Watch Afamefuna Movie Review
Intro
The movie we will be talking about today is titled - ÁFÀMÉFÙNÀ, an Igbo Language movie originally released on December 1st, 2023, and dropped on Netflix on 30 March 2024.
It looks at the rich cultural heritage and Igbo artisanship that even got the attention of Harvard University as shown in the intro of the movie.
The story is about a young man, who left his home in the East, on a sojourn to find financial attainment.
A typical story in almost every home in Igboland most notably after the brutal 30 months War, where they lost virtually everything and took up trading to build up their lives.
A story about resilience, the drive and hunger to surmount obstacles, and the beauty of the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise, a trait that is present in every Igbo man.
Cast
Stan Nze assumes the lead role in this flick and is cast as Ahamefuna.
A young vivacious, dedicated, honest, and hardworking young man who through the Igbo apprenticeship system rose above all odds to become a celebrated and highly successful businessman.
Alex Ekubo is cast as Paulo
He is another Nwa boi or apprentice under the tutelage of Odogwu, he is street-wise and takes advantage of his privilege as the most senior Nwa boi to explore even beyond his boundaries.
Kanayo O. Kanayo is cast as Odogwu.
A successful businessman who takes under his belt other youngsters who he guides through the hoops of what it entails to be a successful businessman. He is respectable and his contentment quite remarkable, this virtue helps him in making exceptional decisions that make is longevity in the business possible.
Segun Arinze played the role of CSP Gidado
A hawk-eyed police detective who is a polyglot or bilingual in this case. He speaks both Igbo and the Hausa languages so fluently, an admirable quality that makes his character an interesting one to watch.
Atlanta Bridgette Johnson is cast as Amaka.
She is the beautiful daughter of the boss Odogwu. Highly dotted and pampered by her father. She is caught in a love triangle between Ahamefuna and Paulo, a dangerous dalliance with unassuming consequences.
Paul Nnadiekwe was cast as young Afam
Chidera Paul played the role of the Young Paulo
We had other cast who made cameo appearances like Noble Igwe and Chidekene Achufusi as well as Eso Dike.
Crew
Story by Olawuni Fajemirokun, Yinka Ogu, Kehinde Joseph, Alabi Omobayowa & Kenechukwu Egbue
Screenplay by Anyanwu Sandra Adaora D.O.P- Emmanuel Igbekele Produced by Olawuni Fajemirokun, Alabi Omobayowa as well as Kenechukwu Egbue Executive Producer- Olawuni Fajemirokun & Kenechukwu Egbue Director- Kayode Kasum
Plot & Story
The Igbo apprenticeship system commonly known as the "Igba Boi" system was extensively explored in this movie. It gives a more in-depth look into how the system helped Elevate the Igbos after experiencing a brutal 30-month civil war.
It also tells a story of commitment, the strong indefatigable spirit seen in every Igbo, that props him forward granting him the will to surmount obstacles, survive, endure, and flourish.
Here Afam regardless of his situation as one who lost his father at a young age, dropped out of school when he was in class four, heading to Lagos and passing through the system to get the blessings of his "Oga" after serving him dutifully.
Character Development and Performance
Stan Nze brought his A-game to the fore, breathing life into the role. His interpretation, carriage, and cadence especially in speech and delivery of his lines were truly exceptional. I loved his calm demeanor and crisis management skills especially when caught in a conundrum.
Alexx Ekubo made this flick even more thicker and relatable with his beautiful portrayal of the role of an embittered Nwa Boi who lost his traction and trajectory when his junior in the trade, was settled before him. I loved his expressions, he was just everywhere and did his thing.
Kanayo O Kanayo again captured the essence of casting veterans who have walked the entire gamut of the industry. His role as Odogwu was an interesting one, I love how he perfectly captured the very essence and definition of the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit and acumen.
Segun Arinze, another veteran added this amazing aroma to the plot. His transition was perfect, I loved the ease with which he moved from an Igbo-speaking detective to a Hausa, back to English, and then to Igbo, seamlessly. He was the man to watch in this movie, I love that veterans like Segun are still strutting their stuff and showing the newbies what it takes to be an exceptional thespian.
The role of Amaka played by Atlanta Bridgette Johnson was not a bad one. Her lack of fluency or ability in speaking the Igbo Language did not affect her depiction, at least the continuity got it right here.
The younger versions of Afam and Paulo did not disappoint. All were good actors too.
Directing
Kudos to the director Kayode Kasum for putting this story together in a didactic and interesting manner. It is commendable when you consider the fact that he is not from the Eastern part of the country, but regardless, his artistic and directorial ingenuity came to the fore.
One aspect I kinda have issues with was the casting, the younger versions of Afam and Paulo were older than seventeen. The transition from boys to men was so close to making it believable.
I found the love triangle between Amaka, the daughter of the boss who I believe in the real and ideal situation is inaccessible, and Paulo then later Afam -to be a bit or should I even say unbelievable.
Aside from these flaws, Kayode Kasum delivered an amazing story and his directorial skill was beautiful and exceptionally remarkable.
An AMVCA deserving performance I must say.
Visuals and Cinematography
The Visuals were astounding with this cinematic appeal that resonates with the viewer.
The camera angles were amazing as well, it was subtle yet the depth and feel were brilliant, The DOP Emmanuel Igbekele delivered a nice job and deserved a good pat on the back.
Soundtrack & Sound Design Sound Design gets an A, though I'd have loved to see more infusion of the Igbo folk music and other sound paraphernalia that defines the Igbo.
There were also no ambient noises; every actor’s speeches were not disrupted by loud music. Kudos to the sound people for this achievement.
Theme & Message
Ahamefuna is a story of hard work and resilience.
It gives an insight into an average Igbo's communal and filial responsibility.
Summary
Afamefuna is a beautiful story, properly told and exceptionally interpreted.
The use of a good ensemble cast of both new and most sought-after acts and a blend of veterans; gave the movie this sophistication that is enlivening.
It gets an 8.0 out of 10, the highest so far in our rating system. Have you watched Ahamefuna? Let me know what you think in the comments section, was the movie properly graded? Was it worth the hype as well as the rating it got?
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Till next time, ciao!
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