UK-based distribution company Aya Films is bringing the Nigerian 2023 Oscar submission, ‘MAMI WATA,’ to cinemas across the UK.
This genre-bending tale combines spirituality and inter-generational tensions in the matriarchal ocean village of Iyi, where the West African water deity Mami Wata reigns. The story follows two sisters fighting to restore harmony when traditions clash with the future.
You can get exclusive tickets to the UK premiere at BFI Southbank NFT1, featuring director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi and Oge Obasi, along with fashion and music elements.
The event schedule includes a red carpet and music from 1 pm to 2 pm, a premiere screening at 2 pm, and a Q&A with award-winning director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi at 4 pm.
Written and directed by Chukwudi Joseph Obasi or C.J Obasi for short, with a pleasing black and white cinematography by Brazilian Director of Photography Lilis Soares, Mami Wata produced by Oge Obasi premiered at the World Cinema Dramatic competition section of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, making it the first time that a homegrown film secured such a slot at the Sundance, reputed as one of the big five festivals in the world (others are Berlin, Venice, Cannes, Toronto).
From Sundance where the film deservedly earned a jury prize for cinematography, Mami Wata hugged the screens at the 2023 edition of the biennial Festival of Pan African Television and Cinema in Ouagadougou, otherwise called FESPACO.
