Nakom

Nakom, directed by Kelly Daniela Norris and T.W Pittman, first premiered in 2016 and quickly made a name for itself in the realm of poignant and vivid international cinema. Starring the talented Jacob Ayanaba, Grace Ayariga, and Justina Kulidu, the film tells an emotionally stirring story set against the backdrop of rural Ghana, giving viewers an intimately realistic portrayal of life in the village of Nakom.

The protagonist, Iddrisu Awinzor, splendidly portrayed by Jacob Ayanaba, is a medical student who dreams of big city success, seeking to escape the constraints of his small village life. His life takes a steep turn when he receives news of his father’s sudden death, which forces him to abruptly abandon his studies in the city and return to his home village.

Upon his return, Iddrisu finds his family’s flourishing farm left to decay and his relatives in disarray, further amplified by a stifling debt left by his late father. The burden now falls on his shoulders to be the provider and caretaker, adding a layer of responsibility that keeps him tethered to the village.

Grace Ayariga leaves a remarkable impression through her role as Damata, Iddrisu's perpetually displeased sister, whose life of hardship and struggle in the patriarchal society is vividly portrayed. Justina Kulidu does justice to the role of Rukaya, who adores Iddrisu but finds their relationship challenged by the sudden responsibilities that befall him.

Nakom paints a thorough and captivating social portrait, rooted deep in humanity and the harsh realities of life that come with it. It breathes life into seemingly everyday circumstances, diving into the intimate details of African rural life.

More than just about Iddrisu's personal struggle, the movie explores broader societal issues such as gender roles, family obligations, and the conflict between urban dreams and rural responsibilities. The film also dares to trench upon vital topics of rural poverty, agricultural practices, and failing healthcare infrastructure.

Nakom effortlessly balances between the expected and the surprising, steadily introducing various elements and dimensions to the story. There is a constant tension that keeps the audience engaged, as Iddrisu inches closer to making crucial decisions about his family, his love, his dreams, and his home.

The film authentically portrays the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the rural landscape, the lifeblood of which remains predominantly agrarian. The essence of the village life – its harmony, beauty, struggles, as well as its inherent dilemmas – is beautifully visually manifested. The distinct beauty of the African landscape, including its pronounced seasonal shifts, is woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding additional layers of meaning to the movie's themes.

The performances are engageing and authentic. Jacob Ayanaba presents a figure torn between duty and ambition with subtlety and sensitivity, while supporting actors, including Grace Ayariga and Justina Kulidu, provide remarkable depth to their characters, each fighting their own battles in their constrained world.

Directors Kelly Daniela Norris and T.W Pittman succeed in capturing the very essence of realistic storytelling, making meaningful cinema about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. The directors’ approach is characterized by an appropriate distance that refrains from stereotyping or patronizing, offering, instead, a more nuanced and respectful depiction of a culture very much alive and evolving, albeit within the constrains of its existing difficulties.

In its quiet, profound way, Nakom is a celebration of human resilience and the strength of a community bonded by tradition and shared strife. Though it spotlights a world far removed from the urban comforts and the hustle and bustle of modernity, it resonates universally, as it is ultimately a tale of human spirit – of sacrifice, ambition, love, and the indomitable will to thrive amidst harsh realities.

All of these factors combined make Nakom an important representation of African cinema, one that rivals other international contemporaries in capturing the human condition poignantly and without unnecessary embellishment. It is a poignant narrative, paired with skilled performances and idyllic visuals, which all lend to Nakom's nuanced exploration of life's complexities that’s well worth a watch.