What's Happening?
The documentary 'Crocodile,' directed by Pietra Brettkelly and The Critics, chronicles the journey of a young Nigerian filmmaking collective from Kaduna. The film, showcased at the Berlin Film Festival, captures the group's 13-year evolution from using a cellphone to create short films to gaining international recognition. The Critics, a group of siblings and cousins, focused on science-fiction and superhero genres, filling a niche in the Nollywood industry. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, the collective's story is one of persistence and creativity. The documentary highlights their growth, including receiving a digital camera from J.J. Abrams, and their increasing sophistication in filmmaking.
Why It's Important?
The story of The Critics is
significant as it highlights the potential of grassroots filmmaking in Nigeria, a country with a burgeoning film industry known as Nollywood. The documentary underscores the importance of creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming economic and technological barriers. It also reflects broader themes of representation and cultural identity in filmmaking. The success of The Critics could inspire other young filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating that talent and determination can lead to international recognition, even with limited resources.
