Akoni

This film engaged me from the start. The film took you on an emotional journey and sent a powerful message and highlighted the real issues and struggles of refugees migrating to the western world. This is a topic that I was not so familiar with, so it was educational as well. It is not a fast-paced movie, but the moments of silence spoke 1000 words. I didn't want the story to end, as it leaves you wanting more. Congratulations to Genna Hayes on her writing of the script, direction, and production of a beautiful film.

The actresses and actors, cinematography, music score was all fantastic. Highly recommend.

AKONI is the story of the titular Nigerian refugee (played by British-born Nigerian actor Kit Esuruoso), who has difficulty assimilating in Australia after escaping Boko Haram. When he meets Violet (played by Genna Chanelle Hayes), his plight offers a contrasting point of view to the party girl.

The film also stars Nigerian actress Jemima Osunde and Australian actors Mark Coles Smith, Pippa Grandison and Simon Elrahi.

For her first feature, Genna Chanelle Hayes delivers a powerful, narrative-driven film. Kit Esuruoso is superb in the lead role, and it is often the silence he delivers that fills the screen and the audience with intense emotion.

Dealing with subjects of homelessness, loneliness and grief, Genna's passion to not only raise awareness, but to take action to make change in our world is evident in her storytelling.

This incredible story, although fictional, is an extremely moving and at times heartbreaking insight of displaced refugees coming to Australia and is a must see.

Akoni is a gem indie film which shines a light on the refugee experience. It crosses borders and cultures and adds a colourful romantic story between an Australian Girl and an African Man. It also delves into the psychology of Western privilege... The story and characters are nuanced, conveyimg depth and emotion. It takes us on the journey effortlessly with style and tone. The writing, directing and editing is fresh and engaging, continually keeping you glued to the screen. The sound design and score is pitch perfect, dramatic and emotive adding to the overall message. The one thing that stood out in the film is it's message of kindness. Highly recommended.

I'm not sure what film the other reviewers watched but they obviously have very low standards. Some of the reviewers are in fact cast and crew and friends of the filmmakers which is NOT a fair representation of this film.

Ill begin with a very fair breakdown of the film.

The images and landscapes are very fantastic and beautifully presented. The music was OK but I could have used more emotional scores. A few fine actors but overall, the layers of the characters were bare and felt lifeless. The 2 leads were not strong actors at all.

Lots of silence but yet the gap is hardly filled with any emotion or thoughts, if you look at the actors faces, their expressions did not fill me with emotion. A film doesn't need to be fast paced but its needs heart and soul and needs to hook into your heart but sadly it does not.

The topic does not fare well inside the poor storytelling. I love slow movies, but this didn't have the gravitas to move it forward. An exciting lead actor can move mountains without words and get you excited to follow their journey. I nearly fell asleep watching this and found it very hard to watch.

Films don't need an ending, they need a resolution, abrupt endings don't speak of the resolution that hasn't been found yet, when you feel yanked out in a technical way, it's not art, it feels odd and like a mistake or poor storytelling. There are many ways you could leave the audience, you shouldn't feel annoyed, you should feel YES this is an ongoing issue.

There was no real arc or journey here, just a bunch of mismatched scenes and trying to force emotion from a real important subject that the filmmaker actually did not live, and it shows.

Other than the cinematography and music there isn't much here to call home about, especially from refuges point of perspective.

AKONI is a beautiful, powerful and moving film focused on a young displaced Nigerian and his struggle in the western world.

The film is brilliantly written and directed to be extremely thought provoking and challenging as it raises awareness of the discrimination, inequality and other social issues and challenges faced by new members of our communities.

The amazing cast brought the story to life - with the lead actress and actor portraying their complex roles brilliantly - supported by the other equally talented cast members, The cinematography was just amazing including incredible scenes from Africa and Australia.

The film was encompassed by AKONI original sound track and music was incredible.

I loved the film - and found it so touching I felt incredibly emotional and challenged .

Amazing - don't miss it.