An Nwa Boi Story’ – THISDAY Style

By Bukola Amoboye

After a seemingly successful theatrical run in the cinemas, ‘AFAMEFUNA: An Nwa Boi Story’ finally landed on Netflix on March 29th and has since had everyone in a chokehold. With breathtaking performances, deliberate cinematography, and brilliant storytelling, Kayode Kasum made a movie that left an enduring impact on its audience.

SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY

The plot takes us on an expedition into the famed Igbo apprenticeship system (IAS), which sees young boys from the Eastern part of Nigeria train under a successful business owner for several years before receiving “settlement” and getting launched into their own businesses. ‘AFAMEFUNA’ chronicles the journey of Afamefuna, a young boy from Eastern Nigeria, one of such boys sent to train as an apprentice under a successful businessman from his village. Years after his apprenticeship is over, he stands accused of murdering a former fellow apprentice. The past is revisited, secrets revealed, and the truth almost becomes a blur.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This movie fully displays the beauty of Igbo culture: the heart and kinship behind the apprenticeship system, the beauty and rich texture of the language, the vibrant attire, behavioural patterns, values, etc.

The locations were so apt in depicting the apprentice lifestyle, bustling markets, the typical Igbo man’s house, and so much more.

The meticulous attention to detail in costuming added authenticity to the characters and made them all the more realistic.

Starring the likes of Stan Nze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Alex Ekubo, Segun Arinze, and many more, the impeccable acting in this movie, especially by the leads, made it all the more worth it. It almost didn’t feel like a movie. The unique complexities of each character and the abilities of the actors to depict them distinctly on-screen are quite laudable.

The expert cinematography accurately captured the movie’s highs and lows, drawing us in and keeping us engrossed the whole time.

Additionally, the screenplay deftly navigates the twists and turns of the plot, ensuring that audiences remain engaged from start to finish, special props to the screenwriters here.

ON THE OTHER HAND

While ‘AFAMEFUNA’ excels in many aspects, a few minor flaws are worth acknowledging. In certain scenes, background actors appear overly staged, detracting slightly from the authenticity of the setting. The inability of actors in certain scenes to be more creative in their bid to be passively active in a scene where they had no speaking roles was a little unsettling. While this does not significantly impact the viewing experience, it is a minor distraction in an otherwise impeccably crafted film.

OUR TAKE

Nothing left to say except that “AFAMEFUNA: An Nwa Boi Story” is definitely a must watch and just might be Kayode Kasum’s best work yet.