Review of the film: Mi Yi Dima; A northern story of love, loss and inheritance

Year: 2024

Manufacturer: Phebe Tosan Atsemude

Nollywood has made a long way, right? It was no longer just about strong comedies or those shiny dramas of Lagos. Lately, some filmmakers are digging more deeply, going towards the quieter corners of Nigeria, where the stories seem heavier, more real. Think of Eyimofe or Milkmaid. This is the type of atmosphere that I give me I give. He is a short film, without great stars, but hits hard with his heart and honesty.

Mi Yi Dima (which means “I chose” in Hausa) is based on a true story that will remain with you. Yoma follows, a young boy who is a kind of stranger, who lands in Bangu, a small village in northern Nigeria. He falls in love with Vodi, this brilliant girl full of hope that is trapped by the rules of the old school of her village. The film was inspired by the tragedy of Yari Inusa’s real life, a Fulani boy who died in 2017 during a shadow ritual Sharo-Ua Ritual race linked to the wedding in some parts of the north. Yes, it is as intense as it seems.

A love letter to northern Nigeria

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Most Nollywood films concern the imaginative clubs Lagos, the problems of rich. But me yi Dima says: “Now, let’s go somewhere else.” It takes you directly to the North Savane, where life moves slowly and tradition has a close grip. From the beginning, you are on a dusty road to Bandu. The children are selling Kunu Tsamiya and Fura, the shepherds hook with their cows while the sun sets, and Vodi’s father is discussing aloud in Hausa with the boy he should marry. It is so vivid that you can almost smell the air.

Music is also on this point. Those soft northern rhythms and traditional drums attract you the soul of history. And they did not avoid using Hausa’s dialogue with subtitles; It is real, not as if they were trying to water it for a wider crowd. I respect it.

The heart: love vs. tradition

Vodi is the type of character so cheer instantly. He loves books, hates the idea of ​​an organized marriage and just wants to live life to his condition. Then there is Yoma, this sweet boy who is hit by his fire. Their love story looks like a quiet rebellion, as if they had the courage to dream in a place that does not leave much space.

But this is not a fairytale love story. To win Vodi’s hand, Yoma decides to compete in the Sharo competition, a Fulani tradition in which the boys find each other in public to show that they are quite difficult. Should be controlled; It affects only the rear. But things go badly, horribly wrong, just as they did for Yari stubborn in real life. Yoma is hit in the head and … well, it doesn’t make it. He is heartbreaking and leaves you angry as much as everything is.

The film ends years later with Vodi who told his daughter the story. It is sad, but there is this peaceful force, as if the pain is passing and the memory so that it is not forgotten. That scene remained with me.

Sharo: tradition or tragedy?

The real Yari stubborn died in Katsina’s state in 2017 when his rival broke the rules of Sharo and hit him to death. At the time it was a big problem, triggering debates that these rituals are proud cultural or simply dangerous. Sharo’s left people hurt, scarred, even dead, yet it still happens in some places and the government does not seem to worry much.

Mi Yi Dima does not try to make Sharo beautiful or romantic. It shows it for what it is: a strong weight on people’s shoulders, in particular boys like Yoma who feel they have no choice. The film also throws shadow on how the government closes an eye on these practices, even if there are laws destined to protect people.

What it worked, what did not

The images are solid, the large blows of the northern plains are wonderful, capturing that dry and robust beauty. But I must say that the costumes have disappointed me a little, especially for the preparation of Vodi’s wedding. The northern brides are decorated in these splendid strata dresses with intricate jewels, but its look seemed too simple. It was a lost opportunity to show off the Hausa-Fulani style, especially in a film that concerns culture.

Another thing wasn’t enough for joyful things. They quote Kunu Tsamiya and Fura, but where is the food, the music, the dances? Northern culture does not only concern the struggle; It has so much color and life. A wedding scene without dances or local dishes? This seemed, as if the film was too concentrated on heavy things and forgot to celebrate the good.

Because it is important

Mi Yi Dima is not perfect, but it is courageous. In a sea of ​​predictable plots of Nollywood, this runs a risk, immersing itself in a real and painful story about love, loss and traditions to which we cling to. It makes you think about what it means to choose your path and what happens when the world around you will not allow you.

Of course, he could have used the most elaborate production or has spoiled himself more in the vibrant culture of the North to balance sadness. But his Rawness, his will to face difficult questions, this is what makes him special.

Evaluation: 3.5/5

With a little more Polish and a happier embrace of northern culture, this could have been a turning point. However, it is a step forward for Nollywood, telling stories that do not have fun but make you feel, think and remember.