ALMAJIRI is a film by Ayo Makun; Set to Premiere Nationwide
ALMAJIRI is a movie based on true stories, as it affects millions of children in Nigeria and other countries who are victims of trafficking and other forms of child slavery. Directed by Toka McBaror and produced by Ayo Makun, the renowned Nigerian filmmaker and comedian, popularly known as AY.
ALMAJIRI was selected as the closing feature at the 2022 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it received critical acclaim. Also, at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), ALMAJIRI won 12 Awards: such an astounding feat.
ALMAJIRI explores the predicament of less privileged children in northern Nigeria. It must be established that Almajiri is an Hausa word, derived from the Arabic word, “al-Muhājir,” which refers to a person who migrates from his home in search of Islamic knowledge. Colloquially, the term has expanded to refer to any young person who begs on the streets and does not attend a secular school.
Nollywire affirms the crime/action drama will hit cinemas nationwide on June 23, 2023. It is reported that the producer—Ayo Makun, who made this known to the public.
THE ALMAJIRI is a movie that is based on true stories as it affects millions of children in Nigeria and other countries who are victims of trafficking and other forms of child slavery as we saw with Nafisat and Salihu, two young children who were separated from their parents from childhood by the cruel business of Alhaji Makarfi. The gullible villagers believe him, love him and even revere him higher than the chiefs in the North. He is showered with gifts, praise, some villagers even go the extra mile to sell their valuables to offer him bribes just to get their wards enlisted for his scholarship scheme, unknown to them that none of their children ever gets to see the wall of a school let alone have the liberty of pursuing a trade. They are beaten, brainwashed and force to become prostitutes, suicide bombers and ALMAJIRIS—IMDb
The masterpiece arrays brilliant actors, whose excellent delivery makes the subject matter compelling—Ayo Makun, Alexx Ekubo, Annie Idibia, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Ali Nuhu, Rahama Sadau, Sani Danja, and Broda Shaggi.
ALMAJIRI explores real issues that real people are experiencing. As Niyi Muyi pointed out in his recent article, “The Agenda Setting Role of the Nigerian Filmmaker”. Niyi wrote “The best films inspire us to think about ourselves and how we can improve our lives and society.”
I believe ALMAJIRI will steer the soul of Nigeria at its nationwide cinema release on June 23, 2023.
