Mami Wata” has taken Sundance by storm as the Nigerian film wins World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography.
The Nigerian film, “Mami Wata,” made history at this year’s Sundance Film Festival by winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography. This prestigious award is a testament to the hard work and dedication put into the film’s cinematography by Lílis Soares and the entire team.
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most highly-regarded film festivals in the world and is a great honor for a Nigerian film to be recognised at such an event. The film “Mami Wata” explores the complexities of Nigerian culture and society through the eyes of a young woman who discovers the truth about her heritage and the forces that shape her identity. The film’s cinematography is a key element in bringing this story to life and it showcases the talent and skill of the entire team.
Director CJ Obasi spoke about the award, saying, “It means a lot. This was a dream, we worked so hard on this. A testament to what we were trying to create with the cinematography of the film.” The film distribution company, FilmOne Entertainment, also expressed their excitement and pride in being a part of such a film that is making an impact in the Nigerian film industry and showcasing the country’s talent on a global stage.
In a recent interview, Obasi spoke about the seven-year process of bringing “Mami Wata” to life. He shared how he had a vision of the mermaid goddess, Mami Wata, and decided to make a film about it. He said, “I envisaged an emotional narrative that speaks to individuality and our identity as (West) Africans.” The film’s central themes of individuality and identity are captured through the journey of the young woman, who leads the audience to Mami Wata.
The film is shot in dazzling black and white and is envisioned as an expressionist exercise. It tells the story of a beach-side community that must interrogate their previously held beliefs when a stranger washes up ashore and forces a reckoning. The film’s use of Pidgin language, which is native to various communities in Africa and the diaspora, is central to its narrative and adds depth to the story.
“Mami Wata” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases the talent and creativity of the Nigerian film industry. The film’s win at the Sundance Film Festival is a great accomplishment and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.
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Joseph Omoniyi
