Mami Wata

This black-and-white Nigerian film was quite the surprise for me. It is crafted with logical progression, intelligence, creativity, and suspense that keeps you hooked every minute. Director C.J. Obasi, as he shared in the post-film discussion, poured his heart into this story, earning my utmost admiration. The plot is simple yet profound, intertwined with African themes and a sense of mystery that often hints at brutality. The moment someone wields a machine gun, you instantly understand the underlying tensions. Yet, the African continent still holds onto deities like Mami Wata, who can combat such evils. This film beautifully showcases that battle. It's probably the most accessible African film I've seen for general audiences, with outstanding performances and the brilliant choice to shoot in black-and-white, highlighting the unique African features of the characters. (03/07/2023)