Bolanle Jegede’s Sealed
Sealed presents a delicate portrayal of a woman, Dorcas, who refuses to sleep with her husband due to her trauma from childhood circumcision. The film gradually unravels Dorcas’s pain, culminating in a revelation about her HIV-positive status. The story is a poignant commentary on the intersection of personal trauma, societal expectations, and the hidden scars that people carry in silence.
Ifeme C.S.’ I Don’t Want to Be Born
This film delivers a striking meditation on existential dread and the consequences of birth in a world filled with uncertainty. The protagonist, after a miscarriage, has a haunting vision of her unborn child warning her not to bring him into this world. The surreal blend of reality and dreamscapes, coupled with a powerful commentary on Nigeria’s socio-political climate, leads to an ending that is both thought-provoking and unsettling
Itegboje Daniel’s On Your Own
On Your Own takes us into the lives of street boys in Benin, capturing their sense of loneliness despite being surrounded by others. The documentary highlights the harsh realities of street life, focusing on their survival tactics and the bonds they form with one another. The rawness of their stories, including one boy who ran away from home after stealing baby milk, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative about the fragility of childhood and the harshness of life on the streets.
Chukwu Martin’s Oga Mike
In Oga Mike, the protagonist’s struggle with the burdens of life is depicted through a brilliant combination of humor and sorrow. A mascot dancer trying to make ends meet, Mike juggles various odd jobs, including music, barbing, and content creation. The choir that sings in the background provides an evocative score, underscoring the weight of his struggles. The juxtaposition of his cheerful mascot costume and the growing pressures of his life creates a poignant narrative about the hidden costs of survival in an increasingly difficult world.
ABOUT THE CRITIC:
Fancy Goodman is a Nigerian film writer. Following her participation in the Inside Nollywood Film Journalism Fellowship in 2022, she was launched into film journalism. Passionate about sharing the stories of African filmmakers, her works have been featured on platforms such as What Kept Me Up, The Film Conversation, Inside Nollywood and Film Rats Club. She was selected by Sundance Film Festival as part of the 2024 Press Inclusion Initiative team. She participated in the 2024 Lagos Fringe young critics and reviewers program. When she isn’t writing, she is either seeing a film or reading. Catch her on her Instagram and Twitter @thefancygoodman