ALMAJIRI
1. The movie is very educative; reveals the harsh realities of kids who are abused and made to face the horror of slavery and child trafficking in the Northern region of Nigeria.
2. The movie does well in the Plot; good dialogues further help to give substance to the storyline.
3. The visual effects were well thought through. We enjoyed the action scenes.
1. Some needless acts were seen at some point of the movie.
Worthwhile watch.
AY’s Almajiri Reveals A Known Hidden Monster
Ace comedian and producer, Ayo Makun popular known as AY has released his movie, Almajiri, a movie which showcases the ills accustomed with the Almajiri system.
Almajiri is about Nafisat and Salihu, two young children who were separated from their parents from childhood by the cruel business of Alhaji Makarfi. The gullible villagers believe in Alhaji Makarfi, love him and even revere him higher than the chiefs in the North.
He is showered with gifts and praise; some villagers even go the extra mile to sell their valuables to offer him bribes just to get their wards enlisted for his scholarship scheme, unknown to them that none of their children ever gets to see the wall of a school let alone have the liberty of pursuing a trade. They are beaten, brainwashed and forced to become prostitutes, suicide bombers and beggars (ALMAJIRIS). These kids are made to experience horror.
Explaining the idea behind the movie, the comedian said the movie is designed to tell a very common story of children who are subjected to the high level of poverty faced by most families living in that region. ‘‘These children often wander the streets begging for food, clothes, and other necessities thus making them vulnerable to chronic ill-health, sexual and physical abuse, human trafficking, slavery, drugs etc. This is something unusual and different coming from the AY brand.”
The movie was Directed by Toka McBaror and Produced by Ayo Makun. Notable cast in this are: Rahama Sadau, Alexx Ekubo, Segun Arinze, Ayo Makun, who is also the Executive Producer, Annie Idibia, Bolanle Ninalowo, Asabe Madaki, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Jide Kosoko, Adam ‘Baba Ado’ Zango, Ali Nuhu, Saeed ‘Funky Mallam’ Mohammed, Rosemary Afuwape, Segun ‘Lafup’ Ogundipe, Lawrence ‘Seyi Law’ Aletile, and more made up the rest of the “Almajiri” cast.
Though the movie is predominantly in Hausa Language, it was well translated to the understanding of all viewers.
The young actors did so well, and was one of the reasons one would want to stay glued to the screen to follow up with the movie.
Obviously, a lot of effort was put into the making of Almajiri. Everything looked so real, well, except the last fight scene, which was so unreal that a blind man would detect the fake gunshots and fire. (It’s pardonable, though).
The storyline is another plus for Almajiris. It’s the first of its kind. It’s also emotional that you would be moved to tears seeing what these children we often neglect on the road and streets are put through by their ‘Masters’.
The acting was topnotch as expected; Alexx Ekubo, Segun Arinze, and Seyi Law were all outstanding in their role delivery.
AY is making quite a little improvement with his acting skills; he still has a long way to go.The costumes and setting are applaudable. We love it! Picture quality kudos!
One major issue we have with Almajiri is some scenes are not correlating and leave different questions unanswered, the movie dragged on for too long before arriving at the interesting parts.
Star Performer- Nil
It’s hard to pick out an exceptional performer, all notable cast did as well as they would usually do.
Can-do-better Performer- Nil
No one falls into this category as well.
