Mami Wata is a movie that mixes fantasy and folklore, present and past as well as thriller and drama elements in an captivating, innovating and unique manner. This movie was written and directed by Nigerian cineast C. J. Obasi and shot in Benin during Fête du Vodoun. The story takes place in a coastal village whose population believes in mermaid deity Mami Wata. The most important person in this matriarchal society is Intermediary Mama Efe who communicates between the mermaid deity and the villagers. Some villagers however start doubting the worship of the mermaid deity as they observe neighbouring communities build streets, schools and hospitals while their children keep on dying at a young age. When Mami Wata's daughter Zinwe starts doubting her community's traditions and decides to flee the community as mysterious mercenary Jasper appears and attempts to seduce the other daughter Prisca, things start violently shifting out of control.
This wonderful movie convinces on numerous levels. First and foremost, the director has taken the extraordinary decision to shoot this movie in black and white. This strategy enhances the atmospheric depth of the natural landscapes such as the dark ocean, the long beaches and the nearby vegetation. This creative approach also makes the huts and streets look more sinister. The artistic face paintings equally manage to stand out which helps viewers distinguish the numerous different characters.
Speaking of the characters, they have been incarnated with much talent by several excellent actresses and actors. Rita Edochie convinces as calm, confident and courageous religious leader. Uzoamaka Aniunoh impresses as confused daughter and heir who loses her faith in Mami Wata. Evelyne Ily Juhen delivers the goods as initially jealous and naive daughter who ends up becoming a brave and smart leader. Kelechi Udegbe excels as narrow-minded villager who spends his time consuming alcohol, complaining about traditions and seducing women. Emeka Amakeze leaves a lasting impression as mysterious mercenary who arrives seemingly coincidentally in the community and shifts from a philosophical seducer to a violent leader.
The way this movie portrays the clash between progress and traditions is impressive as well. The flaws and strengths of both sides are shown throughout the movie without ever being moralizing. The flaws of traditions are child deaths, increasing poverty and disgruntled villagers. The strengths of traditions are common beliefs, steadfast rituals and strong stability. The flaws of progress are unpredictable manipulations, divided societies and increased weaponry. The strengths of progress are hope for the future, increased health and improved infrastructures. This goes to show that no option is imperfect or perfect.
The movie's story and the way it's told also deserve to be pointed out. The film starts as a family drama that turns into an action-thriller. The entire movie interweaves elements of folkore as well as supernatural sequences. The film's final scene leaves a particularly lasting impression in this regard. The film is told slowly but surely as it will reward patient viewers with an open mind most.
To keep it short, Mami Wata is a movie like none other. The Nigerian production shot in Benin combines a family drama with an action-thriller and cleverly interweaves elements of folklore with supernatural sequences. The changing and shifting story is told slowly but intriguingly. The cinematic choices stand out positively and leave lasting impressions. The actresses and actors convince throughout. This movie certainly deserves more attention and acclaim, so don't hesitate to give it a fair chance whenever you have the opportunity to do so.
