IANA Blog- March 2022

Although it’s April, for those that do not know, the 94th Academy Awards happened on March 27th, and of course every year, the best films of the year are honored. 

Some of the greatest films have been nominated or won an Academy Award, or Oscar. Some legendary films like The Godfather, Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King, Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump and Casablanca. 

Unfortunately for Black films, (or films that focus mostly on Black people) they still have trouble getting recognized. Just as an example, African-American filmmaker Spike Lee’s 1989 critically acclaimed classic Do the Right Thing which focused on racial tension on a hot summer afternoon in Brooklyn, New York, was passed by for Best Picture in 1990. Instead, the Best Picture went to Driving Miss Daisy, which was about a relationship between an African-American chauffeur and a Racist Jewish woman. The film was also criticized for its handling of racism. In 1993, African-American Actor/Legend Denzel Washington was nominated for Best Actor for his critically acclaimed performance as Malcolm X, in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, but the award was given to Al Pacino (who was overdue for an Oscar at the time). In 2018, the year in which the film Black Panther which was about the first Black superhero Black Panther, broke records and barriers, being the highest grossing film by a Black filmmaker and the second highest grossing film of 2018, was praised for its cultural significance and was the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture. Unfortunately, guess which film won Best Picture that year…Green Book, (not that I thought Black Panther would win, but out of all the films to win, that one???) Green Book was about a Racist Italian-American bouncer being a chauffeur for Black pianist Don Shirley throughout the American South in the 1960s. It was heavily criticized for its depiction of racism in the movie (just like Driving Miss Daisy) and for perpetuating stereotypes in the film such as the “white savior” and the “magical negro” stereotypes. I’ve seen the film, and let me tell you, if the “KFC” scene doesn’t piss you off, I don’t know what will. Even most Black people who watch movies believe that Black actors/actresses/filmmakers don’t get recognized unless the movie is a “slave film” or is about “black trauma/pain.”

Nonetheless, as a film buff, I wasn’t gonna spend all blog ranting about films…and Green Book, since it is Oscar season, I thought we could focus on movies this month, especially since Nigeria also has a film industry, Nollywood and as members of IANA, we’ve all watched at least one Nollywood film. I thought we could ask members of IANA and 2nd Gen about their favorite films and about Nigerian cinema.

Interviewees- Chiedu Ufoegbune, Chekwume Ufoegbune

What is your favorite Nollywood film?

Chiedu U.- My favorite Nollywood film is The Tom & Jerry. Growing up watching the Tom & Jerry cartoons as a kid, the title of the film got my attention. Then, watching it, it was a comedy instead of a drama.

Chekwume U.- Super Love

Favorite Non-Nollywood Nigerian film (if you have any)?

Chiedu U.- I remember watching the film Half of a Yellow Sun.

Chekwume U.- The Wedding Party

Favorite African film outside of Nigeria?

Chiedu U.- The Battle of Algiers (Algeria). The movie focuses on the Algerian War in the 50s and depicted how the people of Algiers and freedom fighters were fighting for independence from the French. I also think that many organizations, including the Black Panthers were heavily influenced by the film.

Chekwume U.- Queen of Katwe

Favorite film that focuses on other parts of the African Diaspora?

Chiedu U.- City of God (Brazil). I remember the first couple of times I saw it, it reminded me of a Brazilian version of Boyz n the Hood. 

Chekwume U.- Black Panther

Favorite Nigerian actor/actress? Doesn’t have to actually be born in Nigeria.

Chiedu U.- Chiwetel Ejiofor. He played Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave. He also was in American Gangster with Denzel Washington.

Chekwume U.- Ramsey Nouah

Hot take on Nollywood films?

Chiedu U.- “They need better cameras & film equipment. Even with the last couple of Nollywood films I watched, IMO the cameras still looked like the films were filmed in the 90s.”

Chekwume U.- “With a better budget, they’d easily rival Bollywood.”

Film that all Black people should watch?

Chiedu U.- Do the Right Thing. Although it’s based in New York/U.S, I think this film perfectly examines racism and discrimination that Black people deal with it, whether it be in the U.S. or anywhere else.

Chekwume U.- The Wood

Film that all Africans should watch?

Chiedu U.- Hotel Rwanda. I know it has a lot of Black trauma, but I think the film is great at exploring genocide, corruption and repercussions of violence.

Film that all Nigerians should watch?

Chiedu U.- Technically, it’s more of a TV series, but I’d go with Journey of an African Colony.

Chekwume U.- Osuofia in London

Favorite film of all time?

Chiedu U.- Pulp Fiction. I’ll always enjoy the film, from the characters to the dialogue, to the memorable scenes.

Chekwume U.- Pulp Fiction

What would you like to see for the future of cinema in Nigeria?

Chiedu U.- I’d like to see recognition. As a movie buff, I know there’s a renaissance of Black filmmakers and it would be nice to see mainstream films that focus on Nigeria or the Nigerian diaspora.

Chekwume U.- More funding for movies.