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