C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is a gorgeously stylized and pensive retelling of the West African folklore story of the titular deity.
8/10
This year I’ve tried my best to expand my knowledge of some regions that go a bit underseen in world cinema. I can say confidently that I found myself watching more films from Asia this year as I watched films from directors like Satyajit Ray, Jafar Panahi, Chen Kaige, and more. Yet, the grand continent of Africa is one of those regions where I have only logged four films from there on my Letterboxd. I am really interested in the cinematic language and style of African cinema but lack of distribution to the United States kills any chances for me to watch these films. Thanks to the Houston Cinema Arts Festival I was able to watch Nigeria’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at next year’s Oscars, Mami Wata. I found this to be an enriching experience and loved this film that highlights African folklore with a modern approach.
Mami Wata is written and directed by C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi (O-Town, Ojuju) as he brings the story of the mermaid African deity of the same name to life within a modern story filled with warlords, relationships, and family. The film is shot expertly in high contrast black and white cinematography by director photography, Lilis Soares. The film stars Evelyne Ily (Soloum), Uzoamaka Anuinoh (Diiche), Emeka Amakeze (Icheke Oku), Rita Edochie (Love Eternal), and Kelechi Udegbe (Collision). The film is nominated for the Best International Film at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. It made its premiere at this year’s edition of the Sundance Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize and World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Lilis Soares’ cinematography. Tunde Jugede who worked in the music department for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever composes its rich score.
Every frame of Mami Wata drew me more and more into the atmosphere of this film. Its textured and beautiful high contrast cinematography highlights every detail within the frames of the film. I loved especially any time we were near or on the beach. The way that the black and white captures that is gorgeous to replay in my head. Evelyne Ily is downright jaw dropping in her performance as the deity. Every second we spent with her I grew a multitude of appreciation for the intricacies of her character. I loved the music as well as it really sets the mood up against the cinematography to really create this authentic West African landscape in Mami Wata.
Obasi’s Mami Wata sadly did not make The Academy’s shortlist for the Best International Feature Film but i wish it all the luck at the Spirit Awards. Mami Wata is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and one of the best films of the year. I can’t wait to watch whatever C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi has in store for his career. I am eagerly and patiently waiting to see this very impressive filmmaker continue to tell his stories. Make sure to watch Mami Wata when it makes its way to a screen near you.
The Nerd Corps 