This so far is the best East African film that I’ve ever watched and more than loved.
Set in rural Arusha, Tanzania, the film FATUMA features the story of a mother of 4; including Neema, her firstborn and teenage daughter who’s currently being faced with harsh responsibilities of helping her mother take care of the home (cook, clean, fetch water, till land, plant, look after her younger sibling amongst many other chores); get a good education and; kill the dreams of her father (Manyusi) of marrying her off to an older man in exchange for 6 cows.
From the storyline to picture quality, to sound, to script, to the actors and its execution, everything is pure perfection. What’s more, it’s in Swahili.
I felt that a lot was invested in the film…you can see the changes in environment through the seasons and so many different scenes that makes the story more realistic and relatable…and everyone, kids included, were such great actors.
I know a film is good when it gets me mad - and this sure did; because Fatuma’s husband also happens to be the absolute King of all deadbeat husbands. He’s very annoying and pathetic – lazy, irresponsible, abusive, philanderer, alcoholic, opportunist, illiterate and macho.
In so many ways, FATUMA gives a perfect depiction of what a majority of African homes and marriages are like. The woman slaves in hard labour while the husband lazies by and enjoys the sweat of her brow, yet, she always forgives, stays and never leaves.
But, we sure noted the non-sooty sufuria being used to cook the beef stew and how the maize changed from dry to green after the pesticide was sprayed. And, I feel a better title would have better suited the movie.
Overall, it flows so naturally that it sort of gives a documentary kind of feel. As for Jordan Riber (writer/director/producer), he deserves a Bow!
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