O-Town is a Nigerian crime gangster film written and directed by C.J. Obasi.[2] The film stars Paul Utomi as Peace, a hustler at the center of various issues in the small town of Owerri, also known as O-Town.[3][4] The film's music was composed by Beatoven and Wache Pollen and filming took place in Owerri.[2][5]
Of the film, Obasi has described it as a "crime-gangster thriller". It’s a semi-autobiographical tale because it draws from some of the crime stories I knew and heard; growing up in a small town called Owerri in Imo State. It’s also my exploration into genre Film-making, where I explore basically my love for film."[5]
Story
The film is set in a lightly fictionalised version of Owerri ruled over by a sadistic gangster, The Chairman (Kalu Ikeagwu). The story is told from the viewpoint of an omnipresent, anonymous filmmaker and it follows the travails of Peace (Paul Utomi), a small time hustler with an ambition to become the head of the streets.[4][6]
Cast
- Paul Utomi as Peace
- Brutus Richard as Sheriff
- Ifeanyi Delvin Ijeoma as Paami
- Chucks Chyke as The Artiste
- Ifu Ennada as Amara
- Lucy Ameh as Jenny
- Kalu Ikeagwu as The Chairman
- Olu Alvin as Viper
- C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi as Narrator
Reception
Release and reception
It first premiered at the 2015 edition of the Africa International Film Festival held in Lagos.[7][8] Nigerian critic Oris Aigbokhaevbolo described it as "overindulgent but brilliant".[6]
Goteborg Film Festival's artistic director Jonas Holmberg described O-Town as a “Tarantinesque” drama.[9]
Official Selection
- Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), 2015[7][8]
- Goteborg Film Festival, 2016 [9][10][11]
Awards and recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Screen Nation Film and Television Awards | Favourite International Movie | O-Town | Nominated | [12][13][14] |
| 2016 | Africa Movie Academy Awards | Most Promising Actor | Ifu Ennada | Nominated | [15][16] |
| 2016 | Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Nigerian Film | O-Town | Nominated | [15][16] |
| 2016 | Africa Movie Academy Awards | Achievement in Soundtrack | O-Town | Won | [17][18] |
References
- ^ "About Us". 27 July 2014.
- ^ a b Izuzu, Chidumga (29 July 2015). "Check out official poster for C.J. Fiery's upcoming film". Pulse.ng. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ^ Obenson, Tambay A. "New Teaser Trailer for C.J. Obasi's Upcoming Gangsta Tale 'O-Town'". Retrieved 7 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Nigerian Filmmaker C.J. Obasi Follows Up His Acclaimed Gangsta Tale in 'O-Town'". www.nigeriainfo.fm. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
- ^ a b "'Every single day I spent not being a film-maker was torture to me.' – C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi". 360Nobs.com. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ a b Aigbokhaevbolo, Oris (22 November 2015). "Oris Aigbokhaevbolo: CJ Obasi's 'O-Town' is Overindulgent but Brilliant". Bellanaija. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
- ^ a b Izuzu, Chidumga (12 October 2015). "AFRIFF 2015: Check out full list of selected movies". Pulse.ng. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AFRIFF 2015 Final Selection". AFRIFF. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
- ^ a b Keslassy, Elsa (20 January 2016). "'The Danish Girl"s Tom Hooper To Receive Goteborg's Honorary Dragon Award". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Husseini, Shaibu (21 February 2016). "Nollywood Shines At Goteborg International Film Festival". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Dibebi, Ese (24 January 2016). "Move Over "Ojuju" & "O-Town", "Otokoto" Promises To Be Fiery Film's Darkest Work". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ "11th Screen Nation Film and Television Awards 2016 Nominations Announced. Kojo & Brenda Emmanus to Host". 23 February 2016. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Hudson, Rykesha (21 March 2016). "Lenny Henry's biopic wins big at Screen Nation Awards". www.voice-online.co.uk. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ "11th Screen Nation Film & Television Awards 2016: Rewarding Excellence Celebrating Diversity". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ a b Dagbue, Ike (16 May 2016). "PRESS RELEASE: AMAA Announces 2016 Nominations List". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ a b Bankole, Taofik (16 May 2016). "Full List Of Nominees For 2016 African Movie Academy Awards". Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Dagbue, Ike (16 June 2016). "AMAA 2016 Award Winners". Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (11 June 2016). "AMAA 2016: Daniel K Daniel, "Dry," Thishiwe Ziqubu among winners". Retrieved 6 August 2016.