Arugba

  • 95'
  • Nigeria
  • 2008
Tunde Kelani has by this time carved himself a unique position by creating a distinctive African cinema outside the Nollywood regime. Kelani melds a Yoruba world view, theatrical pageantry, social satire, epic theatre stylistics, byzantine plot turns, and disjunctive breaks into alternate styles.
Here, he presents the story of a king of an imaginary town who brays against corruption while rigorously prosecuting economic reform and handily welcoming foreign investors: there's no mistaking the parody of former President Obasanjo.
The leadership portrait emerges as the key sub plot in a ornate romance featuring the Arugba - the virgin who carries the sacrificial calabash during the Osun Osogbo festival - and a young dancer intent on winning her. Set against the backdrop of a corrupt society seeking cleansing, rebirth and nationhood, with all the attendant intrigues, the Arugba must perform her annual traditional role of carrying the sacrifice in a procession to the river.

Director
Tunde Kelani
Country of production
Nigeria
Year
2008
Festival Edition
IFFR 2010
Length
95'
Medium
HDcam
International title
The Votary Maiden
Language
Yoruba
Producer
Tunde Kelani
Production Company
Mainframe Film Productions
Sales
Mainframe Film Productions
Screenplay
Ade Adeniji
Cinematography
Tunde Kelani
Editor
Hakeem Olowookere, Wale Kelani, Frank Anore
Production Design
Pat Nebo
Sound Design
Bode Odeyemi
Music
Segun Adefila
Cast
Bukola Awoyemi
Website
http://www.mainframemovies.tv
Director
Tunde Kelani
Country of production
Nigeria
Year
2008
Festival Edition
IFFR 2010
Length
95'
Medium
HDcam
International title
The Votary Maiden
Language
Yoruba
Producer
Tunde Kelani
Production Company
Mainframe Film Productions
Sales
Mainframe Film Productions
Screenplay
Ade Adeniji
Cinematography
Tunde Kelani
Editor
Hakeem Olowookere, Wale Kelani, Frank Anore
Production Design
Pat Nebo
Sound Design
Bode Odeyemi
Music
Segun Adefila
Cast
Bukola Awoyemi
Website
http://www.mainframemovies.tv