So far, the year 2018 has seen quite a number of outstanding, good, average and mediocre film productions however, we still remember some of the blockburster movies that made waves in the Cinema houses in 2017 as viewers still remember and clamour for them including stand-out Nigerian short films among them are.
“Isoken”
In her debut feature, movie, Jade Osiberu tells the story of the universal and overwhelming pressure women and even men, face to get married, with Dakore Akande leading a star-studded cast. Despite being familiar and exhausted topic in Nigeria, “Isoken” still fleshes out the issue of marital pressure in all of its raw, hilarious, messy and complicated glory. The laughs are accompanied by insights into friendship, love, societal pressure, self confidence, courage and stereotypes.
“Isoken” explores lot of topical issues. Maybe not in-depth, but enough to kick off conversations on various social media platforms.
“Roti”
A tribute to those coping with the loss and effects of losing a loved one, Kunle Afolayan’s “Roti” is psychological drama that explores the pain and loss felt by parents who lose a child they waited 10 years to have. Kat Henshaw and Afolayan have great performances of grief-stricken parents on a journey of recovery, with Henshaw absorbing herself in the character, so much that her pain is almost real. Its treatment of a sensitive topic such as mental illness is applaudable. It takes away spiritualism and tackles mental instability in the best way possible.
“Ojukokoro”
Dare Olaitan’s “Ojukokoro” captures the brutality that comes with violence and still finds a way to play it simultaneously with funny scenarios and witty conversations. The movie features an ensemble cast that inadvertently merges together to give viewers a clear understanding of their different characters. Mixed with violence and humour, the comedy/crime-heist about a money-strapped manager of a shady petrol station who decides to rob his employers, but along the line, finds out in a sudden twist that he is not alone in his ambition, is an entertaining watch.
“Slow Country”
A hybrid of the romance and action genre, the Eric Aghimien movie follows the story of a homeless teenage mother, Kome, who finds herself trapped in prosititution and drug trafficking for seven years in order to secure a good life for her son. On the basis of stunts and special effects, “slow country” is a visual delight. It is rich with apt acting and stunning Cinematography. Not every movie has a moral lesson and “slow country” is one of those without one. It’s simply a well-made action thriller that highlights the plight of some single mothers and prostitutes.
“Hell Or High Water”
The Asurf Oluseyi’s short movie doesn’t justify, support or condemn homosexuality. It simply starts a necessary conversation about homophobia, sexuality and religion in Nigeria. Hell or High Water” tells the story of young married pastor, who is loved and adored by the members of his church. Things take a different turn for him when he has to confront his sexuality-an act that breaks him spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. Perfectly interpreted by Enyinna Nwigwe and Daniel K Daniel, the film avoids popular clinches that are usually seen in Nollywood movies with homosexuality themes.
“Bariga Sugar”
A short film set in the mid-90s in a ghetto brothel in Lagos. Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo’s “Bariga Sugar” is an emotional one that coveys the deep sense of humanity. The film tells the story of an 8-year old Ese, who lives in Bariga Sugar, a ghetto brothel owned by Madam Sugar in Lagos. One day, 10-year old Jamil and his mother Hanatu move into the brothel. Often neglected, lonely and socially awkward, Ese and Jamil begin an unlikely friendship. Its beauty is not in its ‘high quality’ production, but in its original story and setting.