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Maami

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Maami
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTunde Kelani
Screenplay byTunde Babalola
Based onMaami
by Femi Osofisan
Produced byTunde Kelani
Starring
CinematographySharafa Abagun
Edited byKazeem Agboola
Hakeem Olowookere
Music byAdesiji Awoyinka
Production
companies
Mainframe Film and Television Productions
Distributed by
  • Mainframe Pictures
  • Blue Pictures
Release dates
  • 4 June 2011 (2011-06-04) (premiere)
  • 3 February 2012 (2012-02-03) (Nigeria)
Running time
93 minutes
CountryNigeria
Languages
  • Yoruba
  • English
Budget₦30 million[1]
Box office₦11,928,600[2]

Maami (/ˈmɑːmi/, transl.  My Mother) is a 2011 Nigerian drama film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It is based on a novel of the same name, written by Femi Osofisan, and adapted to screen by Tunde Babalola.[3] It stars Funke Akindele as Maami, along with Wole Ojo and Olumide Bakare.[4][5] Though the film was a commercial failure,[6] it was generally met with positive critical reviews.[7][8]

The film which is set two days before the 2010 World Cup tells the story of Kashimawo (Wole Ojo), an international soccer player as he comes to terms with his painful childhood, reflecting on his mother's love for him in the midst of poverty and deprivation, and his estranged father. The film received four nominations at the 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards; including Best Nigerian Film, Achievement in Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Child Actor.[9]

Cast

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  • Funke Akindele as Maami
  • Wole Ojo as Kashimawo
  • Ayomide Abatti as Young Kashimawo
  • Tamilore Kuboye as Dolapo
  • Olumide Bakare as Otunba Bamisaye
  • Godwin Enakhena as Sports presenter
  • Sanya Gold as Mr. Ojo
  • Peter Badejo as NFF secretary
  • Yinka Davies as Singer
  • Fatai Rolling Dollar as Musician

The film features special guest appearances from Yinka Davies, Kayode Balogun, Fatai Rolling Dollar, and Biodun Kupoluyi.[citation needed]

Release

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The film's official trailer was released on 18 November 2011, a theatrical promotional poster was also unveiled on 30 January 2012.[10][11][12] The film premiered on 4 June 2011 at the Muson centre, Lagos and had the Governor of Lagos State; Babatunde Fashola in attendance.[13] It was also screened on 13 June 2011 at Fountain Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in commemoration of June 12.[14] It was screened in film festivals,[15] before it went on general theatrical release on 3 February 2012.[16]

Reception

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Critical reception

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The film was met with generally positive critical reviews, mostly due to its powerful story and themes. Nollywood Reinvented gave it 75%, praised the realness of the story, Funke Akindele's performance and noted the film for having memorable quotes and powerful themes. It concluded by stating: "there were a couple weak actors here and there, the story doesn’t strike you as ‘great’ from the beginning but it picks up pace, there are a lot of moments in this movie that are very endearing, you get the feeling that something’s missing in the movie but overall Maami was a simple delight to watch".[17] The Africa Channel comments: "Any film that starts with a cacophony of vuvuzelas is unlikely to hold subtlety as a core value, and Maami certainly lives up to the reputation of bold filmmaking that Kelani is celebrated for. The plot is engaging and at points disturbing, fraught with theft, emotional blackmail and trickery".[18] Gbenga Adeniji of The Punch comments: "Maami is a moving story which bares it all, yet allows viewers to expand their imagination and engage in sober reflection. It is humorous, meditative and pure. Kelani’s style of movie production salutes the past, recognizes the present and captures the future".[19] Beatriz Leal Riesco of Okay Africa concluded: "This screen adaptation of Femi Osofisan’s eponymous novel harnesses all the ingredients of the present-day Nigerian epic: witchcraft, melodrama, corruption, soccer, and love. With a complex cast of characters featuring top talents, Maami is a masterpiece of popular cinema, fruit both of Nollywood’s unique cinema industry and the inspired personality of its director, the internationally acclaimed Tunde Kelani".[20] Toni Kan of DStv feels the film would be much better as a linear narrative, he faulted Ayomide Abatti's performance and concluded: "Maami is a beautiful movie to watch. It is fast paced and the story grabs you from the very beginning and Kelani’s trademark cinematography shines through," the film exudes "strong messages for our times and Tunde Kelani passes it across beautifully".[21] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija concludes: "the overall experience is a superior one. It packs an emotional punch and you might just find yourself shedding a tear or two. We realize that good films cost money and have resigned ourselves to the product placements, but thankfully, they keep it tasteful and at a bare minimum here. It is not a perfect film but it is definitely one to watch".[22] 9aijabooksandmovies gave 3 out of 5 stars and comments: "Maami is an emotionally intoxicating movie, where viewers are visually served with large pints of heart touching, tear jerking scenes, stemming from the unconditional love a poor mother has for her only son. It is a beautifully crafted story; Viewers swim laps in the pool of flash backs and stop intermittently to inhale fresh breaths of reality. Despite its short comings more on technical details, Maami is a must see movie and another good work from Mainframe productions".[23] Fola Akintomide comments: "Generally, the movie Maami successfully holds her audience bound with an amazing storyline, impressive technical display and exceptional performances by the actors; indeed once again, Nollywood veteran and multiple award winning Tunde Kelani stamped his name as one of the deserving icons in Africa".[24]

