The movie industry in Nigeria was quite the crappy one and only changed their game in recent times. Nollywood movies (obviously coined from Hollywood) used to be so cringey, lacked proper plots and had bad acting. Cinematography was an absolute zero and it all just seemed pointless with no theme.
In recent years, the movie scene took a different turn and a couple of directors and producers have given us something to look forward to. Now I can look forward to seeing Nigerian movies and appreciate the beautiful stories that often happen to be our reality as a nation.
One of such movie producer is Kunle Afolayan, the producer and director of the 2014 Thriller, 'October 1'. This masterpiece was written by Tunde Babalola starring the late Sadiq Daba, Ademola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole and Kunle Afolayan. The movie premiered in September 2014 but was released for general public viewing on October 1, 2014.
It's interesting to note that Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960 and so obviously you'd deduce the movie centers around Nigeria's independence.
October 1 touches themes of pedophilia, homosexuality, tribalism and the unification of Nothern and Southern protectorates that led to the Independence. The older generation could relate and feel nostalgia seeing this film because the Independence era was during their younger years. It was also a historical lesson for the younger generation.
The Plot (Spoiler alert)
The movie is set in a small town in the Western region of Nigeria where there have been several killings of young girls which follows a pattern - like that of a serial killer. Inspector Danladi is sent by British officers to the town to uncover the killings just before Independence. On arriving the town, he sees a man riding on a horse who he later identifies as the prince who had just come back from the University.
During his investigation, Danladi arrests Agbekoya, the owner of the farm where the last murdered girl was discovered. After much interrogation, he releases Agbekoya.
Another girl is murdered and a northerner is accused for her death and tagged the serial killer. Danladi arrests him and is about to close the case when the father of the late girl throws a machete at the northerner's chest that kills him immediately. The northerner still insists he's innocent even as he fades to death.
Inspector Danladi is celebrated at the local bar for sealing the case and is pressured to drink until he gets drunk. On his way out of the bar, he hears a whistle exactly like that described by the captured northerner as the killer's tune. The killer then assaults him and he is rescued by the town's sergeant. Danladi eventually recollects the face of the killer when he recovers.
Danladi goes to the village market square where he sees the prince and on observing his body language, he identifies him as the killer. The prince sees him and winks at him confirming his suspicion. Danladi later finds out that Agbekoya and the prince had gotten a scholarship to study in the city where the British Reverend father had sexually abused them both for six years.
On Independence eve, the prince takes Tawa, a childhood friend to their secret childhood hangout spot known only to them and Agbekoya. With the help of Agbekoya, they're trailed and the prince is stopped from making Tawa his sixth victim which was meant to represent the six years of molestation.
Danladi narrates the whole investigation to the British officers who instruct him not to reveal the killer's identity. For a smooth independence, Danladi gives in to their instruction.
This film talks about pedophilia which is often not talked about, and how it caused mental trauma on the prince causing him to go on a killing rampage. You also see how tribalism has long been an issue in Nigeria, looted funds in the Western region and the root of the Boko Haram (Western education being evil).
The cinematography was indeed superb with very clear pictures and good sound quality unlike regular Nigerian movies. The set and props properly depicted the pre-colonial times and even the outfits too. I like the fact that a movie this good was shot here in Nigeria making it obvious that you don't need to travel elsewhere to shoot a good Nigerian movie. I can say that October 1 is undoubtedly one of the very best films from Nigeria.
October 1 was very well received home and abroad and has a 6.6 IMDb rating and 60% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It went up on Netflix a few months after release and you can go watch it there.
Here's a trailer
**This is my entry to the OCD Community Boost Contest this week.
What's the best movie from your own country?