"SLC-S25/W3-Movie Snapshots|Hidden Gems "
"Within each person, there are treasures waiting to be discovered, but without the correct code, they remain locked away. Your individuality is the key that reveals the hidden riches of your life," -Bryant McGill
We're back for week 3, and this time it has been truly remarkable, prompting deep reflection. I find myself compelled to watch and analyze films, and to articulate my thoughts after viewing them. My time here is truly valuable.
Mention 5 lesser-known or underrated movie you have seen before |
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•1 The Fall (2006) – Directed by Tarsem Singh, this visually impressive fantasy-drama was filmed over four years across more than 20 countries. It combines reality and imagination in a haunting way, filled with profound emotional themes.
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•2 The Man from Earth (2007) – Directed by Richard Schenkman. A group of scholars gathers to hear a retiring professor who asserts he has lived for 14,000 years. This film is driven by philosophical dialogue and offers a significant payoff, making it ideal for those who enjoy thought experiments.
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•3 Dazzling Mirage (2014) – Directed by Tunde Kelani. This is a touching story of a young woman dealing with sickle cell anemia as she faces love, work, and societal prejudice. The film is beautifully filmed and emotionally impactful, yet it often goes unnoticed.
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•4 Ojuju (2014) – Directed by C.J. Obasi. Known as "Nigeria's first zombie film," this independent horror/suspense movie uses the zombie concept to address real issues like water pollution. It's gritty, inventive, and stands out in the local film industry.
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•5 The Delivery Boy (2018) – Directed by Adekunle Adejuyigbe (Nodash). This is a dark, dialogue-driven thriller about a suicide bomber and a sex worker who unexpectedly team up. It's bold, socially aware, and has deep psychological layers.
Discuss your reasons for saying these movies you have mentioned are lesser known or underrated movies |
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• Dazzling Mirage (2014)
Why it’s underrated:
Directed by the renowned Tunde Kelani, this film surprisingly did not gain the same level of attention as his previous works (Thunderbolt, Maami).
It addresses the often overlooked issue of sickle cell anemia, a topic that is seldom mentioned in popular Nollywood discussions.
Even with a strong lead performance from Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and its educational significance, it lacked substantial promotion and distribution after its theatrical release.
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• Ojuju (2014)
Why it’s lesser-known:
This film is one of Nigeria’s early ventures into the zombie/horror genre, produced on a very low budget.
Although it was recognized at film festivals (like AFRIFF and FESPACO), it remained largely unnoticed by mainstream Nigerian viewers.
Director CJ Obasi is now gaining fame with newer projects such as Mami Wata, yet Ojuju continues to be under-watched and under-discussed.
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• The Delivery Boy (2018)
Why it’s underrated:
This film received critical acclaim and international festival recognition, but it did not enjoy extensive marketing or cinema distribution in Nigeria.
Its heavy themes (radicalization, child abuse, prostitution) made it less appealing to general audiences, despite its artistic value.
Director Adekunle Adejuyigbe (Nodash) is not a well-known name in mainstream Nollywood, which contributed to the film being overlooked.
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• The Fall (2006) – Directed by Tarsem Singh
Why it’s underrated:
The movie is visually breathtaking yet it suffered from weak marketing and lack of studio support. Tarsem Singh primarily promoted it himself, even funding part of it personally.
It debuted at film festivals and had a restricted theatrical release. Consequently, many viewers missed it in theaters, and it didn’t receive significant promotion on DVD or streaming services until much later.
It mixes fantasy, reality, and emotion in a unique, poetic manner. Critics admired its ambition, but some mainstream viewers found it slow or perplexing. It was simply overshadowed by louder competition.
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• The Man from Earth (2007) – Written by Jerome Bixby
Why it’s underrated:
The whole film consists of a group of people conversing in a room, but the premise a man claiming to be 14,000 years old is captivating. This setup limited its mass appeal but rewarded viewers who are patient and reflective.
It was released directly to DVD and was heavily pirated online which ironically helped it develop a cult following. However, without any promotion, it never reached a broader audience.
The film doesn’t depend on action, special effects, or conventional pacing. It’s entirely dialogue-driven, which is uncommon for sci-fi. This makes it more of a philosophical exploration than a typical blockbuster.
In summary, These movies are not well-known because they didn't achieve big commercial success, social media attention, or extensive showings in local theaters. They are undervalued due to their high artistic quality, significant themes, and unique genre selections, but they were mostly ignored by the general public and occasionally by local reviewers.
What do you think can be done to make these movies better known or valued more |
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To increase the recognition and appreciation of lesser-known films a comprehensive strategy is essential.
First, streaming services should highlight these films through specially curated collections and personalized recommendations. Re-releases, particularly remastered versions that include behind-the-scenes footage or commentary from the director, can reignite interest. Influencers in the film industry, critics, and YouTube essayists are crucial, detailed video essays and reviews can introduce these films to fresh audiences and explain their artistic significance.
Moreover, hosting screenings at film festivals, independent theaters, or college campuses, followed by discussions, can draw in film enthusiasts and students. Utilizing social media campaigns with short clips, quotes, or trivia can also generate interest. Educators and film studies programs can contribute by including these films in their teaching materials.
Lastly, word-of-mouth remains important encouraging fans to share these titles in online communities and forums can help create genuine interest. When these strategies are combined, they not only enhance awareness but also change perceptions transforming these films from “underrated” to “must-see” for discerning cinema fans.
I invite @pandora2010 @lhorgic @sergeyk
https://x.com/ninapenda2023/status/1939708695543251147?t=A3Dqf-vcgJ8obhp1pokIbA&s=19
I’ve seen Dazzling Mirage and I completely agree with your thoughts, it’s such an emotional and important film that sadly didn’t get the attention it truly deserved. I love how you spotlighted not just the movies but the reasons behind their limited reach. The Delivery Boy and Ojuju sound incredibly bold and thought-provoking.