RECOMPENSE
‘Recompense’ is a solemn film, written and executed with intention and precision, it possesses a clear message, one that unclads revenge, religious hypocrisy, violence, unforgiveness, and deception. It boasts captivating and emotion evoking acting performances, and as such they drive the narrative with powerful pushes, to result in what I would call a ‘good short film’.
ON OUR SKIN
‘On our skin’ is an unconventional short film, artistically woven in a unique world of its own. It is metaphorical, cultural and quite able to cast a spell, so much so, that it pins you at the edge of your seat without an idea of what comes next.
A story immersed in the world of knowledge, taking viewers on a journey through time, to a fictional dystopian world in a bid to unapologetically proclaim the necessity of knowledge and the inevitability of truth. Its production quality is quite fair for a short film and perhaps would make a fine feature in the nearest future.
ARE WE STILL FRIENDS
‘Are we still friends’ is an Indonesian film directed by Al Ridwan. It is one that effortlessly evokes nostalgia and promotes the feeling of friendship, a short documentary which opens the door for three friends to reconnect with past acquaintances, recall past memories and rekindle lost bonds. It is unique, innovative, new-age and purposeful, especially in its style, execution and estimated impact.
It is also emotional, thought-provoking and balances out with its use of animation which I find interesting, cause it fills the gaps and spurs the narrative of the well driven plot which is derived from the memories and real life experiences of participating individuals.
Though its production quality might not have been the best, I believe it still poses an impact and leaves a worthy impression in the minds of its viewers.
LATE NIGHT CONVERSATIONS
‘Late night conversations’ is a short witty film, inspired by talks of dreams, goals and the passing of time.
I think it was well directed, well not spectacular or over the top, but just enough to get the message and feel its aesthetic.
Its also quite ambitious, reaching for the world with minimal characters and a simple storyline, two characters outside a party, discussing the tide of their lives and conjuring a hearty moment, the mood is light and the story quite relatable.
Overall, it leaves you in a mood of soberness where you possibly reflect, interrogate your passions and dreams and hopefully look forward to better days.
A STILL LIFE
‘A Still life’ written and directed by Seun Omoluabi is quite a unique motion picture, black and white in its visuals but colorful in its execution. The shots are dynamic and story effective, the music is on point, the production design definitely does its bit and the plot doesn’t disappoint.
It is a story that sheds light upon the travails of job seekers, while exhibiting themes of friendship, unemployment, gratitude, meditation and hope. It follows the story of a young graduate navigating the ever evolving labor market while feeling the pressure of not possessing a job, one that leaves her in a state of slight depression, a feeling associated with and noted by the youth of present day society, even often extending to the veterans and elders despite their past achievements.
It is a well executed film, a picturesque laden with aesthetically pleasing images all burdened with the glorious purpose of telling a very ‘important’ story.
TOMORROW, MY TIME WILL COME
‘Tomorrow, my time will come’ is a thought provoking film about despair, dashed hopes and the harsh realities of modern living. I commend its plot twist as it leaves its audience in a state of shock at the unusual turn of events.
What initially seemed to be a glorious escape from poverty and house eviction, unmasks itself to be the very catalyst that forces the demise of a very hopeful and promising protagonist. It is sharp and precise, with an ending whose ambiguity strengthens its potency of shattering the expectations of its unsuspecting characters and ever observing audience. A proper ‘Knives out premise’.
ISEKONU (TO SPEAK OF SILENCE)
‘Isekonu’ directed by Adejo ‘Story-priest’ Emmanuel, is an intriguing film on the rash inflictions of harmful traditions.
Centered around widowhood, motherhood, fidelity, redemption, and human nature, it follows the life of a newly bereaved woman who must prove her innocence in a land ridden to the ground by patriarchy and outdated practices, falsely accused of killing her husband, Iyore must survive the night to offset the accusations laid upon her by her unrighteous brother in law, who punishes her for refusing his sexual advances.
Iyore eventually comes to face the ghost of her late husband in an interrogation session that sets her destiny in a game for the gods. The film posits strong moral and societal themes, putting into perspective the harsh realities of women and widows in obscure parts of the world, where wicked and obsolete traditions still take root.
It is a good film, boasting a well captivating storyline brought to life by the expertise of its cast, not superbly or out of this world, but not poorly that you dose off either. In the end, it is a worthy watch, although not one that leaves you with the satisfaction of ‘poetic justice’.