Amina (2021 film)

Amina is a 2021 Nigerian action drama film directed by Izu Ojukwu. It is based on the story of the life of 16th century Zazzau empire warrior Queen Amina. Amina premiered on Netflix on November 4, 2021.[1] The film got the most nominations at Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, 2022.[2]

Plot

The film begins with a duel between Zazzau's champion Kabarkai and Danjuma. After witnessing the fight, a young Amina goes on to tell her father, the Emir of Zazzau (Abu Chris Gbakann) that she wants to be a warrior. This comes with resistance from Magaji Mjinyawa who advises that the Zazzau’s armies has never recruited a woman. The plot developed around events leading to Amina's ascension to the throne of Zazzau.[3]

Cast

  • Lucy Ameh as Amina
  • Ali Nuhu as Danjuma
  • Clarion Chukwurah as Zumbura
  • Paul Adubazi as Sarkin Busa
  • Okonkwo David Chibuzor as Ogaga
  • Jennifer Ezekiel Ade as Igala Princess
  • Usman Tijani Abubakar as Ibrahim
  • Victoria Nweke Ekene as Mero
  • Dan Chris Ebie as Galadima
  • Sani Danja as Soldier
  • Lawandi Bashir Datti as Young Danjuma
  • Debua Goodness as Igala Priestess
  • Abu Chris Gbakann as Sarki
  • Magaji Mijinyawa as Madaki
  • Habiba Ummi Mohammed as Zaria
  • Asabe Madaki as Aladi Ameh[4]

Reception

The film was criticised for being in Hausa and for its lead actor being non-Hausa. It has also been criticized for containing several historical inaccuracies. Ojukwu responded that the lack of sufficient archives and data for Nigeria's historical events made it difficult to produce the movie.[5]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref
2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Supporting Actress Clarion Chukwura Nominated [6][7][8]
Best Supporting Actor Magaji Mijinyawa Nominated
Best Art Director Tunji Afolayan Won
Best Costume Designer Millicent T. Jack Won
Best Lighting Designer Stanley Ibegbu Okechukwu Nominated
Best Sound Editor Jim Lively and James Nelson Won
Best Sound Track Dabs Agwom Nominated
Best Make Up Dagogo Diminas And Gabriel Okorie Gabazzini Nominated
Best Writer Frank Chinedu Uba Nominated
Best Cinematographer Peter Kreil, Wale Adebayo, Samuel Jonathan and Moruf Fadaro Nominated
Best Movie West Africa Okey Ogunjiofor Nominated
Best Overall Movie Izu Ojukwu And Okey Ogunjiofor Won
Best Director Izu Ojukwu Nominated

References

  1. ^ Nwogu, Precious 'Mamazeus' (2021-11-04). "Amina: Izu Ojukwu showers Living In Bondage writer Okey Ogunjiofor with accolades". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  2. ^ "Okechukwu Ogunjiofor's Amina leads AMVCA 2022 with 13 nominations". Vanguard Nigeria. Benjamin Njoku.
  3. ^ Nwogu, Precious 'Mamazeus' (2021-10-14). "Twitter critics react to Amina trailer over language choice". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  4. ^ "Amina the movie: Backlash trails Nollywood movie on Zazzau Princess". Daily Trust. 2021-11-13. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  5. ^ "Amina Movie: Absence of historical data, archives posed challenge – Filmmaker - Premium Times Nigeria". 2022-02-22. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  6. ^ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
  7. ^ "Stan Nze, Osas Ighodaro win big - Full list of all di winners from 2022 AMVCA". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  8. ^ "Ramsey Noah wins Best director award at 8th edition of AMVCA". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 2022-05-15. Retrieved 2022-05-15.