The film however still wasn't received well by some critics. Amarachukwu Iwuala of Nigeria Entertainment Today gave a mixed review, faulting the character development and concluded: "Obviously, Tunde Kelani, the award-winning Director of Oleku, Saworoide and Thunderbolt should have opted for a better adaptation of Maami, the novel by Femi Osofisan".[25] Joseph Edgar of New Telegraph gave a negative review; although he commended the picture quality and Funke Akindele's performance, he panned everyother aspect of the film, commenting: "I watched Magun and could not leave my seat when the movie was over. What struck me after watching Maami was like a car crash. Apart from the cinematic quality which cannot be taken away from him [Kelani] every other thing was a wreck. The casting was below par, the scripting was hurried and it looked like something that was quickly put together." "I could honestly feel Funke trying to pull this Molue wreck out of the pits, the rest was just journey into the abyss of stupidity".[26] Itunu of The Movie Pencil panned the film and concluded: "Overall, the storyline had no solid foundation and was indecisive".[27] It was listed as one of the 100 greatest foreign-language films.[28]

Box office

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The film opened strongly at the theatres.[29] However, earnings dropped considerably after the first week of release and the film was declared a commercial failure at the box office.[30] Although the film was very popular at the time of its release, it did not translate to good business as it was heavily pirated.[31]

Accolades

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The film received four nominations at the 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards, including: Best Nigerian Film, Achievement in Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Child Actor. It received six nominations at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards, including "Best Original Screenplay", "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for Akindele and "Best Indigenous Actor" for Wole Ojo; it won the award for "Best Indigenous Movie" and Akindele won "Best Indigenous Actress" award for her role. The film was also nominated for "Best Film Director" at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Maami also won awards at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and 2012 ZUMA Festival Awards.

Complete list of Awards
Award Category Recipients and nominees Result
Africa Film Academy
(7th Africa Movie Academy Awards)[32] 		Best Nigerian Film Tunde Kelani Nominated
Achievement in Cinematography Sharafa Abagun Nominated
Best Production Design Nominated
Best Child Actor Ayomide Abatti Nominated
Nollywood Movies Network
(2013 Nollywood Movies Awards)[33] 		Best Actress in a Leading Role Funke Akindele Nominated
Best Indigenous Actor Wole Ojo Nominated
Best Indigenous Actress Funke Akindele Won
Best Indigenous Movie Tunde Kelani Won
Best Original Screenplay Tunde Babalola Nominated
Best child Actor Ayomide Abatti Won
Nigeria Entertainment Awards
(2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards)[34] 		Best Film Director Tunde Kelani Nominated
Multichoice
(2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards)[35] 		Best Actress in a Drama Funke Akindele Nominated
Best Lighting Designer Oluwole Olawoyin Nominated
Best Art Director Bola Bello Nominated
Best Local Language Movie (Yoruba) Tunde Kelani Won
Best Cinematographer Sharafa Abagun Nominated
ZUMA Film Festival
2012 ZUMA Awards[36][37] 		Best Director Tunde Kelani Won
Best Nigerian Film Tunde Kelani Won
Best Actress Funke Akindele Won

Home media

[edit]

