Director: C.J. Obasi
Writer(s): C.J. Obasi
Starring: Evelyne Ily Juhen, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Emeka Amakeze, Rita Edochie, Kelechi Udegbe, Tough Bone, Tim Ebuka, Sofiath Sanni, David Avincin Oparaeke, Hidaya Ibrahim, Oluseyi Ajose, Jeff Yaovi Amehounkpe, Orianne Azangban, Charles Azeh, Liberty Cuba, Azeez Idris, Leonard John, Jakob Kerstan, Joyce Tobi Lileru, C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi, Morenikeji Psy Ogunlowo, Clinton Ovunda, Monalisa Stephen, Merlin Tchoutcha
Synopsis: In Iyi village, villagers worship the mermaid deity Mami Wata and turn to their healer Mama Efe, the intermediary between them and Mami Wata, as well as Mama Efe’s daughter Zinwe and her protegee Prisca. When their children begin to die and disappear, local resident Jabi casts doubt on the population, while Zinwe flees, driven by her own anguish. Soon, the arrival of rebellious warlord Jasper tips the scales in Jabi’s favor. With the village under new control, Prisca and Zinwe must plot to save their people and restore Mami Wata’s glory to Iyi. READ REVIEW
Release Date: September 29, 2023 (USA) | Length: 107 min | Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller | MPAA Rating: Unknown | Note(s): Hurray! This film was finally released! Original release date had been set for 2018. Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2023. Above is the US theatrical release date. AKA: “Mami Wata: A West Afrikan Folklore”. The above US release date is limited so there might be a larger release later. These names were in the original cast list but not in the current one: Lucy Ameh, Nita Byack-George, Paul Utomi, Kolade Shashi, Brutus Richard, Bolaji Ogunmola. Makes me wonder if there was a short film or pitch or something. I wasn’t able to identify David Avincin Oparaeke, Oluseyi Ajose, Liberty Cuba, Azeez Idris, Leonard John and Joyce Tobi Lileru. Ife Koleowo, Victor Mukete, C.J. Obasi, Oge Obasi, Ododo Owodeha-Ashaka, Arnold Setohou, Kelechi Udegbe and Adaugo Falcon Uzoma are producers on this project.