"IWAJI: A Celebration of the Igbo Culture" Explores The Depths of Tradition and Modernity [#TAFM24]
It is a Vibrant Celebration of Igbo Heritage
IWAJI: A Celebration of the Igbo Culture is a documentary film, about 37 minutes long, directed by Precious Iroagalachi. It was screened at the Annual Film Mischief 2024.
IWAJI: A Celebration of the Igbo Culture showcases the rich heritage of the Igbo people by highlighting the beauty and intricacies of the New Yam Festival. It begins with a journey through Nigeria, leading us to Abia State, specifically Ohuhu, where we witness firsthand the vibrant celebrations of this auspicious event. While it briefly touches on significant cultural practices, such as returning home for Christmas, the documentary ultimately focuses on the festival itself.
Through the voices of seasoned Igbo chieftains, historians, and community leaders, we gain insights into the importance of the celebration, the cultural roles of men and women in its execution, and the expectations placed on the community. The documentary is framed in a way that satisfies the filmmaker's curiosity, allowing viewers to feel as though they are uncovering answers to long-held questions in real-time.
The festivities are elaborate, adding a colorful flair to the narrative. However, it is the intimate one-on-one interviews that resonated most with me. The narrative reaches its peak as it explores the intersection of cultural norms and religion, discussing how ancient deities like Njoku Ji, who were revered alongside yam, have faded with time, giving rise to issues like thievery and a lack of respect for the land from which we get these crops. The arguments presented by the interviewees in support of their way of life were particularly compelling.
One poignant observation made by the interviewees was, βWeβve taken too much of the white man in how we live.β This sentiment underscores a common theme among them: a call for young Igbo people to return to their roots and embrace their ancestral culture. However, the irony lies in the fact that this critique is voiced in English, a foreign language, a narrative that would have resonated more deeply if presented in Igbo.
While I appreciated the effort to incorporate various elements of the Igbo culture at the film's outset, I felt some of these side attractions detracted from the central narrative. Although they added a richer atmosphere, they also affected the filmβs sense of direction at first, making it less clear that we were ultimately heading toward a specific story. These distractions, while not detrimental to the overall production, could have been better managed.
I must commend the voiceover work; any opportunity to hear the beautiful voice of Lulu Okonkwo is always a welcome gift.
In conclusion, IWAJI successfully spotlights the beautiful celebration of Igbo culture, as promised. While some creative decisions could have been adjusted to enhance its impact, it remains a beautiful and meaningful tribute to a vibrant heritage.
