The theme of Sankofa centers on the importance of going back to the past in order to understand the present. Sankofa is the vision of Haile Gerima. The film is a story about an African-American woman's awakening to the bitter realities of her peoples' collective past. In order to be free, a person must return to oneself, which is the meaning of the word "Sankofa". Acknowledging the sense of one's past, present, and future is a true sign of self-awareness.
Self-awareness is apparent in recognizing one's past. In order to know oneself, a person must know their roots. Roots are a source of origin that explains a person's background. In the beginning of the film, the character Mona neglects her roots. While captured, Mona cries in vain that she is an American, not an African. The lack of recognition is an insult to her peoples" struggles. Mona's identity is soon challenged.
Self-awareness is apparent in recognizing ones" present. To know oneself, a person must know their current state. The past influences the present. The actions of today impact the meaning of yesterday. In the film, the story shifts back from the past to the present. Mona ignores the photographer that she was previously occupied with. Mona then leaves to listen to an African chant being performed by Sankofa. .
Self-awareness is apparent in recognizing one's future. In order to know oneself, a person must know their progression. The past and present influences the future. A person cannot move forward while standing at the same place. Mona couldn't achieve her complete identity if she didn't change her mind set. Mona's new admiration is the turning point of her life.
The most compelling scene of the film is when the character Joe brings his mother's corpse to the church. Joe was poisoned by another slave. As his mother tries to save him, but he kills her. Joe was convinced by the priest that she was the devil. As Joe enters the church, he finally realizes his betrayal of his people and his own mother.