O-Town | |
---|---|
Directed by | C.J. Obasi |
Written by | C.J. Obasi |
Produced by | Oge Obasi C.J. Obasi |
Starring |
|
Cinematography | Tunji Akinsehinwa |
Edited by | C.J. Obasi |
Music by | Beatoven Wache Pollen |
Production company | Fiery Film Company |
Release date |
|
Running time | 129 minutes |
Country | Nigeria |
Language | English |
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]
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]
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]
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] |
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