Maami was released on VOD on 5 June 2013 through Dobox TV.[38][39] and was released on DVD by Ajimson company on 14 April 2014.[40][41][42][43] New scenes were shot and added to the Extended edition DVD; According to Kelani, the scenes were present in the original script but he initially decided not to shoot them.[44] The DVD was however heavily pirated in less than 48 hours of its release, leading to a huge loss for Mainframe Studios.[45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Abulude, Samuel (31 May 2014). "Pirates Have Made Movie Makers Paupers– Tunde Kelani". Leadership. Leadership Newspapers. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Nigerian Box Office: Obi Emelonye's 'Last Flight To Abuja' Dominating The Charts". Indie Wire. Shadow and Act. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  3. ^ "Ex President Obasanjo, Gov Amosun For Tunde Kelani's Maami Premiere In Abeokuta". Society Now NG. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  4. ^ Inyang, Ifreke (23 November 2011). "Funke Akindele returns in 'Maami' [Video]". Daily Post Newspaper. Daily Post NG. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  5. ^ Micheal, Marvelous (8 July 2013). "NOLLYWOOD MOVIE REVIEW: MAAMI". Africa Style Daily. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  6. ^ "Tunde Kelani's Maami Forced Out Of Cinema Over Low Turn Out". The Post NG. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  7. ^ "Maami". Nollywood Reinvented. Nollywood Reinvented. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  8. ^ "Maami review". The Africa Channel. The Africa Channel. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  9. ^ "AMAA nominations 2011". Africa Film Academy. Africa Movie Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  10. ^ "Tunde Kelani Releases The Trailer of MAAMi". Nollywood Mindspace. Nollywood by Mindspace. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  11. ^ Kanyi Okeke (28 November 2011). "Funke Akindele Acts as Maami as Tunde Kelani Releases Movie Trailer". Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  12. ^ "Movies – Maami". Mainframe Movies. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  13. ^ Ajiboye, Bunmi (12 June 2011). "Fashola attends 'Maami' premiere". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  14. ^ Ajiboye, Bunmi (12 June 2011). "Fashola attends 'Maami' premiere". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  15. ^ Riesco, Beatriz Leal (23 April 2012). "Film Review: Maami (Nigeria)". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  16. ^ Seyi (11 February 2012). "Tunde Kelani's "MAAMi" Now in Cinemas across Nigeria". Gistus.com. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  17. ^ "Maami". Nollywood Reinvented. Nollywood Reinvented. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  18. ^ "Maami review". The Africa Channel. The Africa Channel. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  19. ^ Adeniji, Gbenga (18 May 2014). "Sweet memories of Maami's love". The Punch Newspaper. The Punch. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  20. ^ Riesco, Beatriz Leal (23 April 2012). "Film Review: Maami (Nigeria)". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  21. ^ Kan, Toni (5 April 2012). "Movie Review: Tunde Kelani's Maami". DStv. DStv. Archived from the original on 5 August 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  22. ^ Okiche, Wilfred (8 March 2012). "Film review: Maami – "A superior experience"". YNaija. YNaija. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  23. ^ "Movie Review : Tunde Kelani's "MA'AMI"". 9aijabooksandmovies. 28 March 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  24. ^ Akintomide, Fola. "BEAM ON NOLLYWOOD: Analyzing The Epic Movie "Maami"". Happenings9ja. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  25. ^ Iwuala, Amarachukwu (6 December 2012). "Movie Review: Maami". Nigerian Entertainment Today. The NET NG. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  26. ^ Edgar, Joseph (31 May 2014). "Tunde Kelani's Maami – what was that?". New Telegraph. New Telegraph Online. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  27. ^ Itunu. "Movie Review: Tunde Kelani's Maami". The Movie Pencil. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  28. ^ "The 100 greatest foreign-language films: who voted?". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  29. ^ "Tunde Kelani's "MAAMi" starring Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo & Tamilore Kuboye Now in Cinemas across Nigeria". Bella Naija. bellanaija.com. 10 February 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  30. ^ "Tunde Kelani's Maami Forced Out Of Cinema Over Low Turn Out". The Post NG. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  31. ^ Adeniji, Gbenga (18 May 2014). "Sweet memories of Maami's love". The Punch Newspaper. The Punch. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  32. ^ "AMAA nominations 2011". Africa Film Academy. Africa Movie Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  33. ^ "NMA winners". Nigerian Entertainment Today. The NET NG. September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  34. ^ "Olamide leads Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2013 Nominee list". Nigeria Entertainment Today. The NET NG. September 2013. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  35. ^ "AMVCA 2013 WINNERS". Bella Naija. bellanaija.com. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  36. ^ "Funke Akindele, TK shine at ZUMA awards". Vanguard Newspaper. Vanguard. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  37. ^ Alayande, Dayo (11 May 2012). "Funke Akindele wins big at the Zuma Awards". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  38. ^ "MA'AMi makes it's [sic] worldwide online debut on www.dobox.tv/maami Wednesday 5 June 2013". talkmedia Nigeria. 26 May 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  39. ^ Odunowo, Bunmi (13 June 2013). "Finally! Tunde Kelani's Maami Featuring Funke Akindele and Wole Ojo Is Out". Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  40. ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (16 April 2014). "Movie 'Maami' To Be Released On DVD This Easter". Pulse. Pulse NG. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  41. ^ Akinwale, Funsho (11 April 2014). "Kelani's Maami hits town this Easter". The Eagle Newspaper. The Eagle Online. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  42. ^ "Tunde Kelani's 'Maami' to be released on DVD". Nigerian Entertainment Today. The NET NG. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  43. ^ *Writer of the article (Surname, First name)* (10 April 2014). "Funke Akindele Talks On 'Maami'; Film Now Available On DVD; Other Tunde Kelani's Works Too". The Gazelle News. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  44. ^ Cole, Mistah (4 January 2013). "Tunde Kelani Working on New Scenes For Funke Akindele Movie Maami". Movie Makers. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  45. ^ Opeoluwani, Akintayo (19 April 2014). "Tunde Kelani's Maami DVD Pirated Within 48 Hours Of Release!". Daily Times Newspaper. Daily Times. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
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