At the recently concluded The Annual Film Mischief festival, tagged “Shoot The Culture Too”, 25 films were showcased, with diverse narratives and genres from different filmmakers. While it was impossible to catch every screening during the 3-day event, some key talents and projects stood out to us. These stars made bold choices showcasing ingenuity and passion that captivated attending audiences. 

Here’s a glimpse of some standout names (in no particular order) whose work in these films leaves an indelible mark.

 Augustine Okechukwu Okwuosa

Director Augustine Okechukwu Okwuosa in his short, Fred, breaks away from the notion that indie films must be solemn and introspective. Instead, he crafts a lighthearted yet action-packed short that grips the audience from the very first scene. Fred tells the humorous story of an old feud between a Cinematographer and a Sound man on a film set.

With expertly timed humour and well-executed action sequences, Fred keeps viewers engaged and laughing throughout. It skillfully dodges the pitfalls of coming across as a poorly done skit. Okwuosa’s direction breathes life into the film, making it a standout indie feature that delivers both laughs and excitement.

 Ikechukwu Gabriel

In Oga Mike, the actor’s performance carries the strength of the narrative. The Masquerades of Aniedo actor delivers a remarkable shift from his previous comic role to a muted, emotionally charged portrayal in this heartbreaking story. His performance conveys the weight of suffering and the harsh realities of the Nigerian experience. Through his strained yet controlled depiction, viewers feel the immense burden his character carries.

Bola Zeal

In Akiti, cinematographer Bola Zeal skillfully guides viewers through his lens. The film’s visuals transition seamlessly from warm, nostalgic memories that capture the innocence of youth in the opening scenes to the darker, more unsettling aspects of street life, ultimately culminating in the profound sorrow of grief.

Zeal’s work, also doubling as the director, shines particularly in the action and fight sequences. The cinematography breathes life into these moments and even compensates for weaker moments in some of the acting performances, allowing the film to maintain its energy and emotional resonance. Through Bola Zeal’s lens, Akiti becomes a powerful exploration of life’s complexities, expertly reflecting its themes and emotional undercurrents.

Ugoh Amanda

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Ugoh’s performance in Moses Ipadeola’s Ekun Iyawo embodies this perfectly. Her eyes, brimming with emotion, delivers a poignant portrayal of a forcefully betrothed bride, making her anguish palpable during the Ekun Iyawo ceremony. Ugoh elevates what could have been a passive character, imbuing her role with subtle defiance. The nuance in her expression, particularly through her eyes, brings a layered depth to her character, making her stand out amidst the overwhelming opposition she faces.

Dan Bature Kudawa (The Englishman of House Kudawa) by Charles Solomon

Dan Bature Kudawa (The Englishman of House Kudawa) is one of the standout documentaries of the festival, offering a premise that initially seems absurd but quickly draws viewers into an unexpected journey. 

The film follows Luke Leyland, a man from the UK who decides, with no prior experience, to compete in a Dambe competition—a traditional local martial art form in northern Nigeria. Armed with nothing but sheer optimism, curiosity and a coach, Leyland embarks on this adventure, driven by a desire to test himself in this unfamiliar world.

What makes this documentary both hilarious and captivating is not the fish-out-of-water setup, but the surprisingly infectious positivity Leyland exudes. His wide-eyed enthusiasm and determination to face the physical and cultural challenge head-on quickly turn the film into a compelling, feel-good story. Some viewers are drawn into rooting for him, others dismissing it as foolishness, as his earnestness makes the journey worth watching right to the end.

The third edition of The Annual Film Mischief took place from 9-12 of October across Lagos, Abuja and Accra and is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam from 25-26 of this month.

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