Watch one of your favorite rappers transform in this politically charged film about a Nigerian village’s struggle for justice.
Written and directed by Jeta Amata, “Black November” follows the story of a Nigerian community’s battle with an oil conglomerate over their oil-rich land and justice. The film features an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Vivica Fox and Akon and Wyclef Jean, who both worked on the soundtrack of the film.
Although Akon played a minor character in the film, it is evident through his acting that he was able to resonate with the trials and tribulations of the villagers of the Niger Delta. The films starts out with the image of a female prisoner and a noose that is presumably being fastened for her. The film then jumps to Los Angeles, California on the same day and what ensues is a hostage situation. The owner of a large oil company is being held captive by members of the “United People’s Front for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta People of Nigeria,” whose sole request is to free one of their fellow villagers, Ebiere Perema (Mbong Amata).
The film then retrospectively depicts the events leading up to the present day from Ebiere’s birth to childhood to adulthood and participation in protests. The film’s protagonist, Ebiere endures countless obstacles and makes many sacrifices for her people. She accepts blame for a crime committed within her village, in order to restore peace and by doing so is faced with the grueling experience of going through pregnancy behind bars. The film is a high-suspense film in which the audience waits with anticipation to see whether Ebiere will be wrongfully punished or whether justice will prevail.
The film is now playing.
-Nishat Baig
