For Maria Ebun Pataki is a 2020 drama film directed by Damilola Orimogunje. It features Meg Otanwa and Gabriel Afolayan in the leading roles.[1] The film explores post-partum depression[2] and was filmed in Yoruba language with English language subtitles.[3] The film earned six nominations in the 2020 Africa Movie Academy Awards.[4]
| For Maria Ebun Pataki | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Damilola Orimogunje |
| Starring | Meg Otanwa Gabriel Afolayan Tina Mba |
| Edited by | Tunde Apalowo |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | Yoruba |
Plot
editDerin suffers a turbulent time while in labour and subsequently delivers her first child named Maria. Following this, she keeps to herself and is unable to participate in celebratory rites and the care of her newborn. Not understanding her plight, Derin's mother-in-law verbally abuses her saying she is not a good mother.
Cast
edit- Gabriel Afolayan as Afolabi
- Meg Otanwa as Derin
- Tina Mba as Grandma
- Judith Audu as Tola
- Demi Banwo as AY
- Tubi Aiyedehin as Doctor
- Dayo Akinboro
Production and release
editFor Maria Ebun Pataki was the debut feature film of Damilola Orimogunje. Damilola Orimogunje said in an interview that he was inspired to make the film after watching a French film titled Amour and having a conversation about post-partum depression. It was shot for a period of 9 days in November 2019 in Ojodu, Lagos.[5] Meg Otanwa revealed via an Instagram post that she intentionally gained weight for her role in the film in order to portray a realistic post-birth body.[6] The film premiered in November 2020 at Film Africa[7] where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.[4] It started streaming on Netflix on 16 January 2022.
Reception
editFor Maria Ebun Pataki received largely positive reviews as it was described by the BBC as "intimate, artistic, unusual" and by the Guardian as “a quietly affecting Nigerian film.”[3][4] A reviewer for the Daily Trust praised the writing saying "The performances are stellar in this film, but the writing is a blinding light. The writers make the story connect with the audience by creating a world full of characters that are real and tangible".[8]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Africa Movie Academy Awards | Achievement in Sound | For Maria Ebun Pataki | Nominated | [9] |
| Achievement in Soundtrack | Nominated | ||||
| Achievement in Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Nigerian Film | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Meg Otanwa | Nominated | |||
| Best First Feature film by a Director | Damilola E. Orimogunje | Nominated | |||
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actress in A Drama | Meg Otanwa | Nominated | [10] |
| Best Actor in A Drama | Gabriel Afolayan | Nominated | |||
| Best Picture Editor | Tunde Apalowo | Won | |||
| Best Sound Editor | Tom Koroluk | Nominated | |||
| Best Writer | Tunray Femi And Damilola Orimogunje | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ "Voir ou revoir : " For Maria Ebun Pataki " de Damilola Orimogunje | adiac-congo.com : toute l'actualité du Bassin du Congo". www.adiac-congo.com. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "The Musicians, Artists, and Filmmakers Leading the Way in Nigeria". Condé Nast Traveler. 2022-01-04. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ a b "Meet leading stars of Orimogunje's for 'Maria Ebun Pataki'". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-01-29. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ a b c "Award winning film "For Maria Ebun Pataki" lands on Netflix". The Lagos Review. 2022-01-23. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ Nwogu, Precious 'Mamazeus' (2020-11-07). "Damilola Orimogunje talks making 'For Maria', a film on postpartum depression [Pulse Interview]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ Nwogu, Precious 'Mamazeus' (2022-01-18). "Meg Otanwa opens up on gaining weight for role in 'For Maria'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "'For Maria Ebun Pataki' set to screen at Film Africa in London". Voice Online. 2020-10-20. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "Movie Review: For Maria Ebun Pataki reveals hidden pains of motherhood". Daily Trust. 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "FULL LIST: 'The Milkmaid' wins big at 2020 AMAA". TheCable Lifestyle. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-03-26.