Akoni

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.

This is a great movie which you should all see. A terrific cast of wonderfully talented stars . Some amazing new talents and incredible photography from both local Australia - Sydney. And original footage from Nigeria ... the village scenes and markets are just beautiful complimented with original soundtrack Actress , writer and director Genna has created a very moving story which is challenging to all who see and understand the problems faced by refugees and displaced persons in Australia and even our own first nations people . Thank you for bringing this story to our communities and raising awareness of this situation many people find themselves in. One World - One Love. Well done.

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.

I absolutely loved this film! Apart from the cinematography, sound and music score that was spot on, the story really resonated with me.

The film was not fast paced, but the still moments were filled with unspoken emotion and thoughts which, to me, didn't make it feel slow and filled the silence. When the lead actors didn't speak, I felt like I could hear their exact thoughts. Their emotion, or rather the emotion that the characters were trying to hide, and their body language told another layer of the story perfectly.

Simon Elrahi's performance was a great balance to the story and offered warmth.

The African scenery was superb too.

I also loved how abruptly the film ended, which to me meant that the filmmaker was saying that the problems addressed in the film is ongoing and no resolution has been found for it yet.

I think that perhaps people with less "lived experience" on the topic or compassion and understanding for the topic might not grasp it fully. But it certainly touched me and resonated with me. I left the cinema feeling overwhelmed with emotion and found myself looking at the trailer the follow day reliving the experience.