Two short films made by Nigerian producer Mo Abudu entered the Oscar race this year. These films, which are Abudu’s directorial debuts, have touched upon a very sensitive topic in the history of African cinema. Their entrance into the Oscar nominations is indeed a testimony to the same.
The films titled ‘Her Perfect Life’ and ‘Iyawo Mi‘ which translates to “My Wife” in English, touch upon the issue of mental health, particularly among women. Both these movies are made by the same director, and despite having similar themes, have managed to enter the Oscar race together. Here’s what is so special about these movies.
Mo Ibudu’s Debut Movies Cover Same Narrative With Contrasting Angles
‘Her Perfect Life‘, the first one of Ibudu’s debut films to be nominated for Oscars, revolves around the character of Onajite Johnson-Ibrahim, played by Pearl Thusi. The movie shows this woman has everything she might ever need in her life. A seemingly successful businesswoman, with a loving husband and two wonderful children, Onajite has it all.
But she is secretly fighting depression and suicidal thoughts. Though this seems like a ventured narrative when it comes to American cinema, viewing it from an African point of view is an altogether different ball game.
The second film ‘Iyawo Mi‘, on the other hand, tells the story of another woman who finds herself in exactly the opposite circumstances. The character Eniola, played by Bolaji Ogunmola, lives in a poverty-stricken Lagos neighborhood. Her husband is a driver. The narrative of the film starts developing when he realizes that his wife is mentally unwell.
Played by Lateef Adedimeji, the husband reaches home one night to find his wife at her lowest as she hallucinates, screams at her children, and threatens to kill them. With no knowledge of mental health and limited resources due to his financial conditions, Lateef resorts to solutions that bear devastating results for the whole family.
Both the movies, while covering the same issue, operate in contrasting circumstances. Director Mo Abudu has seemingly tried to put forth the struggles that an African woman faces in terms of mental health, irrespective of her privileges. The movies cover the intricacy of women-centric problems that are rarely discussed in popular culture.
In case you missed: “I’m Leaving Here As Your Wife”: Jada Pinkett Smith Felt Reaffirmed After Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock At The Oscars 2022
Abudu Wants To Showcase “The Richness Of African Narratives” Through Her Films
These films have been lauded not just for their cinematic brilliance, but also for the intricacy with which they delved into such sensitive topics. Mo Abudu, being an influential figure in African media, highlighted the films as her effort to elevate African stories on a global stage.
“African storytelling isn’t just confined to our borders; it’s a universal language, resonating with the human experience worldwide. ‘Her Perfect Life’ and ‘Iyawo Mi’ were born from an intrinsic need to explore societal nuances, to peel back the layers of our existence,” Mo Abudu was quoted as saying by the Hollywood Reporter.
She said that her films are an attempt to delve into “complex emotions and the intricacies of human relationships“. “Through these short films, I’ve witnessed the immense power of narrative to bridge cultures. They’ve graced prestigious platforms, not merely for accolades but to spark conversations, to challenge perceptions, and to offer a glimpse into narratives often overlooked,” Abudu said.
Abudu asserted that in a world hungry for diverse stories, “it’s time to showcase the richness of our narratives, to empower African voices, and to craft a more inclusive storytelling mosaic on the world stage“.
“As an African woman and storyteller, I stand committed to shaping a narrative landscape where our stories are not just seen but celebrated — where the authenticity and depth of African storytelling find a place in the global canon,” Mo Abudu said, adding that entering the Oscar race is a “testament to the universal resonance” of the narratives in her movies.
“We’re humbled by the consideration of Oscar voters. It’s an honor to be in contention, and we hope for the best as we eagerly anticipate the possibility of these stories resonating with audiences worldwide,” she added.
This is not the first time that these movies have garnered attention. They have already made their mark at the Cannes’ Short Film Corner and screened at prominent festivals like Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and the Rhode Island Film Festival.
You might also like to read: Chris Rock Calls Out Oscars For Snubbing Adam Sandler
