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Produced by Nemesia Studios and directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, Finding Nina made its debut on Prime Video on August 8. Marketed as a sweeping romance set in Northern Nigeria, the film promised cultural richness and heartfelt storytelling. Instead, what viewers get is a love triangle that struggles to find emotional balance, occasionally redeemed by its striking cinematography.
Synopsis
The story follows JB, a renowned photographer who returns to Northern Nigeria in search of his roots. When he stumbles upon a photograph of Nina, his childhood love, it sets him on an emotional journey of memory, longing, and self-discovery. His pursuit of the past forces him to confront unresolved emotions and redefine his sense of identity.
Cinematography as the Film’s Brightest Spot
Visually, Finding Nina is impressive. The cinematography is bold, vibrant, and carefully composed, often overshadowing the weaknesses in the storytelling. From sweeping aerial shots to intimate close-ups, the visual language consistently engages the audience.
One standout sequence is the gallery opening scene, where JB’s photographs are revealed. The framing of the art and the interplay of light and shadow elevate this moment beyond simple exhibition — it feels immersive and poetic.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
The cast delivers commendable performances, though not without unevenness. Ijapari Ben-Hirki, Ahmed Isa, and Paul Sambo brought texture and depth to their roles. Among them, Ahmed Isa (as Abdul) stands out the most, embodying his character with believable expressions, natural dialogue delivery, and commanding presence.
In contrast, Abdulazeem M. Ibrahim seemed a little too restrained, which left his character emotionally distant. While his performance was not poor, it lacked the rawness that could have made his role more relatable and impactful.
Language and Cultural Authenticity
One of the film’s quiet victories lies in its authentic use of Hausa. The fluency and conviction with which the actors delivered their lines added credibility to the story. It never felt tokenistic or forced, but rather organic, allowing the narrative to feel rooted in its cultural setting. For audiences familiar with Northern traditions, this detail enriched the viewing experience, while for outsiders, it offered a doorway into the culture.
Where the Story Falters
Unfortunately, Finding Nina stumbles where it matters most — in its plot and character arcs.
The love triangle at the center of the story feels clumsy. Raiyah’s affection for JB is evident early on, yet he pursues Nina — his childhood friend — with sudden intensity. Their supposed connection is underdeveloped, lacking emotional buildup to justify his obsession. Later, the story abruptly shifts focus back to Raiyah, presenting her as JB’s true love, leaving Nina — the film’s titular character — without proper closure. This inconsistency weakens the entire romantic thread.
JB’s mission to change negative perceptions of Northern Nigeria also collapses under its own weight. Though he repeatedly declares his goal of capturing the region’s beauty, the visuals often do the opposite, leaning heavily into dilapidated roads, poverty, and almajiri boys. Instead of challenging stereotypes, the film unintentionally reinforces them.
Adding to the disarray is the subplot about JB’s parents’ separation. His personal narration contradicts his uncle’s version of events, a detail that feels less like intentional mystery and more like careless inconsistency.
Pacing and Emotional Depth
The film frequently struggles with pacing. At times it lingers unnecessarily, losing narrative momentum, while at other moments it rushes past crucial emotional beats. This imbalance makes it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Moreover, the emotions often feel forced rather than organic. Scenes meant to be heartbreaking or romantic come across as staged, leaving the audience observing rather than experiencing the intended impact.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Finding Nina is not without merit. Its stunning cinematography and cultural authenticity provide a solid foundation, but these strengths are overshadowed by an incoherent plot, underdeveloped relationships, and weak pacing. For a film that promised to redefine narratives about Northern Nigeria, it ironically reinforces the very stereotypes it sought to challenge.
Final Rating: 5/10
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