Juju Stories
2021 Nigerian film
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Juju Stories is a three-part anthology film exploring juju (magical) stories rooted in Nigerian folklore and urban legend, written and directed by C.J. Obasi, Abba Makama and Michael Omonua. The film written and directed by the Surreal16 Collective features three stories: "Love Potion" by Omonua, "Yam" by Makama, and "Suffer the Witch" by Obasi.[2][3] It was released theatrically in Nigeria on 21 January 2022.[4][5]
Abba Makama
Michael Omonua
Abba Makama
Michael Omonua
- Belinda Agedah Yanga
- Paul Utomi
- Elvis Poko
- Don Ekwuazi
- Nengi Adoki
- Bukola Oladipupo
- Timini Egbuson
| Juju Stories | |
|---|---|
First film poster | |
| Directed by | C.J. Obasi Abba Makama Michael Omonua |
| Written by | C.J. Obasi Abba Makama Michael Omonua |
| Produced by | Oge Obasi |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Femi Awojide |
| Edited by | Chinedum Okerengwor |
| Music by | Philippe Razol |
Production companies | iFind Pictures Fiery Film Company Osiris Creatives |
Release date |
|
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
Cast
- Belinda Agedah Yanga as Mercy
- Paul Utomi as Leonard
- Elvis Poko as Tohfik
- Don Ekwuazi as Amos
- Nengi Adoki as Joy
- Bukola Oladipupo as Chinwe
- Timini Egbuson as Ikenna
- Seun Kentebe as Laolu
- Sarah Joe as Simi
- Oluwabunmi Sogade as Faith
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh as Upperclass Woman
- Michael O. Ejoor as Upperclass Man
- Eric Nwanso as Edet
- Ebuka Mike Uzoma Abiodun
- Mene Sodjie as Eunice
- Valerie Dish as Deborah
- Rhoda Albert as Patience
- Chisom Coco Ofor as Binta
- Elvis Duke as Ebele
- Donald Ndubuisi as Mark
- Saheed David as Lecturer
- Roseanne Adenuga as Mortician/Madwoman/Beggar
Plot summary
Juju Stories tackles juju in contemporary Lagos through three stories. In "Love Potion" by Omonua, an unmarried woman agrees to use juju to find her ideal mate. In "Yam" by Makama, consequences arise when a street urchin picks up seemingly random money from the roadside. In "Suffer the Witch" by Obasi, love and friendship turn into obsession when a young college woman attracts her crush's interest.
Reception
Juju Stories first premiered at the 2021 edition of the Locarno Film Festival.[2][3][6][7][8] It won the Boccalino d'Oro award for best film.[9][10] It is scheduled for theatrical release in 12 countries on 31 October 2021.[11] It was listed as one of the best African films of 2022.[12]
Awards and recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Locarno Film Festival | Golden Leopard | Juju Stories | Nominated | [8] |
| International Competition: Special Mention | Nominated | [7] | |||
| Special Jury Prize | Nominated | ||||
| Nominated | |||||
| Leopard for Best Actress | Nominated | ||||
| Boccalino d'oro for Best Film | Won | [9][10] | |||
| Leopard for Best Direction | C.J. Obasi, Abba Makama, Michael Omonua | Nominated |