Having read a few not-so-good reviews of #Afamefuna the movie, before the Easter holidays. I decided to clear my doubts by binging on it to unwind for the Easter Break, (at least by now it’s an open secret that I binge on quality indigenous contents on Netflix and other streaming platforms). And yes, It gives me that sense of pride of how far we have risen above mediocrity as regards entertainment.
However, I got turned off at first, after seeing a couple of scenes of Afamefuna, due to my struggle with the subtitle. Being an indigenous language movie, the subtitles aren’t properly highlighted. It hampers the understanding of some dialogue/scenes.
Most of the wordings over blended with the motion pictures to the point that they look too faded to read. I suppose by now, Netflix ought to have standards for subtitles for indigenous language story lines/contents to aid the global audience.
So ‘Afamefuna’ centres around one of the systems that has turned the fortunes of most Igbo traders and bussiness men around – The Igbo Apprentice System. This system has been rated the best indigenous start-up incubator in the world for young entrepreneurs.
Afamefuna’s storyline is quite relatable but isn’t that smooth. I think there were some facts about the core Igbo norms and values missing in the script. And that may be due to the fact that a Yoruba Producer (#KayodeKasum) wrote, produced and directed the movie. (But hey, I don’t intend to start another controversy with this anyways).
No typical Igbo man will accept a child fathered by his ‘supposed’ friend as his own, no matter the amount of love he has for the child’s mother just like that, not even after doing DNA, and still being blackmailed over it. I think that part is a bit over exaggerated! (My view).
Typical Igbo men, from my point of view, are quite tough on values and customs.
Nonetheless, much respect for Segun Arinze on this one for bringing his polyglot skills to bare via his role. His ability to switch from English to Igbo then to Hausa fluently as a Criminal Investigative(CID) officer added brilliance to his dialogue. That’s highly professional!
Now let’s talk about the two main characters of the movie:
Stan Nze (Hero) and Alex Ekubo (Villain). These actors share different depth in their acting prowress. Each time I see Alex on screen, I often feel there is something he isn’t giving out. His acting is always superficial. (My view).
While Stan Nze eats every role with indepth delivery. He is a complete thespian. I’m not really surprised he was given the lead role.
Stan deeply internalizes his role in Afamefula, as he ‘eats’ every scene. Even the boy that was used to portray him as a young boy kills the role. There is a future for that boy in Nollywood.
Kanayo Kanayo as always, kills his role too. He’s their father anyday!
Other beautiful aspect of the storyline is the setting! – bringing to life the typical Alaba International Market hustle and bustle bussiness setting. I love that part!
I also love the fact that a lot of greenhorns were given an opportunity to deliver effective dialogue in the movie – Grooming them for future Nollywood.
I know after reading these reviews, someone somewhere will still ask, “Dotun, O gbasara gi??” O gbasara gi m nani.
By the way, Kudos to all the cast and crew!