Short Film Review: Madunga – The Promise of an Epic Tale.

One of the standouts at this year’s BlackStar International Film Festival (BSIFF) is the short film “MADUNGA“, written and directed by Samuel Abejirin. The film showcased as part of this year’s ‘Shorts on Shorts‘ lineup, with its 11-minute runtime offers a glimpse into a fictional world with mystery, spiritual power, and the looming threat of darkness. Although this is a short film, “Madunga” hints at the potential for a larger, more demanding narrative and leaves audiences craving for more.

At the heart of the film is Etornam, played by Etty Bedi, a maiden chosen by the gods to wield their power. Etty Bedi, who is also the producer of the film, delivers a convincing performance in this debut production from her company, EB Films. It is clear the character of Etornam was written with her in mind. She embodies the role seamlessly, even during the more intense trance-like scenes. Her portrayal of a young woman burdened with divine responsibility is both believable and engaging. I believe this role with its challenges could in some way showcase her true potential as a truly talented actor and also as a producer as well.

Ace actor Edinam Atatsi adds to the film’s performance quality with the role of Etornam’s difficult stepmother. Atatsi is a seasoned actress without a doubt and she brings years of experience to the role, creating a nuanced portrayal of a complex character. Her performance adds depth to the family dynamics within the story, even with the limited number of scenes we see of her in this film.

Visually, ‘Madunga‘ is stunning. The lush green landscapes, hills, and waterfalls serve as a beautiful backdrop for the setting of this epic film. The cinematography, handled by Malex Praise, complements the story well. Praise, who is also credited as the film’s creator and editor, crafts a world that feels both mystical and grounded, thanks to a well-chosen colour palette and well-thought-through camera handling. The VFX and makeup work are also notable, effectively conveying the spiritual darkness that plagues the community at the heart of the story.

However, despite these positives, this short struggles with its narrative coherence. In its limited runtime, the film hints at an epic tale of a community suffering under evil darkness and the emergence of a saviour figure who could be Etornam. But the story feels disjointed, with its intent somewhat muddled by a lack of clear sequencing. The film teases tantalizing fragments of a world in turmoil with death lurking around and a beautiful maiden who gets gifted with divine power. But it never quite manages to weave these elements into a fully realized narrative. This leaves the audience with more questions than answers about what the film is ultimately trying to convey.

Despite this, the potential for ‘Madunga‘ is clear. As a proof of concept, it offers a glimpse of what could be an enthralling and culturally rich epic drama. The film’s exploration of tradition, spirituality, and the burden of chosen saviours has the makings of something much larger and more profound. It’s easy to imagine this short being developed into a full-length feature, where the story could be given the time and space it needs to unfold fully.

In its current form, ‘Madunga‘ may feel incomplete and somewhat confusing for many. But the promise it shows is undeniable. With a solid narrative foundation, it could evolve into a standout epic that highlights the beauty and power of culture and tradition. For now, it is just an intriguing teaser and a solid enough proof of concept of what might be to come.

I will score this short film 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a visually captivating short with a lot of potential, and I sincerely hope the concept is developed further. It’s the kind of film that deserves support and encouragement as it has the makings of something truly special if executed well.