the continent.”

Inspiring Dialogue Through Film
Beyond its historical revelations, We Were Here is designed as a platform for sparking discussions about race, art, and heritage. As it tours museums, universities, and cultural hubs globally, Kuwornu hopes the film will encourage critical examination of historical representations and their implications for contemporary identity.
Looking Ahead
After debuting at the Venice Biennale, the film begins an international tour in 2025, with planned stops at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and museums across Europe, North America, and Africa. Kuwornu is also developing a new project focused on Ghana, exploring Adinkra symbolism through the lens of artificial intelligence.
“History is an ongoing dialogue,” Kuwornu reflected. “Through We Were Here and future works, I hope to continue contributing to this vital conversation about who we are and where we come from.”

Fred Kudjo Kuwornu is an award-winning filmmaker, activist, and cultural historian whose works explore identity, history, and social justice. With We Were Here, he solidifies his position as a visionary storyteller dedicated to illuminating hidden histories and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
For more information, visit We Were Here.